We asked these executives: What’s the outlook for accounting firms in Florida?

 

Timothy Iszler
Managing Partner, Miami office / Crowe Horwath
Miami

“I’m extremely optimistic about 2015. The signs are pointing to an improving economy, which means more business opportunities and more jobs in Miami. It’s also positive that individuals from Latin America, Europe and Asia are investing in local real estate and that Miami continues to attract hedge funds and private equity groups. I expect to see even more businesses, including more tech startups, move here because of the area’s diversity, weather and advantageous state and local tax policies. But as a public accounting and consulting firm, our biggest challenge will continue to be finding and retaining the best talent.”

 

Kathy Thomas-Beck
Florida Managing Partner / McGladrey
Melbourne

“We’re seeing tremendous opportunities. The market has really shifted coming out of the slower economic times. The demand for our services has really picked up. Tampa is our most recently opened office. We’re now eight offices in Florida. From a hiring outlook, retention of our people and recruiting is probably the most significant area of focus. Talent is everything. We’ve significantly increased our campus recruiting. (In 2014), our campus recruiting was 47, up from 22 the year before. We’ll probably increase another 15 to 20% this year.”

 

Neal J. Von Stein
Managing Partner / LBA Group
Jacksonville

“We are optimistic about 2015. We are excited about the growth that Jacksonville, and its surrounding areas, is experiencing. We see entrepreneurial business once again focusing on growth versus survival, individuals focusing on securing their financial future versus treading water and business owners exploring expansion versus consolidation. Our own team is also in growth mode, having added several full-time employees in 2014, with more positions coming available.”