Paul Gabriele, Partner, Private Client Services, EisnerAmper

In an interview with Invest:, Paul Gabriele, partner and member of the Private Client Services and National Technology and Life Sciences Group at EisnerAmper, highlighted the influx of businesses, substantial amount of real estate development, and establishment of tech companies reshaping the Palm Beach and South Florida region. “The growth has been explosive,” Gabriele said.

What changes have affected EisnerAmper in Palm Beach and South Florida the most over the last year and in what ways?
With respect to EisnerAmper, we entered the West Palm Beach market through the acquisition of a legacy CPA firm, Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil, P.A. (“CDL”), in 2021. Prior to that, we had a presence in the Fort Lauderdale area and Miami, this acquisition marked our official introduction into Palm Beach County. Since then, the growth has been explosive. There has been a significant influx of new companies and individuals relocating to West Palm Beach, and we have been actively involved in various organizations within the region. Another major change has been the rise of technology companies establishing themselves in West Palm Beach. This aligns well with our Technology and Life Sciences practice, allowing us to capitalize on this growing sector.

What is your overview of the accounting, audit, tax, advisory, and outsourcing landscape in Palm Beach County at the moment?
There is a substantial amount of real estate development underway in downtown West Palm Beach, as evidenced by the numerous construction cranes visible across the skyline. The influx of technology companies into Palm Beach has been a significant trend. As a partner within our Technology and Life Sciences practice, I frequently engage with entrepreneurs at industry events, discussing how we can add value beyond traditional compliance services, such as tax returns. This includes making introductions to venture capital firms and private equity groups, ensuring these businesses have the resources they need to thrive.

How is EisnerAmper and the broader accounting industry leveraging technology and innovation to streamline operations and provide better service to clients?
The accounting profession is poised for significant transformation over the next five to 10 years, if not sooner, due to advancements in artificial intelligence. Tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are reshaping how we operate. Our firm has always prioritized staying at the forefront of technology, embracing automation to improve efficiency and the client experience. We are actively exploring AI applications to enhance our service delivery, enabling faster and higher-quality work products. By automating manual tasks, our staff can focus on higher-level analysis earlier in their careers. I firmly believe AI will not replace jobs outright, but professionals who fail to adopt these tools may find themselves at a disadvantage. Whether in accounting, law, or real estate, leveraging AI can dramatically improve efficiency. We are fully committed to integrating AI and other emerging technologies into our operations.

Where are the strongest opportunities for growth in Palm Beach County?
Since the pandemic, remote work has become more prevalent, but in-person interactions remain invaluable. Palm Beach has fostered a strong ecosystem for collaboration, with organizations like the 1909 Foundation and South Florida Tech Hub, creating incubators where entrepreneurs can exchange ideas. This environment is particularly nurturing for startups. Florida’s appeal as a low-tax state, combined with Palm Beach’s growing network of like-minded professionals, makes it an attractive destination for new businesses. Having been involved in these spaces for more than 10 years, I see tremendous potential in these collaborative environments to support entrepreneurs and business leaders.

What initiatives or innovations is EisnerAmper implementing in order to address shifts in client expectations and enhance customer experience?
Traditionally, our industry was heavily compliance-focused, centered around tax return preparation and filing deadlines. While clients still expect these services, they now demand more strategic support. They look to us for business growth insights, financial analysis, and introductions to other professionals who can add value. At EisnerAmper, we offer a full menu of business advisory services such as outsourced accounting, IT security, HR consulting, state and local tax consulting, international tax planning, and many others. This allows us to address various pain points as our clients grow, whether they need interim CFO support or controller services. Our role has expanded beyond annual tax filings to becoming holistic advisors who engage with clients on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on their needs.

What are the top services and industries driving growth, demand, and profitability for EisnerAmper in Palm Beach and South Florida at the moment?
The middle market is experiencing significant growth in Palm Beach, particularly those with $10 million to $20 million in revenue, as well as startups and growth-stage companies. As a partner in the Technology and Life Sciences (TLS) group, we see strong demand from tech and biotech firms taking advantage of South Florida’s expanding innovation ecosystem.
Real estate remains a key sector, fueled by significant development activity in West Palm Beach and across the region. Hospitality is another major industry, benefiting from Florida’s thriving luxury tourism market. Additionally, nonprofits represent a growing segment, requiring specialized advisory and compliance services. Beyond these core industries, niche areas such as outsourced accounting, state and local tax consulting, and IT security services are in high demand as businesses seek strategic support beyond traditional compliance. Our ability to provide CFO advisory and interim financial leadership further strengthens our position in serving scaling companies.

What are some strategic advantages that differentiate EisnerAmper from other competitors in the region?
Our ability to sit with our clients, listen to their needs and wants, and offer valuable insights while making meaningful introductions is a significant differentiator. This approach is crucial when working with technology companies. While we handle compliance work, such as identifying state and federal tax credits, including specialized areas like R&D tax credits and Florida grants, we also focus on generating real cash flow for our clients. Beyond that, we facilitate introductions to venture capitalists, private equity firms, and other key players within our network to help these companies grow. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship.
We view our role as akin to investing in our clients’ success. When we engage a client, we believe in their product, their vision, and their entrepreneurial spirit. Our goal is to maximize tax efficiency, secure applicable credits, and provide traditional accounting services while also leveraging our connections within the Palm Beach and South Florida communities to open doors for them.

What are the primary challenges in the accounting sector in Palm Beach, and how is EisnerAmper working to address these challenges?
The industry faces a talent shortage as fewer students are pursuing accounting degrees and CPA licensure. This decline is concerning, but it also presents an opportunity to rebrand the profession. Traditionally, accounting was perceived as monotonous, but today, it involves client communication, financial analysis, and leveraging AI and other technologies. We need to better communicate that accounting is a dynamic, leading-edge, fulfilling career path.

At EisnerAmper, we are adopting technology to enhance efficiency, but attracting and retaining skilled professionals remain our biggest challenges. We hope to reverse the trend by showcasing the exciting aspects of the profession, such as strategic advisory roles and innovation-driven work, to the next generation of graduates.

What is your outlook for EisnerAmper and the industry over the next two to three years?
We anticipate substantial growth, driven by adding value beyond compliance. Whether through tax efficiency, streamlined audits, or strategic introductions, our focus is on helping clients thrive. As Palm Beach’s economy expands, so will the demand for forward-thinking accounting services. The industry is shifting from a compliance-centric model to one that prioritizes value creation. Clients now expect insights into tax credits, operational improvements, and access to networks. Being a connector and taking pride in facilitating relationships is just as important as technical expertise. By staying at the forefront of technology and community engagement, we aim to solidify our role as trusted advisors in this evolving landscape.