GHENT, JANUARY 18, 2023 - PIA Group is currently the 3rdlargest accountancy and advisory group in Belgium. However, the Ghent-based company harbours steep growth ambitions for 2023. And their realisation is off to a flying start as PIA Group welcomes AccountingTeam into the fold, a 40-strong accountancy firm with branches in Kontich and Heist o/d Berg. The new partner will act as one of PIA Group’s spearheads in the region.
SME for SMEs.
AccountingTeam is an accountancy advisor with a strong reputation in the wider Antwerp region. The firm also boasts a large number of clients in the rest of Flanders. They rely on the expertise of 40 staff, who offer a full service package.
“We like to describe ourselves as an SME for other SMEs”, says Geert Dilles. He is one of the partners who took over at the helm of AccountingTeam in 2005 together with Philip Van Dijck, Caroline Mariën and Sandra Lenaerts. This foursome expanded the firm with the ambition of acting as a genuine financial right-hand man for their clients through efficient, digitally mature service and (pro)active advice.
“I think it’s fair to say we’ve been able to realise that ambition”, says AccountingTeam partner Philip Van Dijck. “Our approach has a broad appeal. AccountingTeam’s client portfolio ranges from one-man businesses, consulting and management companies and SMEs to large companies with international activities. In addition we have a separate business unit for the medical professions.”
A high-quality branch.
PIA Group chairman and founder Steven Brouckaert is pleased to see AccountingTeam join the group. “PIA Group is always on the lookout for high-quality branches and AccountingTeam definitely meets that standard. They also bring in a wealth of advisory know-how, among others from a legal and financial perspective. This gives us yet more specialist knowledge to share with our branches. In this regard AccountingTeam will fulfil a key role within our organization.”
Win-win.
Both parties are looking forward to working together. “AccountingTeam has always been an ambitious firm but the more you grow, the broader the investments that are required. Under the umbrella of PIA Group, those efforts and costs are shared with the other partners. It is a genuine win-win situation that also allows you to focus on servicing your clients.”
PIA Group: economies of scale with respect for local DNA.
“That is correct”, says Steven Brouckaert. “PIA Group likes to stand out from the crowd. We combine the world of economies of scale - almost 50 branches and 900 staff - with the DNA of a local branch. We see every branch as a strong brand headed by competent entrepreneurs. We provide each of those branches with optimum support in terms of IT, digitalisation, HR, marketing, operations and finance. Those are areas that fall outside the core business of tax and financial specialists, yet they are essential to provide customers with good service. In addition PIA Group also offers advisory support. This approach makes us truly unique on the market, not just in Belgium but in the Netherlands as well.”
“The scale of our group reinforces local assets instead of turning the branches into clones without individual character”, adds Nathalie Calle, CEO of PIA Group Belgium. “Our clients and staff appreciate this.”
Continuity assured.
So in practical terms nothing changes for AccountingTeam’s clients. Geert, Philippe, Caroline and Sandra remain on board and will be as accessible to clients as always. Likewise, the composition of the customer teams, which adapts flexibly to the competencies a customer needs at any given moment, remains unchanged. This means that continuity is assured.
“We see PIA Group as an accelerator”, Philip Van Dijck explains. “The larger framework of PIA Group will help AccountingTeam to cater even better to the needs and expectations of our clients. The added value of joining PIA Group will gradually become obvious. One thing is for certain: the best is yet to come.”
For more details on this press release feel free to contact Steven Brouckaert at steven@pia.be.
About PIA Group
In a market of economies of scale, PIA Group aims to grow into a leading player in accountancy and advisory services while simultaneously preserving the personal connection between employee and customer. That is why we strive for further growth based on a continuously expanding network of enterprising partners. Thanks to the mutual interaction between these partners and our teams of experts, entrepreneurs and private individuals will find a personalised up-to-date service in every PIA branch, as well as know-how that makes a genuine contribution to their professional success and personal happiness. PIA Group was founded in 2012 by Steven Brouckaert. The group is active in Belgium and the Netherlands and boasts nearly 50 branches and over 900 employees.
