10 growth strategies for accounting firms

When leaders talk about growth for an accounting firm, that could mean a number of different things. 

Asked to share their growth strategies for the year ahead, senior executives from Accounting Today‘s 2026 Regional Leaders had a great deal to say. Firms were all across the board, ranging from aggressive dealmaking activity and homing in on technology investments, to growing advisory services and specializing their services to their specific type of ideal client. 

And since private equity’s entrance into the profession roughly five years ago, firms have seen unprecedented growth rates. However, there are some who are deliberately resisting the pull of rapid scaling. 

“Our 2026 goals do not include an aggressive growth strategy,” said Jay Tolsma, managing partner at ELO CPAs & Advisors in Mitchell, South Dakota. “We are laying a solid foundation with our processes and governance to enable us to scale and grow in 2027 and beyond. Our primary growth areas will be within our current client base, to solidify relationships and identify client needs. Our specific target is growth in our wealth management service line.”

Below are 10 different levers the Regional Leaders are looking to pull to boost their growth.