Few things have created more discussion and disruption in the profession than the current confluence of private equity’s entry into the accounting world with the ongoing talent shortage. But this story goes beyond just the financial implications. “While the influx of cash is grabbing headlines, we believe the real story is how this new structure will transform firm dynamics and career opportunities for its team members, particularly women and people of color,” said Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk, Accounting MOVE Project president.
The 2024 Accounting MOVE Project report, takes a careful look at the ways private equity investment is currently impacting employees by talking to firm leaders as well as prominent intermediaries, including Allan Koltin, Koltin Consulting Group, Bob Lewis, The Visionary Group, and Terry Putney, Whitman Transition Advisors. Some think PE is leveling the playing field, offering oft-overlooked women and people of color more opportunities to prove their value and leadership potential. Others are worried that the intense focus on increasing revenues might undermine the people-centric strategies that many firms depend on to attract and retain employees, who are in increasingly short supply.
The MOVE Project examines its four foundational pillars: Money, Opportunity, Vital Supports, and Entrepreneurship. Highlights include how participating firms continue to champion transparency and accountability in pay equity and offer robust career development training that creates new opportunities for growth and advancement. These trailblazing firms are taking proactive steps to meet the diverse needs of their multi-generational workforce with comprehensive wellness and family support programs and employee resource groups. The result? These firms are not just meeting needs, they’re changing lives.
Along with this year’s report, the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance and Accounting MOVE Project released its two lists of exemplary CPA firms based on the Accounting MOVE Project results: the 2024 Best Firms for Women and the 2024 Best Firms for Equity Leadership.
Winning firms are listed below in alphabetical order:
The 2024 Best CPA Firms for Women
Abbott, Stringham & Lynch
Abbott, Stringham & Lynch is on the leading edge of the accountancy profession, bringing energy and fresh perspective when it comes to work-life balance, internal supports, and career trajectories. From new hires to senior management, the firm remains dedicated to creating a workplace that employees want to be a part of — and its efforts shine through.
Armanino
This year, Armanino continues making strides in gender parity, with women comprising 50% or more of the firm’s partner class for the third year in a row. Armanino’s leadership programs – including Pathway to Partner and the Executive Access Program (EAP) – are giving women opportunities to show their leadership prowess and generating greater gender equality at the firm. The EAP expanded with support from The Inclusion of Diverse Employees and Leaders Team (IDEAL) to include professionals from under-represented communities, with an opportunity to build a relationship with an executive leader who can help advance their career.
BeachFleischman PLLC
The path has been blazed for women in leadership positions at BeachFleischman. For the last decade, the firm’s Women R.I.S.E (Reach, Inspire, Support, Empower) group has positioned women for leadership positions including 57% of principals and 71% of the management committee. Additionally, the firm’s part-time partnership and leadership model gives leaders the opportunity to scale back when needed without repercussions. Their focus on performance metrics over billable hours, providing access to mental health resources, and building out women-led departments are examples of how BeachFleischman’s programs are attracting and retaining top talent.
BerryDunn
BerryDunn continues to lead in inclusivity, earning recognition as the 2024 recipient of the New Hampshire Business for Social Responsibility Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion award. This accolade highlights the firm’s proactive success and community impact, underscored by women holding 60% of management committee seats and 40% of the partner team. Their DEIBA advisor council stands out as a dynamic think tank, pioneering new performance management processes and deepening the understanding of inclusivity’s business impact.
Bland & Associates, P.C.
For a firm its size, Bland & Associates is well above average when it comes to women holding leadership roles. Ingrained in the culture of the firm is a continued focus on promoting gender equality and fostering a supportive environment for women. Two noteworthy programs include Bland’s Women’s Initiative for Rising Stars (BWInRS) which supports women on their career journey by providing mentorship as well as educational and networking opportunities, and its leadership development effort, BLAND Leadership Institute for the Next Generation (BLING) focused on supporting and developing emergent leaders.
BPM LLP
Under the direction of CEO Jim Wallace and the proactive efforts of its symbiotic Inclusion Now! Committee, BPM is pioneering intentional diversity efforts across all aspects, from corporate services to client-facing. Champions of its Women’s Colleague Resource Group are making a tremendous impact through programming, partnerships, and increased visibility, nearly doubling its membership in the last 18 months. With women comprising 50% of new partners and a Board that boasts more than one-third female representation, BPM exemplifies its dedication to elevating underrepresented groups and women’s leadership.
Clark Nuber
Clark Nuber continues to improve on an already stellar operation. Since women outnumber men two to one, supporting women at all life stages is paramount at the firm. From early career supports, to flexible return to work options for parents, to educational seminars on financial education for children to the elderly, to part-time partner tracks and phased retirement options, Clark Nuber is a place where everyone can grow and thrive.
Eide Bailly
Eide Bailly’s mission, To Be One Connected Firm, is proven by its intentionality at integrating initiatives into the firm culture including, DEI efforts, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), coaching and development opportunities, and new firm acquisitions. Additionally, the firm is continuing to invest in programs focused on employee work/life balance and the communities they serve, differentiating Eide Bailly as a leader in public accounting and a great place to work.
Frazier & Deeter
Under the direction of LeighAnn Costley, Chair of the Board and tax partner, Frazier & Deeter is strengthening their commitment to DEI, evolving and codifying programs to support a growing pipeline of women. With the launch of six multifaceted affinity groups and the introduction of focused training to combat unconscious bias in recruiting, the firm is actively shifting their mindset to hear diverse voices and address inequity.
James Moore & Co.
James Moore continues to impress with a partner group comprised of 50% women. Led by the powerful and energetic Suzanne Forbes, the firm is anything but traditional, choosing employee happiness as the litmus for success. As a reliable innovator, it consistently showcases the mindset, robust support, and vibrant energy needed to cultivate and sustain an inclusive and welcoming workplace.
Moss Adams
Moss Adams is enthusiastic about fostering opportunities and equipping individuals with the resources they need to grow and succeed in ways that align with their personal goals. This commitment is reflected in initiatives designed to uplift women, people of color, LGBTQ+, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, as well as a company culture that promotes creativity and forward-thinking, and systems that track progress, share outcomes, and hold both the firm and individuals accountable for continuous improvement.
Rehmann LLC
Rehmann’s commitment to DEI is reflective in the significant increase in people of color over the past year. For 2023, the percentage of women and people of color in Rehman’s workforce was 60% and 9%, respectively. In 2024, women staff percentage remains strong at 60%, but people of color increased to 25% of Rehman’s total workforce. Rehmann is proactive in developing training and innovative programming to continue their efforts on supporting women and DEI.
Schellman
Schellman continues to break new ground in diversity, equity, and inclusion under the dynamic leadership of visionary CEO, Avani Desai. With a predominantly female executive team, Schellman’s daring approach to crafting an inclusive leadership pipeline shines through their mentorship and succession programs. They offer forward-thinking benefits like fertility support and host focus groups that tackle challenges head-on.
The Bonadio Group
At The Bonadio Group, programs like parental leave, flexible work environments, and wellness initiatives continue to be drivers of staff satisfaction and a welcoming culture. Women in the firm hold a slight majority at 52%, and nearly all levels of the organization have nearly equal gender representation, in part due to strong progress in fully integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into their firm philosophy.
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The Best CPA Firms for Equity Leadership
(In descending order of percentage of women partners & principals. To qualify, women must comprise at least 31% of a firm’s partners and principals.)
71% KWC Certified Public Accountants
KWC stands out in terms of demographics, with 71% of women principals which is more than double the MOVE firm average of 35%. Women outnumber men at both manager and partner levels, and there is strong pipeline of talent that guarantees KWC will be led by women for many years to come This year KWC’s investment in cloud computing and flexible workplace practices has enabled the retention of valuable female leaders, contributing significantly to the firm’s financial growth.
64% Clark Nuber
Clark Nuber continues to improve on an already stellar operation. Since women outnumber men two to one, supporting women at all life stages is paramount at the firm. From early career supports, to flexible return to work options for parents, to educational seminars on financial education for children to the elderly, to part-time partner tracks and phased retirement options, Clark Nuber is a place where everyone can grow and thrive.
58% Abbott, Stringham & Lynch
Abbott, Stringham & Lynch is on the leading edge of the accountancy profession, bringing energy and fresh perspective when it comes to work-life balance, internal supports, and career trajectories. From new hires to senior management, the firm remains dedicated to creating a workplace that employees want to be a part of — and its efforts shine through.
57% BeachFleischman PLLC
The path has been blazed for women in leadership positions at BeachFleischman. For the last decade, the firm’s Women R.I.S.E (Reach, Inspire, Support, Empower) group has positioned women for leadership positions including 57% of principals and 71% of the management committee. Additionally, the firm’s part-time partnership and leadership model gives leaders the opportunity to scale back when needed without repercussions. Their focus on performance metrics over billable hours, providing access to mental health resources, and building out women-led departments are examples of how BeachFleischman’s programs are attracting and retaining top talent.
55% Bland & Associates, P.C.
For a firm its size, Bland & Associates is well above average when it comes to women holding leadership roles. Ingrained in the culture of the firm is a continued focus on promoting gender equality and fostering a supportive environment for women. Two noteworthy programs include Bland’s Women’s Initiative for Rising Stars (BWInRS) which supports women on their career journey by providing mentorship as well as educational and networking opportunities, and its leadership development effort, BLAND Leadership Institute for the Next Generation (BLING) focused on supporting and developing emergent leaders.
53% Kerkering, Barberio & Co.
At 64%, the percentage of women full-time employees at Kerkering, Barberio & Co. surpasses the average nationally and across other MOVE firms. KB women lead most practice areas and the firm’s management committee, fostering positive succession trends. It also strives to provide its employees with a work-life balance that ensures business needs are met while personal lives are prioritized.
50% James Moore & Co.
James Moore continues to impress with a partner group comprised of 50% women. Led by the powerful and energetic Suzanne Forbes, the firm is anything but traditional, choosing employee happiness as the litmus for success. As a reliable innovator, it consistently showcases the mindset, robust support, and vibrant energy needed to cultivate and sustain an inclusive and welcoming workplace.
47% Jones & Roth
At Jones & Roth, an environment supporting work/life balance is deeply embedded in its culture. This is evidenced by the firm’s focus on creating policies to address common accounting firm work/life issues, starting with easing the long hours worked during busy season. This is par for the course at Jones & Roth. Firm leaders have been weighing both employee and firm needs for longer than most, having instituted an optional flexible career path program more than 30 years ago.
46% HBE LLP
At HBE, women hold prominent positions across all areas of the firm, showcasing their strength in the workforce. While others have seen their hiring efforts stall, HBE has continued full steam ahead — bringing on individuals at all stages of their careers, from new mothers to those with decades of experience who want to stay active in the profession.
40% Councilor Buchanan & Mitchell, PC
Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell strives to support employee well-being through policies that have attracted and retained women, including mentorship and clear path to partnership programs, paid parental leave, generous paid time off, subsidized gym memberships and discounts, quarterly wellness seminars, interactive learning, mental health sessions, standing desks, free meals, and more. Through its ongoing reflection, the firm is well-positioned to welcome in a new era of growth.
40% BerryDunn
BerryDunn continues to lead in inclusivity, earning recognition as the 2024 recipient of the New Hampshire Business for Social Responsibility Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion award. This accolade highlights the firm’s proactive success and community impact, underscored by women holding 60% of management committee seats and 40% of the partner team. Their DEIBA advisor council stands out as a dynamic think tank, pioneering new performance management processes and deepening the understanding of inclusivity’s business impact.
39% The Bonadio Group
At The Bonadio Group, programs like parental leave, flexible work environments, and wellness initiatives continue to be drivers of staff satisfaction and a welcoming culture. Women in the firm hold a slight majority at 52%, and nearly all levels of the organization have nearly equal gender representation, in part due to strong progress in fully integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into their firm philosophy.
39% Frazier & Deeter
Under the direction of LeighAnn Costley, Chair of the Board and tax partner, Frazier & Deeter is strengthening their commitment to DEI, evolving and codifying programs to support a growing pipeline of women. With the launch of six multifaceted affinity groups and the introduction of focused training to combat unconscious bias in recruiting, the firm is actively shifting their mindset to hear diverse voices and address inequity.
36% Rehmann LLC
Rehmann’s commitment to DEI is reflective in the significant increase in people of color over the past year. For 2023, the percentage of women and people of color in Rehman’s workforce was 60% and 9%, respectively. In 2024, women staff percentage remains strong at 60%, but people of color increased to 25% of Rehman’s total workforce. Rehmann is proactive in developing training and innovative programming to continue their efforts on supporting women and DEI.
33% BPM LLP
Under the direction of CEO Jim Wallace and the proactive efforts of its symbiotic Inclusion Now! Committee, BPM is pioneering intentional diversity efforts across all aspects, from corporate services to client-facing. Champions of its Women’s Colleague Resource Group are making a tremendous impact through programming, partnerships, and increased visibility, nearly doubling its membership in the last 18 months. With women comprising 50% of new partners and a Board that boasts more than one-third female representation, BPM exemplifies its dedication to elevating underrepresented groups and women’s leadership.
33% Armanino
This year, Armanino continues making strides in gender parity, with women comprising 50% or more of the firm’s partner class for the third year in a row. Armanino’s leadership programs – including Pathway to Partner and the Executive Access Program (EAP) – are giving women opportunities to show their leadership prowess and generating greater gender equality at the firm. The EAP expanded with support from The Inclusion of Diverse Employees and Leaders Team (IDEAL) to include professionals from under-represented communities, with an opportunity to build a relationship with an executive leader who can help advance their career.
31% Eide Bailly
Eide Bailly’s mission, To Be One Connected Firm, is proven by its intentionality at integrating initiatives into the firm culture including, DEI efforts, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), coaching and development opportunities, and new firm acquisitions. Additionally, the firm is continuing to invest in programs focused on employee work/life balance and the communities they serve, differentiating Eide Bailly as a leader in public accounting and a great place to work.
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Tags: Accounting, Firm Management
