Editor-in-Chief
Accounting Today
Daniel Hood has been editor-in-chief of Accounting Today since 2011; he joined Accounting Today as managing editor in 1998. A graduate of Georgetown University, he has also served as a business editor for the New York Daily News, and as a production editor for The Wall Street Journal Europe. He is the author of five novels and a guidebook to New York City.
Accounting firm leaders have more strategic options than ever before. From independence and mergers to ESOPs, private equity, and alternative capital models, the path forward is no longer one-size-fits-all. In these opening remarks, we’ll set the stage for CPA Insights by exploring the forces reshaping firm ownership, growth, and succession—and the critical decisions leaders face as they plan for the future.
We wrap up the Pre-Conference by highlighting the most important insights for firm leaders evaluating strategic options — from remaining independent to pursuing outside capital. These closing remarks also set the stage for the main conference, where we move from decision-making to execution and long-term impact.
For decades, accounting firms relied on a predictable formula for growth and ownership transition: Partners funded the next generation, firms financed growth from operations, and independence was the default path forward. That model is increasingly under pressure.
Accounting Today’s 2025 research revealed that one in three firms now report needing capital, driven by rising technology and AI investments, acquisition opportunities, talent challenges, and the growing cost of partner succession. At the same time, aging ownership groups and rising firm valuations are making traditional partner buyout models harder to sustain, forcing firm leaders to reconsider how they fund growth, transition leadership, and remain competitive.
This opening session will explore the structural forces creating capital pressure across the profession and examine the strategic choices firms now face.
Our conference co-chairs sit down with Dan Hood for a candid discussion on the changing economics of firm ownership, the realities of succession planning in today’s market, and the funding models that will shape the next generation of accounting firms.
As we transition from CPA Insights to the PE Summit, we move from exploring the profession’s many strategic paths to a deeper examination of private equity. We’ll frame the day’s discussions around what happens before, during, and after a deal—from investor priorities and transaction mechanics to the impact on firm strategy, brand, culture, technology investment, client relationships, and the realities of working with new capital partners.
Private equity continues to reshape the accounting profession, but where does the market stand today—and where is it headed next? In this opening fireside chat, Accounting Today and Intapp will share new data on firm sentiment, capital needs, technology investment, and the evolving role of private equity in accounting.
Last year’s research revealed a profession at a crossroads: Nearly half of firms reported being approached by private equity investors, yet fewer than 20% had accepted investment. At the same time, firms remained sharply divided on the issue, with roughly one-third open to private equity, one-third opposed, and the remainder undecided. The research also highlighted growing demand for capital—particularly to fund technology, AI, acquisitions, and succession planning—as a key driver of PE interest.
Join us for an exclusive first look at the latest findings and what they reveal about the future of firm ownership, investment, and growth.
Day One explored the forces driving private equity into the profession. In these closing remarks, we synthesize the key takeaways and preview Day Two’s focus on the second wave — how firms are navigating life after the deal and what the future of ownership in accounting may look like.
Private equity has already reshaped the accounting profession—but what happens next? In this interactive town hall, industry leaders will explore how capital, consolidation, technology, and talent pressures are transforming firm ownership and operations. Will private equity become the dominant ownership model? Can independent firms continue to compete and thrive? And what will the next generation of accounting firms look like five to ten years from now? Join this forward-looking discussion on the forces shaping the future of the profession and what firm leaders should be doing today to prepare for tomorrow.
The first wave of private equity transformed the accounting profession. The second wave will go further.
As accounting firms and investors move beyond their initial transactions, the conversation is shifting from deal-making to value creation, integration, recapitalization, and long-term growth. While the level of interest in CPA firms remains strong, the market is becoming more competitive as growth expectations increase and firms face greater pressure to differentiate themselves.
What separates tomorrow’s winners from everyone else? How will ownership structures evolve? What happens when firms pursue a second transaction, a continuation vehicle, a recapitalization, or even a buyback?
In this opening conversation, industry leaders will examine how the private equity landscape is changing, what lessons have been learned from the first wave of deals, and what firm leaders, investors, and stakeholders should expect as the profession enters its next chapter.
Our co-chairs return to the stage to wrap up the event, highlighting the most important takeaways from the previous two days, offering their key insights, and taking questions from the audience.
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?
Get ready for a dynamic, fast-paced session where thought leaders in private equity and capital funding take the stage to share their perspectives on its role in accounting. Each speaker will have just 6 minutes to present, ensuring focused, high-energy discussions. This is your chance to hear from industry experts and learn how different firms are navigating the intersection of private equity and accounting. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable takeaways.
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.