Bottom line of Strategic Planning Explained:
Strategic planning is the cornerstone of any successful firm. At Carl George Advisory, we take a tailored approach to help firms identify their unique opportunities, overcome challenges, and set actionable goals for sustainable growth. From defining your vision and aligning leadership priorities to crafting detailed implementation plans, we ensure every step is purposeful and achievable. With Carl’s decades of leadership experience, your firm will gain the clarity and direction needed to adapt to industry changes, seize opportunities, and secure a thriving future.
Strategic Planning Importance
All too often, firms don’t take the time or make the effort to create a strategic plan. The result? A lack of common vision, disagreement on direction, silo mentalities, and unclear goals. Yes, firms can succeed without a plan, but those with one are more aligned, cohesive, collaborative, and successful.
Over the years, I have developed a proven strategic planning process that has guided numerous firms to great success. This process not only provides clarity of purpose but also fosters unity among leaders and aligns organizational goals. It helps define the path to leadership, ensuring the next generation continues the firm’s legacy while paving the way for sustained growth and innovation.
Drawing on years of experience in firm leadership and consulting with countless organizations across the United States, I have cultivated a deep understanding of the key elements that drive successful strategic planning. These insights, grounded in proven methodologies and refined through numerous development and implementation engagements, have helped firms transform their vision into actionable strategies that deliver measurable results, including:
Other Services
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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 More
Extensive Experience, Relatable Insights, and a Tailored Approach
With a career spanning decades of transformative leadership, Carl George has left an indelible mark on the CPA industry. From growing a $200,000 office into a $250 million powerhouse to shaping the future of firms nationwide, his expertise continues to inspire excellence and innovation.
I’ve been fortunate to be recognized multiple times by Accounting Today as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting.” What I’ve always enjoyed most is helping other firms succeed—whether it’s facilitating strategic planning retreats, creating succession plans, resolving partner conflicts, coaching the next generation of leaders, or guiding firms through mergers and acquisitions. That’s why, after retiring from CLA, I launched Carl George Advisory in 2013 to continue doing what I love: advising professional service firms in the areas I know best.
Testimonials
Real Stories From Industry Leaders Who Trust My Expertise
“Leaders from top firms trust me to transform their strategies. With lasting results, I’ve built a reputation as a trusted partner to firms across the country.”
– Carl George
“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, CPA
I Can Help You Scale, Optimize and Grow Your Firm
Leaders from top firms trust Carl George Advisory to transform their strategies. With proven results, I’ve become a trusted partner to firms across the country.
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?
Featured News and Insights
Read and update the latest news from us.
Developing an Effective Partner Compensation Plan for CPA Firms
Preparing Your CPA Firm for a Private Equity Acquisition: Essential Steps and Strategies
Frequently Asked Questions.
Find answers to common questions about our services, approach, and expertise. Whether you’re exploring strategic planning, partner compensation, or mergers and acquisitions, our FAQ page provides clarity on how Carl George Advisory can help your firm achieve its goals.
Case Studies
Explore our library of case studies showcasing real-world solutions to complex challenges faced by CPA firms. From navigating mergers and acquisitions to restructuring partner compensation and fostering sustainable growth, each case study highlights actionable insights and measurable results. Click below to learn how firms like yours achieved their goals
Begin your
Journey with Carl George Advisory
Have questions about CPA firm strategy, partner compensation, mergers and acquisitions, or governance? Let’s connect! Carl George offers expert advice tailored to your firm’s unique challenges and opportunities Whether you’re a CPA firm leader seeking guidance or an industry consultant exploring collaboration, Carl is here to help you navigate complexities with confidence and clarity.
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
