#USA #Raleigh #Cherry Bekaert #Spicer Jeffries #Hedge Fund Auditor

Cherry Bekaert Achieves Top Ranking in Hedge Fund Audit

Cherry Bekaert, a prominent accounting firm based in the U.S., has recently made headlines by securing a place on Hedge Fund Alert's prestigious list of Top Hedge Fund Auditors for 2025. Ranking fifth overall, the firm stands out in the industry, especially following its acquisition of Spicer Jeffries LLP. This acquisition not only enhances Cherry Bekaert's capabilities, but also represents a significant milestone as it brings the firm into the competitive sphere dominated by the “Big Four” accounting firms.

A Historic Achievement

The inclusion of Cherry Bekaert in the top five auditors of hedge funds signifies a remarkable achievement for the firm, particularly since it marks its first entry into the top ranks of U.S. hedge fund auditors. The listing by Hedge Fund Alert ranks CPA firms based on the number of SEC-registered hedge funds they audit, and being positioned right behind the most prominent players in the sector showcases Cherry Bekaert’s growth potential in the hedge fund auditing landscape.

Spicer Jeffries LLP has a long-standing reputation, consistently being among the top 10 hedge fund auditors for over ten years. Their expertise and established presence in the securities industry have significantly contributed to Cherry Bekaert's ascent. The merger of both firms' strengths is expected to propel even further advancements in service delivery, and the firm is poised to offer enhanced services to its diverse clientele.

Management's Insights

Following this acquisition, Sean Tafaro, an Assurance Partner at Cherry Bekaert, expressed enthusiasm about the firm’s new rankings and potential. He said, "This unprecedented achievement reflects the powerful synergy between Cherry Bekaert and Spicer Jeffries. Our combined asset management industry team is excited by the new opportunities this merger introduces, especially with access to premier resources and dedicated professionals."

In a similar vein, Scott Moss, the Partner and Financial Services Industry Leader at Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC, highlighted the extensive experience that both firms bring to the table. He mentioned that the accomplishment represents not only the combined talent and dedication but also a reinforced commitment to delivering exceptional audit, tax, and advisory services to the securities market.

Enhanced Client Solutions

Cherry Bekaert’s Asset Management practice is designed specifically to address the unique challenges faced by the securities industry, offering a broad array of services tailored to investment funds of various sizes and maturities. The team's seasoned professionals are focused on innovating solutions that create value for clients, showcasing the firm’s commitment to understanding client needs deeply.

The public can view the full listing of the Top Hedge Fund Auditors for 2025 on the Hedge Fund Alert website. The acquisition process involved Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC taking over the non-attest assets of Spicer Jeffries LLP, while Cherry Bekaert LLP acquired the attest assets, showcasing a strategic approach in integrating their services.

About Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert is recognized as one of the largest assurance, tax, and advisory firms in the U.S., serving a diverse clientele both locally and internationally. The firm operates under an alternative practice structure, which includes both Cherry Bekaert LLP and Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC, each offering distinct professional services in compliance with regulatory standards. With a commitment to exercising curiosity about client industries and a collaborative approach to ensure shared success, Cherry Bekaert is well-positioned for sustainable growth in the future.

For more information on Cherry Bekaert and their services, visit their official website at cbh.com/disclosure.