Female accounting chief aims at Eastern Europe

The accounting profession is set to benefit from Eastern European
opportunities, as clients look to expand further into the region in the next 12
months, according to RSM International’s new chief executive.

Jean Stephens, speaking to Accountancy Age as she began her tenure,
predicted that 2006 would see clients expand into the area looking for business
opportunities, which in turn would create ‘an opportunity for the profession’.

Stephens also expected the spotlight on corporate governance to continue.

‘Governance has helped clients to focus inwardly, which has allowed the
profession to look at how tightly controlled we are,’ she said.

Stephens added that the RSM network would look to win more work from the
biggest global clients in 2006.

Before joining RSM in London, Stephens, a certified public accountant, served
as senior manager in audit at McGladrey & Pullen and managing director in
RSM McGladrey’s in Los Angeles.

RSM’s network partner in the UK is Robson Rhodes, the UK’s eleventh largest
firm with turnover of £85.5m.