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Staying Independent in the Era of Private Equity
October 1, 2025 @ 1-1:50pm ET
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| Private equity has entered the accounting profession in a significant way, reshaping firm ownership models, leadership dynamics, and client service strategies. While some firms are pursuing outside capital, others are committed to staying independent—but doing so requires intentional governance, alignment, and strategy. This program explores the impact of private equity on the profession, why firm leaders are engaging in the conversation, and what it truly takes to preserve independence. Participants will learn practical frameworks around strategic vision, partner alignment, talent development, client specialization, and governance structure to chart a sustainable, independent path forward. |
Who Should Attend
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- Managing Partners and Firm Leaders
- Partner Groups evaluating growth and ownership options
- Emerging Leaders and NextGen Partners
- Practice Management and HR/Talent Executives
- Advisory and Service Line Leaders involved in strategy
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Learning Objectives
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- Explain the role of private equity in the accounting profession—why PE is interested in firms, and what motivates partners to consider a sale.
- Identify the critical elements of an independence strategy, including defining a long-term strategic north star that guides firm decisions.
- Differentiate between compensation and ownership returns, and describe how alternative compensation models (unitization, equity returns) impact enterprise value.
- Assess how specialization and niche development strengthen independence, positioning firms to compete with larger or PE-backed firms.
- Evaluate governance structures that support independence, including decision rights, executive leadership teams, investment committees, and capital reinvestment models.
- Outline the talent and leadership requirements for sustaining an independent firm, including succession planning and partner alignment.
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CPA Leadership Institute, Inc. is registered with the National Association of the State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of the individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Web site: www.nasba.org.