Spotlight On: Thiru Govender, Assurance Practice Leader for Central Florida & US India Desk Leader, BDO USA
March 2025 — Invest: spoke with Thiru Govender, assurance practice leader for Central Florida and U.S. India Desk Leader at BDO, regarding the company’s growth in Tampa Bay, highlighting its strong performance, focus on sectors like technology and healthcare, and efforts to address the decline in accounting graduates.
What were the main highlights and key milestones for BDO in the Tampa Bay area over the past year?
In 2024, we experienced strong growth in the Tampa Bay area, a reflection of the region’s rapid expansion and increasing appeal as a hub for innovation and business development. As more companies relocate or establish a presence in this market, we remain committed to supporting their success and contributing to the area’s evolving business landscape.
Our growth has mirrored the region’s broader economic expansion, particularly in key sectors like technology, healthcare, and manufacturing and distribution. As Tampa diversifies and innovates, we’ve seen increasing opportunities to serve businesses that are shaping the area’s future.
2025 also marks the 10-year anniversary of BDO’s presence in Tampa, a milestone that reflects the incredible growth and success of our office over the past decade. When we first opened in Tampa, our team consisted of just 10 professionals. Today, we are proud to have grown to a team of over 100 talented professionals, providing top-tier services to our clients across a variety of industries. Celebrating this decade of growth, we look forward to building on our momentum, deepening our impact, and continuing to grow alongside the vibrant business community we proudly serve.
What factors make Tampa Bay an ideal location for BDO, especially compared to other markets where you are present?
As a global organization with a presence in over 160 countries, BDO thrives in markets with strong international connections. Tampa Bay is an important part of our U.S. presence. With more than 60% of Tampa’s businesses having a multinational impact, the region’s expanding global presence aligns with BDO’s growth and strategic focus.
Our Tampa team reflects this international outlook, bringing together professionals from South Africa, the UK, South America, and beyond, creating a true melting pot of talent. This diversity mirrors the broader transformation of Tampa Bay, where an influx of multinational companies is fueling economic expansion. As the region continues to grow, we are well-positioned to support businesses in establishing and scaling their operations, helping them navigate an increasingly global economy.
In which services or specialties have you seen the most demand in Tampa Bay?
In Tampa Bay, demand has been especially strong in key sectors like technology, healthcare, and manufacturing and distribution. The region’s growing reputation as a technology hub has attracted significant private equity investment, creating opportunities for companies to pursue strategic transactions and exits. Additionally, the ongoing development along the I-4 corridor has fueled the rise of manufacturing and distribution by expanding warehouse and logistics infrastructure and creating jobs that support a growing workforce, further driving economic momentum in the area.
What market trends or dynamics within the accounting and consulting landscape would you highlight?
One of the most significant trends affecting the industry is the nationwide decline in accounting graduates, which has created challenges across the profession. We believe, however, that the accounting field offers tremendous opportunities for today’s graduates seeking an exciting and rewarding career path. At BDO, we’ve taken steps to make the profession even more attractive. In 2023, we became the first large accounting and advisory organization to establish an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Our ESOP positions us as an employer of choice and supports our recruitment of top talent while fostering a culture of shared success.
How is BDO promoting workforce development initiatives to create and retain a competitive talent pool for the accounting sector?
In 2023, BDO established an ESOP, a move that has greatly strengthened our ability to recruit and retain top talent. By fostering an ownership mindset, the ESOP encourages long-term growth, prosperity, and success, aligning with our commitment to building a people-first culture.
In addition, our Tampa Bay office is expanding its training programs to include more in-person components, providing employees with valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and development. While we continue to support flexible work arrangements, these in-person training sessions are designed to support professional growth and skill development for those who thrive in a more interactive learning environment. This approach enables us to cater to diverse preferences while maintaining a competitive talent pool.
Are there any emerging technologies, such as AI, that BDO is using or adapting to meet market needs?
BDO has made significant investments in technology over the past few years to stay ahead of the changing industry environment and meet the increasing demands of the market. One key initiative is BDO Advantage, our digital audit suite designed to enhance the client experience and drive audit quality. BDO Advantage incorporates a variety of tools, including AI, to streamline the audit process, increase efficiency, and provide more reliable, data-driven insights.
In addition, we have also embraced innovative technologies like Chat BDO, our internal generative AI platform, which is a safe and secure version of ChatGPT tailored specifically for our use. In early 2023, we collaborated with our trusted strategic partner, Microsoft, to build Chat BDO. One example within Chat BDO is that professionals can access “personas,” or highly customized virtual assistants, programmed on BDO-specific topics and processes. For example, we created a persona for the BDO USA Audit Manual that our professionals can query to find the answers they need in a fraction of the time. Chat BDO now has over 8,000 active users per month and has helped our professionals save more than 400,000 hours of time.
What broader opportunities for growth or investment do you see in your sector over the next two to three years?
The Tampa area presents significant opportunities for growth and investment in the coming years. While we’ve already seen substantial growth, there is still ample potential for further development. Although many regions are facing challenges like fluctuations in housing markets or rising costs, Tampa remains insulated from some of these pressures. While housing prices have risen, they are still more affordable compared to other major markets, making the region an attractive option for both businesses and talent. This affordability will continue to draw people and companies to the area in the years ahead.
I also think Tampa is somewhat of a hidden gem on the international stage. As awareness of the area’s potential continues to grow, we expect more international companies to consider expanding here, further solidifying Tampa Bay’s reputation as a prime location for business and investment. The combination of affordability, talent attraction, and increasing global recognition positions Tampa for continued success and expansion in the coming years.
What are your expectations for the next five years in the region?
In the next five years, we expect to see Tampa place a stronger emphasis on international growth, particularly through increased business investment. As more global companies recognize the region’s strategic advantages, we anticipate a rise in foreign direct investment.
Tampa’s affordability, its growing reputation as a hub for innovation, and its favorable business environment make it an attractive option for international businesses. By focusing on attracting global companies, Tampa can differentiate itself from competing cities and establish itself as a key player in the global market.
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