NEWSROOM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release: Swenson Advisors Remain Thought Leaders as Integra International Continues to Grow

April 7, 2021

STEVE AUSTIN FEATURED IN INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING BULLETIN

An article in the February 2021 issue of International Accounting Bulletin, titled “Reimagining the Accounting Industry’s Global Future” featured interviews with some of the industry’s global executives to get a feel for how they have coped with and assessed pandemic challenges, and the new initiatives they have set for 2021.

Steve Austin, Managing Partner at Integra International® member firm Swenson Advisors, addressed the issues confronting the Audit sector of the accounting industry. Using the Wirecard global fraud case (like Enron) as a case in point, Steve said:

"Wirecard will be an example that due diligence by top management is critical and that advisory services can impact the clarity of the audit performed. The lack of strong regulatory oversight allows fraud to perpetrate, coupled with the complexity of a digital world. The Big 4 are cognizant of this weakness and the need to bolster their independence rules and, perhaps, reduce the amount of advisory work done for attestation clients".

INTEGRA INTERNATIONAL’S GROWTH IN A PANDEMIC YEAR

Founded in 1994, Integra International® is an interactive global association of more than 135 local independent accounting, tax, and consulting firms. Swenson Advisors has been a member of Integra International since 2000, and Steve Austin has been very active in its Board leadership and is currently on its Global Board.

Integra has been a participant in the International Accounting Bulletin’s yearly survey. The IAB’s yearly global survey and rankings are well regarded throughout the accounting industry and serve as a benchmark for organizations’ performance. This year’s IAB World Survey includes information from 52 global organizations, 30 networks and 22 associations.

Positive growth in fee income was seen across most regions for both networks and associations, with the exception of Latin America. In terms of staffing, growth was also seen in most regions despite the impact of Covid-19. Integra International’s growth in the industry was substantial, as shown in the chart below.