BABC Members Crowe Clark Whitehill, the audit, tax and advisory firm, were honoured with teh 2012 Accounbtacy Firm of the Year Award at the Association of International Accountants (AIA) Awards this Fall.

The AIA Awards recognise the outstanding efforts of both individuals and firms working within the accountancy profession. Crowe Clark Whitehill was honoured at the ceremony for its client-focused approach and for displaying the innovation needed to keep ahead of competing corporate advisory firms in a tough economic climate.

Amid stiff competition Crowe Clark Whitehill took the award, recognising the firm’s effectiveness and client focus. Factors such as new client wins, corporate social responsibility and consistent financial improvement over the past 12 months played a key part in the award win.

Andrew Pianca, chief executive at Crowe Clark Whitehill, said: “The recognition of our efforts to provide high quality and innovative services to clients by such a distinguished panel of judges as the AIA Council is indeed pleasing. This award further encourages us to maintain our growth momentum as well as to remain focused on the delivery of outstanding services to not for profits, corporates and private clients.

Philip Turnbull, AIA Chief Executive, said: “It gives me great pleasure to see a firm awarded that has demonstrated a client-focused approach, especially in times of economic instability.”

He added: “The AIA Awards allow us to recognise and celebrate excellence within the fields of accounting and finance and, against a difficult economic backdrop, it is a pleasure to see those working within the profession excel.”

The awards ceremony followed the prestigious AIA Founders’ Lecture, which recognises longevity in an ever-changing profession as well as acknowledging the principles of international accounting ethics and integrity, on which the AIA is founded.