Hein & Associates Taps James Brendel as New MP

James Brendel has been named managing partner of Hein & Associates LLP after 28 years at the nationwide accounting and advisory firm.

Brendel most recently served as Denver office managing partner and stepped into his new national role Monday as part of a planned leadership transition. He succeeds Brian Mandell-Rice, who has worked for the firm for nearly 30 years. Brendel is only the fourth managing partner in the firm’s 38-year history.

“Jim is a well-respected leader who helps clients confidently navigate the ever-changing marketplace and regulatory environment, while inspiring our people to deliver top-notch service and their industry knowledge,” Mandell-Rice said in a statement. “I know from experience that he always earns the trust of everyone he works with, making him an excellent leader to guide our firm and team.”

William Mueldener succeeds Brendel as Denver office managing partner. Previously tax principal and national director of state and local tax, Mueldener will now oversee the Denver office and continue to serve clients. He has worked at Hein for nine years.

Brendel has more than 30 years of public accounting and audit experience with clients in industries such as energy, manufacturing and distribution, technology and real estate. In addition to his leadership role at the firm, Brendel specializes in Securities and Exchange Commission reporting and provides public companies with consulting services for SOX 404 compliance, and complex accounting issues. He also regularly assists clients with transactions such as mergers and acquisitions and initial public offerings. Brendel is a contributing author to “Software Industry Accounting” and “Mergers & Acquisitions – Business Strategies for Accountants,” both published by John Wiley & Sons.

He plans maintain Hein’s focus on providing audit, tax and business advisory services to public and private companies, particularly within the energy, manufacturing and distribution, private equity, real estate and construction, and technology industries.

“Our clients can continue to rely on Hein’s audit, tax and business advisory experts to help them sort through change and complexity to make better business decisions,” said Brendel. “Our team provides the integrity and service that our clients expect, and we bring the expertise of a ‘Big Four’ firm with added flexibility, nimbleness and direct access to senior partners and other subject matter specialists. I’m privileged to continue growing our firm, our people and our reputation.”

Hein has 291 employees who work in four offices in Denver, Dallas, Houston and Orange County, Calif. Hein also serves clients globally through its alliance with associations of independent accounting firms around the world.

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