Experience

David E. Kells is the chief operating officer at Citrin Cooperman, where he works closely with the firm’s partners and chief executive officer in regards to the operations of the firm’s ten domestic and one international location.

David has more than 25 years of experience in managing operations, human resources, and internal finance issues for both accounting firms and financial institutions. He works out of the firm’s New York City office.

In his role as the chief operating officer, David manages several firm initiatives. As chair of the Employee Benefits Committee, he works with brokers and insurance carriers to design benefit plans that offer the best benefits possible for Citrin Cooperman employees and their families. He also serves as the chair of Citrin Cooperman Cares, the firm’s charitable giving committee, through which he organizes the annual day of service and holiday giving initiatives and works closely with not-for-profit organizations throughout the Northeast United States to find volunteer opportunities that match the firm’s values. Additionally, David serves on the firm’s Compensation Committee, supervising annual performance reviews, as well as salary increases and promotions.

David is responsible for firm-wide facilities, including new construction, relocations, renovations, and negotiating and managing contractors, architects, and designers. Recently, his projects have included relocation and buildout of offices in Livingston, New Jersey and Ahmedabad, India. Additionally, David has managed renovations of several floors in the New York City headquarters, as well as an additional floor in the firm’s Philadelphia office. Currently, he is working towards relocating and upgrading the DC-metro, Long Island, and Providence offices.

Previously, David served as the director of administration and as a chief operating officer for a regional accounting firm.