BDO USA, P.C.

BDO USA, P.C. is a leading professional services firm in the United States, providing assurance, tax, and advisory services. The firm's mission centers on delivering exceptional service to its clients and fostering an empowering environment for its employees. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, BDO USA operates as the U.S. member firm of BDO International Limited, a global network of independent accounting and advisory firms.

The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services, including audit and assurance, tax planning and compliance, and a broad range of consulting services such as management consulting, risk advisory, IT consulting, and financial advisory. BDO USA also provides specialized services like BDO Digital, BDO Wealth Advisors, and sustainability and ESG consulting. It serves a diverse client base, from publicly traded to privately held companies, across various industries including manufacturing, healthcare, private equity, technology, real estate, financial services, and government.

BDO USA is recognized as the 8th largest accounting and professional services firm in the U.S. by revenue, and is part of the fifth-largest global accounting network. In July 2023, the firm transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) corporation, a move financed by a $1.3 billion loan from Apollo Global Management, though this conversion is currently the subject of a class-action lawsuit. Matthew Becker is slated to become CEO on July 1, 2026, succeeding Wayne Berson, with Natalie Kotlyar serving as Board Chair. Recent developments include the acquisition of Horne LLP, a significant expansion, and the launch of BDO Government Services. The firm was also recognized by Fortune as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2026 for the second consecutive year. However, BDO USA has faced scrutiny, including high deficiency rates in PCAOB audit inspection reports in 2024 and 2025, and a recent lawsuit alleging failure to detect financial problems at a client prior to bankruptcy.

Latest updates

BDO USA Enters Motorsports Sponsorship to Target Client Engagement

Event summary

  • BDO USA has become an official partner of Juncos Hollinger Racing and INDY NXT driver Alexander Koreiba for the 2026 season.
  • The sponsorship includes branding on Koreiba’s No. 75 car and opportunities for BDO to host clients and guests at race events.
  • BDO is expanding its motorsport sponsorship portfolio to include open-wheel racing.
  • Juncos Hollinger Racing has a history of success, including two INDY NXT championships and five Indy Pro 2000 titles.

The big picture

BDO's move into motorsports sponsorship represents a strategic shift towards experiential marketing and client engagement, moving beyond traditional advertising. This aligns with a broader trend among professional services firms seeking to differentiate themselves and build stronger relationships with clients in high-stakes environments. The partnership with a rising driver like Alexander Koreiba offers BDO exposure to a younger, digitally-engaged audience.

What we're watching

Client Acquisition
The effectiveness of this sponsorship in generating new client leads for BDO will be a key indicator of its ROI, particularly given the relatively high cost of motorsports marketing.
Brand Perception
Whether BDO can successfully associate its brand with the high-performance image of motorsports, and whether this resonates with its target client base, remains to be seen.
Competitive Response
Other accounting and advisory firms may follow suit, increasing competition for sponsorship opportunities within the motorsports space.

BDO's AI Investments Yield Recognition, Highlight Enterprise Adoption Shift

Event summary

  • BDO USA's Research and AI Development (RAID) team won a Bronze Stevie Award for Technology Team of the Year.
  • Francesca Graham, AI product delivery manager at BDO, received a Silver Stevie Award in the Women in AI Leadership category.
  • Chat BDO, an internal AI tool, has reportedly saved BDO professionals over 1 million hours.
  • The RAID team developed nine custom AI solutions in 2025 alone.
  • Judges cited BDO’s focus on measurable results, responsible AI adoption, and employee empowerment.

The big picture

BDO's recognition underscores a broader shift among professional services firms to leverage AI for operational efficiency and client value. The focus on responsible AI adoption, as highlighted by Francesca Graham's award, reflects growing scrutiny and demand for ethical AI practices within the financial sector. This move to internal AI development and deployment, rather than solely relying on external vendors, positions BDO to tailor solutions to its specific needs and potentially gain a competitive advantage.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The emphasis on responsible AI governance and Francesca Graham’s leadership role suggests BDO is proactively addressing the regulatory and ethical considerations surrounding enterprise AI adoption, a trend likely to become more prevalent across the financial services sector.
Execution Risk
While the 1 million-hour savings from Chat BDO is impressive, maintaining this level of productivity and demonstrating continued ROI will be crucial for justifying further AI investment and expansion within BDO.
Competitive Landscape
Other accounting and advisory firms are likely to accelerate their own AI initiatives in response to BDO’s success, potentially intensifying competition for talent and clients seeking AI-powered solutions.

BDO USA Appoints New CIO Amidst Tech Modernization Push

Event summary

  • Russ Ahlers, CIO of BDO USA, will retire on September 1, 2026, after over a decade in the role.
  • Jim Maza, previously CIO of a large insurance brokerage, has been appointed as Ahlers' successor following an extensive search.
  • Ahlers oversaw significant technology advancements at BDO, including establishing a CISO function, launching a digital transformation strategy, and creating a Data and AI team.
  • Maza led a team of approximately 250 people in his previous role.

The big picture

The appointment of a new CIO signals BDO’s continued focus on leveraging technology to drive growth and maintain competitiveness within the increasingly digitalized accounting and advisory sector. The emphasis on enterprise technology strategy and large-scale modernization suggests BDO is proactively addressing the need for robust, scalable, and secure infrastructure to support its global operations and client demands. This succession also highlights the growing importance of technology leadership in professional services firms, where digital capabilities are becoming a core differentiator.

What we're watching

Integration Risk
The success of Maza's tenure hinges on a smooth transition and his ability to quickly understand and build upon Ahlers’ established technology framework.
Modernization Pace
BDO's commitment to 'secure innovation' will be tested by the pace at which Maza can accelerate modernization efforts while maintaining data security and regulatory compliance.
AI Adoption
Given BDO’s creation of a Data and AI team, the firm’s ability to effectively leverage AI for client services and internal efficiency will be a key differentiator in a competitive market.
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