Two former Arthur Andersen accountants have formed a new accounting and consulting firm to capitalize on the demand for financial services driven by the economic recovery.
The Tysons Corner, Va.-based firm, known as CrossCountry Consulting, is helmed by Dave Kay, a former managing partner in Andersen’s mid-Atlantic assurance and risk management services practice, and Erik Linn, who began his career at Andersen. He later led Navigant Consulting's Financial Services Practice and founded another firm, Capital Advisory Services, in 1999.
The new firm will provide project-based finance, accounting and operational consulting services to help organizations respond to opportunities, address complex change, and improve operations. CrossCountry will specialize in providing Finance Transformation, Accounting Advisory, Litigation & Forensic Consulting, and Risk Management services.
“The timing of our launch could not be better,” said Linn. “The recovering economy has led to the return of the IPO market as well as a surge in M&A activity, both of which drive demand for consulting firms with a deep knowledge of the finance function. In addition, the financial crisis has left a tremendous volume of litigation in its wake that is just beginning to work its way through the legal system. In both cases, clients need a partner that can provide a unique blend of critical skills—deep accounting knowledge, risk management expertise, process improvement know-how, and experience implementing key enabling technologies—to help drive successful project outcomes."
Kay also worked with Linn at Navigant, co-leading the firm’s Finance and Accounting Solutions practice there, and departed Navigant to become the CFO of a public company before helping found CrossCountry. “There is no doubt that CFOs are operating in a ‘zero tolerance for error’ environment, whether it is related to financial reporting or risk management,” he said. “As a result, there is a great demand for finance and accounting consulting services to meet the challenges of the CFO’s world.”
