What does it actually take to sustain enterprise value over time?

Brian Blaha returns to go deeper into the mechanics behind value creation inside accounting firms. From governance and succession planning to the impact of AI and talent pipelines, the discussion focuses on the operational realities firms must address.

Brian also breaks down common misconceptions around scale, enterprise value and private equity, and highlights the discipline and intentionality required to stay competitive.

For firms navigating growth, leadership transitions or long-term strategy, this episode offers a practical roadmap grounded in real-world experience.

Private equity continues to reshape the accounting profession, but does independence still have a place?

Rob Brown sits down with Brian Blaha of Winding River Consulting to unpack what “enterprise value” really means for firms today. The conversation challenges a common assumption: that building value requires selling to private equity.

Brian introduces the concept of strategic optionality, a disciplined approach that allows firms to remain independent while still creating long-term value. From governance and capital strategy to leadership alignment and growth planning, this episode outlines what it actually takes to compete in today’s environment.

Independence isn’t passive; it’s intentional.

This episode takes a step back from single-issue conversations and looks at the bigger picture.

Chelsea and Rob walk through the April issue of IPA Insights, pulling from 20 years of data to answer a simple question: what’s actually changed in the profession and what hasn’t?

From the steady rise of advisory revenue to the surprising staying power of the billable hour, the data tells a story of progress, but not consistency. Larger firms are pulling ahead in advisory, pricing models are shifting slowly and staffing decisions are creating real operational strain.

Some firms have been building toward this moment for years. Others are just getting started.

If you’re trying to understand where your firm stands and what it will take to keep up. This episode is a practical place to start.

Offshoring has quickly moved from a staffing workaround to a core operating strategy in public accounting.

But does it actually improve firm performance?

Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers unpack what the latest IPA data shows about how offshoring is impacting growth, profitability and productivity across firms.

They explore how adoption has expanded across firm sizes, why larger firms are further along in building global teams and how smaller firms are beginning to experiment with similar models.

The conversation also highlights a central tension in the data. Firms using offshore staff are reporting higher partner income and slightly higher growth. At the same time, traditional productivity metrics like revenue per FTE appear lower.

Rob and Chelsea discuss what is driving that shift and why it may not be a negative signal, but rather a reflection of increased capacity and different staffing structures.

They also explore how offshoring is evolving beyond compliance work into areas like client accounting services, analytics and advisory support.

Offshoring is no longer just a staffing solution. It is becoming part of how firms design their operating model.

Strategy gets all the attention. Execution determines the outcome.

In this episode, Chelsea Summers sits down with Jeff Pawlow, Principal and Chief Execution Officer at Brady Martz, to unpack what execution really means inside a modern CPA firm.

The conversation explores why so many firms fall short after strategic planning sessions and what it takes to close that gap. They also dive into why partners understand strategy intellectually, but don’t operate with a true ownership mindset. Jeff explains how firms can shift behavior by tying performance to measurable, controllable actions and making progress visible across the organization.

The episode also covers:

• The difference between strategy and execution (and why confusing the two is costly)
• How to measure “soft” metrics like employee experience
• Why controllable metrics matter more than outcomes
• How dashboards and transparency can drive accountability without being punitive
• What execution looks like in M&A and firm growth decisions

As Jeff puts it, strategy is the compass but execution is what gets you there.

Start now on the IPA channel in the Earmark app: INSIDE Public Accounting | Earmark CPE[CS1]

Advisory services have long been positioned as the future of accounting. For many firms, it has remained more of an aspiration than a fully executed strategy.

In this episode, Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers break down what is actually happening inside firms today. Drawing on IPA data and ongoing conversations with firm leaders, they explore whether advisory is truly taking hold or still largely conceptual.

The data shows meaningful movement. Advisory now represents roughly one-third of firm revenue across IPA firms. That signals a real shift away from a purely compliance-driven model.

But the more important question is why this shift is happening now.

Several forces are converging:

• Client expectations are changing, with businesses looking for guidance, not just reporting
• Technology is automating compliance work, limiting its growth potential
• Talent expectations are shifting, with professionals seeking more consultative and client-facing roles

At the same time, advisory is not something firms can simply layer on.

It requires changes across the firm, such as:

• Pricing models
• Training and skill development
• Leadership alignment
• Success measurements

It also requires a different mindset. One focused on insights and outcomes, not just efficiency and utilization.

Looking ahead, the conversation highlights a broader transition. The past decade was about recognizing advisory as an opportunity. The next decade will be about scaling it.

Firms that invest in leadership, client relationships and specialized expertise are more likely to succeed. Others may continue to struggle to move beyond compliance.

In most firms, promotions are based on utilization, billable production and technical proficiency. Those metrics matter. But the skills required to succeed at the manager and partner levels are fundamentally different.

Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers unpack why so many firms unintentionally create overwhelmed managers and underprepared partners.

They explore the growing complexity of leadership inside accounting firms, from private equity structures and M&A integrations to hybrid workforces and advisory expansion, and why the traditional promotion model hasn’t kept up.

Rob and Chelsea also discuss:

• Why leadership fatigue is rising among managers and senior managers
• The risks of promoting technicians without leadership development
• Why leadership training must start earlier in careers
• The importance of transparency around firm governance and financials
• Whether firms should hire leaders from outside the accounting profession
• Why modern firms benefit from complementary leadership strengths, not identical partner profiles

They also challenge firms to rethink traditional career paths. Not every talented professional wants or needs to manage people. Creating parallel career tracks for technical experts and leadership roles could reduce burnout and improve retention across the profession.

Private equity has quickly become one of the most talked-about developments in public accounting. But the profession is still trying to determine what it really means for firms, talent and long-term strategy.

In this episode, Chelsea Summers speaks with Stuart Ferguson, managing partner at Point Advisory, now Stout Strategy, a firm that has advised more than 15 of the top 25 accounting firms and dozens more globally.

Together they explore how private equity investment is changing the competitive landscape for CPA firms, why PE-backed firms are growing faster and how governance (not just capital) may be driving many of the operational differences we’re seeing.

The conversation also digs into the tension many firm leaders are feeling: concerns about culture, talent and long-term professional values versus the measurable growth and strategic discipline PE-backed firms are demonstrating.

Stuart shares insights on where private equity is investing, why advisory services are becoming central to firm strategy and how leadership teams can rethink governance and strategy, even without outside capital.

Chelsea and Stuart also look ahead to what the next five years may bring, including:

• Consolidation across the accounting market
• Increased investment in advisory and technology
• Possible IPOs of accounting firms
• Greater diversification into services like legal and wealth management
• The emergence of AI-native accounting firms

Whether firms pursue private equity or remain independent, one theme is clear: the profession is entering a period of significant change, and leadership strategy will matter more than ever.

For decades, public accounting firms have operated on a simple economic engine: leverage and billing rates.

Leverage — typically measured as staff per equity partner — determines how much production capacity sits under each partner. The wider the base of the pyramid, the greater the potential revenue and profit per partner.

But that model relied on several assumptions:

• A steady pipeline of entry-level talent
• Manageable turnover
• Consistent rate increases

Today, those assumptions are under pressure.

Across all IPA firms, the average staff-to-equity-partner ratio is 11.8. But it varies significantly by firm size:

Firms over $150M: 16

$20M–$30M firms: 13.6

Firms under $5M: 7.7

At the same time, more than 70% of the IPA 100 now use offshore staffing, and many firms are redesigning their operating models by building barbell structures, flatter organizations or advisory-heavy teams.

The takeaway? Leverage isn’t obsolete. But it must be intentional.

Profitability in a CPA firm still comes down to two drivers:

• Production capacity (leverage)
• Pricing discipline (billing rates and realization)

If leverage declines and rates stagnate, margin compresses. It’s that simple.

Managing partners should be asking:

• What is our current staff-to-partner ratio?
• How has it changed over five years?
• Have billing rates risen proportionally?

Are we protecting margin intentionally or assuming “same as last year”?

The firms that win the next decade won’t simply work harder. They’ll deliberately design their operating model.

In this crossover episode, Rob Brown welcomes Brannon Poe of the Accountants Flight Plan Podcast for a wide-ranging, practical conversation about what’s happening right now in CPA firm M&A and why private equity continues to accelerate consolidation across the profession.

Brannon shares what he’s seeing in the market and why accounting checks so many boxes for investors: recurring revenue, a fragmented marketplace, and plenty of opportunity to improve systems and scale. But as Rob and Brannon point out, not every deal is a good deal, especially when firm owners get pulled in by the “headline offer” without slowing down to evaluate fit, culture and the fine print behind earn-outs and performance targets.

They break down how PE-backed transactions differ from traditional firm-to-firm deals, why diligence can feel intense (and exhausting), and how competition in the process can protect sellers from getting “pulled around” late in the game. From there, the conversation shifts to timing: when is it actually time to sell and how much of that decision is less about money and more about time, lifestyle and opportunity cost?

You’ll also hear what buyers value most today (profitability, low owner dependency, strong teams and curated client bases), why the jump from $2.5M to $5M can be a “hard stretch” for growing firms, and a simple but powerful takeaway for firm leaders: boundaries matter—around time, pricing and priorities.

In this episode, we return to one of our favorite formats: listener Q&A.

The questions in this episode aren’t tactical. They’re structural. They reflect what firm leaders are really wrestling with behind closed doors:

• Is the talent shortage real — or is the traditional firm model the issue?
• Why does growth stall even when firms say they’re committed to it?
• Is 2026 finally the year advisory becomes more than a talking point?
• What’s the most valuable training future CPA leaders should prioritize?
• Are firms underestimating change fatigue?
• Will the firms that win the next decade look like the ones that won the last?

Chelsea brings the data. Rob brings perspective from conversations with firm leaders around the world. Together, they unpack the tension between intention and execution — and why adaptability, leadership alignment and clarity of direction may define the next generation of successful firms.

One theme emerges clearly: The future isn’t about getting bigger. It’s about becoming better designed.

What is CPA firm data really telling us about the future of tax advice and why does it feel different this time?

In this crossover episode with Heidi Henderson (Chief Marketing Officer at Engineered Tax Services and host of the Slash Tax Podcast), we connect the dots between firm benchmarking data and what taxpayers are experiencing in real life.

IPA has been surveying the profession since 1987, and the latest trends point to a profession at an inflection point. Staffing shortages, succession challenges, private equity consolidation, offshoring and rapid technology adoption are all converging at once. The result: compliance work is being reshaped and advisory services are moving from “nice to have” to a core growth engine.

We dig into:

• Why advisory is growing and what that means for tax planning and client expectations
• How technology (and AI) is accelerating efficiency and forcing new operating models
• The pressure points around staffing, partner time, and leadership pipelines
• Why billable-hour dependence is still high and what’s pushing firms toward fixed-fee, value, and subscription models
• What benchmarks suggest about where pricing is going (and how inflation plays into it)
• How offshoring is evolving from third-party work to fully integrated teams
• What firm leaders can do now to stay profitable and sustainable

Whether you run a firm or rely on one, this episode will help you understand why tax advice is changing—and what to do about it.

Follow the Slash Tax Podcast: https://slashtax.transistor.fm/

In this special “Behind the Curtain” episode, Rob Brown sits down with Chelsea Summers to explore how IPA’s data is collected, interpreted and translated into insight for firm leaders. Chelsea shares how nearly 40 years of longitudinal data requires judgment, context and responsibility—not just spreadsheets.

They discuss how IPA distinguishes real trends from short-term noise, why not all data should be published without interpretation, and how oversimplifying numbers can lead firms in the wrong direction. Chelsea also opens up about leadership fatigue, gaps between planning and execution inside firms, and what recent survey cycles have revealed that genuinely surprised her.

The episode also gets personal. Chelsea shares her unconventional path into public accounting, her leadership philosophy and why transparency has become a defining theme in her work. Together, Rob and Chelsea explore how the podcast creates space for nuance, emotion and practical application that a report alone can’t deliver.

This episode is a candid look at the responsibility behind the data—and why IPA’s role is about creating clarity, not judgment.

Compensation has always been one of the largest line items on an accounting firm’s income statement. But according to the latest IPA data, the pressure around pay feels different this year.

In this episode, Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers take a closer look at what firm leaders are really facing when it comes to compensation — and why this conversation has moved well beyond HR.

Using insights from IPA’s 2025 Practice Management and HR data, they explore how firms are navigating thinner margins, moderating salary increases, and shifting from blanket raises to more targeted investments. The discussion highlights how firms are differentiating pay by experience level, with a strong focus on protecting mid-level professionals who are critical to succession planning and firm stability.

Rob and Chelsea also examine longer-term trends, including rising entry-level pay, slower escalation for standardized or automated roles, and the growing gap between junior compensation and partner pay. They unpack what partner compensation data reveals about governance, equity structures, and generational transition inside firms.

The conversation wraps with practical takeaways for firm leaders from aligning compensation strategy with pricing and margins, to using transparency and clarity to build trust, even when firms can’t lead the market on pay.

Revenue per employee is one of the most honest indicators of how well an accounting firm is truly performing. In this episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting podcast, Rob Brown is joined by Chelsea Summers to unpack why this metric cuts through the noise of growth headlines, chargeable hours and surface-level productivity measures.

Drawing on IPA’s 2025 data, Chelsea explains how revenue per FTE captures the full workforce—onshore, offshore, chargeable and non-chargeable—and reflects how effectively a firm translates people into revenue. The conversation explores year-over-year trends, inflation-adjusted performance and why recent gains still reflect firms running slightly uphill.

Rob and Chelsea also dive into firm size comparisons, highlighting the widening gap between small firms, middle-market firms and the largest organizations. They discuss why premium billing rates, pricing confidence and intentional operating models matter more than simply working harder or adding headcount.

The episode closes with practical guidance for firm leaders: how to use revenue per FTE as a diagnostic tool, what questions it should prompt and why it deserves a central place in strategic decision-making—especially as firms navigate rising compensation costs, evolving staffing models, and increasing pressure to do more with less.

The IPA Practice Management Survey is one of the most powerful tools available to accounting firm leaders—and one of the most misunderstood.

In this episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting podcast, Rob Brown is joined by Chelsea Summers, Executive Director of IPA, for a practical, step-by-step breakdown of the survey that powers IPA’s benchmarking, rankings and long-term insights into the profession.

They cover what the survey includes, how firms of all sizes can participate, and why more than 600 firms submit data each year. Chelsea explains how IPA standardizes and reviews submissions, the cost to participate and how the data ultimately drives the IPA 500, Best of the Best firms and a wide range of benchmarking reports.

The conversation also dives into how firms actually use the data—supporting strategic planning, compensation decisions, talent strategy, board reporting and even M&A diligence. Plus, Chelsea shares tips for first-time participants and discusses how IPA is expanding its data collection around AI and technology adoption.

If you’re looking for clarity, comparison, and a data-driven roadmap for your firm, this episode explains why the IPA Practice Management Survey is a critical place to start.

Succession, liquidity and firm ownership are no longer “future problems” for accounting firms — they’re today’s reality.

In this episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting Podcast, Rob Brown sits down with Michael Bannon, Managing Director at CSG Partners, to unpack one of the most talked-about — and often misunderstood — ownership structures in the profession: ESOPs.

Michael shares what he’s seeing in the market as business owners and firm leaders head into 2026 with uncertainty, rising valuations, and increased private equity activity. Together, they explore how ESOPs compare to traditional exits, why more firms are evaluating employee ownership and what CPAs can do right now to better prepare their clients for a successful transition.

The conversation also covers:

• Why many firms delay succession planning — and the risks of waiting
• How ESOPs actually work (and why they’re not new)
• The emotional side of selling a firm
• What separates successful exits from stressful ones
• How interest rates, valuations and PE activity are reshaping deal structures
• Practical steps CPAs can take today to support client readiness

Whether you advise firm owners or are thinking about your own firm’s future, this episode offers grounded insight into ownership transitions beyond the traditional private equity path.

Talent retention remains one of the biggest challenges facing accounting firms, but younger staff are being remarkably consistent about what they want.

In this episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting podcast, Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers unpack the real drivers of retention in 2025. Drawing on industry data and firm-level observations, they explain why transparency has become a leadership superpower, how vague career paths drive disengagement and why flexibility without boundaries leads to burnout.

The conversation explores:

• Why younger professionals want context, not corporate spin
• How clarity around career paths matters more than fast tracks
• Why trust-based flexibility beats monitoring hours
• The growing role of culture, mentorship and psychological safety
• How technology has become a talent strategy—not just an efficiency play
• Where firms consistently get retention wrong

The takeaway? Younger staff aren’t asking for extravagant perks. They’re asking for clear communication, real development, modern tools and leaders who are willing to explain the “why.”

2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the accounting profession.

Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers walk through 10 data-informed predictions that highlight where firms are headed and where the biggest risks and opportunities lie. Drawing from IPA benchmarking data and ongoing conversations with firm leaders across the country, this episode looks at how multiple forces are converging all at once.

Topics include:

• Why AI will become fully embedded into firm systems and why governance matters more than ever
• The emergence of a real productivity divide between firms that modernize and those that don’t
• Advisory moving from a service line to the strategic center of the firm
• How the partner role continues to evolve, opening doors to new leadership paths
• The second wave of private equity and why it looks more disciplined and targeted
• Global staffing models becoming fully integrated, not just outsourced
• Why pricing models tied to hours are finally starting to crack
• How succession challenges are accelerating mergers and combinations
• And why 2026 may bring the largest year-over-year increase in female partners

This episode isn’t about making bold claims for the sake of it. It’s about identifying patterns, pressures and decisions that firm leaders are already facing and what those signals suggest about the year ahead.

If 2025 felt different, that’s because it was.

In this special year-in-review episode, Chelsea Summers and Rob Brown step back to examine the defining forces reshaping public accounting. From record-setting mergers to the mainstreaming of private equity, the pace and scale of change reached a new level this year and firm leaders are feeling it.

The conversation covers the headline deals that set the tone, including the Baker Tilly–Moss Adams combination and what those moves reveal about consolidation, capital and competitive pressure. Chelsea shares insights from IPA data on how firms are rethinking ownership models, accelerating advisory growth and investing in technology and AI not just for efficiency, but for client value.

The episode also explores shifts in talent strategy, including stabilizing enrollment trends, expanded recruiting pipelines, the rise of non-equity and corporate-style leadership roles, and the evolution of global teams from short-term staffing fixes to long-term strategic capabilities.

The accounting profession runs on data — and two of the most relied-upon benchmarking surveys in the industry are the INSIDE Public Accounting Survey and the Rosenberg Survey.

In this episode, IPA’s Executive Director, Chelsea Summers, is joined by Kennedy Backer, Director of the Rosenberg Survey, to discuss:

• How the Rosenberg Survey began and what makes it unique
• The differences and complements between Rosenberg and IPA’s benchmarking data
• How firms are using data to make smarter strategic decisions
• Key findings from the 2025 report: growth rates, turnover trends, demographics and partner structures
• What defines an “elite firm” and how others can follow their example

Whether you lead a top 100 firm or a regional practice, this conversation shows how benchmarking can guide better leadership, smarter management and more sustainable growth.

Mergers and acquisitions are no longer a side story in public accounting — they’ve become a defining force reshaping the profession. In this episode, Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers unpack the economics, the strategy and the real-world effects of today’s consolidation wave.

They walk through:

• What the numbers show in IPA’s 2025 Practice Management Report
• Why succession, talent challenges and rising technology costs are accelerating deal activity
• How private equity is changing firm structures and leadership models
• The year’s biggest headlines, including the mega-merger in the IPA 100
• What mid-sized firms must do now to stay competitive, independent, or acquisitive
• Integration pitfalls and best practices that separate successful deals from costly missteps

For firms between $20M and $75M especially, this is a moment to define whether you’re a buyer, a seller or an independent competitor with a clear strategy. The landscape is shifting fast and firms that treat M&A as a long-term strategic tool, not a last-minute fix, are the ones that will thrive.

Strategic planning shows up on every agenda, but for many CPA firms it never quite turns into real change. In this episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting podcast, Rosenberg Associates partner Matt Rampe joins Rob Brown to dig into what it really takes to build — and execute — a strategy that holds up in a disrupted marketplace.

Drawing on decades of Rosenberg’s work with firms across North America, plus modern research in psychology, organizational behavior and change management, Matt shares the framework behind his book, CPA Firm Strategic Planning: Your Roadmap for Long-Term Success. From succession and partner alignment to pricing, talent and client mix, he connects the dots between the numbers and the human dynamics that make or break implementation.

They tackle the biggest strategic blind spots: ignoring succession until it’s an emergency, trying to be everything to everyone, chasing top-line growth while partners burn out and treating talent as an HR issue instead of a core strategic lever. Matt also explains why “focus must be an ally of strategy” and how firms can use benchmarking data without blindly copying their peers.

If you lead a CPA firm — especially a mid-sized firm — and you’ve ever watched a beautifully written plan die in the execution phase, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why succession planning is both the elephant in the room and a strategic imperative
• How to identify a niche where your firm can be “number one” and defend it
• Ways to balance growth and profitability without burning partners out
• How strategic planning can elevate your entire HR system, not just fill open roles
• The three ingredients that separate firms that execute from those that don’t: accountability, leadership and compensation
• A simple, two-part question every managing partner should ask before the next retreat

Matt also shares what gives him the most hope for the future of the profession — and why, despite all the disruption, shared aspirations inside firms are stronger than ever.

Accounting’s reputation hasn’t kept up with the profession’s reality and that disconnect is costing firms’ talent. In this episode, Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers break down the data behind accounting’s image problem and explore how firms can modernize their story.

Using insights from the 2025 IPA Human Resources Report, they examine the myths versus the metrics: today’s workforce is younger than many assume, flexibility is more widespread than the narrative suggests and firms are actively reshaping the pipeline through expanded recruiting, internships and new career pathways.

But culture still matters. Rob and Chelsea dig into turnover trends, transparency gaps, diversity benchmarks and the expectations Gen Z brings to the workplace. They also outline practical steps firm leaders can take this quarter — from spotlighting staff to acting on engagement surveys — to create workplaces where people feel connected, valued, and informed.

If you want a clearer picture of the modern profession (and what your firm can do to stand out), this episode is packed with data, insights, and a path forward.

What if your CPE fit your life—and your firm’s strategy? Blake Oliver, CPA, co-host of The Accounting Podcast and founder of Earmark, joins Chelsea Summers to dig into how learning is evolving and how that connects to the real work inside firms. From podcast-based CPE to building repeatable AI workflows, Blake lays out what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s next.

We talk about why access alone (team licenses for ChatGPT/Copilot) isn’t enough—and how to close the gap with structured training, shared prompt libraries and “AI SOPs.” Blake explains why experienced reviewers often get better AI results than juniors, the risks of “work slop” and how firms can build review into AI-assisted processes.

We also explore the changing pipeline: offshoring, automation and fewer entry-level roles at large firms—and what that means for developing managers, compensation and university curricula. Plus, a look at Earmark’s model (including free weekly CPE), paid expert content and how broader access to instruction can diversify voices across the profession.

If you care about practical talent strategy, modern learning and the real impact of AI on firm work, this one’s for you.

Compliance is no longer the centerpiece of the accounting profession. In this data-driven discussion, Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers explore how consulting and advisory services are becoming the true growth engine for firms of all sizes.

Using insights from the IPA Practice Management Report, they break down the rise of non-compliance revenue — now over 43% among the largest firms — and what this shift means for pricing models, staffing and firm strategy.

Discover why firms that invest in advisory practices are seeing higher profitability, stronger client loyalty, and leaner operations. Plus, learn how Client Advisory Services (CAS), IT consulting and digital transformation work are creating a new definition of what an accounting firm really is.

We’ll talk about:

• Advisory vs. compliance: the new revenue balance
• How firms are blending accountants, technologists and analysts
• Why pricing models must evolve beyond billable hours
• CAS and consulting as sustainable growth drivers
• The redefined accounting firm of the future

Artificial intelligence is changing the accounting profession faster than any prior technology shift—and the firms that prepare now will be the ones leading the future.

In this episode, Rob Brown sits down with Jin Chang, CEO and co-founder of Fieldguide, to unpack what it means to be truly AI-ready. Jin, a former auditor turned AI entrepreneur, explains how modern technologies like generative and agentic AI are transforming audit work, culture and firm strategy.

He outlines Fieldguide’s AI Maturity Framework, a practical roadmap to help firms identify where they are today and move step by step toward becoming AI-powered firms of the future. From culture and training to compliance, risk management and leadership vision, Jin offers a realistic and encouraging perspective on how firms can adapt—and thrive—in this new age of automation and autonomy.

In this Q&A edition, Rob Brown and IPA’s Executive Director, Chelsea Summers, unpack the questions firm leaders are asking right now and what the data actually shows.

They cover:

• Turnover at PE-backed firms vs. non-PE firms among the IPA 100 (and what culture amplifies—not replaces).
• Independence without outside capital: why clarity, pricing discipline and client selection matter.
• Offshoring and nearshoring: the rise of Latin America, hybrid teams and why 93% of the largest firms plan to expand outsourcing.
• Transparency as a retention and engagement tool, not a risk.
• Succession readiness: pipelines, leadership development and avoiding the “tide going out” moment.
• What separates steady growers from merger-driven leaps—and what’s sustainable.
• The 3 V’s Rob is hearing across the profession: visibility, velocity, voice.
• The metric to watch by 2030: revenue per FTE—reframed for offshoring and automation.

If you’re leading a CPA firm through change, this episode turns survey insights into action.

This episode gets into the work of keeping great people—and helping them thrive. Rachel Anevski has led HR and Business Development inside firms, advised dozens more and co-authored Accounting for Times: Evolve or Dissolve. She and Rob dig into the parts of firm life we talk about a lot but don’t always fix.

We’ll cover:

• Why “transformation” is real—but the people side lags
• Internships that market your firm (and what breaks them)
• Micro-learning as a blueprint for faster, better onboarding
• Writing the pitch for CPAs to choose your firm, not just clients
• Transformational and ethical leadership that builds followership
• Remote/hybrid realities and keeping people connected
• Wellness beyond fruit bowls—redesigning work to cut burnout
• The tech shift: are we accounting firms, tech firms, or both?
• Billable hours, project management, and using fractional talent smarter

Why it matters:

Retention isn’t one initiative. It’s how you hire, teach, lead, and structure the work. Rachel offers clear, doable changes firms can start this quarter.

Each year, INSIDE Public Accounting names its “Best of the Best” — a select group of firms that exemplify excellence across strategy, structure and sustainability. Out of more than 600 participating firms across the U.S. and Canada, only 75 make the list.

In this episode, Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers dig into what truly defines these elite firms. They discuss the proprietary IPA formula that evaluates 30 key metrics, including financial health, staffing models, leadership development, governance and long-term strategy.

The conversation highlights patterns that distinguish top performers — such as leadership beyond billable hours, operational discipline and a data-driven commitment to succession, pricing and culture. These firms don’t rely on luck or short-term wins. They’re intentional, consistent and built for the long haul.

If you want to know what the best firms are doing differently and how to apply those lessons inside your own organization, this is the episode to hear!

Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers break down IPA’s 2025 Human Resources Report across 326 firms—demographics, turnover, compensation, benefits, recruiting, training and evaluations. You’ll hear what the workforce really looks like now (younger overall), where leadership still lags (gender), how turnover varies by firm size, and which benefits and development moves are gaining traction. Practical takeaways for firms competing in a tight talent market.

Highlights from this episode:

• Nearly a third of staff are under 30, while only about one in ten are over 60—putting succession planning front and center.
• Women make up 57% of staff, but only about one-quarter of equity partners.
• Overall turnover averages 12%, rising to 14% at the largest firms and dropping closer to 8–9% at smaller firms. Most of that turnover is voluntary.
• Firms are expanding family benefits, adding wellness support and rethinking culture to stay competitive.
• Raises are moderating, but bonuses and other incentives are becoming more important.
• Internships, referrals and even non-traditional hires are shaping the next generation of talent.

What separates a good firm from a great one? According to Amanda Garner of The Growth Partnership, it’s not just technical expertise, it’s leadership, communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence.

In this episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting podcast, host Chelsea Summers and Amanda Garner explore why critical skills are often undervalued, how they link directly to profitability and what firms risk when they overlook them. They discuss:

• Why technical skills are only the starting point for leadership
• The measurable ROI of investing in leadership development (including a 250% ROI on soft skills training)
• The role of mentorship and coaching – and how to get them right
• Balancing technical excellence with leadership readiness in promotions
• The hidden costs of neglecting training including burnout and turnover
• How transparency and future-focused career pathing strengthen retention

Amanda also shares stories from her work with firms across the country and insights from The Partner Institute, now in its 25th year of developing future leaders in the profession.

Advisory isn’t a side service anymore, it’s becoming the core of how firms grow. But what does it take to get there? In this episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting podcast, Rob Brown is joined by Mike Hajek, who shares how his firm made the move from compliance-heavy work into an advisory-first model.

Mike explains why CAS is just the beginning, how pricing and scope management set the tone for success, and why younger firms are often better positioned to adopt advisory than larger, traditional ones. He also covers how outsourcing and vertical integration play into firm strategy, the importance of training and talent development and why small businesses remain the biggest source of opportunity for accountants.

Whether you’re rethinking your firm’s service mix or looking for ways to keep talent engaged, this conversation offers a practical look at what it takes to future-proof your practice.

In this episode, Rob Brown and IPA’s Chelsea Summers go under the hood of the 2025 Firm Administration Report—based on 339 North American firms and 15 years of benchmarking. We explore how firms are structuring leadership and equity (including a rise in the prevalence of equity for administrative leaders), how often partner agreements are updated and where succession planning stands—especially in firms above $30 million.

Staffing pressure continues to shape strategy. Many firms plan to add headcount next year, internships remain a reliable entry path and larger firms are more likely to invest in dedicated recruiters. On the client side, more firms are formalizing acceptance criteria and segmenting portfolios, while nearly half conduct an annual “pruning” to free capacity for higher-value work. We also look at business development maturity—who tracks a pipeline, who has a BD lead, and how incentives are structured.

Finally, we tackle transparency. Only a small share of firms operate truly open-book, and most limit profitability data to equity partners. What does that mean for the next generation of leaders who expect more visibility and context? Chelsea connects the dots between the data and practical steps firms can take now to improve retention, growth and trust.

If you lead, manage, or aspire to shape a CPA firm, this episode distills the numbers into actions you can use.

In this episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting Podcast, Rob Brown sits down with Chelsea Summers to unpack the 2025 IPA Practice Management Survey.

They'll cover:

• The widening gap in partner income between the largest and smallest firms.
• How market size influences billing rates and profitability.
• The ongoing demographic shift as more partners approach retirement.
• Why firms are ramping up technology investments in AI, automation, and workflow tools.
• What survey data reveals about turnover, hiring, and succession planning.
• The continued rise of advisory services and the evolution of firm business models.

Whether you’re a managing partner, COO, or simply curious about the trends driving accounting forward, this episode delivers the context behind the numbers.

How do you grow a six-person, $300,000 accounting firm into one of the largest in the U.S. with $1.3 billion in revenue? Former Marcum CEO Jeffrey Weiner knows.

In this episode, Jeffrey sits down with Rob Brown to share candid lessons from more than 40 years at the helm:

• Building a brand that’s bigger than the firm itself.
• Balancing bold acquisitions with culture and values.
• Why accountability, reinvestment and simplicity matter.
• Private equity’s role in shaping the future of the profession.
• The personal side of leadership, legacy and life after 4,000 paychecks.

For firm leaders, future managing partners, and anyone curious about the business side of accounting, this episode offers a rare look behind one of the profession’s biggest success stories.

In this episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting Podcast, hosts Rob Brown and Chelsea

Summers dive into the numbers behind the trend. Drawing on IPA’s exclusive survey data, they explore:

• How outsourcing has grown across revenue bands, with nearly half of firms participating
• The role of labor shortages in accelerating adoption
• What larger firms are doing differently—and what smaller firms can learn from them
• How outsourcing is reshaping client communications and internal career paths
• The risks, from security to staff integration, and how leading firms are addressing them.
• Where the next three to five years may take the profession—including specialized services, nearshoring and technology-enabled collaboration

Whether you’re a managing partner weighing capacity solutions or a team member curious about how outsourcing affects your role, this episode brings clarity to one of the most significant shifts in accounting operations.

the American Institute of CPAs and partner at Aprio, to explore the 2040

Project — a strategic initiative mapping the profession’s future.

From tackling pipeline challenges to integrating AI, Lexy

shares why upskilling, adaptability and people skills are now strategic

imperatives for firms of all sizes. We look at the disruptors ahead, the role

every CPA plays in shaping the profession’s brand and how leadership can

attract and keep the next generation of talent.

If you’re a managing partner, HR leader, or aspiring CPA

this conversation offers practical insight into how the profession can thrive

amid constant change. Topics include:

• Why the 2040 Project matters now
• The three “hard trends” firms can’t ignore
• How to tell a better story about the value of accounting
• Critical skills for the future — and how to develop them
• The power of saying “yes” to opportunities

While the average Top 100 firm is nearly 69 years old, some new firms are managing to carve out space in a landscape dominated by legacy players. Chelsea shares findings from IPA's latest research, spotlighting trends in firm formation, the golden age of CPA startups and why organic growth is increasingly rare.

From private equity to niche service models, this episode offers insights for firm leaders looking to grow—or simply stay relevant. Rob and Chelsea also discuss:

• Why consolidation is redefining "growth"
• What successful new firms are doing differently
• How tech, outsourcing and shifting expectations are changing the game

If you're a firm leader or decision-maker, this one is for you.

Topics in this episode:

• Performance trends in the top 100, including private equity influence, revenue growth and productivity metrics
• The strategic advantage of specialization in tax, assurance and advisory services
• Shifts in partner compensation and firm structures, including merit-modified models
• How firms ranked 101–500 are building strength through focus, regional relevance and staff stability

The episode offers data-backed insights into where the accounting profession is heading and the diverse models proving successful in a changing market.

In this fast-paced episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting podcast, Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers go full horse race. No big-picture trends this time — it's all about who’s new, who’s rising fast, and who’s out.

Highlights include:

• The debutants: Firms like Sorren (#61) and H&Co (#66) enter with bold moves or private equity support.
• Major exits: CBIZ’s acquisition of Marcum and Baker Tilly’s acquisition of Moss Adams reshuffle the top 10.
• The fastest growers: Smith + Howard tops the list with 26.2% organic growth — but they’re not alone.
• Firms on the move: Mid-tier firms like ATKG and Opsal Dawson are making major leaps up the rankings.
• What this all means: PE-backed organic growth, rising geographic diversity and a new playbook for success.

Plus: Benchmarking tips, strategy insights and a candid look at how smaller firms can position themselves to break in next year.

You’ll hear:

• What it really takes to make the list
• The rising revenue thresholds and how they’ve shifted year over year
• M&A trends, private equity’s continued rise and offshoring’s growing role
• Surprising stats about recruiting, technology investment and firm structure

Whether your firm made the list or you're aiming for it next year, this episode offers valuable insights into what’s happening across the profession—and what it takes to stay competitive.

Subscribe to the IPA Podcast and get ready for next week’s deep dive into the newly released rankings.

From evolving growth rates to expanded outsourcing strategies and shifts in licensure, firms are making intentional choices that reflect a changing profession. These trends are opportunities to reassess and respond with clarity.

In this episode:

• Growth is steady, though easing slightly from previous years
• CPA licensure rates are evolving alongside more diverse talent strategies
• Firms are improving fit by reassessing their client base
• Outsourcing and CAS models are helping drive efficiency and growth

The 2025 IPA Practice Management Report will be released in full this September. Until then, we’re highlighting what’s emerging—and what firm leaders should be watching closely.

Let us know what you’re seeing: insidepublicaccounting.com/about/podcast

Chelsea shares insights from IPA’s latest research, including how firm leaders are navigating growth, autonomy, and culture in a PE-influenced landscape. Are these firms growing faster? Yes. But is the pressure sustainable? That’s the bigger question.

Tune in for data-backed insights and commentary on:

• Why PE is top of mind for so many firms
• The split opinion among firm leaders
• Risks around autonomy, morale, and sustainability
• What PE-backed growth really looks like in practice
• Whether firms outside of PE deals still need to pay attention

📥 Download the full report at IPA Insights | Quarterly Accounting Industry Insights & Trends

💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn, YouTube, or on our podcast page.

Chelsea shares how IPA’s reports are evolving into something more conversational, timely, and strategic. Rob previews what’s ahead, including private equity, offshoring, staffing trends and IPA’s exclusive research.

Whether you’re a managing partner, an emerging leader, or just someone trying to make sense of where the profession is headed—this show is for you.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Share your feedback or topic ideas at insidepublicaccounting.com/about/podcast

The INSIDE Public Accounting Podcast launches soon—bringing you weekly insights, data-driven trends, and leadership strategies from the team behind the IPA 500 and the industry’s most respected reports.

In each episode, hosts Chelsea Summers and Rob Brown will go beyond the numbers to unpack the “why” behind the profession’s most pressing issues—from growth and staffing to private equity and offshoring.

Whether you lead a Top 100 firm or an emerging practice, this podcast is built to help you stay informed, competitive and future-ready.

Subscribe now to be the first to hear when new episodes drop.

New episodes coming soon!

🔗 Learn more at insidepublicaccounting.com/about/podcast