Anchin Bets on Niche Expertise in a Consolidating Accounting Market

NEW YORK, NY – December 04, 2025 – In a move that speaks volumes about the shifting strategic landscape of professional services, New York-based accounting and advisory firm Anchin has announced the appointment of Jean David Chery as a new Tax Partner. While a partner-level hire is standard news, this one signals a deliberate and calculated maneuver. Chery, an expert with over 17 years of experience, is joining to bolster the firm’s highly specialized Architecture & Engineering and Construction (A/E/C) Industry Groups. This decision is not merely about adding headcount; it is a clear bet on deep, vertical expertise as the most potent competitive weapon in an industry grappling with unprecedented consolidation and complexity.

The Niche Advantage in an Era of Consolidation

The accounting industry is in the midst of a tectonic shift. A wave of mergers, acquisitions, and private equity investment is reshaping the competitive field at a historic pace. Driven by a confluence of factors—including the 'Silver Tsunami' of retiring partners, the pursuit of economies of scale, and the capital-fueled roll-up strategies of PE firms—the market is seeing the rise of mega-firms. According to industry analysis, M&A activity in 2024 and 2025 has reached an all-time high, creating larger and more diversified competitors.

In this environment, independent firms like Anchin face a critical choice: get acquired or double down on what makes them different. Anchin is unequivocally choosing the latter. By bringing on a specialist like Chery, the firm reinforces its model, which eschews a one-size-fits-all approach in favor of granular, industry-specific knowledge. This strategy is about creating a defensible moat built on expertise that larger, more generalized firms may struggle to replicate at a similar depth.

As Anchin's Managing Partner, Russell B. Shinsky, stated, “As an independent firm, our mission has always been to deliver the highest level of personalized service and expertise to our clients. Jean David's values and dedication to client success align perfectly with our commitment to provide exceptional quality and service to privately held and family-owned businesses—especially at a time when the accounting industry is experiencing significant consolidation.”

This statement underscores a key market dynamic: as consolidation continues, a segment of clients often feels underserved by the newly formed giants. These clients, particularly privately held and family-owned businesses in intricate sectors like A/E/C, value the high-touch, partner-led service that independent firms can provide. Anchin’s strategy is a direct appeal to this market, positioning the firm not just as an alternative, but as a superior choice for clients who require deep, nuanced guidance.

Navigating the Labyrinth of A/E/C Taxation

The decision to specifically target the A/E/C sector is particularly astute. This industry is a minefield of complex tax regulations and financial reporting standards that demand specialized knowledge far beyond general tax practice. The cornerstone of this complexity is Section 460 of the IRS Code, which governs the accounting for long-term contracts. Mastery of its requirements, including the percentage-of-completion method (PCM) and the various exemptions for small or home contractors, is non-negotiable for providing effective advice.

Recent legislative changes have only added more layers. The 2025 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' (OBBBA), for instance, expanded the Section 460 exemption to larger residential projects, creating new planning opportunities. Simultaneously, the permanent reinstatement of domestic R&D expensing offers a significant lifeline for innovative A/E/C firms developing new materials or construction methods, but capitalizing on it requires a proactive and knowledgeable advisor. Chery’s expertise in these precise areas—from Section 460 and R&D credits to M&A tax structuring—is a direct response to this escalating market need.

Furthermore, the industry is contending with lingering uncertainties from prior tax reforms, including unresolved rules around Section 174 amortization for R&D costs and the impending expiration of the Section 199A deduction for pass-through entities. For A/E/C firms, which often operate with long project timelines and tight margins, this regulatory volatility makes expert, forward-looking tax strategy essential for survival and growth. Anchin’s investment in a partner with Chery's specific skill set is a clear signal that the firm is equipped to guide its clients through this challenging terrain.

Winning the War for Top-Tier Talent

In today's professional services market, the competition for clients is secondary only to the war for talent. Anchin's recruitment of Chery is also a case study in how independent firms can successfully attract top-tier professionals. Chery’s background includes experience at a Big 4 firm and as a partner at a large regional firm, alongside significant leadership roles within professional bodies like the NYSSCPA Construction Committee. This is precisely the caliber of talent that both consolidating giants and boutique specialists are vying for.

For an expert like Chery, a move to a firm like Anchin offers a distinct value proposition. It provides an opportunity to operate in a highly focused environment where deep specialization is the core mission, not just one of many service lines. This focus allows for greater depth of client engagement and a more direct impact on their success. The culture of an independent firm, often characterized by greater autonomy and direct access to leadership, can be a powerful draw for senior professionals seeking to escape the bureaucracy of larger, more impersonal organizations.

This talent strategy is directly linked to client service and growth. As Fred Ackerman, Co-Leader of Anchin's A/E/C Groups, noted, “Adding Jean David to the team enhances our A/E/C industry tax knowledge, enabling us to better serve our existing clients and pursue opportunities to grow our overall client base within these sectors.” By attracting a recognized expert, the firm not only elevates its service delivery but also creates a magnet for new business and further talent.

Ultimately, Anchin's strategic hire is a powerful reflection of a broader market truth. As industries become more complex and regulated, the value of true specialization skyrockets. By investing in deep, vertical expertise for a critical sector, the firm is not just adding a partner; it is fortifying its position and proving that in the new economy of professional services, knowledge is the most valuable currency.