Boston-based IPA 100 firm AAFCPAs (FY24 net revenue of 71.7 million) has announced its acquisition of McLaren & Associates CPAs PC, expanding the firm’s forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuation and tax advisory services for clients nationwide.
The acquisition adds 17 professionals to AAFCPAs and deepens its forensic advisory capabilities. McLaren & Associates has been recognized by the Worcester Business Journal as the Best Forensic Accounting Firm for eight consecutive years from 2019 through 2026 and reports a 97 percent success rate in forensic accounting cases.
As part of the transition, David S. McLaren, founder and MP of McLaren & Associates, has joined AAFCPAs as partner, risk advisory. McLaren is a forensic accounting specialist with advanced credentials spanning accounting, forensic auditing and investigative techniques.
Jennifer Chase-Williams has also joined AAFCPAs as a tax partner. Chase-Williams brings 30 years of experience advising business owners on complex tax matters, including transactions, compensation structures and succession planning. Her background also includes business valuation, forensic accounting and individual taxation, allowing her to deliver integrated tax strategies aligned with long-term business goals.
“This strategic integration reflects our shared values and vision for the future,” said Carla McCall, MP of AAFCPAs. “By welcoming McLaren & Associates into AAFCPAs, we expand our resources and capabilities and reinforce our position as a leading advisory firm. In an AI-driven world where forensic accounting becomes ever more valuable to organizations facing escalated risk of financial and cybercrimes, this integration strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients.”
Both firms share Certified B Corporation™ status, reflecting a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. McLaren & Associates became a B Corp™ in 2019, the first accounting firm in New England to earn the designation, and AAFCPAs followed in 2025.
“Joining AAFCPAs allows us to expand our impact and stay true to our mission,” McLaren said. “Our clients will benefit from access to the full breadth of AAFCPAs’ business advisory solutions to support their continued growth. I have always loved the AAFCPAs tagline—Great Minds, Great Hearts—and everyone at McLaren is very excited about our bright future together.”
