BKR International CEO Jeremy Vokt has outlined how he believes BKR must evolve to support independent accounting firms as consolidation reshapes the profession, in a new interview with International Accounting Bulletin (IAB).
Having previously served as Managing Partner of long-standing BKR member firm Bland & Associates, as well as Chair of BKR’s Americas Region and a member of the Worldwide Board, Jeremy brings both member-firm and BKR leadership experience to the CEO role.
Speaking to IAB Editor-in-Chief Zoya Malik, Jeremy identified the changing structure of the accounting profession as an important opportunity for BKR and its members.
As private equity investment and consolidation continue to reshape the profession, he believes associations must evolve alongside it, focusing on what independent firms need to compete, grow and remain independent.
“We need to look to those firms that want to remain independent and ask ourselves how we want to serve our members, ask the members what they need to remain independent and then put a plan in place to deliver that for them,” Jeremy told IAB.
He also sees significant potential for independent firms to gain market share as the gap grows between large consolidated organisations and locally owned firms, particularly among clients who continue to value close professional relationships with independent advisers.
Turning that vision into action is already a priority. Jeremy told IAB that his first 100 days will focus on integrating Traction/EOS into BKR, establishing clear three-year, one-year and 90-day priorities to help the organisation move forward more efficiently.
Collaboration is another important part of that direction. Jeremy highlighted BKR’s Centre of Excellence and Tech Lab as examples of member firms exploring technology, software, processes and AI together rather than tackling the same challenges independently.
But his perspective on BKR is also personal. Reflecting on what its global community has meant during his own time as a member, Jeremy spoke about the lifelong friendships and international relationships he has developed through the association.
Together, Jeremy’s comments point to a BKR increasingly focused on helping independent firms respond to change through collaboration, shared expertise and practical support, while retaining the relationships that have long defined the association.
Read Jeremy Vokt’s full interview with International Accounting Bulletin.