Leadership Team
Muhammad Akram, CPA
Founder & CEO
Meet Muhammad
Muhammad is a Certified Public Accountant in the states of California (License # 114908), New York (License # 122344), North Carolina (License # 37968), and Florida (License # AC62526) and leads the Firm’s overall practice.
Before founding his own Firm, Muhammad worked with Big 4 and National CPA Firms. His areas of focus included audit, tax and consulting engagements for onshore and offshore alternative investment funds.
Because of his passion for Alternative Investments, Muhammad founded Akram | Assurance, Advisory & Tax as a boutique firm specializing in providing the highest quality service to this niche industry. Muhammad has worked with hedge fund and mutual fund administrators, and he has supervised all aspects of fund accounting and financial reporting assignments.
Muhammad has also advised investment companies on structuring and compliance processes as well as consulted on regulatory and tax matters. Muhammad is instrumental in the firm's marketing and business development activities and frequently speaks at industry events and conferences.
When Muhammad is out of the office, he likes to play basketball with his son, play golf, and travel across the globe with his wife and kids.
Education
Bachelor of Accounting, SKANS School of Accountancy
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- North Carolina Society of Certified Public Accountants
Ghias Khan, CPA
Member Audit
Meet Ghias
Ghias is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of New York (License # 077913) and leads the Firm’s financial practice. Ghias earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in Accounting from the State University of New York. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He has worked with regional and local CPA Firms on audit, review, compilation, tax and consulting engagements for non-public companies in various sectors including financial services, construction, non clearing broker dealers, custody audits for investment advisors, in addition to employee benefit plans, manufacturing and not for profit entities. Ghias is also integrally involved with developing enhancements and processes to service client requirements and procedures for operational efficiencies. He is responsible for quality control functions in our Firm and reviews every audit job subject to peer review.
Alex Cummings
Leader Tax- Alt Investments
Meet Alex
Alex has over 25 years in the alternative investment industry.Alex's primary experience includes consultations with professionals regarding tax consequences of investments in financial products, review of formation documents, advantageous fund and manager entity structures, appropriate tax elections and tax planning opportunities as well as review of U.S., State and Local
partnership and corporation tax returns, withholding returns, and employee benefit plan returns. Alex is experienced in a variety of issues that pose challenges to principals and investors in the alternative investment industry.
Alex graduated from the University of Baltimore with a B.S.in accounting. He has been a presenter for Financial Research Associates, LLC's Hedge Fund tax conferences, CPE Inc's Advanced Tax Issues for Hedge Funds course, and Arthur Bell's Annual Industry Update.
Thom Stranger, CPA
Member Audit & Family Office
Meet Thom
Thom Stranger is a certified Public Accountant joins Akram as a Member Audit & Family office. With over 25 years of comprehensive experience in public and private accounting, Thom is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in diverse sectors including alternative investments, insurance, and real estate.
Thom excels in leading and guiding teams to deliver outstanding audit and assurance services, emphasizing high-quality standards and strategic direction. His extensive expertise positions him as a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex financial landscapes, helping them achieve their goals with confidence.
A strong proponent of innovation and best practices in accounting, Thom is dedicated to fostering relationships built on trust and transparency. His keen financial insight and ability to identify opportunities make him an invaluable asset to our firm and clients. Thom holds a Master of Science in Business Finance from the University of Baltimore. At Akram, Thom’s passion for excellence and commitment to client success will drive our mission forward.
Marketing & Business Development Team
Anna Miller
Strategic Growth Advisor
Meet Anna
Anna Miller has recently partnered with Akram & Associates to support strategic growth initiatives — including business development, proposal strategy, and client engagement. She’s focused on improving our client experience, driving internal operational efficiencies, as well as leading parts of our outreach and onboarding process. Anna has an MBA from University of Chicago and brings over 25 years of deep experience in business development and client engagement from previous Digital, Marketing and Technology leadership roles. Anna has three kids and enjoys spending time traveling with her family and enjoying outdoor activities and sports.
Daniyal Ghaffar
Design Lead
Meet Daniyal
With over 8 years of immersive experience in the creative industry, Daniyal honed a versatile skill set across graphic design and illustration. He is NCA (National College of Arts Lahore) graduate with a Master’s in Multimedia Arts. He specializes in visual storytelling and brand aesthetics, and helping Akram in elevating brand digital identity.
Audit Team
Dawood, ACA
Senior Manager Audit
Meet Dawood
Muhammad Dawood is a qualified Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) with over 6 years of experience in diverse industries including financial services. He stands ready to leverage his extensive financial expertise and experiences to drive our firm’s success to new heights.
Hamza Zahid, ACA
Manager Audit
Meet Hamza
Hamza Zahid is a seasoned Charted Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) with solid audit and assurance experience. His role primarily involves conducting financial audits, delving deep into financial records and ensuring meticulous adherence to alternative investments industry standards and regulatory guidelines
Saad Bukhari
Act. Deputy Manager Audit
Meet Saad
Saad Bukhari is an accomplished Assistant Manager in Audit, bringing a wealth of expertise in accounting and finance to the team. He holds a Certificate in Accounting and Finance from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan. His key skills include team management, problem-solving, and a deep command of key accounting and audit areas.
Shais Rasool
Act. Deputy Manager Audit
Meet Shais
Shais Rasool serves as a deputy manager in the audit department at Akram, with vast experience in providing audit services to clients in the alternative investments, specifically hedge funds, funds of funds, and REITs. He holds a Certificate in Accounting and Finance from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan. With over 5 years of experience in the auditing sector, Shais has worked with regional and national accounting firms.
Muhammad Zain
Act. Deputy Manager Audit
Meet Zain
Muhammad Zain is a qualified Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and CFA Level I certification. He has also completed Financial Modeling training from the CFA Institute. With over 5 years of experience in audit and assurance, he brings strong expertise in financial reporting, analysis, and compliance. He stands ready to leverage his diverse skills and professional background to drive our firm’s success to new heights.
Abdul Haseeb
Act. Deputy Manager Audit
Meet Abdul Haseeb
Abdul Haseeb is an experienced Assistant Audit Manager specializing in the audit of digital asset (crypto) funds. A Chartered Accountant finalist with over five years of diverse experience, he brings a strong foundation in financial analysis and risk assessment to every engagement. He is a top performer, demonstrating dedication, precision, and leadership throughout his professional journey.
Umer Javaid
Act. Deputy Manager Audit
Meet Umer
Muhammad Umer Javaid is an experienced audit professional with a strong focus on investment funds, including private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, and crypto assets. Currently serving as an Assistant Manager, Umer is adept at delivering comprehensive audit reports, performing NAV calculations, fund valuations, and ensuring compliance with US GAAP and GAAS standards. Beyond investment funds, Umer has a deep understanding of IFRS and IAS compliance. Building on a robust foundation in IFRS and ISAs, Umer has developed a specialization in navigating the complexities of the US financial reporting framework, delivering accuracy and value to every engagement.
Zohaib Akram
Assistant Manager Audit
Meet Zohaib
Zohaib is certified in Accounting and Finance from Institute of Chartered Accountant's of Pakistan. He has completed his 3.5 years, Chartered Accountancy training with RSM Pakistan, a member firm of RSM International. Currently, He is working as Assistant Manager Audit in Akram & Associates PLLC and also pursuing his ACCA qualification.
Tax Team
Hao Tang, CPA
Tax Senior
Meet Hao
Hao is a seasoned professional, has passed CPA Exam and providing a robust foundation for work. He is sharp and motivated guy and playing a pivotal role in driving financial success across various professional capacities.
Anwar Zeb
Supervisor Tax
Meet Anwar
Anwar brings a rich and diverse background to the table, with a solid foundation of multiple years’ experience in ERP as a Functional Consultant. He is working as a Senior Tax Associate with Akram and aims to continue to leverage his expertise, ensuring compliance and delivering strategic tax solutions. His focus on job reflects a commitment to continuous growth and adaptability across various domains within the business landscape
Amir Sohail
Supervisor Tax
Meet Amir
Amir Sohail is an Associated Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA), graduated from Skans School of Accountancy. He is talented and hardworking guy has 1 good year experience in US taxation. he is working in Akram as a tax associate.
Waleed Arshad
Assistant Manager Tax
Meet Waleed
Waleed Arshad is a CA finalist and a dedicated finance professional with over four years of experience in auditing, accounting, and taxation. Known for his strong analytical skills and proficient problem-solving abilities, he thrives on tackling challenging tasks and delivering results under tight deadlines. Waleed's diversified experience in audit and taxation and attention to detail make him an asset. He is also pursuing ACCA qualification.
Family Office Team
Ibrahim Wali
Family Office Staff
Meet Ibrahim
Ibrahim is an experienced accounting professional with a strong background in family office services, private equity, venture capital, and fund accounting. Skilled in financial reporting, year-end accounting, investment tracking, and performance analysis for high-net-worth individuals and investment entities. Proven expertise in managing diverse investment structures, overseeing fund operations, and delivering accurate, investor-focused financial insights.
Hassan Mahmood, ACCA
Assistant Manager
Meet Hassan
He is an experienced audit professional with a strong foundation in alternative investments, He specialize in crypto audits, private equity, and hedge fund audits. Over the years, he has built expertise in Family office and fund administration, including striking NAVs for clients and leading the fund administration department.
Huzafa Hassan
Senior Fund Associate
Meet Huzafa
Huzafa is a fund accounting professional with experience in NAV calculation, financial reporting, and audit preparation for investment funds. Skilled in supporting fund operations, handling investor records, and ensuring accurate accounting for complex portfolios
HR, Admin & IT
Muneeba Atta
Chief People Officer
Meet Muneeba
Muneeba has earned a Masters degree in English Literature from University of Punjab, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, and A+ Certified Computer Service Technician from Anne Arundel Community College, Maryland. She is responsible for generating performance reports, profitability, and revenue trends in addition to verifying the accuracy of accounting records / documents and maintain financial and business transaction documentation.
Ana D'Occhio
HR Manager
Meet Ana
Ana D'Occhio is the HR Manager with the firm. She is a graduate of Rutgers University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Nursing. She brings recent experience as a Senior Care partner, focusing on customer and partner satisfaction.
When not at work Ana enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with family.
Tania Mahboob
Office Manager
Meet Tania
Tania Mahboob is a Office Manager with Akram. She earned her Honors Bachelor's degree in Finance from University of the Punjab, Pakistan. She has more than seven years experience in the customer relations department of a large commercial bank and other commercial organizations.
Zainab Bajwa
Business Intelligence Analyst
Meet Zainab
Zainab is Akram's Business Intelligence Analyst. She has done MIT from University of the Punjab(Pak) and Microsoft Certified Azure(Fundamentals) Expert. She is responsible for managing company Database, Website and troubleshooting Company Server Networks along with Security Implementation.
Zainab has four kids and enjoys spending time with her family.
Best Accounting & Audit Firm | Start-up & Emerging Funds
Akram is a winner in the Hedgeweek Americas Awards for consecutive 3 years 2021, 2022, and 2023
We have been voted “Best Accounting Firm for Start-up & Emerging Funds" by Hedge Week.
Akram is a winner of “Best Audit Firm" by Private Equity Wire US Emerging Managers Awards 2024.
Contact Us for Investment Fund Accounting Solutions
We understand that clients in the Alternative Investments arena are extremely prudent. At Akram, we provide high-end, tailored fund accounting services with careful planning and an unmatched responsiveness that only a boutique accounting firm like ours can deliver. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized assurance, advisory, and tax services for hedge funds, commodity trading advisors, private equity and venture capital funds, digital asset funds, insurance dedicated funds, real estate funds, day traders, investors, family offices, and high net worth individuals.