Senior CPA / Future Equity Partner

Akron, OH | Public Accounting | Clear Equity Partner Path

A well-established, locally focused CPA firm in the Akron, Ohio market is seeking an experienced public accounting professional as part of a planned partner succession.

This isn't a vague "partner track" opportunity.

One of the firm's longtime partners has spent more than 40 years in public accounting and is preparing for retirement. The goal is to bring the right person into the firm, transition key client relationships over the upcoming tax seasons, and—assuming the fit and performance are there—provide an opportunity to become an equity partner as early as January 2028.

The Opportunity

You'll work directly alongside an existing partner as he begins transitioning his client relationships and responsibilities.

The initial focus will be getting you integrated into the firm, introducing you to key clients, and allowing you to develop the relationships necessary to ultimately take ownership of a meaningful existing book of business.

This is an opportunity to step into an established client base, rather than being expected to build a practice from scratch.

Responsibilities will include:

• Managing and developing existing client relationships
• Working directly with business owners and other closely held clients
• Overseeing engagements and client deliverables
• Serving as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for clients
• Reviewing and guiding the work of other professionals
• Working closely with the firm's existing partners
• Helping develop the next generation of professionals within the firm
• Transitioning relationships from a retiring partner
• Participating in the continued leadership and growth of the firm

Who They're Looking For

The firm is flexible on exactly what the right person's background looks like.

A strong candidate may currently be a:

• Senior Manager
• Director
• Principal
• Experienced Manager ready for the next step
• Current Partner interested in moving to a smaller firm

The biggest priority is finding someone with the experience, confidence, and client-facing ability to eventually step into a partner-level role.

A CPA and substantial public accounting experience are highly valued for this succession opportunity.

The firm recently interviewed a CPA with approximately 12 years of experience, which provides a good representation of the level they're considering. However, they're open to different backgrounds if the individual is capable of growing into the role.

Current partners are also encouraged to explore the opportunity. Someone coming from a larger organization who wants more control over their work, closer client relationships, and a smaller-firm environment could be particularly well aligned.

A Different Kind of Public Accounting Environment

For someone currently at a large regional or national firm, this offers the chance to move into a setting where you'll have significantly more direct ownership of your work and relationships.

Clients primarily work directly with their trusted professional, rather than having most interactions filtered through multiple layers of staff.

The firm's leadership intentionally values:

• Direct client relationships
• Autonomy over your workload
• A smaller, collaborative environment
• Long-term client continuity
• Developing the firm's next generation of leadership

The firm already has younger CPAs and professionals progressing toward licensure, so this hire will become an important part of the firm's longer-term leadership structure.

Compensation & Benefits

For an experienced CPA around the Senior Manager/Director level, the firm has demonstrated a compensation target of approximately:

$150,000 base salary

Compensation is flexible based on experience and what an individual brings to the opportunity.

For an existing Partner or highly experienced professional who may bring relationships or business with them, the firm is willing to discuss compensation beyond the typical range.

The firm also provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Full employee benefits
• 401(k)
• Competitive compensation
• Long-term equity opportunity

Partner Timeline

The anticipated succession plan is straightforward:

Join the firm → Build relationships with the retiring partner's clients → Transition responsibility → Potential equity partnership by January 2028.

The retiring partner may remain involved on a limited or part-time basis depending on the needs of the firm, allowing for an orderly client transition rather than an abrupt handoff.

For the right person, this represents an opportunity to move into an established practice, inherit meaningful client relationships, and become part of the ownership group without having to spend years wondering whether partnership will actually happen.

Confidential inquiries encouraged.

If you're an experienced public accounting professional interested in a legitimate path to firm ownership—or a current partner considering a move to a smaller, relationship-driven firm—apply below or connect directly for a confidential conversation.

📧 [email protected]
📞 (605) 601-4597

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The employer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application, interview, or hiring process. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by applicable law.

This posting is intended to describe the general nature and level of the opportunity and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or conditions of employment. Responsibilities and compensation may vary based on the experience and qualifications of the individual hired.