Major New York Accounting Firm Expands to Brickell, Citing Increase in South Florida Client Needs

“Miami is so well-known for its diverse population, exciting attractions and beautiful beaches. But just as impressive is the flourishing business community the city has created."

A major New York advisory, assurance and tax firm has a new Miami office—a move it said was necessary to meet an increase in client demand.

CohnReznick is among the largest firms of its kind in the U.S. and has significant real estate practices.

Its expansion is a drop in the ocean of companies and law firms increasingly looking to create or expand their presence in booming South Florida, which is fast becoming a tech and finance hub.

“Miami is so well-known for its diverse population, exciting attractions and beautiful beaches. But just as impressive is the flourishing business community the city has created,” said CPA Mike Micholas, who’ll manage the office. “I’m honored to lead our Miami office and to help add a new chapter to our firm’s growth strategy.”

The firm has leased more than 4,100 square feet in suite 1450 at 1221 Brickell Ave., in Miami’s financial district.

The new Miami team focuses on commercial real estate and financial services, specializing in transactions, turnarounds and private client services. Its real estate practice serves owners, operators, real estate funds, investors, asset services and corporate clients. The office also has expertise in technology, health care, life sciences, hospitality and government agencies.

The move is about keeping up with South Florida’s growth, according to CohnReznick’s CEO David Kessler.

“Miami is an excellent centralized hub for us to not only connect with many existing clients, but to serve the market more comprehensively and link with other professional service providers, such as law firms, with whom we collaborate to serve our clients,” Kessler said.

Kessler said the firm is looking for experienced talent and recent graduates.

“CohnReznick has been serving Florida businesses in many different industries for years,” Kessler said. “While the Miami team specializes in several areas, I would call out our strong interdisciplinary expertise in transactions and turnarounds. We see an opportunity to serve companies across South Florida with transaction advisory and restructuring services that support the full life cycle of a business.”

CohnReznick’s national broker, Gregg Metcalf of JLL’s Atlanta office, and Miami-based broker Adam Talbot of Cresa secured the space.

The Class A office building overlooks views of the Miami skyline and includes a daycare center, fitness center, café and outdoor terrace.

Office manager Micholas will be flanked by Emily Butler, Bill Pidgeon, Steve Kreinik, David Weinstein, Elena Mervine, Vivian Lara and Jaime Angarita. Micholas was previously based in Bethesda, Maryland, where he was managing partner for the Mid-Atlantic region.