The AICPA’s 2025 National Management of an Accounting Practice Survey points to steady growth across firms of all sizes. Respondents reported a median 6.7 percent increase in total net client fees for fiscal year 2024. That is slower than the 9.1 percent rate cited in the prior survey, but still reflects broad demand across audit and assurance, tax, and client accounting advisory services. 

Accounting Today reported that profitability moved in the same direction. Net remaining per partner/owner rose 11.9 percent, from $225,725 in fiscal year 2022 to $252,663 in fiscal year 2024. The survey defines this metric as net client fees minus expenses and before partner compensation is removed, a measure many firms use as a proxy for per-partner profit.

Compensation also continues to climb as firms respond to hiring and retention pressures. Over the last two years, the median salary for a bachelor’s degree increased nearly 11 percent to $60,834, while the median for a master’s degree rose nearly 17 percent to $67,750. Compensation per equity partner increased 10.2 percent, and average pay rose across roles, with the largest gains concentrated from associate through manager. 

According to Lisa Simpson, vice president of firm services at the AICPA, “CPA firms have been focusing on strategic growth opportunities by refining their client base and deepening relationships with existing clients.” Showing that growth strategies are also becoming more deliberate. “This type of strategy is a key component of accounting firm business model transformation that allows CPAs to enhance their role as trusted advisors.” 

Additionally, pricing models are shifting. The survey notes a gradual increase in value and fixed pricing and a corresponding decline in hourly billing. Firms are also signaling interest in artificial intelligence and automation over the next three years. Current use cases include client communications, dashboards, and forecasting. Most respondents have not yet formalized budgets or training, which suggests adoption is in early stages even as confidence remains high.