Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1467276
BUSINESS PROFILES | APRIL 25, 2022 | HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL 29 T he certified public accounting firm UHY did more than stay afloat these past two years while navigating the choppy seas of COVID-19. While many others in their field had to reduce their workforces, "we are proud to have been able to expand our team," said Partner Robert Lickwar. UHY increased its headcounts in the Northeast and beyond, "keeping to our tenets of prioritizing the growth of our employees and their careers," he added. "Our employee-focused approach is part of the reason our culture continues to attract new talent." UHY operates under an alternative practice structure, with UHY LLP offering audit and other attest services to public and private companies, while UHY Advisors provides tax and consulting services to a variety of business sectors. Business valuation and transaction services are on UHY's menu as well. The company's history in the U.S. started more than a half-century ago with Urbach Kahn and Werlin in Albany, New York. In tandem with Hacker Young in the United Kingdom, UHY was formed here in the early 2000s. Its presence in Connecticut is the result of several mergers. And as UHY's team grew in the Constitution State under the leadership of Lickwar, John Salemi, Neha Nathwani and Stacy Farber, its offerings expanded, too. "While we have always provided a variety of tax, financial audit and review services, the Connecticut office has become one of the firm's central hubs for the completion of Employee Benefit Plan audits," Lickwar explained. Personalized client attention is the founding principle of the business, a philosophy UHY calls "the next level of service." "Our entrepreneurial spirit fosters an environment in which our employees are engaged and empowered, which we believe results in better client service," he said. UHY is a leading provider of American Rescue Plan Act consulting services in Connecticut, Lickwar said. This pivot to help state and municipal governments make sense of pandemic-related spending and reporting regulations "was an example of how we utilize our national resources to allow us to further solidify our dedication to serving our local communities." The company also invests in the community through its nonprofit, UHY Cares. A priority during COVID-19 has been keeping people safe while still providing the level of service clients expect. "We offered a flexible work environment to our employees so that they were able to address the extenuating circumstances caused by the pandemic, yet remain productive and engaged," Lickwar said. "From a client service perspective, we advised our clients and prospective clients on how to keep their businesses running during the initial economic downturn and how to maximize the benefit of the CARES Act." Lickwar said UHY is focused on growth – "whether organic, expansion into new markets or through the delivery of services to emerging industries." An example is Connecticut's legalization of cannabis for adult use. "We have placed ourselves at the forefront … by digesting the regulations outlined in 280E and presenting on the topic to educate those looking to embark in a business venture in this lucrative industry," he explained. UHY is leveraging the experience it gained in other markets where cannabis is legalized, Lickwar added, "to set ourselves and potential clients up for success." Employee-Focused and Customer-Centric, Firm Grows on Solid Base Address: 6 Executive Drive, Suite 111, Farmington, CT 06032 Phone: (860) 676-9020 Fax: (860) 519-1982 Website: www.uhy-us.com Product or Service: Accounting No. of Employees: 28 Connecticut Leaders: John Salemi and Bob Lickwar Year Founded: 2003