Randy Crabtree named to 100 Most Influential People in Accounting list

Randy Crabtree, a certified public accountant and co-founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals in Schaumburg, has been named to Accounting Today’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in Accounting.

Tri-Merit, a leading national provider of specialty tax services, was recognized on the INC. 5000’s America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies list in 2022 and 2023.

Crabtree founded Tri-Merit as a national resource for accountants on the R&D Tax Credit, but the firm has since grown to provide services in specialty tax areas such as cost segregation, the Section 179D deduction, the Employee Retention Credit, Renewable Energy Tax Credits, and others.

Crabtree has become a leading advocate for change in the accounting industry by bringing attention to mental wellness, diversity, and eliminating the industry’s long-held acceptance of excessive workloads as a necessary component of a career path. He hosts the Unique CPA podcast, which ranks among the world’s 5% most popular programs, according to Listen Score, contributes articles to various accounting publications, and has launched and hosted one of the leading new industry gatherings, the annual Bridging the Gap Conference, according to a news release.

“It is truly humbling to receive this recognition and to see my name listed alongside so many impressive and successful contributors to our industry,” Crabtree said. “Being able to balance my wellness initiatives along with continuing to provide service to my valued specialty tax clients has been very rewarding. An honor of this nature is beyond expectation.”

Accounting Today wrote, “If Crabtree just spent his time getting the word out about complex tax problems like the Employee Retention Credit and helping accountants become better advisers, that would be plenty — but he’s also an important voice for mental health, diversity and a more humane profession through his podcast, conference and frequent speaking engagements.”

Tri-Merit devotes a significant portion of time to educating and training CPAs on complex tax credit options.

“Educating and empowering industry colleagues to provide the best service possible to their clients has been a priority for Tri-Merit,” Crabtree said. “Being able to also work alongside leaders in the industry to improve our collective approach to employee wellness allows the accounting industry to attract and retain the best employees, both young and experienced. The combination of my work and my advocacy I hope makes for a stronger profession.”

For more information, visit www.tri-merit.com.