The 2018 Fastest Growing Firms: Schellman & Company

Consulting: What were the main factors that contributed to your firm's exceptional growth?

Desai: First and foremost, the quality of our employees and their expertise are unmatched by anyone in the compliance industry. High caliber employees mean we are capable of meeting the highest caliber of expectations for all of our clients and their evolving—and sometimes dynamic—needs, whether it is compliance with emerging requirements from GDPR or security concerns. Our unwavering commitment to quality has both built a reputation for our professionals and sustained their passion regarding compliance. Between that, constant innovation, and a fundamental respect for the art of professional services, we have seen quality, growth, and success follow.

Consulting:  How is this year shaping up for your firm?

Desai: It has been a historic year for us in revenue growth, employee onboarding, and new services. Earlier this year, we were named one of the largest and youngest specialized accounting firms in the industry, and it is exciting to have the niche we have created in the accounting industry acknowledged. As we continue to grow and progress, we look forward to pioneering even more change within the competitive landscape for specialized firms.

Consulting:  How would you describe your firm's outlook for 2019? 

Desai: The way the compliance industry is currently being shaped, 2019 looks to be an event greater year than 2018. Recently, and for the first time in history, we have seen new tech outpace regulations, standards, best practice, and laws—as such, most opportunities next year will more than likely center on these constantly-emerging technologies and the ever-present cyber security concerns that emerge with them. 

Consulting: What would you say are your firm's biggest challenges in 2019?

Desai: Our biggest challenge will be keeping our talent pipeline full. Compliance is a growing field—not only in consulting, but in the private and public sectors as well—and the battle for talent has already begun. To compete, we need to keep a pulse on what potential employees are looking for, both during our recruiting process and also during their post-hire life at the firm. In order to attract the top talent, we must continue to innovate ways to manage the work/life balance and offer the best options in the industry. 

Consulting:  What does being named one of Consulting's Fastest Growing Firms mean to your firm, your employees and your clients?

Desai: It is both humbling and gratifying that the work we do every day has been recognized as impactful and worthy of such an honor. This distinction will reinforce to both our employees and clients that our culture reflects them, and that we take their feedback and their criticism to heart so as to make the necessary, progressive changes in order to keep up with the market's needs and wants.