Private equity is reshaping the accounting profession—fueling growth and modernization for some firms, while raising concerns for others. Drawing on exclusive joint survey data from Accounting Today and Intapp, this session will feature Intapp’s Global Managing Principal for Accounting & Consulting, Tom Koehler, alongside Grant Thornton Advisors LLC CEO Jim Peko.

Jim Peko will share his firsthand experience leading through a private equity transformation, while Tom Koehler will offer unique insights and experience powering transformation in leading global firms.

Together, they will tackle a key question many firm leaders are asking: Can private equity catalyze transformation, and what does it mean for cultural and structural dynamics?

Once the ink on a private equity deal dries, accounting firms enter a new phase of their existence — one that requires fresh thinking, different reporting structures and new approaches. This session looks at how firms can balance accountability and autonomy, leverage the new resources that are available to them, develop new strategies, and turbocharge their growth with PE at their side.

What does PE want? Leaders from the private equity side of the equation share why they’re interested in accounting, what they’re looking for in accounting firms, and how they see the relationship developing in the future.

The path to taking on private equity can take many forms; in this session, accounting firm leaders and industry experts share the main milestones on that path, including the sort of discussions firms should be having internally, the critical questions they need to ask themselves, how to bring together a partner group on a final decision, the due diligence they should be doing on their PE partners.

Join us for an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and networking in a relaxed setting. It’s the perfect chance to connect with peers, industry leaders, and speakers, discuss the day’s sessions, and build valuable relationships in the accounting and private equity sectors. Whether you’re seeking partnerships, fresh insights, or great conversation, this event is a must-attend part of the conference experience.

In this session, a panel of top experts and deal-makers (including our conference co-chairs) will survey the current state of play in the accounting profession — covering everything from what types of firms can expect to be able to make a PE deal and how those deals are changing, and how that is impacting the broader profession, laying a groundwork for the more granular discussions to come on Day 2.