Tim Petrey: Forget the Pyramid - Ditch Old Models for Good | Big 4 Transparency

“You can’t ask people to act like partners and then treat them like employees.”

Big 4 Transparency
By Dominic Piscopo, CPA
For CPA Trendlines

In an industry marked by incremental change and cautious tradition, Tim Petrey, managing partner at HD Growth Partners, is going all-in on a radical reimagining of what an accounting firm can be. Speaking on the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Petrey shares how his firm has abandoned the tired trappings of the old model - mandatory billable hours, rigid promotion timelines, and siloed service delivery - in favor of a more dynamic, entrepreneurial approach. 

And he isn’t just talking about change, he’s living it. 

• MORE Dominic Piscopo | MORE Private Equity | MORE Pay & Compensation

The episode dives deep into how HD Growth Partners embraces a consulting-first approach, using accounting services as a wedge rather than a foundation. The firm encourages team members, even juniors, to build one-on-one relationships with clients. Petrey believes the best learning happens on the job, with mentorship layered into real-world client work. This, he argues, is what keeps staff engaged and clients loyal.