Carl George Advisory
Transform Your CPA Firm with Proven Leadership
Navigate change, strengthen your team, and plan for sustainable growth with guidance from a leader who’s been there.

Leading an accounting firm is demanding.
With decades of real-world experience, I offer tailored solutions to help your firm overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
Let’s turn your strategic goals into actionable results.

about Carl George
Extensive Experience, Relatable Insights, and a Tailored Approach
Carl George’s career is a testament to visionary leadership and a proven track record of success in the CPA profession. He began his career with Clifton Gunderson in a small office. Throughout his career and leadership, Clifton Gunderson grew into a $250 million firm. His final role before retiring as CEO was being an integral part of the team in one of the largest non-Big 4 mergers in history, forming CliftonLarsonAllen. CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) — now recognized as a top-ten accounting firm in the United States. Carl has consistently delivered results at the highest level.
After retiring from CLA, I launched Carl George Advisory to bring my expertise to professional service firms. My focus areas include strategic planning, succession planning, partner compensation, and mergers and acquisitions, helping firms achieve sustainable growth and success.
Beyond my work as CEO, I felt a strong responsibility to give back to the accounting profession and support its continued growth. I served on the AICPA board, chaired the Major Firms Group, and received the AICPA Special Recognition Award for Financial Literacy. I was honored to be inducted into the Advisory Board Hall of Fame and continue to contribute to CPA societies across the United States, helping to advance and strengthen the profession for future generations.
Work With an Experienced Guide
Let’s Create a Roadmap for Long Term Growth
From partner compensation to governance strategy, Carl George Advisory provides customized, results-driven services designed to elevate your firm’s leadership and performance. Discover how strategic insights can drive long-term success.
Tailored Solutions, Proven Results.

Having guided CPA firms through mergers, compensation restructuring, and governance, I bring an unparalleled depth of industry knowledge. I don’t just advise; I walk with you every step of the way.

“As a consultant, I’m dedicated to sharing my experiences, best practices, and lessons learned with professional service firms. I help clients overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and strategically shape the future of their organizations for long-term success.”

Partner
Compensation
Aligning compensation with performance is key to driving firm success. At Carl George Advisory, we design fair, transparent, and strategic partner compensation structures that reward contributions, incentivize growth, and align with your firm’s long-term objectives. Our approach ensures clarity, fosters collaboration, and helps firms retain top talent while achieving sustainable results.
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Mergers
and Acquisitions
Successful mergers and acquisitions require careful planning, expert negotiation, and seamless execution. At Carl George Advisory, we guide firms through every stage of the process—identifying opportunities, structuring deals, and ensuring smooth integration. Our approach maximizes value, minimizes disruption, and positions your firm for long-term growth and success.
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Governance
and Structure
Effective governance is the backbone of a well-run firm. At Carl George Advisory, we help firms establish clear structures, streamline decision-making, and enhance leadership effectiveness. By building robust frameworks, we create a foundation for accountability, efficiency, and sustainable growth.
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CEO and Partner
Coaching
Strong leadership drives firm success. At Carl George Advisory, we provide personalized coaching for CEOs and partners to enhance leadership skills, improve collaboration, and navigate complex challenges. Our tailored approach empowers leaders to inspire teams, align strategies, and achieve lasting results.
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Strategic
Planning
Achieving long-term success requires a clear vision and actionable strategy. At Carl George Advisory, we work closely with firms to develop tailored plans that align leadership, prioritize goals, and drive sustainable growth. Our strategic approach ensures your firm stays focused, adaptable, and positioned for the future.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Can you help develop/update our strategic plan?
Why should I have a partner compensation process?
How long have you been helping firms with Mergers and Acquisitions?
What size firms do you work with?


Testimonials
Real Stories From Industry Leaders Who Trusted My Expertise
Leaders from top firms trust Carl George Advisory to transform their strategies. With results that last, I’ve become a trusted partner to firms across the country.

Deepa Bhat, CPA, CFE, ACA

Josh Beaird, CPA, CIA

Heidi LaMarca, CPA

Michael Platt

Kris McMasters, CPA

“As a young leader of a legacy firm, Carl has been an invaluable coach and resource for my growth. His relatable demeanor allows us to have candid conversations, so I can learn from his experience, ask questions, and be challenged in my thinking. The two years our firm has worked with Carl has accelerated my personal leadership development and put our firm on a sustainable path.”
– Josh Beaird, CPA, CIA, CEO
“Carl George is unquestionably one of the top consultants in the profession. He has a unique ability to relate to his clients based on his extensive experience leading a large firm. When it comes to practice management, he has been there, seen it, and navigating it, most likely. Carl has always been a big supporter of Rainmaker and of me and always acts as an advocate for his clients. He is knowledgeable and firm but also very relatable. I always enjoy working with Carl. Anyone working with him will certainly benefit from his expertise and approach.”
– Angie Grissom
Reach Out and Let’s Discuss
Ready to elevate your firm’s potential? Let’s discuss how tailored strategies can lead your firm to new heights.
Compensation
Acquisitions
and Structure
Coaching
Governance & Structure
Change is constant. While it can be disruptive, it can also move your firm forward. As your organization grows and evolves, so will its organizational structure. Whether it be a change in the executive committee or board, managing partner, next generation of leadership, a new practice niche or a partner retiring, it is essential to have a plan at the ready to help you implement those changes as efficiently as possible. The key is having an adaptable, regularly updated plan that helps you avoid any delays or confusion toward attaining your firm’s strategic goals while maintaining the continuity of high level of service you provide your clients. With the current trend of mergers and acquisitions public accounting, having a flexible, yet mutually agreed-upon firm governance structure cannot be undervalued. Formal agreements often become outdated over time. Reviewing the firm’s governing agreements can be a time-consuming and challenging task, but one that is essential to current and retired owners – and every employee of your firm.
- Maintain Continuity
- Mutually Agreed-upon
- Implement Changes Efficiently
Change is constant. While it can be disruptive, it can also move your firm forward. As your organization grows and evolves, so will its organizational structure. Whether it be a change in the executive committee or board, managing partner, next generation of leadership, a new practice niche or a partner retiring, it is essential to have a plan at the ready to help you implement those changes as efficiently as possible. The key is having an adaptable, regularly updated plan that helps you avoid any delays or confusion toward attaining your firm’s strategic goals while maintaining the continuity of high level of service you provide your clients. With the current trend of mergers and acquisitions public accounting, having a flexible, yet mutually agreed-upon firm governance structure cannot be undervalued. Formal agreements often become outdated over time. Reviewing the firm’s governing agreements can be a time-consuming and challenging task, but one that is essential to current and retired owners – and every employee of your firm.
- Maintain Continuity
- Mutually Agreed-upon
- Implement Changes Efficiently
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- Maintain Continuity
- Mutually Agreed-upon
- Implement Changes Efficiently
Business Information
Please provide information according to the form below and be
truthful,
Thank you so much!
CEO and Partner Coaching
Let’s face it: being an accounting firm partner is hard work. Not only are you providing high-level advisory services to clients, but you’re also handling firm administrative responsibilities such as carrying out the strategic plan, coaching the rest of the team to keep the firm growing and handling internal conflicts as they arise. Partners wear many hats, and it’s very difficult – if not impossible – to always excel in each area. Maybe a partner is struggling to embrace or achieve the development marks set forth in the firm’s strategic plan or simply having issues embracing the new responsibilities and requirements of ownership. That’s where a mentor or coach can help. Working with an independent coach can help partners look at the firm and its operations from the outside in to gain a different perspective and provide an impartial view of ways to strengthen a partner’s skills.
- Better Communication
- Greater Confidence
- Private and Confidential
Let’s face it: being an accounting firm partner is hard work. Not only are you providing high-level advisory services to clients, but you’re also handling firm administrative responsibilities such as carrying out the strategic plan, coaching the rest of the team to keep the firm growing and handling internal conflicts as they arise. Partners wear many hats, and it’s very difficult – if not impossible – to always excel in each area. Maybe a partner is struggling to embrace or achieve the development marks set forth in the firm’s strategic plan or simply having issues embracing the new responsibilities and requirements of ownership. That’s where a mentor or coach can help. Working with an independent coach can help partners look at the firm and its operations from the outside in to gain a different perspective and provide an impartial view of ways to strengthen a partner’s skills.
- Better Communication
- Greater Confidence
- Private and Confidential
Let’s face it: being an accounting firm partner is hard work. Not only are you providing high-level advisory services to clients, but you’re also handling firm administrative responsibilities such as carrying out the strategic plan, coaching the rest of the team to keep the firm growing and handling internal conflicts as they arise. Partners wear many hats, and it’s very difficult – if not impossible – to always excel in each area. Maybe a partner is struggling to embrace or achieve the development marks set forth in the firm’s strategic plan or simply having issues embracing the new responsibilities and requirements of ownership. That’s where a mentor or coach can help. Working with an independent coach can help partners look at the firm and its operations from the outside in to gain a different perspective and provide an impartial view of ways to strengthen a partner’s skills.
- Better Communication
- Greater Confidence
- Private and Confidential
Business Information
Please provide information according to the form below and be truthful,
Thank you so much!
A Proven Pathway: How We Work Together to
Achieve Your Firm’s Goals
Step 4
Confidential Survey
Distribute a survey to all firm owners and key leaders to collect anonymous input on relevant areas within the engagement scope.
Step 5
Preliminary Report Drafting
Compile the observations and recommendations into a preliminary report, summarizing findings from discussions, financial analyses, and survey responses.
Carl’s Mission
“At Carl George Advisory, my mission is to empower professional service firms to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and shape a successful future. Drawing on my experience, proven best practices, and hard-earned lessons, I am committed to providing actionable insights and strategic guidance. I am passionate about helping clients navigate complexities, unlock their potential, and achieve their most ambitious goals with confidence and clarity. Together, we turn obstacles into opportunities and aspirations into enduring success.”
– Carl George, CPA, CGMA


Services






Strategic Guidance to Navigate Challenges and Drive Growth
Navigating the complexities of running a CPA firm requires strategic insights and practical solutions. At Carl George Advisory, we offer tailored services to meet your firm’s unique needs, including mergers and acquisitions, governance and structure, and partner compensation planning.
Backed by decades of industry leadership and a proven track record of success, our expertise helps firms overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. Whether you’re planning for the future or tackling immediate issues, we’re here to guide your firm toward its next level of success.
Collaborative
Carl partners with your leadership team to deeply understand your firm’s unique challenges and goals, fostering a cooperative approach that ensures tailored and effective solutions.
Strategic
Every recommendation is rooted in decades of industry expertise, aligning short-term actions with long-term objectives to position your firm for sustained growth and success.
Practical
Carl’s guidance is actionable and results-driven, offering real-world solutions that address immediate needs while building a solid foundation for the future.
Insightful
Drawing on unparalleled industry experience and a nuanced understanding of firm dynamics, Carl provides clarity and direction to tackle even the most complex issues with confidence.
Featured News and Insights
Insights and Expertise: Explore Our Latest Articles
Navigating CPA Firm Challenges: Expert Advice on Mergers and Acquisitions
Navigating CPA Firm Challenges: Expert Advice on Mergers and Acquisitions
Effective CPA Firm Management: Best Practices for Leadership and Growth
Effective CPA Firm Management: Best Practices for Leadership and Growth
Optimizing Partner Compensation in CPA Firms: Strategies for Alignment and Performance
Optimizing Partner Compensation in CPA Firms: Strategies for Alignment and Performance


I Can Help You Scale, Optimize and Grow Your Firm, Starting From Today

My mission is simple: to help leaders of CPA firms unlock their full potential by aligning strategy with action. With decades of experience navigating the complexities of firm leadership, I offer solutions that are not just theoretical, but practical, actionable and successful. Together, we’ll build a stronger, more resilient firm that thrives in any market condition.
– Carl George
Owner Carl George Advisory