Window into Wipfli

Stepping up to support and expand the accounting profession

By Kurt Gresens

As Wipfli’s managing partner, I’m excited to serve as chair of the AICPA’s Major Firms Group (MFG) for a three-year term, which started on January 1, 2025. As the world’s largest accounting membership organization, the AICPA’s mission is to support the success of the profession and protect the public interest, and I’m honored to be asked to contribute to that mission through this role.

The MFG is an influential subgroup within the AICPA, comprised of the top 100 accounting and advisory firms in the nation that are under the Big Four. Our primary objective is to provide a forum where large and midsized firms can learn and exchange views on issues specific to their practices and offer collaborative input to other AICPA committees and boards to advance their mission. I know the MFG’s collective efforts will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the accounting profession.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a facilitator for MFG subgroups at the semiannual MFG meetings, which are cornerstone gatherings for firm leaders. These conferences and the relationships I’ve developed there have given me invaluable insights into the challenges, opportunities and needs of peer firms as we tackle issues and chart courses for our individual firms and collective future.

I view this role not as a personal achievement but as an opportunity to serve our profession and help in a small way to facilitate its future. Providing that leadership is a collective effort, and I’m grateful to be a part of MFG as I continue to lead Wipfli.

The power of perspective

Among the top benefits of participating in the MFG is the opportunity for in-depth and candid discussions on professional issues and opportunities. We just concluded our January conference, where we discussed a range of topics, from the impact of the change in administration in Washington to leadership through uncertainty and human centricity. But even more valuable is the network of leaders MFG fosters. We’re all facing similar challenges, and having a support system of peers who understand these challenges is invaluable.

At Wipfli, we’re fortunate to have a strong leadership team. But I’ve always believed in the power of multiple perspectives. The MFG network brings just that — a sounding board for ideas and a source of mutual support. It’s this combination of internal strategy and external wisdom that I believe will drive our firm and profession forward.

One of MFG’s focuses is our profession’s role in helping clients meet the demands of a changing world through trusted advice and service quality in a technology-enabled manner. We’re continually asking ourselves how we can continue to add value in an ever-changing business landscape. 

Another critical issue is ensuring the sustainability of the accounting profession. This ties directly into one of our most urgent challenges — the CPA talent pipeline. With fewer young people entering the profession and baby boomers rapidly heading for retirement, a Bloomberg analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there are 340,000 fewer accountants than there were five years ago. We’re taking a hard look at our profession’s image, our diversity, our CPA licensing path and the cultural shifts firms need to make to address this shortage. It’s not just about attracting new talent; it’s about creating an environment where that talent can thrive and grow.

As champions of new accounting technologies, many MFG member firms contributed funds and other resources to launch the Dynamic Audit Solution (DAS) initiative which enhances efficiency and transparency in the audit process from beginning to end for the benefit of our people and service quality. 

Gratitude and looking forward

As our profession changes, so does leadership at AICPA. I’d like to acknowledge the outstanding tenure of CEO Barry Melancon, who led the institute for nearly 30 years. Barry guided the organization into the digital age and was the longest-serving CEO in the association’s history when he announced his retirement, effective at the end of 2024.

Starting January 1, Mark Koziel took the reins, and I’m excited to be working with him and the entire AICPA team to continue our legacy and build on all the new opportunities awaiting us. I know Mark well from our involvement with Allinial Global, another important member-based accounting and consulting association, where Mark was previously CEO. He has well-demonstrated expertise, and his vision will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives to the AICPA.

I want to express my thanks to the AICPA for their unwavering commitment to our profession. The work they do is vital, and I’m honored to play a small part in taking our profession forward, both in my role as MFG chair and as managing partner of Wipfli.