Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has strengthened its Midlands team with the appointment of Chris Cole.
Chris joins the audit team as partner. He brings more than 19 years’ experience to the firm, with particular expertise in auditing US-listed businesses under the United States Public Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) standards, including auditing SOX controls – measures put in place by companies in order to identify and prevent errors or inaccuracies in financial reporting.
Having worked in the US, UK and Australia throughout his career, Chris adds significant strength and depth to BDO’s international credentials, while bringing expertise across a wide range of sectors, such as automotive, international manufacturing, and mining. At BDO, he will be responsible for leading the region’s US reporting proposition, while working alongside the London Audit Group’s US team. He joins from KPMG.
Kyla Bellingall, Regional Managing Partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “Chris is a fantastic addition to the team and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to attracting the region’s best talent.
“His deep-rooted experience in advising US-listed businesses will help to strengthen our international proposition in the region and adds an exciting dimension to the services we offer in the complex area of audit and assurance. We’re delighted to have him on board.”
Chris said: “I’m very excited to be joining BDO and embarking on the next stage of my career at a firm with significant global reach and auditing capabilities. The firm continues to invest significantly in audit quality, with people and technology at the centre of that. I look forward to working alongside the team and bringing a unique perspective to the role.”
His appointment follows the promotion of Sam Lifford as partner in the firm’s Not For Profit (NFP) audit practice on 1 November. Sam, an established RI in the NFP market, has demonstrated exceptional capability in managing a substantial portfolio in higher education, charities, and housing. Sam is the Regional Head of NFP, making a substantial contribution to BDO’s national strategy and activity in this area.
