To our YHB community,
Each year when I sit down to write this letter, I think about the moments that defined the last 12 months. In 2025, those moments arrived quickly and often. Our profession changed at a pace few of us have ever seen. Yet through all of it, one thing stayed constant. YHB remained grounded in the values that have guided us for more than 75 years. That sense of steadiness shaped every decision we made.
Below is a look at where the profession stands, how YHB responded this past year, and what that means for you as we move into 2026 together.
A Changing Profession
Believe it or not, the accounting world has been moving fast. Many firms are being bought or accepting investment by large outside investors. Others are shifting their entire focus toward technology or racing to hire staff in a shrinking talent market. Automation and artificial intelligence have also become part of everyday work, changing how tasks are completed and how teams collaborate. These changes can feel dramatic from the outside. They can even feel unsettling at times. But the important thing to know is that not all firms are responding in the same way. Some are chasing quick growth. Others are standing still and hoping familiar routines will carry them through.
We chose to remain steadfast in our commitment to our clients, team, and community by assessing how we can adapt in this changing environment to get even better at what we do and how we serve.
Choosing a Steady Path Forward
In 2025, we completed one of the most thoughtful planning efforts in our history. The result was a long-range plan that gives us clarity about where the profession is heading and how YHB can continue to serve you well in the years ahead. A few ideas guided that work.
Staying Independent and Locally Anchored
We chose to remain privately and locally owned. That means the decisions we make are based on what is best for clients, team members, and the long-term health of the firm, not the priorities of an outside investor. You can expect the same direct relationships and the same personal attention you have always known. This doesn’t mean we’re standing still though.
Progress You Can See
The past year brought tangible movement in how we serve clients. Our assurance team deepened its industry focus and put new tools to work, which sharpened analysis and raised the bar on audit quality. Tax moved steadily toward a true planning model, spending more time with clients throughout the year instead of concentrating conversations in busy season. Our CAAS team continued to expand, giving organizations day to-day support that eases the pressure on their internal staff.
We also received regional and national recognition for client service and workplace experience. Awards are not the aim, but they signal that the changes we are making resonate with the people we serve and the people who choose to build their careers here. Culture has always been a hallmark at YHB. People and culture are our focus because they are the key to giving superior service to our communities.
What This Means for You
At the end of the day, you should feel the effect of these changes in simple, tangible ways. Your relationship with YHB should feel more forward looking. Your conversations should feel more focused on decisions and possibilities, not just documents or deadlines. And the people you work with should feel steady, informed, and available when you need them. We want your experience with us to be easier, more helpful, and more connected. That is the heart of our work.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
As we enter 2026, I feel a deep appreciation for everyone who puts their trust in us. You have allowed us into your organization, your families, and your plans for the future. That is a responsibility we take seriously and never take for granted. No matter how the profession continues to evolve, our commitment to you remains. We will keep listening. We will keep adapting with intention. And we will continue building a team and a firm that will stand beside you in every season. Thank you for being part of the YHB community.
