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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 21 The speed of change requires the talent of people. Learn more at vaco.com With expertise in accounting and finance, IT and digital, and HR and operations, Vaco delivers critical talent solutions to clients by providing contract staffing, managed services, direct-hire staffing and executive search services. C T O F F I C E S L O C A T E D I N H A R T F O R D & S H E L T O N Global Reach, Local Roots | FOCUS | ACCOUNTING specialized expertise. Some notable deals include the 2023 merger of accounting firm Giamalis and Co. with MahoneySabol. Farmington-based accounting firm Federman, Lally & Remis, with about 13 CPAs and 18 employees, in January announced it was acquired by national accounting firm Marcum LLP, which has Connecticut offices in Hartford, West Hartford, New Haven and Greenwich. About seven months later, Marcum announced it was being acquired by publicly traded financial services advisory firm CBIZ Inc., in a deal worth $2.3 billion. Two years ago, Glastonbury-based CPA firm Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina (FML) merged with Bregman & Co., which has offices in Stamford and Avon. Frank Milone, founding partner of FML, said despite the merger trend, his firm is steadfast in its commit- ment to stay independent. "There is a value in the marketplace for a Connecticut-based firm with deep capabilities across industries and services," he said. The firm's strategy hinges on offering competitive pricing, high- quality service and direct access to senior talent — a value proposition that resonates with middle-market clients, he said. However, maintaining indepen- dence requires careful planning and investment. Milone emphasizes the importance of growing the firm, promoting partners and seamlessly transitioning books of business. "You never want to be forced to merge because you don't have any other options," he said. While mergers can provide financial stability and expanded resources, Milone said they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. "Sometimes, there's real positive aspects of combining firms into bigger firms," he said, citing FML's recent merger. FML now has 122 employees, including 40 CPAs and 18 partners, in offices in Glastonbury, New Haven, Stamford, Avon, Enfield and Stafford Springs. Andrews said another strategy that Whittlesey has found to be effective is embracing remote and flexible work options. This allows firms to tap into a broader talent pool, retain valuable employees who may need to relocate, and offer a better work-life balance. "We have staff working remotely in Boston, even though our main office is in Hartford," Andrews said. "This lets us continue to service clients more effectively, without losing that person who needs or wants to relocate." Feel good about your bank Connect with us today! 860-448-4295 NMLS #402928 ChelseaGroton.com/BigBusiness We're not too small for big commercial financing! We lend for Build-to-Suit, Construction Revolvers, Infrastructure Buildout, & more.