Richard Kopelman has spent the past decade turning Atlanta-based Aprio from a regional accounting shop into a top‑tier advisory platform, nearly 40 offices strong and still in rapid expansion mode. With 14 acquisitions in 2025 alone and a five‑year, $300 million commitment to AI and automation, the CEO is betting that scale, technology and an entrepreneurial culture will define the next generation of professional services firms—not just for Aprio, but for the industry at large.
The national accounting and advisory firm has been laser-focused on strategic acquisitions, cross-discipline expansion and embedding AI across its business. In the conversation that follows, Kopelman shares how Aprio is “deliberately evolving,” what its early AI moves look like on the ground, and how he’s trying to preserve a founder‑like mindset as the firm grows.
In 2025, Aprio completed 14 acquisitions across North America. What has driven that momentum, and how does your M&A strategy position Aprio and the industry at large to navigate economic volatility?
Our growth strategy starts with what our clients need most. When our clients’ needs evolve, we evolve, and as we grow, we ask ourselves: “Will this create a better experience for our clients?” That is the lens we apply to every strategic acquisition.
We pursue combinations that expand our capabilities, strengthen our talent and deepen the impact we can have for clients. Scale matters in today’s professional services landscape, and each combination is evaluated for strategic fit and the ability to enhance our services and presence. We are creating a unified experience for our clients by offering all the services they need to grow, from the people they trust most.
For the firms joining Aprio, it’s an opportunity to access a platform of resources, including next-generation technology, career growth opportunities for their people, and the opportunity to collaborate with a team focused on providing best-in-class client service. By connecting teams across regions and industries, we unite the right experience and perspectives that help clients tackle their toughest challenges, unlock growth, and manage risk.
Your company has embarked on a multi-year, $300 million investment in AI, including the acquisition of Time Credit. How is AI reshaping your operations and redefining the client experience at Aprio?
Our investment in AI is reshaping how we operate by fundamentally changing how our people spend their time and the speed at which we can deliver additional value to clients. By removing routine and repetitive tasks, we’re freeing our teams to focus on higher-value work for clients.
We believe that AI, when combined with human intelligence, elevates the client experience from transactional to truly advisory, with clients benefiting from faster responses, deeper insights and a more responsive experience.
AI is also helping early-career professionals build skills faster by taking routine work off their plates, allowing them to focus more on analysis and client conversations earlier in their careers. By combining AI with hands-on coaching from experienced Aprio partners and advisors, we are developing stronger professionals sooner and delivering a better, future-focused client experience.
Aprio was the first accounting firm to launch a combined legal and accounting firm under Arizona’s alternative business structure. What does this milestone signal about the future of professional services and evolving client expectations?
Launching Aprio Legal reflects how clients want to work today. Businesses need advisors who understand their challenges from every angle. By bringing legal, accounting, tax, audit and wealth management services together under one roof, we can provide holistic solutions through seamless collaboration.
This approach means better, faster and more cost-effective results. Ultimately, clients benefit from smarter outcomes, reduced time spent managing and coordinating multiple professionals and firms, all while receiving tailored solutions delivered with speed.
Under your tenure, Aprio has expanded from a single office to nearly 40 locations with more than 2,500 employees and an expanded suite of advisory and accounting services. How would you describe your leadership approach during uncertain times, and what’s next for Aprio’s growth journey?
My leadership approach is grounded in a growth mindset and a strong belief in the future of our profession. I operate from a place of abundance, knowing that demand for advisory and accounting services will continue to grow as businesses face increasing complexity.
With such a small percentage of the US population holding a CPA license, I believe deeply in hiring exceptional people, empowering them to lead, and then getting out of the way. Clear, consistent communication is essential to building trust and alignment, and I spend a lot of time ensuring our teams understand not just what we’re doing, but why it matters.
The Aprio leadership team is disciplined about identifying limiting factors in the business and transforming them into enablers to drive focused, intentional growth. That philosophy has shaped Aprio’s expansion and continues to guide how we build the firm of the future.
