Local accounting firms, like Ernst & Young, say “strong momentum” in the local business community has fueled hiring in 2026.
“Our growth is a direct result of that investment and our belief in the innovative companies doing business here,” EY Office Managing Partner Mary Garrett told the Business Journal. “We’re also seeing strong demand, particularly from high-growth and (private equity)-backed companies, which has reinforced the need to scale locally.”
This year, the Business Journal ranked Orange County’s largest accounting firms by the number of certified public accountants (CPAs) employed locally, replacing the previous methodology based on total local employees. As a result, year-over-year comparisons of firms’ rankings are not applicable.
Across the 37 companies on the list, over 2,000 CPAs are employed in local offices as of April; this marks a 5.8% increase compared to the 1,963 reported a year ago.
Deloitte topped the list this year with 259 CPAs as of April. Ernst & Young ranked No. 3 with 184 CPAs in Irvine.
“Client needs are extending beyond traditional CPA services, presenting firms with an opportunity to be more than just an auditor or tax preparer for their clients,” Thomas Bennett, managing principal at Baker Tilly, told the Business Journal.
The No. 2-ranked firm, with an office in Irvine, had 201 locally based CPAs as of April.
“We have the chance to serve as a trusted advisor, helping clients address both their current needs and future challenges,” Bennett added.
Irvine-based Haskell & White, with 54 CPAs, is one of 17 firms headquartered in Orange County. Its CPA headcount increased by 17%.
“The Orange County accounting landscape is undergoing significant transformation, with many local and regional firms pursuing mergers, outside investment, or private equity transactions as they respond to succession planning challenges, technology demands, talent pressures, and changing client expectations,” Managing Partner Wayne Pinnell said (See page 14).
CPA Increases
Baker Tilly reported a 12% increase in CPAs to 201 in Orange County. Last year, the firm merged with Moss Adams and now employs 490 in OC as of April.
Bennett said Baker Tilly “refined its strategy” for the region following the merger.
“As part of this effort, we expanded and strengthened our campus recruiting programs, increasing our engagement with emerging talent,” Bennett said. “We also enhanced the resources and support available to our CPA professionals to help them successfully pursue licenses that would enable them to advance their careers.”
No. 13 Eide Bailly counted 52 CPAs in its Tustin office, nearly tripling the 18 the firm reported a year ago.
“We’ve seen increased demand across key service areas, particularly in advisory and specialized industry services, which has required us to expand our team with both experienced professionals and emerging talent,” Market Leader Ryan Svoboda told the Business Journal. “As organizations look for more integrated accounting and advisory support, we’ve expanded our capabilities and team to deliver that value.”
The accounting firm reported 137 employees in Orange County, up 13% from last April.
“At the same time, we’ve remained intentional about investing in the Orange County market — hiring locally, developing our people, and strengthening relationships within the business community,” Svoboda added.
PwC, at No. 4, reported 175 CPAs in Orange County, an almost 16% increase from last year.
“Increasing our CPA exam bonus to $10,000 for eligible entry-level hires who complete all four parts of the CPA exam before joining or within their first year reflects our continued focus on encouraging early CPA completion and building a strong pipeline of credentialed talent,” Office Managing Partner Ryan Smith said.
The New York-based accounting firm has 364,000 employees companywide.
BDO USA currently has 86 CPAs at its Costa Mesa office as of April, up from 74 a year ago. The firm reported 198 employees in OC out of a firmwide total of 14,626.
Managing Principal Kristen McCarthy credited the Chicago-based company’s employee stock ownership plan for “empowering” its associates.
“That sense of ownership is a powerful differentiator in a competitive market,” she said. “It helps us attract purpose-driven professionals and retain the talent that’s hardest to replace. Our growth in Orange County is a testament to that.”
Twelve accounting firms reported decreases in Orange County CPAs as of April, including CLA, Redwitz Inc., Gelman LLP, Skinner Fouch & Olson LLP and Kieckhafer Schiffer LLP.
McCarthy, as well as Garrett from Ernst & Young, noted that recent increases in the enrollment of accounting students has also been encouraging for future recruitment.
