Episode 166 - Big Moves, Bigger Mindsets: M&A, AI Disruption, and Choosing Who You Become - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about the surge in accounting firm mergers and acquisitions alongside major industry shifts, including Microsoft entering the accounting space with AI-driven platforms. They explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping work by replacing tasks, not entire jobs, while emphasizing the growing importance of human judgment, relationships, and adaptability. 

Current events —

• 14 Firm Acquisitions in the last 30 days (see the bottom of the show notes for a full list)
• Microsoft sponsors Scaling New Heights for the first time in our 17 year history

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• The Iron Giant
• Avengers: Infinity War

Excellent things we learned —

• Using the clipboard
• A World Without Work by Dr. Daniel Susskind

Member spotlight —

• Lana Jo Hill of Hill Bookkeeping and Consulting

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• Make the Case to Attend Scaling New Heights 2026 + Template

Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced pros, access to skill building and resources and a community to continually inspire your practice's transformation.

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Full list of acquisitions mentioned by Heather:

• March 17, 2026: EisnerAmper and Price, Reuben, and Associates, LLP. EisnerAmper announced that the Calabasas firm joined its restaurant advisory practice.
• March 16, 2026: Xeinadin and Gregory Priestley & Stewart. Xeinadin announced its acquisition of GP&S, a Long Eaton accountancy and business advisory practice serving owner managed businesses across the Midlands.
• March 11, 2026: Doeren Mayhew and Berman Hopkins CPAs & Associates, LLP. Doeren Mayhew said it acquired the Florida based top 300 CPA firm, expanding its Central Florida footprint.
• March 9 and 10, 2026: TC Group and Little and Neal. TC Group announced the acquisition of Ferryhill practice Little and Neal to strengthen its North East presence.
• March 5, 2026: Carr, Riggs & Ingram and CFO Hub. CRI announced that San Diego based CFO Hub joined the CRI Family of Companies.
• March 3, 2026: Armanino and MSTiller. Armanino announced that MSTiller joined the firm, adding a Southeast focused accounting firm with offices in Georgia and New York.
• March 3, 2026: BK Plus and Crowther Chartered Accountants. BK Plus announced the addition of Crowther Chartered Accountants in Huddersfield, expanding its Yorkshire footprint.
• March 2, 2026: Xeinadin and Accountancy Cloud. Xeinadin announced it acquired London based Accountancy Cloud, a practice focused on startup and venture backed businesses.
• February 26, 2026: Sorren and Connected Accounting. Sorren said Connected Accounting joined the firm, giving it a California presence and broader technology driven accounting capabilities.
• February 25, 2026: UHY and Larson Tax Partners. UHY announced the acquisition of St. Louis based Larson Tax Partners to expand its Midwest and national tax capabilities.
• February 23, 2026: Doeren Mayhew and Dent Moses, plus Impact Technology Group. Doeren Mayhew announced its acquisition of Birmingham based CPA firm Dent Moses and its affiliate Impact Technology Group, expanding into Alabama.
• February 20, 2026: UHY and CMJ LLP. UHY announced the addition of Queensbury, New York CPA firm CMJ LLP, expanding in New York’s Capital Region.
• February 19, 2026: Pinion and TCA. Pinion announced its intent to merge with TCA, with the proposed combination expected to take effect April 1, 2026.
• February 19, 2026: Haefele Flanagan and Mig Murphy Sistrom, CPA, PC. Haefele Flanagan announced it acquired the Durham, North Carolina nonprofit accounting and advisory firm.