Topic: Talent & Diversity

AGN International is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Melissa Lingo, Business Development Manager at James Moore & Co., who has been named the 2026 Business Developer of the Year by the Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM).

Twenty-seven emerging professionals from AGN member firms came together in Birmingham on 14–15 May for the 2026 AGN-UK NextGen Conference — a practical and engaging two-day programme focused on strengthening client relationships, communication, and commercial confidence within professional services.

Succession in accountancy firms has entered a new and more complex phase. Evidence from the AGN–Nexia World Congress in Munich, supported by comparative survey data from 2019 to 2025, points to a profession at an inflection point. While firms report moderate preparedness for digital and AI adaptation, leadership readiness, talent pipeline strength, and ownership appeal are weakening.

The Forbes 2026 Best-in-State CPA list includes 24 professionals from 17 AGN Americas member firms. In its second year, Forbes reviews nominations for its Best-in-State CPA list of active, licensed CPA and makes its selections based on those who demonstrate exceptional expertise, leadership, and community service.

A joint AGN & Nexia thought-leadership publication, developed through global collaboration at the AGN & Nexia World Congress, Munich.

This Global Business Voice draws on the insights gathered during the Future Funding workshop delivered at the AGN & Nexia World Congress in Munich in late 2025. Partners from AGN and Nexia member firms across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and emerging markets explored how accounting firms are responding to accelerating structural change, new capital and funding models, and new sets of tech enabled well-funded competitors.

AGN firm Ballards has unveiled a major brand refresh, signalling its evolution into an agile, insight-driven advisory partner for mid-market and corporate clients across the UK. As firms shift towards advisory-led services, strong brand and culture are critical — not only to stand out, but to attract and retain the talent that drives future growth.

Contributed by: Acclime.

Thinking about entering or expanding in China — but unsure how the landscape has really changed? Over the past two decades, China’s business environment has transformed dramatically. In his latest podcast, Acclime’s Vice Chairman and Partner, Russell Brown OBE, shares practical, on-the-ground insights to help firms navigate entry, expansion, and long-term success.

In a recent Rochester Business Journal feature, Stephanie Annunziata, CPA, Partner and Head of AGN Firm Heveron & Company CPAs, shares her perspective on leading a women-owned accounting firm. Stephanie highlights the firm’s focus on professional excellence, supporting non-profit and affordable-housing clients, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive workplace. Her insights offer valuable lessons for women in leadership and for accounting professionals seeking to balance client service with purposeful leadership.

Redwitz marks an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of trusted service, enduring client relationships, and bold growth. But this anniversary isn’t just about looking back—it’s a celebration of evolution, innovation, and the firm’s forward-thinking vision. With a refreshed brand identity and the launch of Integra, Redwitz is embracing the next chapter of its journey, blending decades of heritage with modern solutions designed to help clients thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The future of accounting isn’t simply digital—it’s automated, intelligent, and shaped by professionals who understand both technology and its impact on clients. That vision was on full display in Munich, where 14 AGN NextGen delegates gathered for Phase 2 of the AGN AI & Automation Masterclass to present real automation projects designed for implementation within their own firms.