Development at CLA

Drive growth and innovation as part of an independent and succession-driven firm. Let’s build a bright future, together.

Serving the heartbeat of the economy

At CLA, our promise is more than just words — it’s the foundation of everything we do. We exist to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities. We believe in our promise, and we serve the heartbeat of the economy, including privately held businesses, nonprofits, government entities, large enterprises, entrepreneurs, and more. The people and teams leading these entities are shaping the future: we empower them and the communities and organizations surrounding them.

We focus on growth, innovation, succession, and independence. Independence allows members to have a voice, influence decisions, and participate in shaping the future of our firm.

What makes us different

Our commitment to being an independent, succession-driven firm is unwavering. We don’t follow industry trends — we set them. Through Impeccable Client Service™, the democratization of artificial intelligence (AI), and future-forward strategies, we help our clients navigate change — not by reacting, but by anticipating and co-creating what’s next.

We take bold steps to solve some of the most pressing challenges in our profession and beyond. Our independence and flexibility allow us to invest in cutting-edge AI and digital technology solutions so we can continue delivering exceptional service and driving value. And by tackling the professional services employee pipeline problem head-on, we lead through action.

An authentic sense of belonging
What truly sets CLA apart is not just our innovation or our impact. It’s our culture — our greatest competitive advantage. Culture isn’t something we talk about; it’s something we live, every single day. That’s why CLA is more than a workplace — it’s a family. A place where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. A place where careers flourish, well-being is prioritized, and self-discovery is embraced. Join us and be part of a firm that doesn’t just adapt to change — we lead it.

Join us on our growth journey

The pace of change can be challenging for any firm, large or small. For CLA, we’re closely observing how outside investment is impacting the industry and evaluating the consequences. Our observations have further solidified our belief in the independent spirit that is the foundation of our firm.

If you’re looking to join us on this journey of growth and innovation, we invite you to learn more. Our independent model is particularly appealing for firms at a crossroads — those that are strong, profitable, and successful, yet uncertain about their future in a labor-constrained, tech-driven environment. At CLA, we’re growing not only organically but also by joining forces with firms eager to leverage our extensive resources and industry knowledge.

Discover the possibilities with CLA and become part of a firm that values independence, excellence, and forward-thinking strategies. We look forward to the potential of building a successful future together.

Embracing Independence

CLA’s Chief Development Officer, Scott Engelbrecht, shared the firm’s independent vision and why we believe our partnership model benefits clients with cutting-edge solutions and long-term value. Scott’s article discusses the future of accounting and how to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

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Graphic of CLA iconic bike surrounded by different benefits of partnership model

Let's connect

CLA can help you embrace transformation and evaluate your path forward. Together, we can explore opportunities for growth and shape the future of our industry.