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Accounting Bodies Network (ABN) updates sustainability principles
The Accounting Bodies Network (ABN), a global alliance representing over 2.5 million accountants and students, has reaffirmed its commitment to driving a sustainable future by adopting five newly revised core principles.
Developed in partnership with A4S (Accounting for Sustainability), these updated principles reflect the evolving role of accountants in shaping a more sustainable economy. They emphasize education, innovation, advocacy, and a broader definition of value that incorporates environmental and social dimensions. The revised framework also calls on member organizations to lead by example, embedding sustainability into their own operations and supporting members in achieving net-zero goals. As sustainability becomes increasingly central to the finance profession, this marks a renewed push for collective global impact.
13 Firms unite to form Sorren, a new top 50 accounting contender
A major shift is underway in the US accounting industry as 13 regional firms join forces under a new national brand: Sorren. Brought together through long-standing relationships in the BDO Alliance, the firms share a vision of collaborative growth, deeper expertise, and stronger client service. With more than 1,000 professionals across 20 offices nationwide, and with a growing international presence in India, the Philippines, and St. Lucia, Sorren offers comprehensive services in tax, assurance, advisory, and client accounting.
The venture is backed by DFW Capital Partners, which first invested in Idaho-based Harris CPAs in 2024 and has since helped accelerate the group’s strategic expansion. Leaders emphasize that this isn’t a merger for scale alone; Sorren is grounded in shared values, local community ties, and a commitment to innovation. The name “Sorren” itself reflects the firm’s ethos: a blend of “master of craft” and “coming together as one.” Sorren aims to rank among the top 50 U.S. firms by revenue.
UVU launches innovative CAS course to attract next generation of accountants
To help close the talent gap in accounting, Utah Valley University (UVU) has launched a first-of-its-kind Client Advisory Services (CAS) course, now required for all accounting majors. Created by Professor David Waite in collaboration with leading ProAdvisors Dan Luthi and Brittany Brown, the course aims to modernize accounting education by shifting focus from traditional tax and audit to the fast-growing world of CAS.
Backed by Intuit’s ProAdvisor Academy, students get hands-on experience with QuickBooks Online, complete industry-recognized certifications, and tackle real-world case studies that build both technical and advisory skills. The pilot drew 75 students, resulting in 150 certifications and early job placements for nearly 20%. For Intuit, it’s a model of how industry and academia can collaborate to reshape perceptions of the profession and build a more future-ready workforce. As Dan Luthi puts it: “Students are ready for change. They’re looking for more than traditional accounting roles—they want to be problem-solvers, advisors, and tech-savvy professionals.”
