March 2025 Recap: Accounting Industry Firm Updates in 10 Mins

The accounting industry didn’t just crunch numbers in March 2025 - it made moves. Big ones. From splashy expansion plans and headline-grabbing mergers & acquisitions to leadership shakeups, firms across the board are shaking off the winter slowdown and gearing up for a bold year ahead. Whether you're watching the industry giants or scouting trends, these updates on firm strategy, talent shifts, and service innovation are worth a closer look.

M&A Updates

BPM Expands Canadian Presence Through Combination with WBM Partners LLP

BPM LLP, a San Francisco-based accounting and advisory firm, has announced its continued expansion into Canada through a strategic combination with WBM Partners LLP (WBM). The transaction, expected to be completed on June 1, Read More...

Aprio Expands Compliance Capabilities with Acquisition of JMS Advisory Group

Aprio, an Atlanta-based accounting and advisory firm, has strengthened its compliance offerings with the acquisition of JMS Advisory Group LLC (JMS). Founded in 2006, JMS has built a strong reputation in unclaimed property compliance, helping clients mitigate risk and capitalize on financial opportunities.  Read More...

Cohen & Company Expands Real Estate Services with Acquisition of Tassi and Company

Cohen & Company, a Cleveland-based accounting and advisory firm, has announced the acquisition of Chicago-based Tassi and Company. The transaction is expected to close at the end of March 2025, Read More...

Rehmann to Merge with Kmetz, Elwell, Graham & Associates in Florida Expansion

Top 40 accounting and advisory firm Rehmann has announced its expansion in Florida through a merger with Kmetz, Elwell, Graham & Associates (KEGA), a Vero Beach-based CPA firm. The combination will take effect on June 1, further strengthening Rehmann’s presence in the state’s Treasure Coast market. Read More...

Baker Tilly Grows Specialty Tax Services with the Acquisition of Invoke Tax Partners

Chicago-based Baker Tilly has announced the acquisition of Dallas-based Invoke Tax Partners, signaling a significant expansion of its specialty tax service offerings. This strategic acquisition enhances Baker Tilly’s national capabilities in real estate and business personal property tax, sales and use tax, and severance tax. Read More...

Doeren Mayhew Enters Tennessee Market with Acquisition of Thurman Campbell Group

Doeren Mayhew has completed its expansion into the Tennessee market with the acquisition of Thurman Campbell Group PLC (TCG), effective March 1, reinforcing its national presence and connecting key regional markets. The move advances the Troy, Michigan-based firm’s long-term strategy to grow its southern footprint while strengthening its sector expertise, particularly in construction. Read More...

Operating Company Enters the Accounting Profession with Bement & Company Deal

Franklin Alliance, a newly established operating company, has entered the accounting profession, announcing its first acquisition: Bement & Company CPAs, based in Bountiful, Utah. This marks the launch of an innovative platform designed to partner with smaller CPA firms and offer them resources for sustainable growth while preserving their unique identities and cultures. Read More...

McConnell Jones Expands with Strategic Acquisition of Taylor CPA & Associates

Houston-based McConnell Jones has announced its acquisition of Taylor CPA & Associates (TCPA), effective January 1, marking a significant step in its ongoing growth strategy. With this move, the firm strengthens its capabilities across advisory, risk, and tax services while expanding its geographic presence to 21 states. The combination of McConnell Jones’ broad advisory portfolio and TCPA’s specialized tax, financial planning, and client accounting services is poised to deliver enhanced value to a wider range of clients. Read More...

People Updates

Meghan Collins Joins CohnReznick as Florida State and Local Government Advisory Lead

CohnReznick LLP, a New York-based accounting and advisory firm, has announced that Meghan Collins has joined its government and public sector advisory practice to lead Florida’s state and local government initiatives. In this role, Collins will collaborate with government agencies to identify critical challenges, implement innovative solutions, and enhance financial management and program efficiency. Read More...

EisnerAmper Names David Frigeri as Chief AI Officer

EisnerAmper, a New York-based accounting and advisory firm, has appointed David Frigeri as partner and chief AI officer, underscoring the firm’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for operational and client-service advancements. With over 25 years of experience, Frigeri is recognized as a top 10 global AI leader and consultant, Read More...

Barry Melancon Joins 4impactdata as Strategic Advisor

4impactdata, a Dallas-based business intelligence company specializing in data-driven decision-making tools for CPA firms, has appointed Barry Melancon as a strategic advisor. This move signals a pivotal step in the company’s efforts to enhance its Business Guidance System with Codified Wisdom™, a technology-driven solution aimed at empowering firms with actionable insights. Read More...

CPAmerica Expands Leadership Team with Key Appointments

CPAmerica Inc. (CPAI), a Gainesville, Fla.-based association of independent accounting firms, has expanded its leadership team with the addition of Stephanie Bailes as vice president of services and the promotion of Tarena Stanley to vice president of engagement and partnerships. These leadership enhancements reflect CPAI’s commitment to delivering high-quality member services, fostering collaboration, and driving strategic growth. Read More...

Schneider Downs Welcomes Joe Vandermark as IT Risk Advisory Shareholder

Schneider Downs & Co., a Pittsburgh-based accounting and advisory firm, has announced that Joe Vandermark has joined the firm as an IT risk advisory shareholder in its Columbus office, effective January 27. With more than 25 years of experience, Vandermark brings deep expertise in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, internal audit and controls, business process improvement, and third-party risk advisory. Read More...

Bober Markey Fedorovich Promotes Kristian Barr and Michael Bigler to Director Roles

Bober Markey Fedorovich (BMF), an Akron, Ohio-based accounting and advisory firm, has announced the promotion of Kristian Barr and Michael Bigler to directors within the assurance & advisory department of its Northeast Ohio team. Both professionals have advanced from senior manager roles, reflecting their long-standing contributions to the firm and its clients. Read More...

Springline Advisory Expands Executive Team with Three Key Appointments

Springline Advisory, a Dallas-based business advisory platform backed by private equity firm Trinity Hunt Partners, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of three seasoned professionals: Hiral Rao, Brad Kuglin, and Bryan Leuszler. These strategic hires align with the firm’s ongoing expansion and commitment to delivering high-impact advisory solutions. Read More...

Allinial Global Appoints Tony Sacre as CEO

Allinial Global, a Lawrenceville, Ga.-based association of independent accounting and consulting firms, has announced the appointment of Tony Sacre as its next CEO. Sacre succeeds Mark Koziel, who previously led the organization before taking on the role of CEO at AICPA & CIMA. Read More...

RKL Welcomes Four New Members to Firm Partnership

In January 2024, RKL LLP, a leading accounting and business consulting firm based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, announced the promotion of four professionals to its partnership. Effective January 1, 2024, the new partners are: Walter Goodfield: Serving as Chief Business Officer, Cliff Horst: As the Sage X3 Practice Director, Thomas Kaizar, CPA, MST: As a partner in the tax services group, Stephane Smith, SPHR, SHRM-SCP: As Vice President of Workforce Strategies. Read More...

KPMG LLP Launches KPMG Law US, Marking a Milestone in Legal Services

KPMG LLP has announced the launch of KPMG Law US, an independently managed subsidiary, making it the first Big 4-affiliated law firm to enter the US legal market. This move reflects the rapid transformation within the legal services industry, as businesses seek technology-driven legal solutions to optimize operations and gain a competitive edge. Read More...

Bauknight Pietras & Stormer PA Appoints Bryan Hudson as Board Chairman

Bauknight Pietras & Stormer PA (BPS), a Columbia, S.C.-based accounting and advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Bryan Hudson as chairman of the board, effective January 1. Hudson, a seasoned leader with deep expertise in public accounting and insurance consulting, takes on this role for the second time, having previously served a three-year term.

He succeeds Chris Stormer, who completed his tenure as chairman. Reflecting on Hudson’s return to the position, Jay Swearingen, managing shareholder of BPS, expressed confidence in his leadership. Read More...

Other Relevant Updates

Leadership Under Pressure: Preparing Your Team for Peak Season Success

Peak season is a critical time for accounting firms, bringing tight deadlines, increased client demands, and long hours. The pressure to meet expectations can test even the most well-prepared teams, making intentional leadership essential. Beyond ensuring deliverables, strong leadership during peak season fosters resilience, efficiency, and team morale, creating a work environment where employees feel supported and motivated to perform at their best.

One of the most effective ways to guide teams through peak season is through clear communication. During high-stress periods, communication gaps can lead to misalignment, inefficiencies, and frustration. Leaders should establish consistent touchpoints, such as daily or weekly check-ins, to clarify priorities, address concerns, and celebrate progress. Additionally, providing context behind decisions helps employees stay engaged and connected to their work, reinforcing a sense of purpose amid the workload.

Prioritization is equally crucial when managing peak season demands. When everything feels urgent, leaders must help their teams focus on the most impactful tasks. Read More...

Moore Colson Names Tom Brooks as Partner in Business and Financial Advisory Practice

Moore Colson has announced the admission of Tom Brooks as a partner within its business and financial advisory practice, bringing decades of valuation and litigation support expertise to the Atlanta-based firm. The addition of Brooks reinforces the firm’s commitment to strategic advisory services as it continues to grow its capabilities and client offerings. Moore Colson reported FY23 net revenue of $43.2 million.

With over 30 years of experience advising both public and privately held companies, Brooks has a well-established reputation for guiding clients through complex financial matters. At Moore Colson, he will work closely with business owners and senior executives, focusing on strategic planning and goal setting to help maximize organizational value. “We are very happy to welcome Tom to Moore Colson,” said managing partner Andy Starnes. Read More...

Abdo LLP Names Abigail Smith as Inaugural Chief Financial Officer

Abdo LLP has appointed Abigail (Abby) Smith as its first-ever Chief Financial Officer, marking a significant step in the firm’s leadership evolution amid continued growth and operational complexity. The Edina, Minnesota-based firm, which reported FY23 net revenue of $45.09 million, adds Smith to its executive leadership team as it sharpens its focus on financial oversight and strategic planning.

Smith returns to Abdo with prior experience at the firm, having served three and a half years in its nonprofit division. Her professional journey since then includes serving as director, corporate controller, and treasurer at Intricon Corporation, a manufacturer specializing in sensor-driven micromedical devices. This blend of nonprofit and corporate finance experience positions her well for the responsibilities of the new CFO role. Read More...

EY Appoints Eduardo Villa as Managing Partner of Iselin Office

Ernst & Young LLP (EY) has appointed Eduardo Villa as the new managing partner of its Iselin, New Jersey office, placing him at the helm of more than 1,200 professionals focused on delivering exceptional client service and addressing complex business challenges. Villa succeeds Anthony Sgammato, who will shift his focus toward driving growth initiatives and continuing his work with key clients in the region.

Villa brings more than 22 years of experience with EY to the role, most recently serving as the New Jersey tax market leader since 2019. His leadership extends across multiple sectors as head of the firm’s indirect tax consumer/health industry group, where he has advised a broad portfolio of clients—including private and public companies in life sciences, consumer products, automotive, energy, manufacturing, and technology.

“EY is experiencing remarkable momentum in Iselin, and I’m eager to build upon Anthony’s success as we deliver quality service and industry expertise to our clients,” said Villa. Read More...

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