Mary Cloonan, founder of Marketing Clever, outlines the strategic priorities of managing partners at Ireland’s accounting and advisory firms in 2025

STRATEGIC GROWTH

Compliance remains the foundation of many firms, but the real opportunities lie in advisory services.

Managing partners are doubling down on deepening client relationships, leveraging data-driven insights and building service lines that proactively solve business challenges.

The firms leading in this space don’t just respond to client needs; they anticipate them.

TALENT AND LEADERSHIP

Firms are re-evaluating their reward structures, moving beyond traditional partner compensation models to recognise and incentivise high-performing professionals at all levels.

They are also reshaping their leadership structures, recognising that sustainable growth demands more than technical expertise.

Many are introducing chief operating and growth officers to drive efficiency and business development, allowing partners to focus on client service and strategic direction.

TECHNOLOGY

The most successful firms view technology as more than an efficiency driver, but rather as a catalyst for growth.

Managing partners are focused on embedding digital tools to enhance client experience, improve decisionmaking and open new revenue streams.

The challenge is not simply adopting technology but ensuring it aligns with longterm strategy and delivers real, tangible value.

CLIENT EXPERIENCE

Today’s clients expect more than just number-crunching; they want proactive, strategic advice.

The firms thriving in this environment prioritise client experience — offering insights beyond compliance, providing forward-looking business advice and positioning themselves as indispensable strategic partners.

Accessibility to senior leadership is also becoming a key differentiator.

SECTORAL EXPERTISE

Managing partners are recognising the need to position their professionals as visible experts, ensuring their insights reach the right audiences.

The firms that stand out are those actively showcasing their sector specialisms through thought leadership, media engagement and targeted industry participation.

FUTURE PROOFING

Managing partners are placing greater emphasis on leadership development, succession planning and business models that support long-term success.

Whether through equity restructuring, alternative fee models or cultural shifts towards more collaborative leadership, firms are reimagining their future.

ESG is also playing a growing role in client advisory services and shaping firms’ strategies.