R S N & Associates

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work with R S N & Associates in a personal capacity, but in my professional life, I'm the director of projects for a global software services company. We provide software-related services in industries such as banking, financial services, manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals. The company is based in the US, but I work and live in India. As a part of my compensation, I participate in an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with R S N & Associates?

They assist me with my personal tax filing needs.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

My main point of contact with them is also a legal consultant, so they provide me with tax filing services and legal consultation. In fact, over the duration of our engagement, there have been two or three occasions where there have been discrepancies in tax law interpretation, so their legal knowledge has been helpful.

What is the team composition?

I have always been in contact with Raghavachari (Managing Partner).

How did you come to work with R S N & Associates?

I found them through a newspaper advertisement as I was conducting a last-minute search for a tax consultant. I met with them in person, and they've provided me with extremely friendly service ever since.

How much have you invested with them?

I don't have exact figures, but I believe I"m paying more than I would with other providers. My tax situation is complex, though. Between my salary, stock owned in both the US and Indian stock markets, and American-based ESOP, the service they've provided me has been worth the additional cost.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working together since July 2005. Even though we don't have a formalized contract, I plan to continue working with them for the foreseeable future.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Due to their interpretation of tax laws, I've been able to receive refunds on several occasions. In 2009, I believe they netted me over ₹900,000 (approximately $19,000 USD in 2009). That savings helped me purchase a new car.

How did RSN & Associates perform from a project management standpoint?

They do a great job. Raghavachari sends reminders and even calls me directly as tax deadlines approach. He makes sure I have everything submitted to him early enough so that he can comb through all the information as needed. Additionally, their team provides tax guidance and financial literacy tips throughout the year.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I trust them immensely, and we've been able to build a personal relationship. Raghavachari knows my wife and asks about my children. I treat him like family, and my family sees him as the go-to person for any tax or legal matters. Him and his team have provided me with invaluable financial guidance throughout the years. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

The cost of their service is high, but when I've brought that up to them they've been willing to charge me less. I could probably still pay less for tax filing services with another provider, but I don't think I'd get the same level of service, particularly with my multinational financial situation.

Any advice for potential customers?

They give good advice and make sure everything they recommend is fully legal. You'll have to pay more for the high level of service they provide and they'll never explore even remotely-shady practices with you, so be prepared for that.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are one of the leading law firm in India I am a Partner in the said firm

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire R S N & Associates, and what were your goals?

Financial restructuring and tax planning Quick turn around time and effective for the client

SOLUTION

How did you select this firm and what were the deciding factors?

Reputation of Mr. R.S.

Describe the engagement and overall scope of work in detail, including the stages of the partnership and any software or documents used.

Over all rehabilitation and sustainability

Describe their billing or cost structure.

50 % on engagement and 50% on completion of the project

How many resources from the firm's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Partner and Two Associates

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the engagement or general feedback about the services?

Completed the work in time

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Regular meetings and follow up emails

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their integrity and sound knowledge were impressive. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Nil

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the former managing director of an Italian subsidiary company in India.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with R S N & Associates?

They were our company's auditor.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The company wasn’t in good shape when I took over the company. The finances were mishandled, so I engaged R S N to look into our financial matters. They came up with a lot of findings and recommendations and told us what needed to be done. We implemented all of their suggestions over the next couple of years. 

Our accounts person went to them for guidance as well. We had to handle various tax returns, so we went to R S N for that periodically. They also helped us upload certain information to the government’s tax department. In addition, the team was involved in our financial planning.

What is the team composition?

We mainly worked with their main partner and other associates.

How did you come to work with R S N & Associates?

I was looking for someone to help me, and some friends recommended them to me. Not only is the main partner a chartered accountant and a world bank consultant, but he is also legally qualified, which was a big plus for us. I chose them because of that legal knowledge, which helped when we were making our decision.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around 4 million rupees (approximately $54,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

Our collaboration from June 2004–July 2012.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

The company was in very bad shape initially, and after two years, R S N was able to turn everything around. The R S N team was very helpful in giving technical and account suggestions while conforming to our country’s legal requirements. They have deep knowledge and advised us on what needed to be corrected and what standards and conditions we had to maintain. 

We were able to bring the company to good shape within a couple of years. It was a remarkable achievement to turn the company from being at its worst to being good. In 2012, when a German company took over the company, it was in good shape.

How did R S N & Associates perform from a project management standpoint?

The partner is very quick when it comes to meeting targets. He wants to meet the target and is in a hurry to finish everything quickly. Any work that we gave to the team was completed well before the deadline.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m most impressed by their integrity. The R S N team is constantly updating themselves according to new rules and regulations. Additionally, their legal knowledge was very helpful, and they explain things well to non-accounting people. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Sometimes they’re in too much of a hurry to finish things.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Ask him not to hurry, and don’t get influenced by my experience. Have direct interaction with them and then make your decision.