Mike Balter, Managing Director, CBIZ

In an interview with Invest:, Mike Balter, managing director at CBIZ, discussed the firm’s milestones in the Southeast, the impact of being the seventh-largest U.S. accounting firm, and the firm’s proactive strategies in technology, talent, and client-focused advisory services.

What were the significant milestones for CBIZ in the Southeast last year?

First, we need to define last year as starting on Nov. 1. That date marked the beginning of our coming together — a perfect combination of two entities – Marcum and CBIZ – to become the new CBIZ. It has been a true success. We weren’t two companies unfamiliar with each other, especially in the Southeast. Many of us had worked together in past roles, knew each other’s reputations, and shared similar values.

Both companies had histories of winning multiple “Best Places to Work” awards, which shows our commitment to people, culture, and growth. It was truly a 1+1=7 scenario — a transformative merging of two organizations to create something much greater, which now positions us as the seventh largest professional services provider in the United States. That milestone is one we’re incredibly proud of. When you step back and think about it, it’s a remarkable achievement that underscores our ability to serve clients on an even greater scale.

How does being the country’s seventh-largest accounting firm influence CBIZ’s ability to serve its clients?

Over the past few years, our clients have become more complex and larger, relying much more on technology. These shifts align perfectly with where we’re headed. As we grow, we ensure we have the resources to solve increasingly complex challenges.

Technology is a key enabler. It’s not just about artificial intelligence, although that’s a part of it. It’s about leveraging tools to make processes more efficient and effective, meeting the needs of clients who expect faster and more comprehensive solutions.

We’re no longer an accounting firm. We’re much more than that. The diversity of our offerings extends into other areas of financial services, including insurance and HR capital management. We have the ability to meet the needs of the market in all new ways. 

How is the economic landscape influencing your clients’ decisions, and how is CBIZ helping them navigate potential headwinds?

Over the last couple of years, the sentiment has been what I’d call cautiously optimistic. We still have a steady influx of people moving into Florida and specifically this area daily. With that comes a wide variety of goals and challenges our clients want to address.

Our role varies. We often take a proactive approach, sometimes helping clients outsource their accounting departments. Regularly, we serve as true advisers, guiding them through their next big challenge or opportunity. It’s about being flexible and responsive to what they need to move forward effectively.

How do CBIZ’s innovative, data-driven solutions address client challenges and optimize your processes?

Everything we do is tied to technology. From the moment we wake up, we’re connected — our phones link to our software, which links to our clients. Every day, technology improves, and our clients expect faster and more efficient answers.

We’ve embraced that demand by leveraging artificial intelligence. For example, we’ve developed our own AI platform that allows employees to ask questions, find solutions, and better serve our clients. This tool helps us deliver tailored and timely responses to client needs. It’s a unique innovation, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built.

How does CBIZ leverage its local presence and broad platform to benefit clients?

For us, clients are never just numbers; it’s always about personal relationships. Being “boots on the ground” isn’t just about proximity, it’s about meeting clients face-to-face, shaking hands, asking tough questions, and uncovering the core of where we can provide value.

The relationships we build are why we love what we do. Anyone can prepare a tax return or an audit, but the difference lies in using that work product to advise clients in the future, whether it’s planning for the next three, five, or twenty years.

For example, as baby boomers age — myself included — we see more clients seeking exit strategies. They come to us for guidance. They want to know the best time to exit, who they should sell to, or should they pass the business to a family member or the management team. We help them navigate these decisions thoughtfully and strategically.

At CBIZ, we might have “accountants” on the door, but in reality, we wear many hats: adviser, psychologist, trusted partner, and friend. That’s why, even during the holidays, clients still reach out to discuss opportunities or concerns. We welcome those calls because it speaks to the trust we’ve built.

Geographically, our local presence also strengthens these relationships. For instance, we have offices in Boca Raton, Tampa Bay, West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. If a client in Boca needs us, we can walk right over and provide immediate support. That kind of adaptability and accessibility is key to what we do.

How is CBIZ preparing to attract and retain top talent?

Recruitment is critical, and we focus on both experienced professionals and recent graduates. We’re proactive at universities like Florida State, UF, FIU, and others, offering internships and leadership programs to foster growth within the organization.

Retention is equally important. We pride ourselves on having one of the lowest turnover rates in the profession. New hires are welcomed personally, reflecting our commitment to culture. Even with hybrid work, our offices are becoming more dynamic spaces where employees can connect and thrive.

What advice would you offer aspiring professionals in accounting and consulting?

Start with a blank sheet of paper and define your passion. Stay true to yourself, and you’ll find a path in public accounting that aligns with who you are.

We embrace diversity and individuality. One of our HR leaders calls us “guardians of the galaxy” because we’re a mix of different personalities and talents. That diversity is what makes us successful.

How is CBIZ addressing the need for diversity and multilingual talent?

Diversity is essential, especially in this region. Our clients are becoming more diverse, and we’re looking for team members who reflect that.

Multilingual skills, cultural understanding, and strong communication abilities are becoming as valuable as technical accounting knowledge. In the future, I expect we’ll see even more emphasis on these skills as we continue to adapt to the needs of our clients.

With your extensive experience in construction and manufacturing, what are the most pressing challenges your clients face in these sectors today?

One of the biggest challenges is knowing when growth becomes a risk. It’s a classic “too big to fail” scenario, but for many construction companies, rapid expansion strains cash flow, often leading to their downfall.

We advise clients to be strategic in their growth. For example, if a company operates primarily in South Florida and gets an opportunity in Jacksonville, they need to assess whether it’s the right move. Sometimes, it’s better to focus on their core market and grow sustainably rather than overextending.

Strategic planning is essential: figuring out who you are, where you want to be, and whether you have the right team to get there. Many of our clients are dedicating significant time to this process, which is critical for long-term success.

What trends are you watching that could impact the accounting and consulting industry?

One key area we’re monitoring is the political landscape and its implications for taxes and policy changes. We’re staying proactive, planning ahead to ensure we’re prepared for whatever shifts may come, even if the extent isn’t yet clear.

Another factor is the continued influx of wealth into our state, which is driving more transactions on both the buy and sell sides. To meet this demand, we’re focusing on hiring top talent, particularly for advisory services, as compliance work becomes increasingly automated through technology.

The human element remains critical, especially in advisory roles. Clients need support but expect it from someone who truly understands their industry. That’s why we prioritize expertise in key sectors like construction, real estate, and consumer products, among other industries. For instance, we host events like our Construction and Real Estate Summit on Feb. 13, which highlights specialized industry needs. We’re also strengthening our industry groups to ensure we deliver tailored, relevant advice. Specialization is key to maintaining trust and providing value.

What will be CBIZ’s top priorities in the Southeast over the next few years?

Our focus remains on managed growth. We want to continue fostering a growth culture while ensuring it’s done the right way. That means asking tough questions about opportunities to ensure they align with our goals and values.

We’re fortunate to be in a region experiencing rapid growth. With around 1,000 people moving to Florida daily, the demand for resources, land, and services continues to rise. Universities are investing in technology hubs, and private equity groups are establishing a stronger presence, creating tremendous opportunities.

In the immediate future, our priority is to continue a smooth integration. As our offices overlap in concentric circles, it’s critical to ensure a seamless experience for our people and our clients. This means continuing to help clients grow and succeed while adjusting to unexpected challenges.

Our goal is to remain a trusted resource, helping clients and employees adapt to changes while reinforcing our position as a leading organization.