Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
Key Points:
- Remote partners are helping accounting firms establish a presence in new markets.
- They can also deepen a firm’s reach in existing markets.
One of the reasons accounting firms are incorporating remote partners is to expand into new markets. Remote partners can serve as a bridge to new territories, enabling even smaller firms to have a multistate presence. For example, Andrew Pitt, a tax partner at GHJ, started working with California-based clients but eventually opened a Buffalo office to tap into the talent pool in that area.
Tabatha Broussard, a tax partner at HoganTaylor, initially focused on the energy industry but expanded her client base across states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. This initiative has led to the growth of HoganTaylor’s presence in Louisiana. Similarly, Kimberly Hastings, an audit partner at Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt, is exploring opportunities to expand into Colorado, leveraging her connections with the state CPA society.
Remote partners are also contributing to the growth of their local regions. Tim Cofrin, a tax partner at Aprio, is building relationships in New Hampshire with the aim of expanding the firm’s reach in the New England region. Danielle McGee, a tax partner at Katz Cassidy, focuses on the restaurant and entertainment industries, serving clients across major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Las Vegas.
Overall, the trend of remote partners in accounting firms is enabling firms to enter new markets without the need for physical office spaces. This strategy allows firms to establish a presence in different locales gradually, building “little hubs” of operations across various regions.
