Crowe Horwath: A business companion you always needed

Originally from Calicut in Kerala, James Mathew is one of the most eminent Chartered Accountants in Dubai. He is the Group CEO of Horwath Mak in the UAE and Oman and also serves on the International Board of Crowe Horwath.
Incorporated in 1981, Horwath Mak is a force to reckon within the professional services sector in the UAE. From a humble beginning as an audit firm, its Founder and Managing Partner Dr. Khalid Maniar turned it into a conglomerate spread across the region on the foundation of strong professional and work ethics. The Firm became a part of Crowe Horwath International network in 2008. They don the role of business advisors and provide seamless services across myriad sectors and industries.
Over the last 36 years, the Firm has established a strong network across the emirates with offices located in Dubai, DIFC, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone, Abu Dhabi, Dubai Multi Commodity Centre and Oman in the Middle East region. The company's canopy of services includes Statutory Audit, Internal Audit, Company Formation, Business Advisory, Feasibility Studies, Due Diligence, Valuations, Corporate Restructuring, Risk Management and Tax Advisory. Horwath Mak UAE is licensed by the Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai.
Horwath Mak has a staff strength of over 250, which includes Chartered Accountants and Professional Consultants from various domains including VAT advisory, Corporate Finance, Company Incorporation and Technology. Approximately 2,500 clients belonging to various spheres and industries across the region avail the audit and advisory services of Horwath Mak. The International Accounting Bulletin positions Crowe Horwath International as the eighth largest global network of independent audit and advisory services firms in the world.
As one of the largest global professional service organisations, Crowe Horwath has 216 independent Member Firms and Business Associates operating from 764 offices around the world. Its 35,327 partners and staff in 130 countries are committed to quality service in order to increase the profitability and competitiveness of their clients.
In the present scenario, businesses operate in a dynamic environment where exposure to international practices and knowledge is as vital as local working experience. With this belief, Horwath Mak is a unique amalgamation of international exposure and local expertise that delivers cutting-edge solutions and advisory to our clients.
Leading the way ahead is James Mathew with his prolific career spanning 25 years in Dubai. It is his understanding of the intricacies of the present business environment, international scenario and stature in the business circles that makes him one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Middle East region. He adorns various portfolios and key positions in important organisations such as Administrative Board Member - Incumbent (Year 2017-19) and past Secretary General (Year 2015-17) of Indian Business and Professional Council, Dubai; Elected Chairman of Dubai Chapter - Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). During his tenure, Dubai Chapter was adjudged "The Best Overseas Chapter" of ICAI - 2013.
Mathew is a Fellow Charted Accountant (FCA) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from Denver, Colorado, U.S. He moved to Dubai in the year 1992 and started working as a Senior Auditor where he practised for four years. In 1996, Mathew joined the team of Horwath Mak as a Partner and grew to the helm of affairs by becoming the Group CEO of its UAE and Oman operations. He has helped more than 1,000 clients establish and operate their enterprises successfully for more than two decades.
He was shortlisted as one among the 'Super 100' Business Leaders in the Middle East and Africa region. He was awarded the 'Leadership Excellence' award by the World Malayalee Council in 2015, and was conferred with the 2017 Brand Ambassador Award at the 9th Annual Leadership and Management Congress Week by Alleem Foundation, UAE. He is an active contributor to the UAE's diverse business and professional community through participation in various social and cultural forums and organisations. Adding a new frontier to his professional career, Mathew was elected to the International Board of Crowe Horwath recently. The elections were held in Chicago on October 31, 2017, wherein 290 delegates from around 100 countries participated. Being elected to the Global Board of 8th largest audit and accounting network in the world is a testimony of his untiring hard work, thought leadership and sheer professional excellence.