Profile
Based in Detroit, Michigan, Silberstein Ungar PLLC has various speciality niches including audits of SEC regulated companies and those companies planning to go public at a later date, as well as audits of franchise businesses. We are a member of the PCAOB, the International Franchise Association ("IFA"), and the Turnaround Management Association. Additionally, we are very experienced with the concrete industry. We offer a wide range of professional services including litigation, taxation, mergers and acquisitions and estate planning.
Overview
We pride ourselves on being able to service a variety of clients with a wide range of services, and our professionals have expertise not usually found in a CPA firm of our size. Our client list includes SEC regulated companies that are publicly traded as well as Franchisors and individuals considering the purchase of a franchise. Our clients are located throughout the United States and Canada and many have operations or ownership headquartered in Asia and Europe. We are a member of the PCAOB, the MSI Global Alliance of Independent Legal and Accounting Firms, and the International Franchise Association ("IFA"), and we've attended the annual IFA convention (most recently in Orlando, FL Feb. 9-12, 2008). We are also very experienced with the ready-mixed concrete industry.
We are committed to providing close, personal attention to our clients. We take pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from years of advanced training, technical experience, and financial acumen. Our continual investment of time and resources in professional continuing education, computer technology, accounting and tax research and reference materials, and extensive business relationships is indicative of our commitment to excellence and our commitment to our clients.
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Practice Overview
Our firm offers a wide range of services to our individual and business clients. Because our firm is relatively small, our clients benefit by getting personalized, quality service that is beyond comparison. Below we have listed the services that we offer to our clients along with a brief description.
Industries we serve include (but are not limited to) the following:
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Concrete
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Construction
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Consultants
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Franchisees
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Franchisors
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Health Professionals - doctors, dentists, periodontists, psychologists
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High-tech
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Lawyers and Law Firms
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Manufacturing
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Media, New Media, Broadcasting
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Publicly-traded companies and those preparing to go public
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Real Estate
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Retail
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Service
- Wholesale Distribution
Accounting Services
Providing financial information to our clients in a timely and accurate manner is a commitment that we feel cannot be compromised. Meaningful, well-organized financial records ensure that your business operations will run more efficiently on a daily basis. Our firm provides a full range of cost effective accounting services including the following:
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General ledger & financial statement preparation
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Compilations (based upon client information provided and used primarily for internal use)
- Reviews (some analytical procedures conducted with limited assurance)
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Bookkeeping (Monthly/Quarterly/Annual)
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Accounting system setup for new businesses
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Computerized payroll services
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Business tax return preparation (Sales & Use/Business Property)
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Personal financial statements
Asset Protection
Asset protection, or wealth preservation, plan makes the enforcement of judgements against protected assets nearly impossible and allows the owner of protected assets to retain substantial control over these assets. Our firm can assist you with an asset protection plan that may include family limited partnerships, or offshore trusts.
Audit Services
We view our role in the financial reporting process as an opportunity to provide constructive solutions for maximizing your company's profitability and efficiency. Audits differ from reviews and compilations, as they are an intensive examination of your company's systems and records providing the highest level of assurance. We are a member of the PCAOB and are outside independent auditors for a number of small to medium sized publicly traded companies, as well as companies planning to "go public". We also have special expertise in working with franchisors and are auditors for a variety of franchise businesses.
Business Entity Selection
Choosing the form of entity of your business (e.g. "S" corporation, sole proprietor, limited liability company…) is a crucial decision that can have longstanding tax implications, positive or negative. We can assist you in evaluating the pros and cons of each entity type to help you determine the most advantageous form of business for your company.
Business Succession Planning
Effective coordination of the transition of your business to your successors is critical to ensure its continued success once you decide to remove yourself from the company's day to day operations. With a solid background in tax and other financial matters, we are fully qualified to address the complex issues of business continuation and can assist you in developing a strategically sound plan.
Business Valuations
Whether you are thinking of buying a new business or in the midst of a difficult divorce, the amount attached to the value of your business is important. We can provide useful and objective analysis to assist you in the valuation of any business in which you have an interest.
CFO/Controller Services
Are you growing and need some help? Or have you downsized and can't afford a full-time CFO-type? If your company is in the position where it is too big not to have a CFO or controller, but too small to afford one, our advisory services may be a solution for you. We have CFO experience and can help you out on a part-time basis, adding value to your business at a fraction of the cost of a full-time CFO or controller. Ask about our "CFO as you Grow" services.
Estate Planning
Effective estate planning facilitates the orderly transfer of assets to your beneficiaries, provides security for your surviving spouse, and can reduce or eliminate the tax due on the transfer of your business and other assets. For business owners, providing for business continuity and succession of ownership is essential. We can guide you through the complex process of getting your financial affairs in order.
Estate & Trust Tax Preparation
Effective estate and gift planning facilitates the orderly transfer of assets to your beneficiaries, provides security for your surviving spouse, and can reduce or eliminate the tax due on the transfer of your business and other assets. For business owners, providing for business continuity and succession of ownership is essential. We can guide you through the complex process of getting your financial affairs in order.
Expert Witness Services - Divorce Litigation and Franchise Litigation
Pending or existing litigation can result in the need for a qualified professional to present his/her opinion to support or oppose evidence submitted to the court. Our level of competence allows us the opportunity to function as expert witnesses in such cases.
Financial Forecasts & Projections
Forecasting is a necessity when trying to effectively manage and lead a business to profitability. From simple projections to complex financial modeling, our experienced staff can assist you in achieving your company's financial goals.
Forensic Accounting
We use accounting and auditing skills to provide an analysis of financial records in conjunction with dispute resolutions, as well as fraud and theft investigation. Our damage measurement methods can determine the extent of financial loss and illegal accounting practices. One of our principals, Joel Ungar, is a Certified Fraud Examiner. Please contact us to find out how we can help you.
Franchise Services
Simply put, we have more expertise in the franchise industry than most other CPA firms - and that experience will benefit you. We have years of experience in the franchise industry (as CFO and Chief Administrative Officer of a large international franchisor). We have worked with large franchise law firms, and with small ones. We have written UFOC's (now known as FDD's)and helped advise clients on many franchise operational issues. We have worked with franchisees, and those wanting to buy a franchise - helping with due diligence, helping with business plans and projections, and helping them negotiate the franchise conract. We are a member of the International Franchise Association and have attended the IFA annual conventions. Our experience helps franchisors in numerous ways - for example, it can make for a smoother audit and we can often make FDD and contract provision recommendations that will help avoid issues with franchisees, helps the franchisor and the franchisees be more successful and thus helps add value to the franchise system.
Examples of services we provide to franchisors:
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development of a chart of accounts and financial reports
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development of internal controls
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annual financial statement audit for FDD
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business consulting
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royalty compliance reviews
Our experience helps franchisees make a better informed investment when they buy a franchise business, and we can help them negotiate a better contract (or at least have a better understanding of the contract they are being asked to sign).
IRS Representation
During our years of experience dealing with many taxing authorities, we have achieved a level of competence that can ensure our clients they are being properly represented before the various federal and state tax agencies.
International Taxation
Our experience with the taxation of U.S residents working abroad and foreign citizens working in the U.S. has provided us with an extensive base of knowledge in the area of international taxation.
Management Advisory Services
Even the most qualified managers can benefit from competent, objective feedback. We can help your company's management team develop long-term objectives and specific strategies to facilitate your business' future growth and success.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Finding the right business partner for your company can be a difficult task. We can assist you in the merger or acquisition process by assessing such critical elements as tax considerations; product/service compatibility; competitive tactics and position; financial impact; and cash flow considerations. We have real world business experience in mergers and acquisitions that can help add value to your Company and often results in your making a better deal (in short - we "get it" and we know our clients prefer to work with advisors who are "deal makers" rather than "deal breakers").
Performance Measurement Consulting
Also known as our "CFO As You Grow" consulting service. Through some technology that we have invested in, we have the capibilities to provide you with major process improvment recomendations and show their impact on your capital and cash flow. Our principals have real-world CFO experience and can help you with your management needs.
Real Estate Cost Segregation Services
Let us assist you with creating a faster return on your real estate investments. You can write off the acquisition price of real estate faster than 39 years. Let us show you how.
Retirement Planning
Successful implementation and periodic review of your financial plan will ensure financial independence during your working years and through your retirement years.
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Reporting
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires management to acknowledge its responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls, including asserting their effectiveness in writing. The financial statement auditor, in turn, must report on management’s assertion about the effectiveness of its internal controls as of the company’s year-end. We can complete this audit and help you better understand your internal controls.
SEC Audits
Publicly-held companies have special accounting and audit requirements. First, they are required to file annual audited financial statements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Then, they are required to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q with SEC, and those reports must be reviewed by the companies' independent auditors. And, there are a myriad of other reporting responsibilities they may have. We also provide audits to companies preparing or planning to go public.
Services include: *Audits of SEC registrants. *Quarterly reviews of Forms 10-Q. *Audits of companies to be acquired or merged. *Consultation on SEC accounting issues. *Part-time CFO services for companies with other outside auditors. *Pre-audit services for companies with other outside auditors. *Special projects and investigations for Audit Committees. *Advice on specific transactions. *Consultations with management, legal counsel, and underwriters regarding offerings. *Due diligence in connection with acquisitions and mergers.
When you trust us to help with your SEC accounting and audit services, you can be assured that they will be handled competently, confidentially, and with the respect you deserve. You will receive extraordinary service at reasonable fees.
State and Local Tax Planning
Our experience with the taxation of Michigan residents working abroad and foreign business entities working in Michigan has provided us with an extensive base of knowledge in the area of State and Local Taxes.
Tax Planning & Preparation
Tax planning and preparation form a winning combination for our successful individual and business clients. Whether you are an individual or a multi-tiered partnership, our experienced staff can develop tax strategies that take advantage of new tax laws and legislation.
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