Accounting For Growth | Mize CPAs Inc.

By HOPE DIMICK | Photo by BRIAN PETERS

Mize CPAs Inc. was acquired by Aprio, a national business advisory and accounting firm, in November 2025. The move was a strategic decision for the Topeka-based accounting and payroll services firm, which has been part of the city’s business community since 1956.

For James Hilbert, a CPA and tax-and-audit shareholder who has guided Mize’s growth since joining the team in 1989, the decision ultimately came down to two forces reshaping the accounting profession: technology and consolidation.

“The amount of spending on technology, and how that impacts the CPA profession going forward, is significant,” James said.

Mize has a long history of investing early in new tools, he says, recalling the firm was “one of the first CPA firms in the United States to have an IBM mainframe.”

Today, that same focus is centered on artificial intelligence (AI), automation and data-driven processes.

A GROWING NEED FOR SCALE

James says industry consolidation and the rising cost of advanced technology led Mize to evaluate whether joining a larger firm could strengthen its ability to serve clients.

“After talking to Aprio and learning what they could bring to the table, I think it became a no-brainer,” he said.

The benefits, he adds, include both financial resources for technology and expanded expertise that clients increasingly seek.

Mize has experienced substantial growth since James joined. In the beginning, Mize had 125 employees. By the time of the merger, the firm had grown to more than 300 employees. Aprio’s national footprint now includes 39 locations across the United States and two international locations, with Atlanta serving as headquarters.

EXPANDING TOPEKA’S WORKFORCE

Mize’s payroll department is expected to expand under Aprio’s umbrella. James believes Topeka will play a central role in that expansion, creating new jobs and opportunities right here at home.

“We love Topeka and we want to continue to grow here,” he said, adding the firm is committed to deepening its roots while extending its reach nationwide.

According to James, Mize has always grown by leaning into innovation and smart partnerships. The firm is one of the go-to accounting and payroll providers for owners and operators of McDonald’s franchises.

Now, as part of Aprio, Mize clients gain access to expanded services and resources, creating a practice that serves thousands of McDonald’s stores nationwide.

However, James says that the new business model extends beyond fast food.

“We’ve developed a really nice system for servicing clients across industries,” he said. “From traditional audit and tax services, as well as payroll and accounting, to valuation, estate planning and wealth management. The merger with Aprio allows us to broaden that reach.”

DRIVING INNOVATION

For a profession built on precision and reliability, embracing AI requires a careful balance.

James sees technological advances like AI not as a disruption, but as a way to better serve clients and deepen the trust they place in their accountants. Automated workflows reduce human error, while dashboards and benchmarking tools give clients real-time visibility into their financial health.

James points to AI as a major factor in the firm’s future. Advances in automation have already changed everyday work tasks, he says, from tax preparation to payroll processing.

On the tax side, software can now interpret client documents such as 1099s and W-2s.

“Whenever you’re keying things in by hand, you may miss a digit,” he said. “The technology has gotten to the point that it can read that so accurately, and get it into the tax return so quickly, that the preparation of a tax return should get easier.”

In payroll and financial reporting, James says access to client point-of-sale systems allows staff to pull data directly instead of manually entering it. That shift delivers faster and more precise information. The result is faster turnaround and deeper analysis.

“We can produce financial statements within 24 hours,” he said. “That ability to deliver on demand builds trust. Technology allows us to provide better feedback and take a deeper dive into the financial information clients have.”

BALANCING ACT

Despite the emphasis on technology, James insists people remain the firm’s greatest asset.

“It’s the culture — treating people with respect, dignity and making it a great place to work,” he said.

Mize has been recognized as one of the top accounting firms to work for in the Midwest, and Aprio’s culture of mentorship and employee support aligns with that philosophy.

Mize’s mentorship program pairs seniors, managers and shareholders with rising professionals, ensuring values of responsiveness, respect and client care are passed down.

“You have to give people opportunities to succeed and sometimes fail,” James said. “That’s how growth happens.”

Mize’s legacy in Topeka is also defined by its community involvement. Employees are encouraged and given paid time off to volunteer with local nonprofits. Partnerships with organizations like Ronald McDonald House highlight the firm’s commitment to giving back.

“Our employees live here, participate here, and we want to support the nonprofits that make Topeka stronger,” James said.

As Mize transitions under the Aprio name, James is clear about the legacy of the company: sustainable growth, high-quality jobs and continued community support.

“Even though Mize will go away in name, we will continue to grow bigger and better than ever,” he said. “We want to provide more opportunities for people in this community to have great jobs they enjoy, while offering clients the services they need to succeed.