News & Press
A CPA Firm Celebrates a Century in Business
As Published in The CPA Journal
In today’s climate of accounting firm mergers, it is worth recognizing when a CPA firm has managed to remain independent and partner-owned for 100 years.
Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP was founded in 1923 by Max Anchin, Max Block, and David Anchin, three City College of New York (CCNY) graduates working out of a one room rented office in the Bronx, N.Y.
Max Block went on to serve as managing editor of the NYSSCPA’s Journal (now this very publication [The CPA Journal]) from 1958 to 1972. Max took pride in the pioneering he did for the profession and that some of his recommendations became realities. For example, an independent survey disclosed that an article he wrote in 1946 encouraging CPAs to get into management services was the first such article to appear in accounting literature; subsequently, management services became a huge field for CPAs. In 1969, Max recommended that public corporation annual reports include a representation by management as to their responsibility for the contents. This transparency is now a recommended practice.
Many aspects of the accounting profession have changed since the firm was founded. Technology has advanced considerably to help professionals complete tax returns and audit workpapers, as well as automate the filing process. Internal and external communications have become more rapid and 24/7.
But Anchin’s core values have stayed true to the founders’ vision over time.
At Anchin’s inception, the founders agreed on three founding values: that the firm would supply the best possible services, that each founder had a defined role at the firm, and that the firm would have a management advisory component. The firm continues to emphasize these three pillars in its core values today.
Anchin has been recognized repeatedly by independent organizations (e.g., Crain’s New York Business and the New York State Society for Human Resource Management) as one of the top firms to work for. Charitable activities and efforts also continue to be a big focus for Anchin. Through events planned by its CARE Committee, any employee can choose to participate in the many volunteer events held throughout the year. This year, Anchin has once again offered the NYSSCPA Max Block and David Anchin Scholarship to graduate, senior, or junior college students with a declared accounting major enrolled in or accepted to a New York State college or university, as well as students enrolled in or attending Baruch College, New York City.
Anchin continues to thrive. It has marked its centennial with firmwide festivities, and recently moved its headquarters into new offices in Times Square that will allow the firm to focus on client service and professional advice for years to come.
— Russell B. Shinsky, CPA, is the managing partner of Anchin.
