FAQs

Sykes & Company, P.A. is proud to contract with TOA Global, Inc. for accounting support. This expands our international relations in the accounting industry and supports our commitment to diversity and inclusion for both our clients and our employees.

To be transparent about our team members overseas, here are some FAQs that may be of interest to you.

Who is TOA Global, Inc.?

TOA Global, Inc. is a leading talent solutions provider for the accounting industry in the world. They have over 3,000 team members in the Philippines, supporting 1,000+ accounting and bookkeeping firms across the globe. TOA Global is now one of the Philippines’ largest employers in the accounting industry, based on a comparison of staff numbers at the top five Philippine accounting firms.  https://toaglobal.com/

Why is Sykes & Company, P.A. utilizing TOA Global, Inc.?

Due to various factors including the global pandemic, there is a staffing crisis affecting our industry. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has begun to address these concerns as well as the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA) and others, but one thing is clear: recruitment for qualified accounting staff is going global. We have been encouraged by our professional associations to consider this option to serve clients well.

https://www.ncacpa.org/about-the-nc-cpa-foundation-inc/

What role do these international team members play in the firm?

Our selected professionals are dedicated Sykes & Company, P.A. team members just like our U.S. remote and non-remote employees. They are an integral part of our team. They are collaborating with our team via video calls, messages, phone, and team meetings. They are skilled team members that we care for and who share our values and vision.  They are professional accountants, highly educated in accounting, many with additional certifications with whom we have a good professional and personal relationship.

What will these team members do and not do?

These team members will work alongside two, maybe three, of our team members on any given client.  Their primary role will be day-to-day and in some instances month-end accounting services.  They will not be involved in any tax work.  Currently, we do not contract with any outsourced tax support.

Have you vetted these team members?

Yes.  Every new team member from TOA Global, Inc. goes through the same interview and onboarding processes as anyone else.  While not every employee at our firm is an American citizen, rest assured we adhere to all laws and industry standards in our hiring of permanent employees, interns, and contractors.  We pride ourselves on offering opportunities to people across the globe with educational resources, technical training, and professional career development.

Am I required to work with an international team member?

No.  You are not required to work with an international team member if you do not wish to do so.  If you wish not to work with an international team member, we simply will not assign an international team member to your account. Communicate with your primary contact.

Is my data secure?

Security is a priority at TOA Global, Inc.  In addition to the stringent security standards followed by TOA Global to serve their clients, Chris Sykes, IT Director at Sykes & Company, P.A., has performed extensive due diligence on the security measures in place and remains vigilant. In many cases, we go beyond industry standards in our own firm for data privacy and security.

Why do you need IRS consent forms completed if international team members are not providing tax preparation services?

Our regulatory body, the AICPA, requires confidentiality consent, which is and has been built into our engagement letters for years. The IRS also requires consent in certain instances when working with an international team. In an effort to ensure we comply with all applicable laws and regulations, we require IRS consent forms be completed by all clients of Sykes & Company, P.A.

Who are the international team members and where are they located?

We are proud to have these wonderful accountants on our team. They are committed to our values and vision. “They are located in the Philippines.”

Kim Castillo
Hanna Gabunada
Janine Remoroza
Darlyn Labaclado

Our Vision

To take the best possible care of our Staff and our Clients and help them be the best they can be. We want to foster a responsive and proactive Team to serve and build meaningful relationships with engaged pharmacy Clients by providing a premium level of service with integrity. This fundamental level of care will allow our Team and our Clients to thrive individually, professionally, and help everyone take the best care of their families and communities.

Our Values

• Value, Build, and Enhance Relationships with our Team and our Clients.
• Be Responsive with our Team and our Clients.
• Have Integrity with our Team, Clients, and our work product.
• Produce the highest Quality work product.
• Practice an approachable and open-minded Attitude.