KatzAbosch is proud to announce that SmartCEO Magazine will be honoring our very own Arlene Ciroula as Smart COO of the Year at their SmartCXO Awards on March 22^nd.

Chief Operating Officers nominated for this award had to demonstrate the following:

• leadership by creating and communicating the strategy and mission of the company to all staff members
• implementation of coaching and recognition programs to align the staff with the company’s goals
• effective management of staff levels, expectations and knowledge
• prioritization of customer, employee and company requirements
• efficient oversight of an organization’s performance.

This is a huge honor for Arlene and our firm.

KatzAbosch was recently named as one of the 2011 Best Accounting Firms to Work For. The annual list of “Best Accounting Firms” was created by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group. This list is committed to identifying and recognizing the best accounting industry employers across the nation. This is the third consecutive year KatzAbosch has earned this distinction.

Accounting firms from across the country entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Accounting Firms to Work For. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated firm’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top firms and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration, survey and analysis process and determined the final rankings.

This survey and award program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in the accounting industry, benefiting the nation’s economy, its workforce and businesses. The Best Accounting Firms to Work For list is made up of a total of 100 companies, split into three groups: 50 small-sized companies (15-49 employees), 45 medium-sized companies (50-249 employees) and 5 large-sized companies (more than 250 employees). KatzAbosch has been named one of the Best Accounting Firms to Work For in the medium category.

KatzAbosch is extremely honored to have received this distinction for a third consecutive year. It is incredibly rewarding to know that our personnel spoke so highly of the firm in the voting process. This is truly a testament to our enduring commitment policy to provide the necessary support, resources and guidance that our staff needs to excel and succeed.

The ranking of the 4^th annual Best Accounting Firms to Work For was unveiled at an awards ceremony sponsored by ADP during Accounting Today’s 2^nd Annual Growth & Profitability Summit on October 25^th – October 27^th at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The list-making firms will also be published in the December issue of Accounting Today.

KatzAbosch recently received the 2011 Top 75 Workplaces Award. The annual recognition by The Baltimore Sun of Top Workplaces was created to showcase the very best organizations, evaluated purely on the responses to an employee survey. The surveys were evaluated by Workplace Dynamics LLC, a company that believes business can and should make a positive impact on the individuals, organizations and communities we work in. Top Workplaces leads the way in measuring the health of US companies based upon employee opinions.

Top Workplaces is all about a better way of doing business. Extensive research by Workplace Dynamics has shown that employees want to be part of something meaningful, where they can contribute and give their best. This means a Top Workplaces company can be more innovative, operate more ethically and serve clients better.

This tried and tested survey has been used by thousands of organizations to evaluate their workplace. The survey is used to elicit the opinions of employees on their workplace based on 24 extensively researched questions. Workplace Dynamics says that using those 24 questions provides them with in-depth results that they can compare across organizations and use to compile their rankings. The survey also asks for demographic information as well as comments. Companies automatically receive a summary results report, providing details on their strongest and weakest scoring areas.

KatzAbosch is extremely honored to have received this award. Top Workplaces is a vote of confidence and stamp of approval from our employees. This proves as a powerful indicator to shareholders, clients and the community that KatzAbosch has strong values along with good leadership and development opportunities for our staff.

The Baltimore Sun hosted a congratulatory event on November 30^th to celebrate the success of companies recognized as a Top Workplace and to commemorate them for creating positive work environments for their employees. On December 4^th, The Baltimore Sun published Baltimore’s Top Workplaces 2011 Magazine, which was distributed to 755,000 Sunday readers in the region. In addition to being listed in the print edition, companies that achieved the Top Workplaces standard also received their own company profile page online.

Timonium, MD- KatzAbosch, one of the region’s leading certified public accounting and consulting firms, is honored to announce that ten of the firm’s CPAs have been recognized as 2011 SmartCPAs by SmartCEO Magazine. KatzAbosch had more nominated Smart CPAs than any other firm. This is a huge honor, as it will be seen in the pages of SmartCEO Magazine by over 45,000 Mid-Atlantic CEOs.

KatzAbosch would like to recognize the following staff members as SmartCPAs:

Anita Sheckells, CPA, CCIFP; nominated by Betty Hines and previously honored as a SmartCPA in 2005.

Dina Bernstein, CPA; nominated by Susan Wise.

Jane Brewer, CPA, MST; nominated by Monyka Berrocosa and previously honored as a SmartCPA in 2006 and 2008.

Mark Cissell, CPA, CEO; nominated by Heidi Mattingly and previously honored as a SmartCPA in 2005.

Scott Mattingly, CPA, CFP; nominated by Melanie Epstein.

Melissa Pitchford, CPA; nominated by Jason Goldstein.

Mark Rapson, CPA; nominated by Jack Lewin.

Ryan Strum, CPA; nominated by James Senker.

Josh Sutherland, CPA; nominated by Dr. Margaret Wood.

Kent Thomas, CPA, CCIFP; nominated by Diane Dixon and previous honored as a SmartCPA in 2007.

KatzAbosch is extremely proud to have these extraordinary individuals on their team. The complete list of SmartCEO Magazine’s 2011 SmartCPAs are included in the September issue.

Many of Heather Bauer’s work friendships were cultivated on the run.

The KatzAbosch CPA is a member of the accounting firm’s run club. While running might be an individual exercise, Bauer said the camaraderie developed among club participants enhances her physical being and strengthens interoffice bonds.

“It not only keeps you healthy but you become more involved with coworkers,” Bauer said.

KatzAbosch’s commitment to a healthy work place includes building relationships among its employees. Those bonds add a level of support for employees seeking to live healthier lives.

“Having that support ­— when others are doing it — it makes you want to do it too,” Bauer said. KatzAbosch gets many of its healthy living program suggestions from employees. Perhaps that’s part of the reason shareholder tenure with the firm averages 22 years. It also sponsors weight watchers programs and it picks up a portion of its employees’ expenses.

For one hour each week, KatzAbosch employees do office yoga and can take a break from the grind with some stress-reducing, body-refreshing exercise.

Human Resources Director Lynda Runkles said in-house yoga sessions help employees reboot themselves physically and mentally. “We see more production,” she said.

Chief Operating Officer Arlene Ciroula says KatzAbosch hopes to build employee loyalty by crafting a corporate culture that promotes physical and mental fitness. Ciroula said the firm provides activities designed to help ease the mental strain on its employees.

“It requires optimizing one’s physical self,” Ciroula said. Healthier employees also translates into lower insurance premiums, she said.

Bauer likes KatzAbosch’s diversity of healthy living programs.

“There are different options,” she said. “It’s not just running or yoga. People can pick things they are more inclined to do.”

Yoga instructor Jan Luber said KatzAbosch employees benefit from stress-relieving midday yoga breaks.

“They are surprised how much better they feel and they are more alert getting back to work,” Luber said.

Timonium, MD — KatzAbosch, a leading regional certified public accounting and consulting firm, has been selected by Network 2000, Inc., an association of women in leadership positions, as a Finalist for their annual Business 2000 Award.
Each year, Network 2000, recognizes Maryland companies that best exemplify its commitment to the recognition of women and promotion of women to key leadership roles. KatzAbosch was selected as one of the six finalists for the 2011 Business 2000 Award because it most clearly embodies an on-going, visible commitment to the advancement of women in all aspects of its business operations. This would include, but is not limited to the number of women in senior and executive management, the number of women on the company’s Board of Directors, employment practices and results that demonstrate that the advancement and support of women is a core value of the company’s operations.
The event acknowledging the Finalists, known as Network 2000’s Roadmap to the Boardroom, takes place the evening of March 22, 2011 at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. For more information about Network 2000, please visit http://www.network2000md.org.

Timonium, MD — Regional certified public accounting, tax and consulting firm KatzAbosch has been named a “2010 Best Accounting Firms to Work For” winner by Accounting Today Magazine. This annual recognition program, created by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group, is dedicated to finding and recognizing the best employers in the accounting industry across the nation. This is the second consecutive year KatzAbosch has earned this distinction.

One hundred public or privately held U.S. accounting firms in three different categories were recognized – 20 small-sized companies (15-24 employees), 65 medium-sized companies (25-249 employees), and 15 large-sized companies (more than 250 employees). KatzAbosch has been named one of the Best Accounting Firms to Work For in the medium-sized category.

“We are incredibly proud to have received this award for the second year in a row as a result of the glowing responses KatzAbosch received from our personnel who spoke so highly of the firm during the voting process,” said Mark Cissell, KatzAbosch president and CEO. “The fact that our shareholders average an impressive 22 years with the firm is testament to our enduring commitment to providing the necessary support, resources and guidance that our staff needs to excel and succeed.”

Companies from across the country entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Accounting Firms to Work For. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure employee engagement and satisfaction. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration, survey and analysis process and determined the final rankings.

YWCA Greater Baltimore recognizes outstanding women leaders for their professional accomplishments and contributions to the Greater Baltimore community’s business and civic life at 7th Annual Leader Lunch 2010

Timonium, MD — Regional certified public accounting, tax and consulting firm KatzAbosch today announced that Arlene R. Ciroula, Chief Operating Officer, was honored with the YWCA Greater Baltimore Special Leader Award at the 7th Annual Leader Lunch 2010.

Arlene has been recognized for her leadership, spirit of innovation and community commitment. YWCA’s Leader Lunch is an annual event honoring women and their work. Awardees exemplify the YWCA’s ideal of women in leadership, promoting vibrant workplaces and sustaining our community.

“It is an honor to be included among such a distinguished group of businesswomen who have dedicated so much of themselves to their profession and community,” said Arlene R. Ciroula, Chief Operating Officer for KatzAbosch. “I look forward to continuing my civic commitment to the Greater Baltimore community.”

At KatzAbosch, Ciroula is responsible for effectively growing the organization, ensuring both financial strength and operating efficiency of the firm, providing leadership and management and making sure that the firm has the proper controls set in place for administrative and reporting procedures.

In addition to being honored for outstanding leadership by the YWCA Greater Baltimore, Ciroula has been the recipient of several distinguished awards including Practical Accountant Magazine’s “Practice Innovation Award” in 2005 and 2007, and the CPA Practice Management Forum, Association for Accounting Administration’s “ACE Award” in 2006.

She is a member of several professional and civic organizations and serves as President of the Association of Accounting Administrators, Baltimore Chapter; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and Association for Accounting Marketing. Arlene is a staunch supporter of literacy programs for adults and children and serves on the Board of Directors for Baltimore Reads, a non-profit organization that teaches adults literacy skills.

Timonium, MD — Regional accounting, tax and consulting firm KatzAbosch announced today that Alvin D. Katz, CPA and Co-Founder of the firm, was honored at the 12th Annual American Red Cross, Central Maryland Chapter’s “Hometown Heroes” awards breakfast in the “Gift of Life” category on Friday, March 19, 2010 at Martin’s West in Baltimore, Md.

The American Red Cross, Central Maryland Chapter honors Central Marylanders who have displayed extraordinary acts of bravery, courage, kindness and community service and who embody a spirit of humanitarianism at the annual “Hometown Heroes” awards breakfast. Honorees of the “Gift of Life” category are recognized for providing significant amounts of blood or components throughout the years.

“It is an honor to be included among such a distinguished group of Marylanders who have dedicated so much of themselves to the community,” said Alvin D. Katz, Co-Founder of KatzAbosch. “As a blood platelet donor, it is especially rewarding to know that I am helping others that are in need. I encourage everyone to consider donating blood to the American Red Cross, or get involved with the Central Maryland Chapter, and make a difference in someone’s life.”

Katz has been the recipient of several distinguished awards throughout his professional career, including the “2004 Innovator of the Year” by Maryland Daily Record, “Maryland’s Top 50 CPAs” by Baltimore SmartCEO Magazine in 2004, and “1985 Man of the Year” by Beth Israel Congregation.

“Alvin’s selflessness as a nearly 20 year blood platelet donor, commitment to the community and steadfast leadership are an inspiration to everyone at KatzAbosch and is why he is most deserving of this prestigious honor,” said Mark Cissell, President and CEO of KatzAbosch.

Timonium, MD — Regional certified public accounting, tax and consulting firm KatzAbosch today announced it has been awarded the 2009 Best Accounting Firms to Work For honor by Accounting Today Magazine. This annual award program, created by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group, acknowledges the best places of employment in the accounting industry nationwide.

One hundred public or privately held U.S. accounting firms in three different categories were recognized – 20 small-sized companies (15-24 employees), 65 medium-sized companies (25-249 employees), and 15 large-sized companies (more than 250 employees). KatzAbosch has been named one of the Best Accounting Firms to Work For in the medium-sized category.

“It is an honor to be recognized for our unwavering commitment to our employees among such a distinguished group of accounting firms from across the nation,” said Mark R. Cissell, President and CEO of KatzAbosch. “For 40 years,  KatzAbosch has been, and will continue to be, committed to hiring, retaining, and recognizing the best-qualified and
most-dedicated professionals while affording them opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and advancement.”

Companies from across the country entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Accounting Firms to Work For. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration, survey and analysis process and determined the final rankings.

“It is especially rewarding to receive this prestigious award as a result of the glowing responses KatzAbosh received from our personnel who spoke so highly of the firm during the voting process,” said Alvin D. Katz, Co-Founder and Chairman of
KatzAbosch. “The fact that our shareholders average an impressive 22 years with the firm is testament to our enduring commitment to providing the necessary support, resources and guidance that our staff needs to excel and succeed.”

Timonium, MD — Regional certified public accounting and consulting firm KatzAbosch today announced that Mark C. Kelly, Shareholder and Director of the firm’s Bel Air office, has been named a 2009 SmartCPA by SmartCEO Magazine. Kelly has been recognized for his leadership, accomplishments, expertise, innovation and relationship development as a top certified public accountant (CPA) in the Greater Baltimore business community.

“It is an honor to be included among such a distinguished group of CPAs who have dedicated so much of themselves to their profession,” said Mark C. Kelly, Shareholder and Director of the Bel Air office for KatzAbosch. “It is especially rewarding to be recognized for the work that I love to do and I look forward to continuing my philanthropic and civic commitment to the Bel Air community.”

Kelly joined KatzAbosch in 1979 and specializes in personal financial planning, management advisory services for closely held businesses and tax planning. Kelly has been assisting Bel Air businesses achieve their financial goals for more than 30 years. In 2000, Kelly became a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) to add to his list of credentials.

Kelly is a member of several professional organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants; serves as Treasurer and sits on the Board of Directors for The Highlands School, Inc.; served as past-Director of the Fall Lacrosse Program and past-Coach of the Jarresttsville Recreational Council; and serves on the Board of Directors for Tee by 2 Charity Foundation of Maryland.

Kelly received a Bachelor of Arts’ degree in accounting from Albright College.

Timonium, MD – Regional accounting and consulting firm Katz Abosch is proud to announce that it has been accepted as the exclusive Baltimore member of the National CPA Health Care Advisors Association (HCAA), a nationwide association of CPA firms that provide specialized accounting, tax and consulting services to health care practitioners. To be awarded membership in HCAA, firms must demonstrate proficiency in key aspects of health care consulting.

“Running a successful health care practice has become more complicated,” said Alvin D. Katz, President and CEO of Katz Abosch. “It’s crucial that health care practitioners have an advisor who understands their unique issues and can use this insight to assist them in improving their operations and profitability. Like our firm, other HCAA members know the health care industry, and belonging to HCAA enables us to pool our knowledge and resources so that we can provide the best services and solutions for our clients.”

Through HCAA, members gain access to networking and educational resources that assist them in staying on the forefront of the health care industry.

Timonium, MD — Regional accounting and consulting firm Katz, Abosch, Windesheim, Gershman & Freedman, P.A. (KAWG&F) today announced that Jane M. Brewer, Co- Chair of the Tax Department, has been named a 2008 SmartCPA by SmartCEO Magazine.

Previously honored as a SmartCPA in 2006, Brewer has again been recognized for her leadership, accomplishments, expertise, innovation and relationship development as a top certified public accountant (CPA) in the Baltimore business community.

“It is an honor to be included among such a distinguished group of CPAs who have dedicated so much of themselves to their profession,” said Jane M. Brewer, Co-Chair of the Tax Department for KAWG&F. “It is especially fulfilling to be recognized for the work that I love to do and I am looking forward to continuing my personal and professional involvement in the business and civic communities.”

Brewer has more than 25 years of experience as a CPA and specializes in taxation and planning for partnership and limited liability companies, real estate, multi-state, not-for-profit organizations, individuals and small businesses.

Brewer is a dedicated member of several organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and served as the former Chair of the State Tax Committee, the Maryland Commission on Aging and served as Commissioner from 2006-2008, the Commercial Real Estate Women (Crew) Baltimore chapter, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and served as Past-President, the Rotary Club of Towsontowne as a Charter Member and served as Past-President, and the Women Investors in Real Estate (WIRE).

Brewer has been the recipient of many distinguished honors throughout her professional career, including the Woman in Business Champion by the Small Business Administration in 2006, the YWCA Leadership Award in 2004, the Top 100 Women in Maryland Circle of Excellence by The Daily Record in 1997, 1999 and 2002, the Woman of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) in 2001, the Accountant Advocate of the Year by the State of Maryland Small Business Administration in 1997, and the Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary Club of Towsontowne from 1990-1991.

Brewer is a graduate of the University of Baltimore with a B.S. and M.S. in Taxation.

Baltimore SmartCEO magazine and Hartman Business Technology announced the publication’s fourth annual Future 50 winners for 2008. KatzAbosch was among this elite group representing the 50 fastest-growing companies in the Greater Baltimore area based on employee and revenue growth. These companies collectively employ 5,500 people and bring in more than $2 billion in revenues.

KatzAbosch has undergone considerable growth over the last few years to better meet the needs of clients. Since 2004, the firm has increased total income by 38% and employee growth by 42%. In response to the addition of more personnel, the firm is leasing 2,100 additional square feet of office space in the Timonium office as well as additional space at the Columbia location. Since its inception, KatzAbosch has grown to become one of the top accounting firms in Maryland and one of the 125 largest accounting firms in the United States.

Practical Accountant’s Practice Innovation Award is given annually to certified public accounting firms that take the lead in developing a new service area, improving services to their clients, or promoting efficiency in the practice of public accounting. KatzAbosch was among the award winning firms for 2007 for the firm’s involvement with “Second Life,” a virtual business world considered to be one of the top five innovations that will change the way we live over the next five years.

After recognizing the unique opportunities that these types of phenomena presented, KatzAbosch opened the world’s first virtual accounting office in Second Life. Since it opened its doors in July 2006, the KatzAbosch virtual office continues to welcome a steady stream of visitors each day. Having this virtual office provides KatzAbosch with a unique way of connecting with both existing and potential clients, firm contacts, and job seekers, while continuing to explore this emerging technology, environment and culture!

Baltimore, MD (January 10, 2007) – Baltimore SmartCEO magazine and Hartman Business Technology recently announced the publication’s fourth annual Future 50 winners in the January 2008 issue. Katz, Abosch, Windesheim, Gershman & Freedman, P.A. (KAWG&F), located in Timonium, MD, was among this elite group representing the 50 fastest growing companies in the Greater Baltimore area based on employee and revenue growth. These companies collectively employ 5,500 people and bring in more than $2 billion in revenues.

KAWG&F has undergone considerable growth over the last few years to better meet the needs of clients. Since 2004, the firm has increased total income by 38% and employee growth by 42%. In response to the addition of more personnel, the firm has expanded its office locations to include Annapolis, MD, and Easton, MD, and is leasing 2,100 additional square feet of office space in the Timonium office as well as additional space at the Columbia location.

KAWG&F has benefited from being a Maryland-based small business for the past 37 years. Starting with just two people, the firm has grown consistently and steadily for nearly four decades in a state that values small business and creates an environment where entrepreneurs can build strong businesses and relationships. Since its inception, KAWG&F has grown to become one of the top ten accounting firms in Maryland and one of the 125 largest accounting firms in the United States.