Growth strategies

If you're leading an accounting firm in early 2026, you feel the pressure. Every conference promises AI will transform the profession. Every vendor has a new automation story. Every article warns that firms that do not adapt will be left behind. But most of these conversations overlook that many CPA firms are not AI-ready, and few have a transformation plan in place. You do already have something incredibly valuable: trust. Clients trust your judgment on complex issues. They trust your discretion with sensitive data. They trust you will guide them through regulatory risk. But trust alone won't carry your firm through the next 18 to 36 months.

Management systems and philosophies are a dime a dozen; it doesn't matter which you follow — as long as you follow one.

These five trends will influence accounting marketing in 2026 and distinguish firms that grow organically from those that fall behind.

Accounting's top influencers reveal what — if anything — they would do differently in their careers.

As part of this year's Top 100 Most Influential People survey, Accounting Today asked, "If you could go back, what is one thing you would change in your career?"

Going from a financial professional working for someone else to a business owner running your own firm requires shifting your way of thinking.

Two-thirds of firms say they don't need outside capital, and of the third that do, the most common reason they're looking might surprise you.

While CFOs focus on external growth threats, a more insidious drain often operates undetected within their own finance departments.

Since not all markets are equal in potential at any given time, you'll want to deploy your limited resources where conditions are best.

Accounting Today is looking for firms that belong in its prestigious annual rankings of the biggest practices in the field.

Independent research firm Morningstar's latest study of the value of financial advice examines tax-efficient IRA asset location during the decumulation phase.

The accounting profession is seriously divided over the value of private equity, and its potential impact on the profession.

Accounting's most influential name the profession's biggest issues.

As part of this year's Top 100 Most Influential People survey, Accounting Today asked, "What is the most important issue currently facing the accounting profession?"

By helping business owners shore up their metrics, you can help them boost their enterprise value and add more value to your relationship.

CEO Jeff Call is ramping up the use of artificial intelligence at the Top 100 Firm, and helping clients adjust to changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Small accounting firms can scale intentionally, sustainably and without compromising what makes them special.

A recently released book explains a framework for improving a company's profitability.