Accounting MOVE Project has released its 2024 report which looks at the ways private equity investment is 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.
“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. 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.
Also covered in the report is the debate around diversity, equity and inclusion and how DEI leaders are working to overcome skepticism and keep momentum. “While it’s encouraging to see more women reaching top positions, our work is far from complete,” said Cindy Stanley, executive director of the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance. “We must continue to create pathways for mentorship, support and equitable opportunities to ensure that this progress doesn’t stall or, worse, slide backwards.”
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.
The Best CPA Firms for Women
Abbott Stringham & Lynch
Armanino
BeachFleischman PLLC
BerryDunn
Bland & Associates P.C.
The Bonadio Group
BPM LLP
Clark Number
Eide Bailly
Frazier & Deeter
James Moore & Co.
Moss Adams
Rehmann LLC
Schellman
The Best CPA Firms for Equity Leadership
Abbott Stringham & Lynch
Armanino
BeachFleischman PLLC
BerryDunn
Bland & Associates P.C.
The Bonadio Group
BPM LLP
Clark Number
Councilor Buchanan & Mitchell PC
Eide Bailly
Frazier & Deeter
HBE LLP
James Moore & Co.
Jones & Roth
Kerkering Barberio & Co.
KWC Certified Public Accountants
Rehmann LLC
