December 2025 Recap: Accounting Industry Firm Updates in 10 Mins

December capped off a busy year for the accounting industry, with firms continuing to reshape themselves through targeted acquisitions, leadership moves, and service expansion. From regional combinations to national platform growth, firms leaned into scale, specialization, and people strategy to position themselves for 2026. This month’s recap highlights the most notable firm updates across M&A activity, leadership and service developments, and a closer look at firms shaping the profession, offering a quick overview of where the industry closed the year and where it may be headed next. 

M&A Updates 

Springline Advisory Acquires Actuarial Resources Corp. in Kansas 

Springline Advisory continued building its insurance-focused platform with the acquisition of Actuarial Resources Corp., a Kansas-based actuarial software and consulting firm with nearly four decades of experience. The deal blends Springline’s private equity-backed scale with ARC’s deep actuarial and systems expertise, particularly in insurance valuation and modernization. Leadership on both sides emphasized cultural alignment and long-term vision, positioning the combined firm to deliver more integrated actuarial, technology, and advisory solutions. 

Brown Plus Adds Ross Buehler Falk & Co. in Pennsylvania 

Brown Plus announced the acquisition of Ross Buehler Falk & Co., expanding its footprint in Pennsylvania and strengthening its Lancaster market presence. The deal adds seasoned professionals and industry expertise across agribusiness, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. Firm leadership framed the move as a strategic cultural fit, focused on continuity for clients and people, while setting the stage for a smooth operational integration ahead of the 2026 tax season. 

Ascend Adds Sweeney Conrad, Expands Pacific Northwest Presence 

Ascend deepened its Pacific Northwest reach with the acquisition of Seattle-area firm Sweeney Conrad, adding significant partner and employee headcount. The deal reflects Ascend’s strategy of partnering with firms that have grown organically and maintain strong local reputations. Both firms emphasized preserving personalized client service while leveraging Ascend’s technology, talent, and capital resources, signaling another step in the platform’s rapid expansion across key U.S. markets. 

Prosperity Partners Merges in Farkouh, Furman & Faccio, Establishes New York City Flagship Office 

Prosperity Partners established a flagship New York City office through its merger with Farkouh, Furman & Faccio, adding international tax depth and a dedicated audit team. The combination brings long-standing client relationships and high-touch service into Prosperity’s growing platform. Leadership highlighted technology, offshore resources, and employee ownership as key drivers of future growth, while FF&F partners reinvested to participate in Prosperity’s long-term strategy. 

UHY and Inova Payroll Announce Strategic Partnership 

UHY expanded its technology ecosystem through a strategic partnership with Inova Payroll, aiming to integrate HR, payroll, and financial systems more seamlessly for clients. The alliance combines Inova’s cloud-based HCM platform with UHY’s advisory and transformation capabilities, with particular emphasis on ERP connectivity. Firm leaders positioned the partnership as a way to modernize workforce operations, improve compliance, and deliver more data-driven insights across finance and HR functions. 

SAX Acquires SCL Consulting, Expands Client Accounting Services Practice 

SAX strengthened its fast-growing client accounting services practice with the acquisition of Maryland-based SCL Consulting. Known for its CAS-focused advisory model, SCL brings cultural alignment and relationship-driven expertise to SAX’s expanding platform. Leadership framed the deal as a natural evolution following recent investment activity, enhancing service depth and extending SAX’s Mid-Atlantic presence as the firm continues executing its broader growth strategy. 

Sorren Adds Casey Neilon, Expands Western U.S. Presence 

Sorren extended its Western U.S. footprint by adding Nevada-based Casey Neilon to its rapidly growing national platform. The move brings additional partners, regional expertise, and community-rooted advisory services into Sorren’s network. Leadership described the addition as a strategic fit aligned with Sorren’s people-first model, as the private equity-backed platform continues to scale quickly through targeted regional combinations and sector-focused acquisitions. 

People and Service Updates 

Mowery & Schoenfeld Admits Tom Czyz as Assurance Partner 

Mowery & Schoenfeld strengthened its assurance and transaction advisory bench with the admission of Tom Czyz as an assurance partner. With more than two decades of experience across asset management audits, SEC reporting, and IPO readiness, Czyz brings Big Four and middle-market depth to the firm’s growing practice. Firm leadership highlighted his private equity and growth-company background as a key addition as Mowery & Schoenfeld continues expanding end-to-end assurance and strategic advisory services. 

REDW Advisors & CPAs Promotes Kimberly Mathews to Principal in Tax Practice 

REDW Advisors & CPAs promoted Kimberly Mathews to principal, signaling continued investment in its national tax practice. With nearly 25 years of experience, Mathews will lead tax strategy initiatives while elevating client service and mentoring teams across markets. Her unconventional career path and people-focused background were highlighted as strengths as REDW continues expanding its footprint and building a tax practice grounded in practical strategy, relationship management, and long-term client outcomes. 

Aprio Appoints Carolyn O’Boyle as Chief People Officer 

Aprio appointed Carolyn O’Boyle as chief people officer and partner, reinforcing its focus on talent strategy amid rapid growth. O’Boyle brings deep experience in organizational transformation from Deloitte and Boston Beer Company, where she led large-scale people and strategy initiatives. Firm leadership framed the appointment as central to Aprio’s future-ready vision, with a strong emphasis on performance, technology-enabled service delivery, and sustaining a people-first culture. 

Anders Admits Nine New Partners for 2026 

As it closed its 60th anniversary year, Anders admitted nine new partners effective January 2026, reflecting leadership depth across tax, technology, virtual CFO, growth, and state and local tax services. The diverse group underscores the firm’s emphasis on innovation, client impact, and long-term succession planning. Leadership positioned the new partner class as critical to shaping Anders’ next growth phase while maintaining strong client relationships and multidisciplinary collaboration. 

Citrin Cooperman Announces Strategic Alliance with Priority Software 

Citrin Cooperman expanded its digital transformation capabilities through a strategic alliance with Priority Software, becoming its premier U.S. implementation provider. The collaboration enhances access to AI-powered, cloud-native ERP solutions designed for middle-market organizations. Firm leaders emphasized practical, scalable technology as clients navigate modernization pressures, positioning the alliance as a key step in strengthening Citrin Cooperman’s digital ecosystem ahead of initial joint engagements expected in early 2026. 

Sikich Announces Three New Leadership Roles Amid Continued Growth 

Sikich introduced three new leadership roles within its compliance practice, reflecting sustained growth and increasing client complexity. Expanded responsibilities across assurance, tax, and growth were assigned to seasoned leaders with deep firm tenure. Leadership framed the move as a way to enhance agility and oversight as clients seek more strategic compliance support, signaling Sikich’s focus on innovation, scale, and integrated leadership across its expanding service platform. 

Anders Launches Business Transformation Advisory Offering 

Anders launched a new business transformation advisory service, expanding its integrated advisory model for middle-market clients. Led by newly appointed principal Mike Fuller, the offering brings together strategy, operations, technology, and execution under a firmwide approach. Leadership emphasized breaking down silos and accelerating results as clients face increasingly complex challenges, marking another step in Anders’ broader push to deepen advisory capabilities beyond traditional tax and audit services. 

Featured Firms 

KPMG LLP 

Revenue - $15 B (2024) 

Company Size - 10,001+ Employees 

KPMG LLP is the U.S. member firm of the KPMG global organization, providing audit, tax, and advisory services through a network operating across 142 countries and territories. With more than 275,000 professionals globally, KPMG emphasizes purpose-driven work, career development, and community impact. The firm maintains a strong focus on education access, mental health initiatives, and community vitality while serving clients through legally distinct member firms worldwide. 

🔗 Explore KPMG’s dedicated firm page 

Baker Tilly 

Revenue - $3 B (2024) 

Company Size - 5001-10000 Employees   

Founded in 1931, Baker Tilly has grown through more than 50 combinations into a top-ten advisory, tax, and assurance firm with global reach. Operating under its “Value Architects” approach, the firm delivers customized solutions designed to enhance value, manage risk, and improve operations. Baker Tilly combines deep local roots with global resources to guide clients through complex financial and operational challenges. 

🔗 Explore Baker Tilly’s dedicated firm page 

CBIZ & MHM 

Revenue - $ 3 B (2024) 

Company Size - 5001-10000 Employees   

CBIZ & MHM is a people-first accounting and advisory firm serving public, private, and nonprofit organizations across industries. With roots dating back to 1954, the firm has expanded nationally through mergers while maintaining a relationship-driven approach. As part of CBIZ, Inc., CBIZ & MHM leverages specialized resources and a broad professional network to deliver tailored audit, tax, and advisory solutions focused on long-term success. 

🔗 Explore CBIZ & MHM’s dedicated firm page 

Aprio LLP 

Revenue - $485 M (2024) 

Company Size - 5001-10000 Employees   

Aprio is a business advisory, tax, and accounting firm serving innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders worldwide. The firm supports more than 3,000 businesses across all 50 U.S. states and over 50 countries. With industry-specific expertise and a collaborative approach, Aprio provides strategic guidance that goes beyond compliance to support growth, long-term vision, and operational confidence across multiple sectors. 

🔗 Explore Aprio’s dedicated firm page 

REDW LLC 

Revenue - $65 M (2024) 

Company Size - 51-200 Employees 

REDW is an advisory and accounting firm focused on helping organizations navigate complexity with confidence and clarity. The firm pairs technical expertise with technology to support strategic decision-making and sustainable growth. Known for its people-centered philosophy, REDW emphasizes integrity, long-term relationships, and consistent follow-through as it guides clients through both strategic initiatives and everyday business operations. 

🔗 View REDW’s dedicated firm page 

Conclusion 

As firms look ahead to 2026, the themes from December’s updates point to continued consolidation, deeper advisory focus, and sustained investment in talent and technology. Whether through acquisitions, leadership changes, or expanded service offerings, accounting firms are clearly preparing for a more complex and competitive landscape. These moves signal not just year-end momentum, but longer-term strategic positioning, setting the stage for how firms will evolve, compete, and deliver value in the year ahead.