Armik Aghakhani, CPA is a respected financial professional and the founder of Chartered International LLP, a public accounting firm based in Los Angeles. Known for his integrity and sharp business sense, he has built a career defined by trust, resilience, and service.
Armik began his firm from the ground up, working long hours and facing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship head-on. “There were no shortcuts,” he says. “Every challenge was a lesson.” Today, his firm serves individuals, families, and businesses, including high-net-worth clients and public figures who rely on his discretion and precision.
His expertise covers tax, accounting, business management, audits, R&D credits, cost segregation studies, and international tax planning. But colleagues say his greatest strength is his ability to see the bigger picture and guide clients towards long-term stability and success.
Leadership, for Armik, is about responsibility. He invests in his team, mentoring younger professionals and fostering collaboration inside the firm. “I want people to feel their work matters,” he explains. “That’s how you build a culture that lasts.”
Outside of business, Armik is deeply committed to community service. He supports youth programmes, educational initiatives, and autism awareness causes, and provides pro bono financial advice to law enforcement officers. These efforts reflect his belief that true success includes giving back.
Grounded by strong family values, Armik balances global business insight with humility and loyalty. His career shows that in finance, as in life, lasting impact is built on integrity and service.
Q&A:
Q: Armik, let’s start at the beginning. What led you into the world of accounting and finance?
I’ve always been fascinated by how numbers tell a story. Early on, I realised finance isn’t just about balance sheets, it’s about people’s lives. When you’re helping a business owner, you’re not only looking at profits — you’re looking at their dreams, their employees, their families. That perspective drew me into accounting and eventually pushed me to start my own firm.
Q: Founding Chartered International LLP must have been a big step. What do you remember most about those early days?
Honestly, I remember how tough it was. I built the firm from scratch, and there were times when it felt overwhelming. I’ve said before, there were no shortcuts. It was long hours, plenty of mistakes, and learning to get back up after setbacks. But those challenges shaped the way I lead today. Resilience is built one problem at a time.
Q: You’re known for your emphasis on integrity. Why has that become such a central part of your work?
Because without integrity, nothing else holds. People come to you with everything they have — their businesses, their savings, their future. If they can’t trust you, the numbers don’t matter. I’ve always believed honesty and transparency are the foundation of this profession. That’s how lasting relationships are built.
Q: Your firm serves a wide range of clients, including high-net-worth individuals and public figures. How do you approach such responsibility?
Discretion and precision are key. These clients face complex challenges, whether domestic or international. But the principle is the same for everyone: you listen, you understand the bigger picture, and you help them make decisions that serve their long-term goals. I think what sets us apart is the ability to see beyond the immediate numbers and into the future strategy.
Q: What lessons have you learnt as an entrepreneur leading a firm of your own?
One of the biggest lessons is that leadership isn’t about comfort, it’s about responsibility. In the early years, when you’re responsible for payroll and keeping the lights on, you learn quickly that people are depending on you. That weight teaches you to make decisions carefully. Another lesson is the value of culture. I’ve always tried to build an environment where younger professionals can learn and grow. I want them to feel their work matters — because it does.
Q: Mentorship seems to be a recurring theme in your career. Why is it so important to you?
Because I wouldn’t be here without the people who guided me along the way. Everyone needs someone to push them, to say, “You can do more than you think.” Inside the firm, I try to be that person for others. Seeing a young accountant grow in confidence, take on responsibility, and eventually lead — that’s as rewarding as any client success.
Q: Outside of business, you’ve also been very active in the community. What drives that side of your work?
I’ve always believed true success includes giving back. For me, that means supporting causes that matter, whether it’s youth programmes, educational initiatives, or autism awareness events. I also provide pro bono financial support to law enforcement officers. They give so much to the community, and I feel it’s important to give something back in return.
Q: You’ve spoken at galas and fundraisers, including events for autism awareness. How does that fit into your philosophy of leadership?
Leadership doesn’t end in the office. If you have a platform, you have a responsibility to use it for good. Speaking at those events is a chance to raise awareness and support important causes. It also shows younger professionals that success isn’t only measured in money or titles — it’s measured in impact.
Q: How do you balance your global perspective in business with your family values at home?
Family keeps me grounded. No matter what happens in the office or with clients, home gives you perspective. Being a husband and father teaches you patience, humility, and the value of balance. It also reminds you that all the success in the world doesn’t mean much if you don’t have the people you love by your side.
Q: Finally, looking back at your journey, what do you hope others take away from your story?
I hope they see that success isn’t a straight line. It’s setbacks, long nights, and small wins that add up over time. And above all, it’s integrity. If you hold onto your values, if you treat people with honesty and respect, then no matter the challenges, you’ll build something that lasts.
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An Interview with Armik Aghakhani, CPA: Building a Career on Integrity and Service
