January 2026 Recap: Accounting Industry Firm Updates in 10 Mins

As we kick off the year, the accounting industry continues to experience significant shifts, with firms expanding their services, enhancing leadership, and executing key mergers and acquisitions. This recap highlights some of the most notable updates in the accounting industry from M&A developments to key leadership transitions and technology advancements, all shaping the landscape for 2026. 

M&A Updates 

SAX Acquires Owen J. Flanagan Accounting Firm 

SAX has acquired Owen J. Flanagan & Co., enhancing its attest, tax, consulting, and advisory services. Founded in 1977, the firm’s focus on tax-exempt organizations and high-net-worth individuals strengthens SAX’s capabilities while preserving its personalized client service. The deal marks SAX's second acquisition of the year and solidifies its presence in New Jersey, New York, and India. 

Ascend Platform Firms Complete Two Regional Mergers 

Ascend has successfully merged Lucas Horsfall with Gettleson, Witzer & O’Connor, and Wilson Lewis with Alexander, Almand & Bangs, expanding their regional reach. The mergers bring additional expertise in family services and municipal accounting, strengthening both firms’ positions in Los Angeles and Georgia. Ascend continues to foster growth for middle-market firms while ensuring strong culture and client focus. 

KSM Launches Investment Banking Practice with Charter Team 

KSM has launched its investment banking service line by acquiring the team from Charter Capital Partners. This new practice, KSM Corporate Finance, will provide middle-market M&A advisory and succession planning services. The addition positions KSM to expand its capabilities in supporting clients through growth and transition stages, as the firm continues to diversify its service offerings. 

PKF O'Connor Davies Merges With Bowman & Company 

PKF O'Connor Davies has merged with Bowman & Company to expand its presence in Southern New Jersey and enhance its municipal accounting services. With Bowman’s deep roots in the public sector, the merger strengthens PKF’s regional and national capabilities, aligning with the firm’s strategic growth objectives to offer broader resources to public sector clients. 

UHY Expands Into South Carolina With Manley Garvin 

UHY has expanded into South Carolina through the acquisition of Manley Garvin LLC, a firm specializing in tax, assurance, and advisory services. This merger broadens UHY’s southern U.S. presence and provides Manley Garvin’s clients access to national resources, strengthening the firm’s position in a growing market ripe with business activity. 

Doeren Mayhew Acquires Lancaster & Reed, Expanding Florida Presence 

Doeren Mayhew has acquired Lancaster & Reed in Florida, marking a strategic move to expand into the Miami international private client market. The merger strengthens the firm’s global capabilities while enhancing its high-net-worth tax, accounting, and consulting services. The combination allows the firm to deepen its presence in Florida and the Southeast. 

HoganTaylor Expands Louisiana Footprint with Merger of Hawthorn, Waymouth & Carroll 

HoganTaylor has merged with Baton Rouge-based Hawthorn, Waymouth & Carroll, expanding its Louisiana presence and bringing 70 years of expertise in audit, tax, and accounting services. The merger will enhance HoganTaylor’s service offerings in Baton Rouge and create new opportunities for both firms to collaborate and support local clients. 

CohnReznick Expands Midwest Footprint With Acquisition of Smith Schafer 

CohnReznick has expanded its Midwest footprint by acquiring Smith Schafer & Associates in Minnesota. This acquisition adds 12 partners and 89 employees to CohnReznick, strengthening its presence in the region. Smith Schafer’s entrepreneurial spirit and local roots complement CohnReznick’s national reach, enhancing its ability to serve diverse industries in Minnesota. 

People and Service Updates 

REDW Promotes Teresa Rawlins to Audit Principal 

REDW has promoted Teresa Rawlins to audit principal in its national audit and assurance practice. With 25 years of experience, Rawlins will oversee complex audit engagements, mentor professionals, and guide risk management initiatives. She will continue serving clients across REDW’s national footprint, strengthening leadership in its Pacific Northwest office and contributing to the firm’s strategic growth. 

Bowman & Company LLP Admits Two New Partners 

Bowman & Company has admitted Nicole A. Schubert and Joshua M. Saner as partners, reflecting the firm’s focus on leadership development and client service. Schubert, with over 20 years at Bowman, leads audit engagements in affordable housing, while Saner specializes in tax planning and compliance for closely held businesses. Their promotions enhance the firm’s leadership and commitment to high-quality service. 

Seidel Schroeder Admits Two New Partners 

Seidel Schroeder has promoted Shelby Lesseig and Amy Skinner to partners, recognizing their leadership and client service contributions. Lesseig specializes in assurance services across industries like construction and financial institutions, while Skinner leads tax and advisory services for high-net-worth families. These promotions reinforce Seidel Schroeder’s dedication to fostering leadership and supporting team development. 

Sorren Appoints Josh Tyree as Chief Executive 

Sorren has appointed Josh Tyree as CEO, marking a leadership transition aligned with the firm’s growth strategy. Tyree steps into the role after a successful tenure as president, continuing to support the firm’s national expansion and strategic direction. This transition ensures continuity and sustainable growth, emphasizing cultural alignment and new service development. 

SEK Admits Cory Cuffley and Ryan Leppo as Firm Members 

SEK has admitted Cory Cuffley and Ryan Leppo as firm members, reflecting their leadership in retirement plan services and tax advisory. Cuffley brings expertise in corporate retirement plans, while Leppo leads SEK’s agricultural services team. Their promotions contribute to SEK’s commitment to client service, technical excellence, and internal team development. 

Abdo Adds Miranda Wendlandt as Government Audit Partner 

Abdo LLP has welcomed Miranda Wendlandt as a partner in its government audit practice. With 18 years of experience in governmental audit management and compliance, Wendlandt will enhance the firm’s services to local government entities. Her expertise in GAAP, GASB standards, and grant compliance strengthens Abdo’s capabilities in government auditing and financial advisory. 

PYA Announces Strategic Leadership Transitions 

PYA has announced key leadership transitions, with David McMillan set to succeed Marty Brown as CEO in 2027. McMillan, who became president in 2026, brings significant experience in financial strategy and consulting. The transition plan emphasizes PYA’s commitment to strong leadership, client-first philosophy, and continued growth across its national footprint. 

HoganTaylor Wealth Announces Leadership Transitions Effective January 

HoganTaylor Wealth has undergone leadership transitions to reinforce its growth strategy. Matt Bacon has been appointed CEO, while Todd Wisdom shifts to focus on specialty services. Austin Bryan and Scott Logan have been promoted to principal roles. These changes reflect the firm’s focus on internal talent development and its commitment to long-term client service and leadership continuity. 

RSM US Launches Ask Luca GenAI Tool 

RSM US has introduced Ask Luca, an AI tool embedded within its digital audit ecosystem to support assurance professionals. The tool provides real-time guidance from RSM’s manuals and technical resources, enhancing audit efficiency. This initiative is part of RSM’s broader digital transformation, integrating AI to streamline decision-making and improve audit quality. 

Conclusion 

The accounting industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with significant mergers, acquisitions, and leadership changes shaping the landscape for firms of all sizes. As firms expand into new regions, enhance their service offerings, and promote talented professionals to leadership positions, they are positioning themselves for continued growth and success in 2026. With these strategic moves, the industry demonstrates its commitment to both innovation and client service, ensuring a dynamic future ahead.