Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

DEI LEADERSHIP

DEI IS IN OUR DNA

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At PKF O’Connor Davies, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words. They’re foundational to our daily actions and interactions, guide our teams and shape our culture and live in our DNA.


As a Firm, we continuously strive to forge an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. We know first-hand that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better results and greater value for clients.

There’s no doubt that when people feel respected, and included, they are more focused, innovative and successful – in work and in life. That’s an essential priority for us as we develop a culture that transcends our workplace. As we cultivate leaders not just in business but in our communities. As we make a difference for our clients and for our world.

Driving social change from the inside out is a compelling opportunity to which we are deeply committed for the long term. You can see it and feel it in the places we work and the people with whom we work. Because when it comes to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), it’s not just what we say. It’s how we live. It’s who we are. DEI is truly in our DNA.

It’s our responsibility as business leaders to promote principles and model action that strengthen the values the world needs: character, integrity, dignity and respect, chief among them."
Kevin J. Keane Executive Chairman
CEO Action for DEI
Our Firm is a signatory in the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace, CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™.

DEI MISSION AND INITIATIVES

Our DEI Mission Statement

PKF O’Connor Davies’ mission is to serve clients at a higher level – going beyond passive value protection to active value creation – so that our clients Know Greater Value. We believe that to achieve this, it’s essential to cultivate an environment of belonging and collaboration that embraces and maximizes the diverse backgrounds, experiences and unique nature of our workforce in order to serve our clients and communities most effectively.

To this end, the purpose of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council is to advance the Firm’s mission and commitment by developing and promoting initiatives and activities that foster an inclusive and equitable workplace and embrace our team members’ many perspectives. Our focus is on taking the steps necessary to ensure that all team members have a sense of belonging by feeling represented, respected and, ultimately, given the opportunities to advance in their careers. We are committed to evolving and galvanizing our purpose so that it continues to support our team members, clients and communities on an ongoing basis. In this way, all of our stakeholders will Know Greater Commitment.

DEI Council Members

Our internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council continually works to define and refine relevant goals, organizational frameworks, employee education, new resources and tools to realize a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

  • Raymond Jones, Sr.  - Partner
    Raymond Jones, Sr.
    Partner
  • Andrea Mattera - Partner
    Andrea Mattera
    Partner
  • Yahaira Mendez - Partner
    Yahaira Mendez
    Partner

To foster an inclusive, safe and productive workplace, we’ve launched a variety of vital initiatives that help develop knowledge and skills, reveal and eliminate bias, promote career advancement, celebrate diverse voices and perspectives. These initiatives include, among others:

  • Diversity Training
  • Unconscious Bias Training
  • Harassment Training
  • Campus Recruiting, including Participation in Equity; Inclusion Multicultural Hiring Event; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Open Forum Event; HBCU Recruiting Hiring Virtual Event; Partnership with Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE); National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Events
  • DEI Monthly Newsletter
  • DEI Educational Information
  • Celebration of National Recognition Days
  • Heritage Month Celebrations, including Black History Month, Chinese New Year, Hispanic Heritage Month, Diwali Celebration, Asian American & Pacific Islander Month
  • Awareness Month Celebrations
  • Team Member and Public Figure Spotlights
  • Women’s Initiative Network (WIN)
  • Partnership with Clear Weave Careers
  • Pal Mentorship Program
  • Community Involvement

Led by employee volunteers, Employee Resource Groups provide support, offer mentoring opportunities and increase awareness of issues facing certain demographics and marginalized populations. They bring together employees at similar life stages or with shared experiences, identities, affinities and demographics, such as these:

  • Race
  • Ethnicity/Nationality
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Veterans
  • Shared Interest
  • Religion
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Caregivers
  • Professional Development

We are honored to have earned industry acknowledgment of our dedication to a diverse and inclusive workplace and corporate culture:

Firm Recognition

  • America’s Best Tax and Accounting Firms
    Forbes 2022
  • Top Accounting Employers to Work for in North America, Accounting 50 List
    Vault, seven consecutive years 2016-2022
  • Ranked #15 of Top 15 Accounting Firms
    Ranked #3 for Relationships with Supervisors
    Ranked #5 for Internal Mobility
    Vault, 2022
  • Honoree, Best Places to Work in Westchester
    Westchester Magazine, 2022
  • One of the Best Accounting Firms to Work For
    Accounting Today, 2021
  • Ranked #2, Best Internships for Racial, Ethnic and LGBTQ Diversity
    Ranked #23, Best Internships for Employment Prospects
    Vault, 2021
  • Ranked #13, Top Accounting Employers to Work for in North America, Accounting 50 List
    Vault, 2021
  • Ovation Award Winner, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    New Jersey Society of CPAs, 2021
  • Employer Award Winner
    Age Smart, 2018
  • Truphena Martin, Top Diversity Officer
    DEI Champion Awards, 2023   
  • Truphena Martin, Recipient, Diversity in Business Awards 
    Long Island Business News, 2023
  • Victor Peña, Recipient, Diversity in Business Awards
    Long Island Business News, 2022
  • Clare E. Cella, Notable Women in Accounting & Consulting
    Crain’s New York Business, 2021
  • Andrea Mattera, Top 50 Women in Business
    Long Island Business News, 2021
  • Leslie Brown, Emerging Leaders Award Winner
    Kathleen Mills, Emerging Leaders Award Winner
    NYSSCPA, 2021

LETTER FROM OUR CHAIRMAN


At PKF O’Connor Davies, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is not just an initiative – it is part of our everyday lives and interactions. It’s not a matter of political correctness or good marketing – it is the right thing to do, and it is imperative to our ongoing success and growth. As we continually seek to elevate and inspire our team members, clients and the communities we serve, a key measure of our success is the positive impact we have on our stakeholders and society.

Over the last several years, we have aligned our business goals with our diversity and inclusion goals. With careful consideration and a deep desire to be part of the change that our society so desperately needs, we set our goals, measure our progress, evolve and adjust our efforts along our journey.

As a Firm, we have always been deeply involved in our communities and philanthropy. We have always committed to taking the necessary steps to cultivate an environment in which all our team members feel valued, respected and have equal access to professional growth and development. We, however, concluded that we could do more. As a result, since 2017 we have taken the following measures to fulfill our commitment:

  • Established our first DEI Council
  • Formed our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN)
  • Developed an annual DEI calendar for internal and external activities and communiques to highlight and celebrate various causes, culturally diverse holidays and contributions to society by affinity and other groups
  • Expanded our educational efforts, providing harassment training, DEI firm-wide courses, including Unconscious Bias training for our team members
  • Hosted outside speakers to educate and provide additional insights on DEI-related topics
  • Increased our focus on campus recruiting across diverse candidate pools
  • Began celebrating Pride Month throughout our offices
  • Actively ensure diversity among our Governance groups to assure our leadership reflects the communities we serve
  • Sponsored and encouraged Partners and team members to volunteer time for social causes, including mentoring initiatives
  • Partnered with DEI Champion organizations to co-host webinars, like the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) webinar: “Challenges Faced by Organizations Led by People of Color”
  • Launched our annual ESG/Impact Assessment Survey to gain key insights into what is working and how we can promote greater diversity throughout our Firm
  • Encouraged our team members to exercise the option to include their preferred gender pronouns in their signature blocks
  • Appointed a DEI Manager

As a result of our endeavors, in 2018 we received the Age Smart Award and in 2021 we were ranked #2 by Vault for “Best Internships for Racial, Ethnic and LGBTQ Diversity.” We also received the 2021 Ovation Award in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category from the New Jersey Society of CPAs.

Our journey continues to gain momentum in 2022 and as we look at the road ahead, as a Firm we are committed to Do and Be Better. That is why I signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge joining more than 2,000 CEOs who have pledged to lend their individual and collective voices to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

We are committed to enhancing and expanding upon the initiatives we have adopted. We will continue to embrace and celebrate our differences in age, gender, race, social status, sexual orientation, political stance, religious beliefs, experiences and more. We believe that we are better because of those differences, not in spite of them. To reach our objectives, we have established a strategic roadmap for where we want to go, who we want to be and how we plan to get there.

As the world and society continue to change, we evolve while holding strong to our collective values of inclusivity. We understand that change does not take place overnight, but we are equipped and ready – and deeply dedicated to enhancing our efforts in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Ultimately, we are committed to being part of the solution to the problems we face as a society. At PKF O’Connor Davies, we believe there is room for everyone at the table and we want to hear those voices. We want our team members to feel like they belong, and their differences are embraced and celebrated.

This is what we stand for, this is who we are.

  • Kevin Keane - Executive Chairman
    Kevin J. Keane
    Executive Chairman

DEI LEADERSHIP

DEI IS IN OUR DNA

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At PKF O’Connor Davies, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words. They’re foundational to our daily actions and interactions, guide our teams and shape our culture and live in our DNA.


As a Firm, we continuously strive to forge an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. We know first-hand that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better results and greater value for clients.

There’s no doubt that when people feel respected, and included, they are more focused, innovative and successful – in work and in life. That’s an essential priority for us as we develop a culture that transcends our workplace. As we cultivate leaders not just in business but in our communities. As we make a difference for our clients and for our world.

Driving social change from the inside out is a compelling opportunity to which we are deeply committed for the long term. You can see it and feel it in the places we work and the people with whom we work. Because when it comes to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), it’s not just what we say. It’s how we live. It’s who we are. DEI is truly in our DNA.

It’s our responsibility as business leaders to promote principles and model action that strengthen the values the world needs: character, integrity, dignity and respect, chief among them."
Kevin J. Keane Executive Chairman
CEO Action for DEI
Our Firm is a signatory in the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace, CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™.

DEI MISSION AND INITIATIVES

Our DEI Mission Statement

PKF O’Connor Davies’ mission is to serve clients at a higher level – going beyond passive value protection to active value creation – so that our clients Know Greater Value. We believe that to achieve this, it’s essential to cultivate an environment of belonging and collaboration that embraces and maximizes the diverse backgrounds, experiences and unique nature of our workforce in order to serve our clients and communities most effectively.

To this end, the purpose of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council is to advance the Firm’s mission and commitment by developing and promoting initiatives and activities that foster an inclusive and equitable workplace and embrace our team members’ many perspectives. Our focus is on taking the steps necessary to ensure that all team members have a sense of belonging by feeling represented, respected and, ultimately, given the opportunities to advance in their careers. We are committed to evolving and galvanizing our purpose so that it continues to support our team members, clients and communities on an ongoing basis. In this way, all of our stakeholders will Know Greater Commitment.

DEI Council Members

Our internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council continually works to define and refine relevant goals, organizational frameworks, employee education, new resources and tools to realize a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

  • Raymond Jones, Sr.  - Partner
    Raymond Jones, Sr.
    Partner
  • Andrea Mattera - Partner
    Andrea Mattera
    Partner
  • Yahaira Mendez - Partner
    Yahaira Mendez
    Partner

To foster an inclusive, safe and productive workplace, we’ve launched a variety of vital initiatives that help develop knowledge and skills, reveal and eliminate bias, promote career advancement, celebrate diverse voices and perspectives. These initiatives include, among others:

  • Diversity Training
  • Unconscious Bias Training
  • Harassment Training
  • Campus Recruiting, including Participation in Equity; Inclusion Multicultural Hiring Event; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Open Forum Event; HBCU Recruiting Hiring Virtual Event; Partnership with Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE); National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Events
  • DEI Monthly Newsletter
  • DEI Educational Information
  • Celebration of National Recognition Days
  • Heritage Month Celebrations, including Black History Month, Chinese New Year, Hispanic Heritage Month, Diwali Celebration, Asian American & Pacific Islander Month
  • Awareness Month Celebrations
  • Team Member and Public Figure Spotlights
  • Women’s Initiative Network (WIN)
  • Partnership with Clear Weave Careers
  • Pal Mentorship Program
  • Community Involvement

Led by employee volunteers, Employee Resource Groups provide support, offer mentoring opportunities and increase awareness of issues facing certain demographics and marginalized populations. They bring together employees at similar life stages or with shared experiences, identities, affinities and demographics, such as these:

  • Race
  • Ethnicity/Nationality
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Veterans
  • Shared Interest
  • Religion
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Caregivers
  • Professional Development

We are honored to have earned industry acknowledgment of our dedication to a diverse and inclusive workplace and corporate culture:

Firm Recognition

  • America’s Best Tax and Accounting Firms
    Forbes 2022
  • Top Accounting Employers to Work for in North America, Accounting 50 List
    Vault, seven consecutive years 2016-2022
  • Ranked #15 of Top 15 Accounting Firms
    Ranked #3 for Relationships with Supervisors
    Ranked #5 for Internal Mobility
    Vault, 2022
  • Honoree, Best Places to Work in Westchester
    Westchester Magazine, 2022
  • One of the Best Accounting Firms to Work For
    Accounting Today, 2021
  • Ranked #2, Best Internships for Racial, Ethnic and LGBTQ Diversity
    Ranked #23, Best Internships for Employment Prospects
    Vault, 2021
  • Ranked #13, Top Accounting Employers to Work for in North America, Accounting 50 List
    Vault, 2021
  • Ovation Award Winner, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    New Jersey Society of CPAs, 2021
  • Employer Award Winner
    Age Smart, 2018
  • Truphena Martin, Top Diversity Officer
    DEI Champion Awards, 2023   
  • Truphena Martin, Recipient, Diversity in Business Awards 
    Long Island Business News, 2023
  • Victor Peña, Recipient, Diversity in Business Awards
    Long Island Business News, 2022
  • Clare E. Cella, Notable Women in Accounting & Consulting
    Crain’s New York Business, 2021
  • Andrea Mattera, Top 50 Women in Business
    Long Island Business News, 2021
  • Leslie Brown, Emerging Leaders Award Winner
    Kathleen Mills, Emerging Leaders Award Winner
    NYSSCPA, 2021

LETTER FROM OUR CHAIRMAN


At PKF O’Connor Davies, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is not just an initiative – it is part of our everyday lives and interactions. It’s not a matter of political correctness or good marketing – it is the right thing to do, and it is imperative to our ongoing success and growth. As we continually seek to elevate and inspire our team members, clients and the communities we serve, a key measure of our success is the positive impact we have on our stakeholders and society.

Over the last several years, we have aligned our business goals with our diversity and inclusion goals. With careful consideration and a deep desire to be part of the change that our society so desperately needs, we set our goals, measure our progress, evolve and adjust our efforts along our journey.

As a Firm, we have always been deeply involved in our communities and philanthropy. We have always committed to taking the necessary steps to cultivate an environment in which all our team members feel valued, respected and have equal access to professional growth and development. We, however, concluded that we could do more. As a result, since 2017 we have taken the following measures to fulfill our commitment:

  • Established our first DEI Council
  • Formed our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN)
  • Developed an annual DEI calendar for internal and external activities and communiques to highlight and celebrate various causes, culturally diverse holidays and contributions to society by affinity and other groups
  • Expanded our educational efforts, providing harassment training, DEI firm-wide courses, including Unconscious Bias training for our team members
  • Hosted outside speakers to educate and provide additional insights on DEI-related topics
  • Increased our focus on campus recruiting across diverse candidate pools
  • Began celebrating Pride Month throughout our offices
  • Actively ensure diversity among our Governance groups to assure our leadership reflects the communities we serve
  • Sponsored and encouraged Partners and team members to volunteer time for social causes, including mentoring initiatives
  • Partnered with DEI Champion organizations to co-host webinars, like the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) webinar: “Challenges Faced by Organizations Led by People of Color”
  • Launched our annual ESG/Impact Assessment Survey to gain key insights into what is working and how we can promote greater diversity throughout our Firm
  • Encouraged our team members to exercise the option to include their preferred gender pronouns in their signature blocks
  • Appointed a DEI Manager

As a result of our endeavors, in 2018 we received the Age Smart Award and in 2021 we were ranked #2 by Vault for “Best Internships for Racial, Ethnic and LGBTQ Diversity.” We also received the 2021 Ovation Award in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category from the New Jersey Society of CPAs.

Our journey continues to gain momentum in 2022 and as we look at the road ahead, as a Firm we are committed to Do and Be Better. That is why I signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge joining more than 2,000 CEOs who have pledged to lend their individual and collective voices to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

We are committed to enhancing and expanding upon the initiatives we have adopted. We will continue to embrace and celebrate our differences in age, gender, race, social status, sexual orientation, political stance, religious beliefs, experiences and more. We believe that we are better because of those differences, not in spite of them. To reach our objectives, we have established a strategic roadmap for where we want to go, who we want to be and how we plan to get there.

As the world and society continue to change, we evolve while holding strong to our collective values of inclusivity. We understand that change does not take place overnight, but we are equipped and ready – and deeply dedicated to enhancing our efforts in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Ultimately, we are committed to being part of the solution to the problems we face as a society. At PKF O’Connor Davies, we believe there is room for everyone at the table and we want to hear those voices. We want our team members to feel like they belong, and their differences are embraced and celebrated.

This is what we stand for, this is who we are.

  • Kevin Keane - Executive Chairman
    Kevin J. Keane
    Executive Chairman