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What Tax Pros Charge & the PE "Dumpster Fire"
Episode 467
Is private equity turning firms into a 'dumpster fire'? Blake and David unpack Accounting Today's survey showing partners are upbeat while staff are sour on PE. They hit Andersen's $176M IPO, why Big Four ties to Big Tech raise independence questions, and how AI could finally kill the billable hour. Plus, what tax pros really charge in 2025 - and the wild 'Middle Finger Ranch' fraud.
Sponsors
OnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay
Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas
Chapters
- (00:56) - Private Equity in Accounting Firms
- (01:51) - Sponsor Message: OnPay Payroll Solutions
- (04:15) - Arthur Andersen's Legacy and IPO
- (07:45) - Private Equity Survey Results
- (21:04) - Big Four and Tech Giants
- (28:25) - Pricing Models for CAS Engagements
- (30:22) - Tax Preparers' Fees Breakdown
- (36:12) - Cloud Accountant Staffing
- (37:34) - Economic Growth and Consumer Spending
- (40:26) - Fraud Stories: Middle Finger Ranch and More
- (43:24) - PCAOB Budget Cuts and Enforcement Actions
- (52:29) - IRS Readiness for Tax Season
- (53:43) - Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
Show Notes
PE in accounting firms: From 'dumpster fire' to excitement
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pe-in-accounting-firms-from-dumpster-fire-to-excitement
Andersen Group Shares Gain 47% After $176 Million US IPO
Andersen goes public, hits $2.6B valuation
https://thefinancestory.com/andersen-group-ipo-2-6b-valuation
The Big Four consulting firms are embedded in Big Tech. Here's who audits each of the Magnificent 7 companies
What do tax preparers charge?
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/what-do-tax-preparers-charge
How much do tax professionals charge in 2025? Insights from NATP's Fee Study
U.S. economic growth surges in third quarter to 4.3%
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/12/23/gdp-economy-consumer-spending/
The US economy expanded at the fastest pace in two years as wealthier Americans kept spending
https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/23/economy/us-gdp-q3
Kansas accountant diverted family funds to fictitious 'Middle Finger Ranch'
Kansas Accountant, Who Created Fictitious
Published on 4 hours ago