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How do you grow a six-person, $300,000 accounting firm into one of the largest in the U.S. with $1.3 billion in revenue? Former Marcum CEO Jeffrey Weiner knows.

In this episode, Jeffrey sits down with Rob Brown to share candid lessons from more than 40 years at the helm:

• Building a brand that’s bigger than the firm itself.
• Balancing bold acquisitions with culture and values.
• Why accountability, reinvestment and simplicity matter.
• Private equity’s role in shaping the future of the profession.
• The personal side of leadership, legacy and life after 4,000 paychecks.

For firm leaders, future managing partners, and anyone curious about the business side of accounting, this episode offers a rare look behind one of the profession’s biggest success stories.

The conversation around outsourcing and offshoring in public accounting has shifted. What was once viewed with hesitation is now firmly part of the playbook for firms across the country.

In this episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting Podcast, hosts Rob Brown and Chelsea

Summers dive into the numbers behind the trend. Drawing on IPA’s exclusive survey data, they explore:

• How outsourcing has grown across revenue bands, with nearly half of firms participating     
• The role of labor shortages in accelerating adoption
• What larger firms are doing differently—and what smaller firms can learn from them
• How outsourcing is reshaping client communications and internal career paths
• The risks, from security to staff integration, and how leading firms are addressing them.
• Where the next three to five years may take the profession—including specialized services, nearshoring and technology-enabled collaboration

Whether you’re a managing partner weighing capacity solutions or a team member curious about how outsourcing affects your role, this episode brings clarity to one of the most significant shifts in accounting operations.

Chelsea Summers and Rob Brown welcome Lexy Kessler, Chair of

the American Institute of CPAs and partner at Aprio, to explore the 2040

Project — a strategic initiative mapping the profession’s future.

From tackling pipeline challenges to integrating AI, Lexy

shares why upskilling, adaptability and people skills are now strategic

imperatives for firms of all sizes. We look at the disruptors ahead, the role

every CPA plays in shaping the profession’s brand and how leadership can

attract and keep the next generation of talent.

If you’re a managing partner, HR leader, or aspiring CPA

this conversation offers practical insight into how the profession can thrive

amid constant change. Topics include:

• Why the 2040 Project matters now
• The three “hard trends” firms can’t ignore
• How to tell a better story about the value of accounting
• Critical skills for the future — and how to develop them
• The power of saying “yes” to opportunities

In this episode of the Inside Public Accounting Podcast, Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers explore a timely question: Are new CPA firms still breaking through? 

While the average Top 100 firm is nearly 69 years old, some new firms are managing to carve out space in a landscape dominated by legacy players. Chelsea shares findings from IPA's latest research, spotlighting trends in firm formation, the golden age of CPA startups and why organic growth is increasingly rare. 

From private equity to niche service models, this episode offers insights for firm leaders looking to grow—or simply stay relevant. Rob and Chelsea also discuss: 

• Why consolidation is redefining "growth" 
• What successful new firms are doing differently 
• How tech, outsourcing and shifting expectations are changing the game 

If you're a firm leader or decision-maker, this one is for you.

In this episode of INSIDE Public Accounting, Rob and Chelsea analyze the full landscape of the 2025 IPA 500 rankings—not just the top-tier firms, but the hundreds of firms driving real innovation beneath the headlines.

Topics in this episode:

• Performance trends in the top 100, including private equity influence, revenue growth and productivity metrics
• The strategic advantage of specialization in tax, assurance and advisory services
• Shifts in partner compensation and firm structures, including merit-modified models
• How firms ranked 101–500 are building strength through focus, regional relevance and staff stability

The episode offers data-backed insights into where the accounting profession is heading and the diverse models proving successful in a changing market.

The 2025 IPA 500 list is here. 

In this fast-paced episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting podcast, Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers go full horse race. No big-picture trends this time — it's all about who’s new, who’s rising fast, and who’s out. 

Highlights include: 

• The debutants: Firms like Sorren (#61) and H&Co (#66) enter with bold moves or private equity support. 
• Major exits: CBIZ’s acquisition of Marcum and Baker Tilly’s acquisition of Moss Adams reshuffle the top 10. 
• The fastest growers: Smith + Howard tops the list with 26.2% organic growth — but they’re not alone. 
• Firms on the move: Mid-tier firms like ATKG and Opsal Dawson are making major leaps up the rankings. 
• What this all means: PE-backed organic growth, rising geographic diversity and a new playbook for success. 

Plus: Benchmarking tips, strategy insights and a candid look at how smaller firms can position themselves to break in next year. 

The IPA 500 is just days away—and in this episode, we take you inside the rankings that define the accounting profession. Chelsea Summers and Rob Brown break down how firms qualify for the list, the strategies behind the biggest climbers, and key trends firm leaders need to know now.

You’ll hear:

• What it really takes to make the list
• The rising revenue thresholds and how they’ve shifted year over year
• M&A trends, private equity’s continued rise and offshoring’s growing role
• Surprising stats about recruiting, technology investment and firm structure

Whether your firm made the list or you're aiming for it next year, this episode offers valuable insights into what’s happening across the profession—and what it takes to stay competitive.

Subscribe to the IPA Podcast and get ready for next week’s deep dive into the newly released rankings.

In this episode of The INSIDE Public Accounting Podcast, Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers take a first look at early findings from the 2025 IPA Practice Management Survey. The data tells a story of change—but also one of adaptation, strategy and opportunity.

From evolving growth rates to expanded outsourcing strategies and shifts in licensure, firms are making intentional choices that reflect a changing profession. These trends are opportunities to reassess and respond with clarity.

In this episode:

• Growth is steady, though easing slightly from previous years
• CPA licensure rates are evolving alongside more diverse talent strategies
• Firms are improving fit by reassessing their client base
• Outsourcing and CAS models are helping drive efficiency and growth

The 2025 IPA Practice Management Report will be released in full this September. Until then, we’re highlighting what’s emerging—and what firm leaders should be watching closely.

Let us know what you’re seeing: insidepublicaccounting.com/about/podcast

In Episode 2 of The INSIDE Public Accounting Podcast, hosts Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers unpack the results of a pulse survey of 163 accounting firms on one of the profession’s most controversial trends: private equity.

Chelsea shares insights from IPA’s latest research, including how firm leaders are navigating growth, autonomy, and culture in a PE-influenced landscape. Are these firms growing faster? Yes. But is the pressure sustainable? That’s the bigger question.

Tune in for data-backed insights and commentary on:

• Why PE is top of mind for so many firms
• The split opinion among firm leaders
• Risks around autonomy, morale, and sustainability
• What PE-backed growth really looks like in practice
• Whether firms outside of PE deals still need to pay attention

📥 Download the full report at IPA Insights | Quarterly Accounting Industry Insights & Trends

💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn, YouTube, or on our podcast page.

In this inaugural episode of The INSIDE Public Accounting Podcast, hosts Chelsea Summers and Rob Brown introduce a new weekly show designed for firm leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. Hear how this podcast will bring the profession’s most trusted data to life—translating charts and trends into actionable insights.

Chelsea shares how IPA’s reports are evolving into something more conversational, timely, and strategic. Rob previews what’s ahead, including private equity, offshoring, staffing trends and IPA’s exclusive research.

Whether you’re a managing partner, an emerging leader, or just someone trying to make sense of where the profession is headed—this show is for you.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Share your feedback or topic ideas at insidepublicaccounting.com/about/podcast