Armik Aghakhani is a CPA, MST, CBM, and Managing partner of Chartered International LLP based in Beverly Hills, California. He is the founder and managing partner of Chartered International LLP. For over 25 years, he has helped high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and business owners manage complex financial matters with trust and discretion.
Armik’s path to success wasn’t handed to him. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he worked his way up through hard work, long hours, and a clear sense of purpose. His early career included roles at top firms like PwC and Gelfand Rennert & Feldman. But he always knew he wanted to build something of his own.
In 2000, he launched his own firm. Since then, he has earned a reputation for integrity, precision, and quiet leadership. His services cover domestic and international tax, audits, business management, and more. He leads with honesty, puts relationships first, and always finds solutions—even in tough situations.
Outside of business, Armik gives back. He supports autism awareness, funds youth programs, and provides free financial services to law enforcement.
He is a devoted husband, father, and mentor who believes true success includes lifting others up. With a calm presence and global mindset, Armik has built more than a business—he’s built a legacy of trust.
Interview with Armik Aghakhani: On the Meaning and Making of Success
Armik Aghakhani has spent over 25 years building a respected career in accounting, tax, and business management. From founding his own firm in Beverly Hills to mentoring others and giving back to the community, he defines success in quiet, steady terms. In this interview, he shares the lessons, values, and turning points that shaped his view of what it really means to succeed.
What does success mean to you, personally?
Success, to me, has always been about alignment. Not just financial or career success, but whether your actions match your values. I don’t think of success as a destination. It’s more like a daily commitment to doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching.
When I was starting out, I saw a lot of people chasing quick wins or recognition. That never appealed to me. I wanted to build something that would last—something based on trust. I think if your clients trust you, if your family respects you, and if your word still matters, that’s success.
You launched your firm over 25 years ago. What was the hardest part of building something from the ground up?
The hardest part wasn’t technical. I had the training. I’d been at PwC, I’d worked with top clients at Gelfand Rennert & Feldman. The challenge was stamina. Starting a firm meant wearing every hat—client services, operations, compliance, growth. I remember working long nights, then waking up early to take my kids to school.
In the early days, it felt like the business couldn’t survive a single mistake. One wrong move, and I’d risk not just my reputation, but my family’s future. That pressure was real. But it made me sharper and more thoughtful about every decision.
What role did education play in your success?
A big one. But not just the degrees—I have a Master of Science in Taxation from Washington School of Law—it was also about learning how to think. Tax and accounting are about details, but business is about patterns. My education taught me to zoom in and out, to see both the fine print and the bigger picture.
One example: In my tax planning work, I often deal with clients who have global assets or unusual revenue streams. Understanding how systems connect—legal, financial, regulatory—that’s where my education gave me a real edge. But beyond that, it gave me discipline. I still approach problems like I’m writing a final exam: research first, check your work, then present your argument clearly.
You’ve mentioned that trust is the foundation of your work. How do you earn that trust?
By showing up the same way, every time. Trust isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about small consistencies. If you say you’ll follow up, do it. If you’re not sure about something, say so. If you make a mistake, own it.
Early in my career, I had a client who asked me to sign off on something I didn’t feel comfortable with. It would’ve saved them a lot of money in the short term, and they pushed hard. I said no. Politely, but firmly. That same client came back to me two years later—different issue, different tone. They said, “We trust you because you told us what we didn’t want to hear.”
That stuck with me. People remember your character, not just your credentials.
Has your definition of success changed over the years?
Definitely. In the beginning, I thought success meant stability—financial security, a growing firm, recognition in the industry. And those things are important. But over time, I started to value impact more.
Now, success for me includes mentorship. Helping my team grow, watching someone go from junior accountant to partner-track—that’s meaningful. So is giving back. I support autism-related causes and local youth programs because I believe success comes with responsibility. If you have a platform or resources, use them.
What’s one thing most people misunderstand about success?
That it’s supposed to feel exciting all the time. In reality, success is often quiet. It looks like paying your bills on time, telling the truth, keeping your commitments. It’s not always glamorous.
Also, success is not about perfection. I’ve made mistakes—decisions I’d take back if I could. But I learned from everyone. The key is not avoiding failure, but responding to it with integrity.
You’ve worked with high-profile clients and celebrities. Has that influenced your view on success?
Yes, and it’s humbled me. Some of the wealthiest people I’ve worked with are also the most anxious or isolated. On the flip side, I’ve met people with modest incomes who live with deep purpose and joy.
Working in this space reminded me that money magnifies, but doesn’t solve. If you’re grounded, money can create freedom. If you’re not, it can create chaos. That’s why I always focus on relationships. Success built on people—not transactions—lasts longer.
Final question: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in business?
Learn the rules, then learn the people. Technical skills will get your foot in the door. But relationships will keep you in the room.
Also, don’t rush it. Build slowly. Make decisions you’d be proud to explain to your kids 10 years from now. That’s how you build a career, and a life, worth respecting.