MYCPE ONE Insights 2025 Accounting Industry Highlights You Can’t Miss

As 2025 comes to a close, the Accounting Industry leaves behind a year defined by strategic growth, leadership reshuffles, and a steady drumbeat of consolidation. Firms didn’t just react to change; they actively shaped it through acquisitions, new service lines, and key leadership appointments that reset priorities across the profession. At the same time, expert voices stepped in to challenge conventional thinking, offering practical guidance on AI, talent, succession, and advisory growth. Some developments quietly strengthened firms behind the scenes, while others sparked heavy engagement as professionals looked for clarity in a fast-moving environment. Together, these moments tell the story of an industry in motion. Below is a curated look at the Accounting Industry stories that mattered most in 2025, organized into themes that defined the year. 📊 

The Power Players: How Top 10 Accounting Firms Shaped 2025 

This section highlights major developments from the industry’s most influential firms. To keep things balanced, each firm appears only once here, even if it made multiple headlines during the year. 

KPMG – AI Trust Services Launch 

KPMG’s introduction of AI Trust Services signaled how seriously large firms are taking AI governance. The offering focuses on risk management, controls, and compliance as clients accelerate AI adoption, positioning KPMG as a front-runner in responsible AI advisory. 

Deloitte – AI-Powered Workforce Tools

Deloitte rolled out AI-driven workforce tools aimed at improving enterprise productivity and transformation. The launch underscored Deloitte’s strategy of embedding AI directly into operational and talent solutions, not just advisory frameworks. 

EY – Global Independent Non-Executive Appointment 

EY’s appointment of Sue Kench as Global Independent Non-Executive highlighted the firm’s continued emphasis on governance and oversight. The move reinforced EY’s efforts to strengthen independence and credibility following past scrutiny. 

Grant Thornton – Major Partner and MD Class 

Grant Thornton admitted 51 new partners and 40 managing directors, one of the firm’s largest leadership classes in recent years. The announcement reflected both organic growth and long-term investment in leadership succession. 

RSM US – Identity Security Platform Expansion 

RSM expanded its managed security platform by adding SailPoint’s Identity Security Cloud. This move reinforced RSM’s growing focus on cybersecurity and risk services for middle-market clients. 

CohnReznick – Florida Office Expansion 

CohnReznick opened a new Tallahassee office, deepening its Florida footprint. The expansion aligned with increased client demand in government, public sector, and advisory services across the region. 

EisnerAmper – Chief AI Officer Appointment 

By naming a Chief AI Officer, EisnerAmper made its AI ambitions official. The role signaled a firm-wide commitment to embedding AI across audit, tax, and advisory workflows. 

M&A: Deals That Reshaped Firm Footprints 🤝 

Consolidation remained a defining theme in 2025, with firms pursuing scale, specialization, and geographic reach. The following deals stood out for their strategic impact. 

Eide Bailly Acquires Hamilton Tharp LLP 

This acquisition significantly expanded Eide Bailly’s Southern California presence. Beyond geography, the deal strengthened the firm’s capabilities in tax and advisory services for high-growth businesses. 

Citrin Cooperman Acquires Gatto, Pope & Walwick 

Citrin Cooperman’s West Coast expansion marked a major milestone in its national growth strategy. The acquisition enhanced its industry expertise while solidifying its presence in key California markets. 

Armanino Integrates Keystone Business Services 

Armanino’s integration of Keystone Business Services focused on expanding ERP and business management capabilities. The move reflected continued demand for technology-driven advisory services. 

Aprio Acquires JMS Advisory Group 

Aprio targeted compliance and advisory depth with its acquisition of JMS Advisory Group. The deal aligned with growing client demand for regulatory and risk-focused expertise. 

Thomson Reuters Acquires Additive 

This acquisition aimed to streamline tax document processing through automation. It highlighted how technology players are increasingly shaping workflows traditionally owned by accounting firms. 

Franklin Alliance Adds Robert Morris & Company 

Franklin Alliance continued its national expansion strategy with this acquisition, reinforcing its multi-market growth model while maintaining regional expertise. 

Prosperity Partners Merges with Farkouh, Furman & Faccio 

The merger established a New York City flagship office for Prosperity Partners. It marked a strategic step toward deeper presence in one of the most competitive accounting markets. 

Voice of Experts: Perspectives Shaping the Profession 🧠

Beyond firm announcements and deal activity, 2025 was also shaped by expert voices offering practical, forward-looking insights for accounting professionals. From AI risk and talent strategy to retirement planning and practice transitions, these contributors helped frame how CPAs can adapt, grow, and stay relevant in a changing landscape. 

Selling Your Business the Smart Way 

Bill Wiersema breaks down the realities of selling a business, from valuation expectations to deal readiness. His insights help firm owners and advisors navigate exits with fewer surprises and stronger outcomes. 

How to Read a Purchase Agreement Without Nodding Off 

Sarah Sharp demystifies purchase agreements by highlighting what CPAs actually need to focus on. Her approach makes complex legal language more approachable while reinforcing the accountant’s role in deal evaluation. 

Unlocking CPA Revenue Through Smarter Retirement Plan Strategy 

Richard Myer complements this discussion by focusing on the practical execution of retirement plan advisory services. He emphasizes how CPAs can position themselves as strategic partners in long-term financial planning rather than transactional service providers.  

Talent Is the New Strategy 

Nita Sanger reframes talent management as a core strategic priority rather than an HR function. Her insights reflect how firms that invest in people are better positioned for sustainable growth and resilience. 

Why GRC Is the Wingman for AI Risk 

Roderick Chambers explains why governance, risk, and compliance must evolve alongside AI adoption. He positions GRC as a critical safeguard that enables innovation without compromising control. 

How AI Turns CPAs Into Super Advisors 

Garrett Wasny explores how AI tools can elevate CPAs from traditional roles into high-impact advisors. His insights focus on leveraging AI to enhance judgment, efficiency, and strategic value.  

Unlocking CPA Revenue Through Smarter Retirement Plan Strategy 

David Podell explores how CPAs can unlock new revenue opportunities by rethinking retirement plan strategies. His insights highlight how advisory-led retirement planning can deepen client relationships while creating recurring value beyond compliance work. 

AI Trends and Emerging Risks in Utilities 

Nirpendra Ajmera examines how AI adoption in utilities introduces new operational and governance risks. His perspective underscores the growing need for CPAs to understand industry-specific AI exposure and risk mitigation frameworks. 

From Silver Tsunami to Smart Transitions 

Peter Lucas addresses the wave of retirements reshaping the profession and how CPAs can turn transitions into opportunity. His perspective connects succession planning with advisory growth. 

The Secret Sauce to Smooth Practice Transitions 

Todd Steinberg shares practical lessons on managing practice transitions with minimal disruption. His insights emphasize preparation, communication, and strategic alignment as keys to successful handoffs. 

Services: Where Firms Invested for the Future 

Service expansions in 2025 reflected a clear shift toward technology, talent solutions, and transformation-focused advisory. 

Andersen Files Confidential Draft for IPO 

Andersen’s confidential IPO filing revived long-standing conversations about its consulting legacy. The move suggested ambitions to reestablish itself as a major global advisory force. 

EisnerAmper Launches Talent Solutions Practice 

EisnerAmper’s new talent solutions offering addressed growing client needs around hiring and workforce strategy. The launch reflected broader industry recognition that talent challenges are now advisory opportunities. 

Wipfli Secures Strategic Investment 

Wipfli’s investment from New Mountain Capital signaled confidence in the firm’s growth strategy. The funding is expected to accelerate service expansion and operational scale. 

KSM Introduces IT Services 

KSM expanded into IT services to help clients better integrate technology into operations. The move positioned the firm as a more holistic business advisor beyond traditional accounting. 

Weaver Expands to India 

Weaver’s expansion into India with four new offices supported global delivery and scalability. The move aligned with increasing demand for international operations and offshore capabilities. 

RSM Strengthens Managed Security Services 

RSM’s security platform expansion emphasized the growing importance of identity management and cybersecurity advisory in the accounting space. 

Anders Launches Business Transformation Advisory 

Anders closed the year by launching a business transformation advisory offering. The service focuses on helping clients navigate operational change in uncertain economic conditions. 

People: Leadership Moves That Set the Tone 

Leadership changes in 2025 reflected shifts in strategy, governance priorities, and specialization across firms. 

Grassi Appoints New Specialty Tax Leader 

Grassi strengthened its specialty tax practice by appointing TJ Beary to a leadership role. The move signaled deeper focus on complex tax planning and advisory. 

Herbein CEO Named PICPA President 

David Stonesifer’s installation as PICPA President highlighted Herbein’s influence beyond firm operations. The appointment reinforced the firm’s leadership role within the profession. 

REDW Names First PIC of Oklahoma City 

REDW’s appointment of its first Partner-in-Charge in Oklahoma City marked a strategic commitment to regional growth and leadership presence. 

Centri Business Consulting Executive Promotions 

Centri announced a slate of executive promotions that reflected continued firm expansion. The updates emphasized internal talent development and leadership continuity. 

KPMG Names New Management Committee 

KPMG refreshed its management committee mid-year, signaling strategic recalibration at the leadership level as the firm navigated regulatory and market pressures. 

CohnReznick Welcomes Financial Services Partner 

The addition of Angela Ty strengthened CohnReznick’s financial services practice. The hire reflected ongoing competition for specialized industry talent. 

REDW Promotes New Tax Principal 

REDW’s year-end promotion reinforced its commitment to internal advancement and practice leadership in tax services. 

Closing Thought 

Taken together, these stories show an Accounting Industry that is actively reinventing itself through bold dealmaking, thoughtful service expansion, fresh leadership, and expert guidance that challenges how CPAs think about their role. Growth in 2025 wasn’t accidental; it was intentional, strategic, and shaped by both institutions and individuals willing to rethink the status quo. As firms continue to adapt to shifting client expectations, regulatory pressure, and rapid technological change, the decisions made this year will influence not just the next quarter, but the future direction of the profession itself. 💡