July 2025 Recap: Accounting Industry Firm Updates in 10 Mins

July delivered a wave of transformative updates across the accounting profession. From identity-driven M&A strategies to regionally targeted office launches, firms are moving with intention and speed. Mid-market players are scaling with purpose, leaders are stepping into newly created roles, and service lines are being built to meet real-time client demands in hiring, IT, and tax planning. Whether it’s Franklin Alliance redefining partnership models or HTB entering the wealth game, the trends are clear: agility, integration, and specialization. These aren’t just isolated moves; they’re signals of a broader shift in how firms are positioning themselves for relevance and resilience in 2025 and beyond. Explore the updates below to see what’s unfolding behind the headlines.

M&A Updates

Franklin Alliance Adds Robert Morris & Company, Doubling Down on National Growth Model

Franklin Alliance has taken another bold step in its growth journey by partnering with Robert Morris & Company. Unlike traditional rollups, this model respects local legacy while providing capital and tech support. Targeting firms under $10M in revenue, Franklin is carving a unique lane in the crowded M&A space, one focused on scale without identity loss. Could this reshape the future of firm expansion?

UHY Enters Ohio Market Through Merger with Flynn & Company

UHY LLP has planted its flag in Ohio by merging with Cincinnati’s Flynn & Company, gaining trusted regional relationships and an anchor for Midwest expansion. With this move, UHY hits 42 offices nationwide and reinforces its middle-market strength. The cultural fit and strategic geography make this more than just a growth story. What’s next for UHY’s national blueprint?

CohnReznick Combines with PIASCIK, Expanding Richmond Presence and Specialized Tax Team

CohnReznick’s newest combo with PIASCIK brings deep international tax expertise and a $5.6M Richmond operation into its fold. With Steve Piascik and Ryan Losi stepping into key leadership roles, the deal strengthens services for high-net-worth and global clients. Following its Apax partnership, this move signals more M&A to come. Who might be next in CohnReznick’s crosshairs?

Meaden & Moore Acquires ChainRing Advisors to Expand Tech-Driven Advisory Services

Meaden & Moore has leveled up its advisory muscle with the acquisition of ChainRing Advisors, a Cleveland-based firm led by seasoned consultant Mark Kasinec. The move adds serious depth in tech-enabled consulting and operational strategy, targeting family-run and middle-market manufacturers. As client expectations shift, is this the blueprint for the firm of the future...

Ascend Adds BGW and TSA to Its Expanding Accounting Platform

Ascend has added two major East Coast players, BGW and TSA, to its reimagined, independence-forward platform. These firms retain their culture while gaining access to PE-backed scale and tech support. Leaders cite alignment in values and vision, as Ascend continues crafting a collaborative network of entrepreneurial firms. Could this model be the next evolution in accounting firm M&A? 

People Update

REDW Names Kyle Stewart as First PIC of Oklahoma City Office

REDW has named Kyle Stewart as its first principal-in-charge for Oklahoma City, a move that deepens leadership while boosting regional and hybrid engagement. Stewart will steer cross-functional teams spanning wealth, audit, HR, and cybersecurity, balancing firm-wide strategy with local execution. With 20+ years in audit & assurance, he brings strong internal controls expertise. But how will this new PIC model reshape REDW’s regional operations?

SolomonEdwards Names George Kelly as Managing Partner to Lead OCFO Strategy

SolomonEdwards has tapped George Kelly as Managing Partner to accelerate its OCFO growth strategy. Backed by decades of advisory experience, Kelly will scale offerings in M&A, AI, and finance transformation. His appointment follows the Pencek Advisors deal and deepens capabilities in compliance, tax, and analytics. With demand surging for strategic finance support, can SolomonEdwards emerge as a national OCFO powerhouse...

CohnReznick Adds Daniel Zaninovich as Partner to Bolster CRE Tax Advisory

CohnReznick has added Daniel Zaninovich as a partner in Los Angeles, strengthening its commercial real estate tax bench. With 20 years of experience in REITs and complex structuring, Zaninovich expands the firm’s capacity to guide investors and developers through changing compliance terrain. As Southern California’s market evolves, how will this hire position CohnReznick for the next wave of CRE opportunities?

CohnReznick Taps Leif Novie to Strengthen Private Client Services in South Florida

CohnReznick has welcomed Leif Novie, a seasoned CPA-attorney, to lead private client services in booming South Florida. Novie brings 35+ years of experience in trusts, estates, and high-net-worth tax planning—both domestic and international. As the region grows into a wealth hotspot, this appointment signals CohnReznick’s commitment to delivering elite, tailored advisory services. Will Novie’s dual expertise gives the firm a competitive edge in this high-stakes market...

RRBB Adds Matt Sampson as Senior Audit Manager to Support Growth

RRBB has added Matt Sampson as senior audit manager, strengthening its foothold in high-growth sectors like life sciences and venture-backed firms. With Big 4 credentials and M&A, IPO, and SPAC experience, Sampson is primed to support complex audits and equity transactions. As RRBB scales with its clients, could this be a turning point for its assurance practice?

Service Update

EisnerAmper Launches EA Talent Solutions to Power Strategic Hiring

EisnerAmper has rolled out EA Talent Solutions, a bold new service to help businesses secure executive and professional talent across finance, tech, HR, and C-suite roles. Led by recruiting veteran Brian Lucas, the team brings hands-on experience to support companies through growth and transitions. With tailored offerings like behavioral assessments and project-based staffing, is EisnerAmper redefining what it means to be a full-spectrum advisor?

Smith + Howard Launches SSI and SALT Practices to Expand Strategic Tax Offerings

Smith + Howard has introduced two niche tax practices, SSI and SALT, to meet growing demand for location strategy and multi-state tax compliance. Led by experts Shelly Carmichael and Brandee Tilman, these services support expansion, incentives, nexus reviews, and even white-labeled consulting for CPA firms. As businesses navigate a more complex tax landscape, could this be the smartest tax strategy pivot of the year...

Blue & Co. Opens Chattanooga Office, Expands Southeast Footprint

Blue & Co. has planted roots in Chattanooga with a new office led by healthcare consulting veteran Todd Schiavone. Backed by senior managers Meghan Campbell and Mark Daffer, the team brings decades of regional expertise to Tennessee’s evolving healthcare sector. More than a geographic move, this launch reflects Blue & Co.’s commitment to building strong, local advisory partnerships. How will this presence shape the firm’s Southeastern growth...

Prager Metis and KTI Unite to Launch PM ITS, a Global Managed IT Powerhouse

Prager Metis and Kearns Technology have joined forces to launch PM ITS, a global managed IT venture offering cybersecurity, cloud migration, and digital infrastructure solutions. With combined expertise across 22 U.S. markets and European sectors, PM ITS is built to support high-growth, security-minded businesses. Is this the new blueprint for integrating tech innovation with professional services?

Hannis T. Bourgeois Launches Wealth Management Division

HTB has unveiled HTB Wealth Advisors through a strategic alliance with Savant Wealth Management, blending tax strategy with investment, estate, and retirement planning. This unified model provides clients, individuals, and family offices alike with seamless, real-time financial guidance. As tax and wealth planning converge, could HTB’s one-stop advisory approach be a model for the next generation of financial services....

From Now to What’s Next

This month’s firm activity underscores a profession in motion, reshaping itself through smart deals, talent bets, and diversified service offerings. July’s announcements show a clear appetite for growth without sacrificing culture, with firms finding creative ways to compete on both scale and specialization. The focus on cross-border collaboration, private client expansion, and high-value advisory reflects a market where client needs are evolving, and so are the firms serving them. These stories offer more than just milestones; they hint at where the profession is headed next. If July is any indication, the second half of 2025 could bring even bolder plays. We’ll be tracking every step, because momentum like this doesn’t slow down.