Accounting network UHY adds new members in Afghanistan and Iran

International accounting network UHY continues to expand its global footprint, adding new members in recent months in Afghanistan and Iran.

Growing over its more than three decade history to 300-plus locations in a footprint now spanning 100 countries, UK-headquartered accounting network UHY is one of the world’s twenty largest accounting and consulting organisations of its kind. Adding to that mix, new member firms admitted in Afghanistan and Iran: Malik Hamid Jamal Chartered Accountant and Hadi Hesab Tehran.

Following the addition of Suvod Associates in Nepal at the start of the year, UHY has again strengthened its Asia Pacific presence with the acceptance of Kabul-based Malik Hamid Jamal Chartered Accountant to its global network. Established in 1967, the local accountancy has a team of 58 staff (including five partners), with experience in audit, accounting, tax and management consultancy.

According to the firm, its both domestic and international clients primarily operate in the construction, education, not-for-profit and transport sectors. “We are based in an economy with a strong potential for future growth,” said managing partner Malik Hamid Jamal. “The UHY network’s collaboration, combined with the reputable UHY brand, will give our firm a competitive edge in Afghanistan and the wider region.”

“We are delighted to welcome Malik Hamid Jamal Chartered Accountant to the UHY network. The mineral rich Afghanistan, strategically located as a trade route between Central and South Asia, continues to pursue its ambitious economic reforms,” added former 30-year KPMG veteran and current UHY International chairman Rick David, who on his appointment last year stated global expansion as a main objective.

Vigorously pursuing that objective, the network has in addition to Nepal also added member firms so far this year in Brazil (Bendoraytes & Cia, which crossed from competitor Crowe) and in Georgia (Geword, based in the capital Tbilisi) – as well as an outlet in Iran: Hadi Hesab Tehran. Established in 2003, the addition brings a team of 40 to the UHY fold, with professional audit and advisory, tax, insolvency, corporate finance and management consultancy experience.

“Our country, considered an energy superpower, is a frontier market with a strong performing stock exchange,” said Hamid Reza Keyhani, managing partner of Hadi Hesab, which was previously a member of Leading Edge Alliance Global. “Our firm has joined the UHY network for many reasons and is committed to provide the necessary resources to help our clients operate more efficiently in a global market place.”

“Iran, the second largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region after Saudi Arabia, coupled with a noticeable state presence in manufacturing and financial services, reinforces our regional footprint and strengthens UHY’s international market expertise,” said David.  “We very much support the capabilities Hadi Hesab Tehran bring to serve our clients’ international needs and opportunities.”