EXPERIENCE

Aaron Chaitovsky is the founder and practice co-leader of the firm’s Franchising Industry Practice, focusing on audit and accounting, business consulting, and advisory services for franchisors and multi-unit franchisees. He is also a member of Citrin Cooperman’s Audit and Attest Committee and is a past member of the firm’s Executive Committee.

Aaron has more than 40 years of experience in accounting and auditing and focuses his practice on several key niches including franchising, retail, manufacturing, restaurants, and professional service firms. His work with franchisors includes audits of financial statements, implementation and compliance with revenue recognition in regard to ASC 606, accounting standards, international tax structuring, expansion consulting, due diligence and acquisitions services, the structuring of royalty audit programs and advertising funds, and succession planning. Over the past 40 years Aaron has advised clients in diverse industries including, restaurants and hospitality, healthcare, fitness, early childhood, recreational, professional services, therapeutic services, automotive, education, and child care. Aaron works with franchisors operating internationally in as many as 120 different countries and some of the largest quick service restaurants (QSRs) in the world, both domestically and internationally. Aaron has a particular passion for working and advising emerging franchisors as they plan out and prepare for growth trajectory.

Aaron is actively involved in the IFA and currently holds positions as a past member of the IFA Board of Directors and IFA Executive Committee, the IFA Budget and Finance Committee, and currently, as a member of the IFA Membership Committee Task Force. He also serves as past chair of the IFA’s Supplier Forum Advisory Board Executive Committee and as a member of the IFA’s Task Force for franchising in the social sector. Aaron’s commitment to the franchise industry is demonstrated additionally by his continued support of the IFA’s FranPAC and by his involvement in a special task force organized by the IFA in dealing with defining and adopting accounting standards specific to franchising in conjunction with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Aaron is a frequent author, lecturer, and instructor on various franchise topics.

Aaron is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the International Franchise Association. He is a Certified Franchise Executive and a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York.