Top Movers and Shakers of Accounting Industry 2025

Allan Koltin, CPA, CGMA, is the CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, a Chicago-based consulting firm that specializes in working with professional and financial services firms in the areas of practice growth, practice management, human capital, and mergers and acquisitions. A nationally recognized speaker and industry analyst, Allan has appeared on the CNN, WGN and Fox Television networks and....

Amy Vetter, CPA, CGMA, RYT500, CSP, and CEO of The B³ Method Institute, is a distinguished leader known for her transformative approach to integrating business strategy with personal fulfillment. With over 25 years of experience across finance, technology, and corporate leadership, Amy has consistently driven impactful change in diverse industries. Amy’s journey began in the finance sector, where....

Andrew Lassise (pronounced La-Cease) is the founder of Tech 4 Accountants, now Rightworks, an IT company specializing in small accounting firms. He is a certified instructor with the Florida Institute of CPA’s and has become a thought leader in the data security space. He is an expert on IRS cyber security publications and helped thousands of firms with....

With over 25 years of senior marketing leadership across top CPA, consulting, and financial firms, I’ve built a career helping professionals connect strategy to measurable growth. As Founder and Strategic Marketing Advisor at Fixyr, I work with accounting, tax, and advisory firms across North America to clarify their market positioning, improve client acquisition, and implement scalable marketing systems.....

Ashley Leeds helps professionals turn LinkedIn into a practical tool for visibility, connection, and business growth. Through coaching, corporate training, and speaking, she shows busy professionals how to build authentic content, meaningful engagement, and consistent results in just minutes a day.

Barbara is a business tax strategist who helps entrepreneurs legally reduce their tax burden and keep more of what they earn. With over 10 years of experience working with businesses and high net worth individuals, she specializes in uncovering tax strategies that go beyond basic planning. Barbara helps business owners identify hidden savings, improve cash flow, and build....

Bill Wiersema, CPA, serves as an Audit Principal and Transaction Advisory Services leader with Miller Cooper. Besides providing audit services, Bill offers specialized consulting in areas such as mergers & acquisitions quality of earnings due diligence, transaction support, and strategic consulting. His clientele spans middle-market companies, private equity groups, and individuals. An accomplished author, Bill has written several....

Bob was voted one of Accounting Today's Most Influential People. He has navigated The Visionary Group over the past 30 years to meet the changes occurring in the CPA profession. His experience is deeply rooted in identifying M&A opportunities on both the buy and sell side and he has deep knowledge and involvement in private equity for the....

Brandy Derrick is the founder of Legal Ease Bookkeeping, an award-winning firm recognized nationally as a Top 50 Bookkeeping Firm. Since 2016, she has grown her company to serve more than 150 law firms across 30 states, specializing in compliance with bar association rules and delivering accurate, efficient financial solutions. Brandy is a respected voice in the accounting....

Hi I’m Brian from One Stop CPA. I have more than a decade of experience as a CPA specializing in tax. I spent the first half of my career working in public accounting learning the ropes, accounting tax, even some audit work. When I ventured out on my own in 2017, I started to learn and grow my....

I am out to change the public accounting industry as we know it. Since accounting firms came into existence, the model has been the same: bring in as much business as possible, work your staff as hard as possible and pay them only as much as you have to. Because of this, many CPAs eventually burnout and leave....

Chris Mossa is a finance leader and advisor focused on helping startups and growing companies translate financial data into clear, strategic narratives. He has guided high growth businesses through fundraising, financial modeling, and operational scaling. Chris works with founders and leadership teams to build finance systems that support sustainable growth and stronger investor confidence.

Chris Papin is a visionary thought leader transforming professional services through his dual expertise as a CPA and attorney. With over 20 years of experience, he has guided thousands of businesses from startup to successful exit while addressing unprecedented challenges facing today's professionals. Recently named to Forbes' "Best-in-State CPAs" (2025), Chris has earned multiple industry recognitions including Thomson....

Christine Hollinden is the founding principal of Hollinden, a firm dedicated to driving growth for mid-market accounting, M&A, and private-equity firms. After beginning her career in debt and equity financing at Grant Thornton and then leading communications and marketing roles at PwC and KPMG, she launched Hollinden in 1993 to fill a gap she saw in strategic consulting....

Chris Picciurro is a respected expert in US-based tax planning and strategy, particularly for real estate investors and entrepreneurs. He is internationally recognized as a presenter on the subject and currently resides in Franklin, TN, with his family. Holding several professional accreditations including CPA, MBA, PFS, and ARA, Chris has built a strong reputation as an engaging and....

I’m Chris Salem, a recognized expert in Emotional Intelligence (EQ) with over 25 years of experience helping professionals like CPAs and accounting firms lead more effectively, communicate with impact, and retain top talent. I work with firms to create psychologically safe cultures where trust, accountability, and innovation thrive, reducing burnout, strengthening client relationships, and driving profitability. As a....

Hi! My name is Daniel Pho and I am an Enrolled Agent and Owner of DMP Management, a Tax and Accounting firm, specializing in being a local presence for Taxes, Accounting, Bookkeeping, Payroll, and CFO Services. I am one to enjoy the advances that me make in technology for accounting and tax and look forward to the future.....

David Podell, founder at Business Benefits Consultants that serves this niche space. David has lectured extensively and is a sought-out specialist in Defined Benefit and Cash Balance Plans. He has been featured in FORBES, American Institute of CPA’s, CPA Practice Advisor, and multiple small business journals. David has become an acclaimed speaker and educates the accounting industry as....

Deborah Defer, a visionary leader, tech enthusiast, and CAS expert with over two decades of accounting experience, is passionate about transforming the way accounting firms operate. With a unique blend of strategic insight and technological savvy, I empower accounting professionals to drive financial success, operational efficiency, and meaningful client impact. By implementing forward-thinking CAS solutions, I help firms....

I’m Dr. Jackie Meyer, and I’m not your typical CPA. I built a 7-figure firm working just 4 hours a week while managing multiple businesses, raising a family, traveling the world, wrangling five pets, and living with chronic fatigue. I’m the founder of the eight-figure company TaxPlanIQ, which supports over 500 accounting firms in democratizing tax planning through....

Dr. Sabine Charles, known as "The CPA Doctor," is a highly regarded expert in leadership, personal development, and education. She serves as the CEO of Charles Financial Strategies and TAPA Institute, where she brings her expertise to guide individuals and organizations toward success. With a background in research, teaching, and consulting, Dr. Charles has become a prominent figure....

I'm Elaine Williams, CPA and SHRM-SCP with 15+ years driving finance, operations, and technology for small and mid-market companies. I lead, build, and grow high-performing accounting teams, overseeing cross-functional IT and HR teams to ensure precise and timely month-end closes while strengthening audit, tax, and legal compliance. I deliver financial strategy, FP&A, and ERP implementations (Epicor, MS365, QuickBooks)....

Elizabeth LOVES internal audit and is passionate about advancing and advocating for the internal audit profession, both through training and speaking engagements and via her online presence on LinkedIn. Whether it's discussing Artificial Intelligence, risk, or data analytics (or her personal favorite, Auditing Smarter, not Harder with Power Query!), Elizabeth strives to be a positive presence for all....

Eric Bing Chin is a finance, accounting, and operations focused executive with over 20 years of progressive experience with SEC publicly-traded and privately-held companies across a range of industries, including technology, healthcare, real estate, and consumer products. Chin currently serve as the Audit Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Biomerica, a publicly traded biotech company. He also....

With over 15 years of professional experience in the informatics and software industry at global corporations, Fouad helped many businesses to govern and protect their information, identify and understand cybersecurity risks to help them to make informed and better business decisions. Fouad is experienced in leading and supporting teams of software and cloud professionals. Fouad is incredibly passionate....

Gabby Luoma is the co-founder and CEO of MOD Ventures, LLC, a modern accounting and advisory firm she started from her living room in 2004. A CPA and CGMA with a Bachelor’s in Accountancy from New Mexico State University, Gabby specializes in cloud-based accounting, strategic advisory, and helping business owners gain clarity and confidence in their finances. She....

I’m Gary Shamis, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Winding River Consulting. For decades, I’ve been dedicated to transforming the accounting profession through strategic leadership, aligned values, and a commitment to helping firm leaders reach their full potential. As an award-winning strategist, author, and mentor, I’ve had the privilege of guiding some of the industry’s most forward-thinking firms.....

I’m Genevieve Maiorana, Founder and CEO of 5 Star Accounting & Business Solutions in Roseville, CA. For over 30 years, I’ve dedicated my career to helping small and mid-sized businesses grow stronger through smart financial strategies, tax planning, and technology-driven solutions. My passion lies in simplifying complex challenges—whether it’s improving profitability, streamlining systems, or creating strategies that help....

Geni Whitehouse is a CPA, speaker, and author known for making complex financial and technology topics engaging and easy to understand. She helps accountants, software companies, and business professionals communicate ideas clearly and connect numbers to real business decisions. Through her platforms, including The Impactful Advisor and Even A Nerd, Geni teaches professionals how to explain financial information....

Inna Korenzvit is the Founder and Principal Accountant of KORE Accounting Solutions. Having been a stay-at-home mom and raising her family for almost 15 years, Inna founded KORE in 2012 once her children were grown up. Through Inna's passion for providing outstanding service, her keen business sense, and her strong leadership, KORE has grown and positioned itself as....

J. Michael Kirkland, CPA, CGMA is a veteran financial executive with over 30 years of experience in accounting, industry, consulting, and business development. He also serves the CPA profession with distinction, lending strong and visible leadership to professional and student groups. J. Michael is the founder of JMK Consulting, where he currently serves as a strategic and technical....

I am an entrepreneur, consultant, and co-author of Scale With Purpose: The Service Entrepreneur’s Guide to Intentional Growth. My work focuses on helping service-based leaders scale their businesses with clarity, intention, and respect for the people who make growth possible. I own and lead Blumer CPAs (https://blumercpas.com/), a fully virtual CPA firm, where we serve entrepreneurs who want....

Jennifer Lee Wilson is co-founder and partner of ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, a national consulting firm dedicated to developing leaders and transforming teams. Jen is a nationally recognized and sought after speaker, facilitator, and coach for partners, CEOs, and emerging leaders within the accounting profession. Repeatedly recognized as a thought leader and change agent in our profession, Jen is committed....

I serve as the Chief Financial Officer for the American Staffing Association, where I apply my expertise in financial leadership to drive organizational success. Before transitioning into the not-for-profit sector, I spent over 11 years in public accounting. I’m deeply passionate about the accounting profession and currently serve on the AICPA Joint Trial Board and the board for....

I began my career in Audit & Advisory at EY, where I experienced firsthand the inefficiencies and capacity challenges that continue to burden the profession today. From there, I served as Chief of Staff at Atrium, gaining valuable experience in scaling teams and building organizations at the intersection of finance, operations, and technology. I later earned an MBA....

Jody Padar, CPA, known as The Radical CPA, is a top influencer in accounting, recognized for advocating tech adoption and modernization. She’s the author of three books, including the upcoming "Radical Pricing." Jody writes for industry publications and currently works as a senior tax advisor at april, focusing on AI and automation in tax. Based in Door County,....

As an author, consultant, business coach, and national speaker, Joe has trained over 150,000 accounting and business professionals in areas of practice development, changing technology trends, strategic consulting, and how to maximize the use of accounting software in their practices. Joe founded Woodard Events, LLC (aka Woodard® ) a training and resource organization for accounting professionals that provides....

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in....

Kacee Johnson is a fintech executive and innovation strategist with a standout record in driving global SaaS growth and scaling startups to funding or exit. She’s recognized among Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People, CPA Practice Advisor’s Top 25 Thought Leaders, and named as one of the Most Powerful Women in Accounting by the AICPA. As Principal....

Senior Officer providing the transformational, game-changing leadership to drive significant operational turnarounds and unprecedented growth. Career achievements in building new lines of business from the ground up as well as reengineer and reinvent organizations to be more competitive within the marketplace. My aptitude for critical thinking in complex situations coupled with the ability to synthesize ambiguous data into....

Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope is the Dr. Barry Jay Epstein Endowed Professor of Forensic Accounting at DePaul University in Chicago, IL. Pope is a nationally recognized expert in risk, forensic accounting, and white-collar crime research, and an award-winning educator, researcher, author, and award-winning documentary filmmaker. Pope teaches managerial and forensic accounting both at the undergraduate and graduate level.....

I’m a Director at Forvis Mazars, LLP, part of the global Forvis Mazars network—one of the largest public accounting firms in the U.S. With over 14 years of experience, I specialize in serving nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions, helping them navigate complex regulations and improve financial performance. I’m passionate about making a positive impact and committed to....

With over 24 years of experience in US-Canadian cross-border tax planning, Krista brings a fresh perspective to family enterprise strategies. But that's not all—she is also an executive coach passionate about successful transitions of family businesses as well as leadership and team development. Beyond analyzing tax laws and navigating compliance, she partners with clients to unlock their full....

Gary Boomer is the founder of Boomer Consulting, Inc. and a recognized leader in helping CPA firms strengthen the core pillars of success: leadership, talent, technology, process, and growth. For more than two decades, he has guided over 1,250 firms in building stronger practices, navigating industry change, and capitalizing on new opportunities. A frequent speaker and advisor to....

Hi I am Larry Swedroe, with 50+ years of experience in managing all kinds of financial risks, and with 30 years of experience as head of financial and economic research at one of the largest RIAs in the country. I am also the author of 18 books on investing, and I write for Morningstar, Financial Advisor, Wealth Management,....

Lauren Baptiste is reshaping the future of work by helping professionals achieve career success without burnout. After 13 years in a Big 4 accounting firm, she founded Acheloa Wellness, a coaching and consulting company equipping professionals in accounting, consulting, law, and finance to rise in their careers without personal sacrifice. Her proven framework helps clients overcome burnout in....

Leroy Kerry is the co-founder and CEO of Filed, the AI tax preparation platform designed to boost offshore team quality and free onshore teams for higher-value work. With a background in SaaS startups and fintech, Leroy built Filed to address urgent labor shortages in the accounting profession. Filed automates the most tedious aspects of return prep, helping firms....

Logan Graf, CPA, is the owner of The Graf Tax Co. PLLC, located in the Austin, TX area. He holds a Master of Science in Accounting with a focus on Tax from Texas Tech University. Logan’s primary mission is to assist others in building and expanding their firms in a manner that simplifies not only their clients’ lives....

Lydia Ahn, CPA, is the International and Growth Partner at VSH CPAs and a trusted educator on U.S. international tax. Through webinars, articles, and speaking engagements, she has reached thousands of professionals across North America with clear, practical guidance on cross-border obligations. She regularly presents to the Washington Society of CPAs and provides Canadian audiences with expert insight....

Marcey Rader is a high performance coach, keynote speaker, and Certified Speaking Professional who helps leaders and teams work smarter with fewer meetings and clearer priorities. She focuses on improving focus, decision making, and workplace productivity through practical strategies. Marcey works with Fortune 500 and high growth organizations to reduce overload and increase meaningful outcomes. She is the....

I am the COO of Wilkinson & Company LLP, where I lead with vision and innovation across accounting, HR strategy, and IT infrastructure. I focus on building strong teams, advancing culture, and aligning people with strategy to create lasting impact.

Michael Horwitz, Executive Director of the BDO Alliance USA, leads a team that supports the largest association of independently owned, U.S.-based accounting, tax and advisory firms. He firmly believes in future-forward thinking, the power of collaboration, and having a growth mindset to foster success in the CPA profession. When he’s asked to speak annually at industry events or....

Michael Barbarita is founder and CEO of Next Step CFO, a seasoned CFO, entrepreneur, and strategic growth authority who has served small businesses since 2007. His real-world experience includes growing a ski retail business from $2.5M to $8M in five years and successfully selling a business for multiple seven figures. Michael is co-author of "Powerful Business Strategies," which....

Mike is a CPA with over 15 years of experience working with Top 20 and Big 4 firms and industry-leading Fortune 500 companies like Walmart Inc. and Google. He’s an outspoken ambassador of the accounting profession who’s worked across the East Coast, West Coast and Mid-West. Mike pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a CPA.....

My journey, covering policy making, intelligence, military, and private sector positions, led me to co-found Frontier Foundry, where strategic leadership and AI innovation are at the core of our operations. Currently serving on the Homeland Security Advisory Board at The George Washington University, I contribute to vital national policy discussions. Over a career in high stakes national security....

With over 20 years of global experience across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, I’ve led internal audit, SOX, and ERM functions across utilities (electric and water), telecom, manufacturing, IT, logistics, and public sector organizations. I specialize in building audit functions that deliver assurance and strategic value, helping organizations strengthen controls, anticipate risk, and improve decision-making.

With 25+ years as a CxO, Operating Partner, and Advisor, I specialize in growth strategy and revenue optimization. I’ve led turnarounds and driven accelerated growth for firms from $10M to $9B, delivering strong P&L gains and market expansion. Known for bold, strategic thinking and a collaborative style, I thrive at every level of an organization. As founder of....

As a Partner at G&G Partnership LLP, I lead and manage the firm’s Entertainment Division, overseeing a diverse portfolio of clients across film, television, and music. My focus has been on expanding the division’s reach while simultaneously elevating the quality and efficiency of our services. Through strategic planning, team development, and a commitment to client-centric solutions, I have....

I am a passionate teacher and creator of FP&A content. I enjoy helping FP&A professionals become more effective creators of value for their businesses. Today, I provide content and training on important subjects, including FP&A, Excel, Power Query, Data Visualization, Storytelling, and more. I host three popular podcasts, FP&A Tomorrow, Future Finance, and Financial Modeler’s Corner, which bring....

Whitman Transition Advisors LLC specializes in succession strategies for CPAs and CPA firms. Phil Whitman is one of the top experts in CPA firm growth and management; he brings a service philosophy and contributes unique perspective and skills to help you achieve your succession and acquisition goals. As the former Chief Operating Officer of one of the Top....

Randy Crabtree, CPA, is co-founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals, host of The Unique CPA podcast, and creator of the Bridging the Gap Conference. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting By Accounting Today in 2023, 2024 & 2025 and a Top Influencer and Thought Leader by MYCPE One in 2024. He’s a....

I'm Renata Serban, CPA, CMA, MS. I'm the founder and CEO of Highly Elevated CPA LLC. My firm specializing in accounting and fractional controller/CFO services for cannabis operators in New York and New Jersey

Samantha Mansfield is an experienced mentor and coach, supporting CAS practice leaders, up-and-coming managers, senior managers, newer partners, and managing parters in their quest to be inspiring, difference-making leaders. Samantha combines her real-world technology and accounting profession background with her ability to transfer knowledge and motivate change. She has a smiling and encouraging influence on many leaders in....

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. You’ve probably heard this expression before, but I find it especially true in the CPA profession. With firms growing faster than ever, it is important to have not only a great pool of talent but also a strong plan to guide individuals and create a collaborative, energized team.....

Sara Sharp is a deal attorney and M&A advisor focused on helping entrepreneurs buy and sell accounting firms. She is the founding partner of SK&S Legal, where she advises buyers, sellers, and investors on small business acquisitions, deal structuring, and transaction strategy. Over the course of her career, she has helped guide hundreds of business acquisitions, with a....

Sarah Johnson Dobek is the president and founder of Inovautus Consulting, a national consulting firm that helps accounting firms accelerate growth through strategy, transformation, and technology. Inovautus works with firms to modernize business development, strengthen marketing, and implement solutions like HubSpot consulting and CRM integration that align people, processes, and technology to drive measurable results. A recognized leader....

Scott Reams began his career in 1997 with the big 4 in the audit and assurance practice in San Francisco, California and has worked on clients in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, non-profit, real estate and restaurant franchising. Scott’s experience includes national and international SEC public companies, private companies, companies considering going public and....

Scott Scarano combines the analysis of a professional accountant with the spirit of a professional rapper. As an Enrolled Agent and the visionary leader of Padgett Business Services in Raleigh, Scott is deeply committed to empowering entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. With a knack for breaking down complex financial concepts into engaging narratives, he’s not....

Shane's commitment to transforming the accountancy profession is remarkable. He is tireless in communicating an alternative to the trap of long-hours-little-reward working culture where so many accountants find themselves. Through his keynotes and webinars for organisations such as ACCA, IFA, AAT as well as software providers like Capium and Bright, he shows a different way of working that....

Sherré DeMao is founder of BizGrowth Inc, dedicating more than 30 years specializing in bringing new thinking, and next-level, next-idea solutions for entrepreneurs to realize exponential growth, preferential value, and marketplace leadership. A nationally acclaimed author, speaker, organizational growth expert, and impassioned researcher, she has been featured in Huffington Post’s Thrive Global as a Woman of the C-Suite,....

Tamera Loerzel is the host of ConvergenceCoaching's HR Huddle, and is a partner in the leadership and management consulting firm. Specializing in both talent and growth strategies, Tamera helps firm leaders develop the right strategies to scale their practices. She is also a very active facilitator and speaker for CPA associations and firms, and she acts as coach....

Terrell A Turner, CPA is a 2x 40 under 40 CPA, and 2x Top 20 Global Finance Influencer. In 2020 he founded the TLTurner Group which gained recognition from the New York Times and NYC Times Square big screen features for the amazing bookkeeping and fractional CFO work that they provide for law firms. As the CEO and....

Tom is one of the most influential leaders in the Accounting Profession. In 2019 he was named the Second Most Influential Person in Accounting for the seventh year by Accounting Today Magazine (His 15th year on the Top 100). He was one of the first five thought leaders inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame (2015) by CPA....

As VP of Regulatory Affairs at Sovos since 2018, I'm a subject matter expert bridging taxpayers, the IRS, state agencies, and industry partners to modernize tax operations. For six years-including four as Chair of the IRS Advisory Council's Information Reporting Subgroup-I've shaped policy priorities: IRIS modernization, digital asset reporting (1099-DA), OB3 guidance, and fraud prevention collaboration. I engage....

Hi, I’m Zach Gordon, a seasoned CPA with over fifteen years of experience, specializing as a fractional CFO, strategic advisor, and technical accounting expert for various industries including crypto, cannabis, and tech. I focus on tax planning, financial modeling, business structuring, and transaction support, with additional expertise in real estate, healthcare, nonprofit, fintech, media, and consumer goods. Formerly....