Private equity continues to disrupt the accounting profession, but opinions about its impact remain sharply divided.
According to the latest IPA survey, firm leaders are nearly evenly split in their assessments. Thirty-nine percent believe private equity is raising the competitive bar, while another 39 percent report it is too soon to tell. Only 23 percent consider it a negative force. This distribution reflects a profession in flux, evaluating whether external investment is a path to growth or a threat to tradition.
The data reveals a clear contrast between stakeholder groups. Partners tend to view private equity more favorably, citing capital access and operational improvements. Staff, on the other hand, express concerns. Nearly half say private equity has negatively affected morale, and only 12 percent report increased opportunity. Clients, for now, appear largely unaffected, although some respondents noted signs of early resistance.
Quantitative performance metrics show PE-backed firms outperforming their peers. These firms are growing faster, shifting away from compliance-based work, operating with greater efficiency, and reinvesting more in infrastructure and technology. While these changes may drive innovation, they also raise questions about autonomy, culture, and long-term sustainability.
Explore the full story and commentary from Matt Rampe of Rosenberg Associates by ordering the June IPA Insights: Hot Topics Report.
