In 2002, a group of former Arthur Andersen partners led by Mark L. Vorsatz and Joe Toce founded what would become one of the United States’ most respected independent tax firms. Their shared vision was to build a firm focused on tax advisory excellence, with a culture rooted in service, integrity, and client-first thinking. This idea, born in the wake of a major accounting firm’s collapse, has grown into Andersen Tax LLC, a successful business that now serves clients around the world.
Origins: Turning a Challenge into Opportunity
The early 2000s were a turbulent time in the professional services world. Arthur Andersen, once a top global accounting firm, had dissolved after losing key clients and facing legal troubles following the Enron scandal. Many talented tax professionals who had worked at Arthur Andersen found themselves at a crossroads. Rather than joining the remaining Big Four firms, a group of 23 partners, including Mark Vorsatz and Joe Toc,e chose to build something new.
In July 2002, they came together under a new entity called Wealth & Tax Advisory Services (WTAS). This firm was created under the umbrella of HSBC USA, Inc., with the mission of helping high-net-worth individuals and companies navigate the increasingly complex world of taxes. Rather than growing large through debt or leverage, WTAS focused on a model where partners would work directly with clients, valuing long-term relationships and deep expertise.
The Founders: Leaders with Experience and Purpose
Mark L. Vorsatz, Andersen’s CEO and global chairman, brought more than three decades of tax experience to the new firm. Before founding WTAS, he was a partner at Arthur Andersen from 1987 to 2002, where he led the Private Client Services Group and focused on estate planning and tax strategies for wealthy families. He holds degrees in economics and law and has lectured widely on tax subjects.
Although there is less public biographical detail available about Joe Toce in major published sources, his leadership role alongside Mark Vorsatz in the early stages of WTAS was critical. Together, they helped shape a firm culture that valued expertise and integrity. According to historical accounts, the founding partners shared a deep belief in client-centered service and wanted to build a different kind of professional fir,m one that balanced high-end knowledge with personal care.
Rebranding and Growth: The Andersen Name Returns
WTAS grew steadily in its first decade. By 2012, the firm employed hundreds of professionals in multiple U.S. cities, serving a wide range of individual and business clients. The firm’s solid reputation and emphasis on personalized service distinguished it in a field dominated by much larger organizations.
In 2014, WTAS made a bold and strategic decision. The partners acquired the rights to the historic Andersen name and renamed the company Andersen Tax LLC. This was more than a brand change. As Mark Vorsatz explained at the time, the move reflected the firm’s culture and values: client service, stewardship, transparency, and quality. The Andersen name carried strong recognition in the industry, and the partners believed it best represented their long-term vision.
Since adopting the Andersen name, the firm continued its expansion. It broadened its service offerings beyond tax compliance to include valuation, financial advisory, and consulting services. In 2019, the firm shortened its name simply to Andersen, reflecting its full range of capabilities.
Building a Global Presence
While Andersen started as a U.S. tax advisory firm, its ambitions were always global. In 2013, the U.S. firm founded Andersen Global, an association of independent member firms offering tax and legal services worldwide. Through this network, Andersen has grown rapidly, with member and collaborating firms now spanning more than 170 countries and employing thousands of professionals.
The global expansion has not only increased Andersen’s geographic reach but also strengthened its expertise across different regulatory environments. Partner firms in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia allow Andersen to support clients with multinational operations and complex cross-border challenges.
Vision and Leadership: Quotes from the Top
Mark Vorsatz has consistently emphasized Andersen’s client-centered philosophy and long-term goals. In a company interview, he described the firm’s culture as similar to a family business, saying that the organization is driven by stewardship and a desire to build something meaningful for future generations.
In earlier media comments, Vorsatz also addressed the use of the Andersen name and its relevance. Speaking on the Andersen Tax LLC’s positioning in the market, he said that many clients were looking for a strong alternative to the “Big Four” firms, an organization that combined deep expertise with independence and trust.
A Strong Future Impact
Today, Andersen Tax LLC stands as one of the most influential independent tax advisory and professional services firms in the United States. Its growth from a small group of former Arthur Andersen partners to a global network reflects a journey of resilience, innovation, and a firm commitment to clients. Andersen’s influence continues to expand as it enters new markets, offers more services, and helps clients navigate increasingly complex tax and legal landscapes.
In an industry where trust and expertise are essential, Andersen Tax LLC’s story is one of transformation and long-term vision, an example of how strong leadership and shared values can build a firm that matters both in the U.S. and around the world.
