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.

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.