Facing talent shortages and growth demands, many accounting firms are exploring international hiring—but global payroll, compliance, and employment requirements can add significant complexity. In this case study, Justworks and a small-to-medium-sized accounting firm used an Employer of Record (EOR) solution to simplify hiring, manage compliance, and offer competitive local benefits—while reducing risk and improving operational efficiency.

With hundreds of tools claiming to “revolutionize” your firm, it’s increasingly difficult to separate meaningful efficiency from shiny distractions. This session focuses on how to intentionally build a tech stack that actually drives productivity, profitability, and operational sanity. You’ll learn how to evaluate technology strategically, implement changes effectively, and create a sustainable system that supports both internal workflows and client delivery.

Finding—and keeping—the right talent has become one of the biggest growth constraints for accounting firms. In this panel, firm leaders and HR executives share what’s actually working to attract top candidates, engage high performers, and retain talent in an increasingly competitive and evolving market. From modern recruiting strategies and career pathing to culture, flexibility, and workforce models, this session offers practical insights CPAs can apply to build resilient, people-first firms that scale.

Accounting firms are under sustained pressure to grow—yet many remain constrained by operating models built for a different era. Static staffing structures, peak-season resourcing assumptions, and linear growth strategies often create inefficiencies during slower periods, strain teams during demand spikes, and limit long-term scalability.

Drawing on new Accounting Today research—including survey insights from U.S. firms with 30+ employees and operational data from organizations implementing flexible talent models—this session examines how leading firms are rethinking work.

Panelists will explore how how aligning talent flexibility with intelligent automation, analytics, and workflow technologies unlocks measurable gains in efficiency, productivity, scalability, and growth, providing a data-backed framework for how modern firms can build a more agile, resilient, and future-ready operating model.


Small and midsize CPA firms are under increasing pressure—from talent constraints and shrinking compliance margins to growing client demand for higher-value, strategic guidance. The firms that are scaling effectively are doing so by intentionally connecting three disciplines: AI-enabled operations, expanded and specialized CAS and advisory services, and a disciplined, client-centric service model.

In this keynote, Jim Bourke outlines how firm leaders can move from experimentation to execution. He will share how to identify and deploy safe, high-impact AI pilots that improve quality and throughput; how to strengthen and extend existing CAS practices by delivering new and expanded advisory services; and how to elevate client service in ways that deepen relationships and protect revenue.

Attendees will gain insight into how high-performing firms are using AI in day-to-day practice, why CAS continues to outpace overall firm growth when supported by clear strategy, niches, and dedicated teams, and how firms are successfully cross-selling advisory services and integrating multiple offerings to drive sustainable growth and stronger client outcomes.

Kick off the event at our Opening Night Cocktail Reception honoring Accounting Today’s Fastest Growing Firms. This reception is designed for networking and conversation, giving attendees the opportunity to connect directly with honorees, firm leaders, and peers while building relationships that will carry through the rest of the conference.

Accounting Today proudly recognizes firms that are redefining and advancing the accounting profession. One of the clearest measures of that impact is sustained growth. The firms honored here—those that achieved the highest revenue growth in 2025—embody the future of accounting and the next generation of firm leadership.