Mahoney CPAs Joins Elite CPAmerica Network in Strategic Growth Play

SAINT PAUL, MN – August 18, 2026 – In a strategic move poised to reshape the competitive landscape for accounting services in the Upper Midwest, Mahoney | CPAs and Advisors has joined CPAmerica, a leading national association of independent accounting firms. The affiliation provides the Saint Paul-based firm with access to a global network and a deep reservoir of shared expertise, signaling a new phase of growth and enhanced service capability.

For nearly four decades, Mahoney has built a formidable reputation serving Minnesota's real estate, closely held business, and not-for-profit sectors. This decision to join CPAmerica is not merely an expansion but a calculated step to scale its advisory infrastructure, equipping the firm to meet the increasingly complex and globalized needs of its clientele.

A Strategic Milestone for a Minnesota Leader

Founded in 1989, Mahoney | CPAs and Advisors has steadily grown into a “Top 25” accounting firm in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. The firm is particularly recognized for its deep specialization in the not-for-profit sector, where it serves over 200 organizations, and in the intricate world of real estate development, including expertise in complex financing structures like Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).

This new affiliation follows a period of strategic evolution for the firm. In January 2024, Mahoney appointed Tom Johnson as CEO and Kari Erickson as COO, a leadership transition geared toward modernization and growth. The firm's commitment to its culture and people was recently underscored by its inclusion in Accounting Today's "Best Firms to Work For" in 2026. Joining CPAmerica appears to be the next logical step in this forward-looking strategy.

“Joining CPAmerica is an exciting milestone for Mahoney,” said Mahoney partner, Tom Johnson, and partner and COO, Kari Erickson, in a joint statement. “We look forward to building meaningful relationships with fellow member firms, learning from the collective expertise across the association, and sharing insights from our own experiences. Through collaboration and the strength of this outstanding network, we are confident we will continue to grow, enhance the value we provide to our clients, and strengthen our firm for the future.”

The Power of the Network Effect

CPAmerica is not a franchise or a merger; it is an association of independent firms built on the principle of collaborative strength. The organization provides its members with a framework for sharing best practices, accessing specialized training, and participating in peer-to-peer consulting through its Visitation Improvement Program (VIP). This model allows firms like Mahoney to retain their independence and unique culture while tapping into the resources of a much larger entity.

Membership is highly selective. Each firm must undergo a rigorous quality review, ensuring that the network is comprised of firms with the highest standards in professional practice and client service. This commitment to quality is a cornerstone of the association’s value proposition.

“CPAmerica is built on the belief that great firms become even stronger when they learn from one another,” noted Grace Horvath, CPAmerica president & CEO. “Mahoney has demonstrated the quality, leadership, and commitment to excellence we value in our members, and we're excited to welcome them to a community where collaboration drives better decisions, stronger firms, and better outcomes for clients.”

This collaborative ethos manifests in tangible benefits, including special interest groups focused on niche areas like client accounting services and international tax, extensive benchmarking surveys, and a vast sharing library of templates and technical documents. For Mahoney, this means immediate access to a brain trust of over 90 peer firms across the United States.

From Local Expertise to Global Reach

The most significant impact for Mahoney's clients may come from CPAmerica's membership in Crowe Global, one of the world's largest accounting networks. With over 815 offices in more than 150 countries, the Crowe Global connection instantly transforms Mahoney from a regional powerhouse into a firm with international capabilities.

This global reach is a game-changer for Mahoney's core client base. A Minnesota-based real estate developer considering an international project can now receive seamless cross-border advisory services. A closely held business navigating the complexities of an international supply chain or foreign market entry can leverage Mahoney’s access to local expertise on the ground, anywhere in the world. For the firm's many not-for-profit clients, which may have international funding sources or overseas operations, this affiliation provides crucial support for global compliance and financial reporting.

This access to a global service infrastructure allows Mahoney to compete for clients and projects that might have previously been the exclusive domain of national or Big Four firms, all while maintaining its client-centric, relationship-driven service model.

Shifting Dynamics in the Regional Accounting Market

Mahoney's move is set to send ripples through the Minnesota accounting market. By joining CPAmerica, the firm significantly elevates its competitive posture. Other independent regional firms will now be competing against a locally-owned firm that wields the resources of a global network. This may accelerate a trend of similar affiliations, as independent firms recognize the necessity of scale and specialized knowledge to thrive.

While state-level organizations like the Minnesota Society of CPAs (MNCPA) provide essential advocacy, networking, and education, CPAmerica offers a distinct layer of strategic business support focused on firm management, growth, and international connectivity. Mahoney’s ability to draw on both its local roots and its new global network creates a powerful market distinction.

The decision reflects a broader innovation in the business model of professional services: leveraging networks to deliver sophisticated, scalable solutions without sacrificing the agility and personal touch of an independent firm. For Mahoney, its clients, and the regional market, this partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter in financial advisory services.