CPAmerica Welcomes Six Firms, Spotlighting a Key Strategy for Independents

GAINESVILLE, FL – March 04, 2026 – CPAmerica, a leading association of independent accounting firms, has announced a significant expansion of its national network with the addition of six new member firms. The move underscores a powerful trend in the accounting industry, where independent firms are increasingly turning to collaborative associations to thrive amidst market consolidation, a persistent talent crunch, and evolving client demands.

The six new members—ABIP P.C. (Texas), C+M (California), Marshall Jones (Georgia), Menke & Company (Iowa), MRPR CPAs & Advisors (Michigan), and Stokes & Company (South Carolina)—bring a diverse geographic footprint and deep expertise to the association, which now comprises over 90 firms across 45 states.

A Strategic Expansion Across the Nation

The new additions represent a carefully curated expansion, reflecting CPAmerica's selective membership process which requires a rigorous quality review and approval from its Council of Members. Each firm brings a unique focus and established market presence:

• ABIP, P.C., headquartered in Houston, TX, specializes in serving mid-market companies with revenues between $10 million and $100 million, offering a suite of assurance, tax, and advisory services including cybersecurity and business valuation.

• C+M, a San Francisco-based firm with a 92-year history, focuses on tax and accounting for businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and trusts, with deep expertise in the professional services and real estate sectors.

• Marshall Jones, based in Alpharetta, GA, has served the Atlanta area since 1984, providing audit, tax, and outsourced accounting services to a wide range of clients including non-profits and private businesses.

• Menke & Company, with offices in West Point and Burlington, IA, delivers full-service tax, accounting, and consulting with a focus on industries like manufacturing, hospitality, and auto dealerships.

• MRPR CPAs & Advisors, founded in 1974 and based in Southfield, MI, concentrates on closely-held, privately-owned companies in Southeast Michigan, offering services from CFO solutions to wealth management.

• Stokes & Company, operating from five offices across Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, specializes in helping small businesses with annual revenues over $500,000 move toward strategic growth through advisory, tax, and wealth management services.

Independent But Not Alone: A Response to Market Pressures

The decision for these firms to join an association like CPAmerica is not happening in a vacuum. The independent CPA firm market is navigating a complex landscape defined by intense consolidation, often driven by private equity investment. This M&A wave creates immense pressure on independent firms to scale up, invest in technology, and compete for a shrinking pool of talent.

The accounting profession is grappling with a well-documented talent crisis, marked by a decade-long decline in accounting graduates and high voluntary turnover rates. Independent firms often struggle to match the salaries and advancement opportunities offered by larger, PE-backed entities. Furthermore, an aging ownership base across the industry has made succession planning a critical challenge, pushing many firms toward mergers or sales.

In this environment, associations offer a powerful alternative. They allow firms to gain the benefits of scale—shared resources, best practices, and enhanced credibility—without sacrificing the autonomy and client-centric culture that define their independence. As noted by Grace Horvath, President & CEO of CPAmerica, this trend reflects a fundamental need. “Each of these organizations brings strong client relationships, technical depth and leadership within their markets,” she stated. “Their decision to join underscores a shared belief that firms improve through association — gaining access to trusted peers, proven practices and global reach while maintaining their independence.”

The Power of a Collaborative Network

Membership in CPAmerica is built on a “culture of sharing.” The association provides a framework for continuous improvement through a peer-to-peer model that includes discussion forums, special interest groups, and a unique Visitation Improvement Program (VIP), where partners from one firm consult on-site with another to strengthen practice management.

This collaborative ethos extends to business development. The association’s “Growth Masters” program, for example, equips emerging leaders with the skills to expand their client base, with participants reporting significant revenue increases. This focus on nurturing next-generation talent is a direct response to the industry's succession planning woes.

Moreover, the network enables firms to meet the growing demand for specialized advisory work. As technology automates routine compliance tasks, clients are increasingly seeking strategic guidance. CPAmerica provides its members access to a deep bench of expertise across various niches and facilitates partnerships with technology providers for AI-powered research and advanced financial platforms. This allows a local firm to offer sophisticated Client Advisory Services (CAS)—the fastest-growing segment in public accounting—that rival those of much larger competitors.

Global Reach with a Local Touch

A crucial component of CPAmerica’s value proposition is its membership in Crowe Global, one of the top ten global accounting networks with over 815 offices in more than 150 countries. This affiliation is a game-changer for member firms and their clients.

It provides a trusted international referral system, enabling a firm in Michigan or Iowa to confidently serve a client expanding into European or Asian markets. This global reach allows independent firms to compete for multinational business, offering the personalized service of a local partner backed by the resources and expertise of a worldwide network. For clients, this means seamless cross-border service, from international tax planning to global audits, without having to leave their trusted local advisor.

By joining forces, these six new firms are not just adding their names to a roster; they are making a strategic choice to fortify their future. Their move into the CPAmerica network is emblematic of a broader industry shift, where collaboration has become essential for independent firms to not only survive but to innovate, grow, and continue delivering exceptional value in an ever-changing financial world.