Articles of Interest: Business Development and Growth

Business development and growth-focused roles are increasingly central to the evolution of the accounting industry. As firms adapt to technological advancements, shifting client expectations and competitive pressures, these roles are becoming essential for sustainable growth. The following articles provide an overview of current trends and their impact.
The Rise of Chief Growth Officers in Accounting Firms
Traditionally, business development in accounting firms was handled by partners. However, to achieve sustainable growth, many firms are now appointing Chief Growth Officers (CGOs). CGOs integrate strategy, marketing, sales and client experience to drive measurable, sustainable firm growth. Check out this article to learn how this approach allows firm leaders to focus on business leadership roles, separating sales and marketing from service delivery.
10 Business Development Strategies to Grow Your Accounting Firm
Business development in accounting is not just about finding new clients, it is about building scalable, value-driven growth. This TaxDome article outlines 10 practical strategies to help firms strengthen client relationships, streamline operations and measure success more effectively.
Midsize Accounting Firms Are Ditching Legacy Growth Models for GTM That Works
Midsize accounting firms are abandoning outdated, partner-driven growth models in favor of structured, marketing-led go-to-market (GTM) strategies. These emphasize data analytics, AI-driven targeting and outcome-focused tactics to identify profitable segments, streamline outreach and align teams for scalable revenue amid cost-sensitive clients and competitive pressures. Read the full article here for more details.
Beyond the Basics: 5 CRM Best Practices for 2026
As 2026 nears, CRM success hinges on AI automation over outdated training, empowering users with intelligent tools. Introhive’s, “CRM Best Practices for 2026: A New Playbook for Success” details five strategies, from effortless data capture to integrated insights, boosting adoption, data quality and growth for professional services.
As accounting firms continue to adapt to rapid industry changes, the importance of intentional, growth-focused strategies has never been clearer. Whether through redefining leadership roles, leveraging technology or modernizing client engagement, firms that prioritize strategic business development are setting the stage for lasting success. These insights underscore a key theme across today’s landscape: sustainable growth comes from innovation, alignment and a forward-thinking approach to serving clients.
About Tanya Doescher

Welcome to CPA Growth Trends — your source for information, insights, tools and best practices to drive growth within an accounting firm.
Beyond the Database: Building a CRM That Fuels Business Development
Nikki Burgeson | UHY-US
In this episode, Chris Camara speaks with Nikki Burgeson about the critical role of CRM systems in business development, particularly within professional services.