With the accounting profession facing a critical talent shortage, firms must adopt innovative approaches to attract, hire, and retain top talent. This session will explore actionable strategies for expanding the talent pipeline, including leveraging internships, tapping into candidates with nontraditional backgrounds, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.​ Attendees will leave this session equipped with best practices to address current hiring challenges, attract a new generation of accountants, and build a workforce ready to meet the demands of the future.

No one knows better how to grow an accounting firm than those who have done it – and this panel of the 2025 Fastest Growing Firms brings together some of the savviest: Firm leaders who have built thriving practices that are more than standing up to the biggest challenges in accounting. They’ll share their strategies for growth; for keeping clients, staff and partners happy; for managing technology; and much more.

As firms strive for growth, integrating advanced automation and in-demand services, including sales tax compliance, into your firm’s tech stack is no longer optional—it’s the key to growth. By embedding various solutions, firms can streamline operations, elevate client satisfaction, and expand their client base. However, successful implementation requires more than technology; it demands a holistic approach that aligns people, processes, technology, and market strategies.

 This interactive session provides an opportunity to collaborate with industry experts and peers to develop a strong business case for adopting transformative solutions. Together, you’ll create a compelling value proposition and define actionable business objectives to drive innovation and secure stakeholder buy-in.

What you’ll learn:

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and the opportunity to build meaningful connections. Join fellow attendees on The Floor for engaging conversations and networking with like-minded professionals.

Join us for an exclusive pre-conference meet-n-greet where you’ll have the opportunity to network with fellow attendees, distinguished speakers, esteemed editors, and members of the advisory committee. This intimate gathering by the Bay sets the stage for meaningful connections and collaborations, offering a chance to engage in insightful discussions, exchange ideas, and forge valuable relationships within your field.

Don’t miss this prime opportunity to connect with key influencers and experts before the conference officially kicks off!

Elizabeth obtained her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of Kentucky. She worked in KPMG’s audit group for six years and joined Dean Dorton in 2000. She has over 30 years of experience in public accounting and currently serves as the chair of the Dean Dorton Board of Directors. Elizabeth is a leader on the firm’s Forensic and Valuation Services team, specializing in bankruptcy accounting matters, litigation support, and forensic accounting services. In addition to her Certification in Financial Forensics (CFF), Elizabeth is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). She has served in several fiduciary roles, including Chief Restructuring Officer, Receiver, and Fee Examiner. She has acted as a Compliance Ethics Monitor/Independent Monitor of a rural electric cooperative, reporting to two branches of the Federal government. Elizabeth has testified in state and federal courts and currently serves as a Subchapter V Bankruptcy Trustee.

As Managing Director of Wealth Management at Choreo’s Charlotte, NC office, David is a trusted advisor to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and multi-generational families, specializing in wealth strategies that preserve and grow wealth. He is especially passionate about working with entrepreneurs and has helped countless successful companies from start-up to a life changing exit event by developing tailored plans for business succession, estate and gift planning, and sophisticated asset management. His expertise ensures that clients have a clear, strategic roadmap for accumulating, managing, and transitioning wealth with confidence. David’s approach beings with understanding each client’s vision and personal goals, allowing him to craft strategic financial plans that align with their long-term objectives. His deep knowledge of wealth management includes investment management, philanthropic planning, asset allocations, retirement planning, and private investments. He also specializes in business transition and transaction planning, strategic partner alignment, and maximizing tax-efficient strategies.

Jeremy is the Managing Partner of Bland & Associates, P.C. (Bland), based in Omaha, Nebraska. The firm currently has nearly 120 employees and became Nebraska’s first and only 100% employee-owned ESOP in January 2020. In addition to his role as Managing Partner, Jeremy serves in both the Visionary and Integrator roles as part of Bland’s Traction/EOS framework. He also serves on the Americas and Worldwide Boards of Directors for BKR International. On a personal note, Jeremy has been married to his wife, Renee, for nearly 23 years. They have one son who is about to begin his senior year at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, and twin boys who will soon be seniors in high school.