In this episode, we chat with Katrina Nacci, a CPA based in Frankfurt, Germany who helps European companies navigate US accounting standards. Originally from Boston, Katrina describes her work as “bridging the gap with two A’s” – taking companies from local European accounting to US GAAP or IFRS when they’re seeking American investors or planning IPOs.

After 12 years abroad and experience at PwC and in private equity, Katrina found her niche with scale-up companies in the $30-50 million revenue range. Her approach leverages clients’ internal teams through collaborative “GAAP summits” where she guides finance departments through accounting differences, making the process more cost-effective than larger firms.

Interestingly, Katrina often discovers companies struggle not just with accounting standard differences, but with correctly applying their current standards. She works across the UK, Germany, Netherlands and other European countries, each with their own requirements.

Despite initial language barriers, Katrina has adapted to life in Europe, traveling monthly throughout the continent. She reflects on her growth from a “dorky technical accountant” to a confident business owner with a unique specialization at the intersection of European and American financial requirements.