insights for cpa firms

The Philadelphia Business Journal published an article about the wave of PE investments in CPA firms across the country and sought guidance from Optimum Strategies' Ira Rosenbloom to find out what was driving the wave. “They’re seeing huge growth possibility on top line and huge growth possibility on the bottom line, because of the efficiencies that they are so astute and able to bring to the table,” Ira said. “So it is the perfect storm from that standpoint, and that creates

Too many sellers enter M&A deals without fully understanding what will be expected of them or how the buyer's post‑closing decisions may affect their ability to meet those expectations—and potentially affect their payout. In an article for Accounting Today's AT Think, Ira Rosenbloom presented five key areas sellers should proactively address to set themselves and their future partners up for long‑term success. Read the article.

The accounting profession is in the middle of a massive reset. With consolidation efforts, including M&A, PE, and new capital models, the number of independent local firms is shrinking. And the firms disappearing the fastest are those in the $5M-$15M range with 20-50 team members. Ironically, this is the exact segment acquirers now want most. But the advantages of reaching the $5M-$15M tier extend far beyond M&A. In his latest article published by CPA Practice Advisor, Ira Ro

We are living in one of the most active and opportunity-rich periods for CPA firm M&A in more than a decade. In this environment, conversations about value take center stage. But value is not a single metric. It’s a composite of attributes and decisions that either elevate your firm’s attractiveness or diminish it. For this VSCPA article, Ira Rosenbloom uncovers the five factors that most consistently emerge as value drivers and value builders — and apply whether a firm is pr

With private equity becoming “a real player and a disruptor in the marketplace,” Ira Rosenbloom sat down with The Disruptors' podcast host Liz Farr and CPA Trendlines to discuss the dramatic influx of PE capital that is intensifying competition for quality firms, especially those with strong client bases and growth potential. Listen to the episode below.

Fear is not always a sign that something is wrong; sometimes it signals that something meaningful is happening. The most successful transitions happen when leaders treat fear not as an obstacle but as information. Whether you’re preparing to merge, sell, or acquire, the technical pieces of a deal often get the most attention. Yet, the biggest obstacles aren’t spreadsheets or contracts. They are fears – the quiet, often unspoken concerns that shape how owners think, react, and

Every CPA firm leader eventually confronts the same question: What is my firm really worth? Owners either consistently underestimate their value—or dramatically overestimate it. That’s because firm value is not a fixed number. It’s a moving target shaped by market conditions, successor goals, strategic fit, and the unique attributes of the practice itself. A buyer or successor isn’t just purchasing revenue. They’re evaluating risk, opportunity, cultural alignment, and the pot

When CPA firms enter M&A, much value is placed on the finances and valuations. Many forget that accounting is ultimately a business of human interactions, and it's best to remember that preparing and engaging your staff and clients will lead to happier integration results. Ira Rosenbloom sat down recently with Bill Sheridan at the Maryland Association of CPAs to discuss this topic. Listen to the podcast.