Can Accounting Firms Stay Independent or Will PE Win?
Is independence still a viable path for accounting firms, or is private equity inevitable? In this insightful conversation, Gary Shamis, founder of...
Gary is the visionary behind Winding River Consulting, bringing decades of transformative leadership to the accounting profession. Widely recognized as one of the industry's most influential leaders, Gary has shaped the future of firms through strategic planning, national leadership, and the authorship of several books. He is an E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year, an Accounting Today’s (inaugural list of) Top Ten Managing Partner Elite honoree, and a consistent presence on the profession’s Most Influential lists. Gary remains a sought-after consultant and advisor to the profession’s most forward-thinking firm leaders. As the architect of WRC’s mission, he continues to mentor firm leaders with a values-first approach and deep belief in aligned leadership.
Table of Contents
Private equity is transforming the accounting industry, reshaping mergers and acquisitions, and presenting both challenges and opportunities for firms of all sizes. In a recent episode of The Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown sits down with industry leader Gary Shamis to break down the impact of private equity on accounting firms—what’s driving it, how firms can adapt, and why leadership is the key to navigating disruption.
Key takeaways from the discussion include:
🔹 Private equity is a growing force that firms must understand.
🔹 M&A strategies differ significantly from PE-driven deals.
🔹 Middle-market firms hold untapped potential for CPA practices.
🔹 Strong leadership and strategy are essential in times of change.
🔹 Small firms can compete by leveraging their unique strengths.
🔹 Succession planning and partner alignment are critical for long-term success.
Don’t miss this insightful conversation.
Is independence still a viable path for accounting firms, or is private equity inevitable? In this insightful conversation, Gary Shamis, founder of...
4 min read
Reprinted with permission from Accounting Today. In recent months, we have seen much written about the growing involvement of private equity firms...
1 min read
Gary Shamis' journey from a small $225K CPA firm to a powerhouse worth $100M is nothing short of remarkable. His story offers invaluable lessons for...