Every single day I speak close to 100 professionals within the Audit, Tax and Advisory spaces and it is amazing how much information and insight you can pick up in one day. Lately, all the insight has really been around what firms are laying off and what divisions in each of these firms are doing poorly with the current economic conditions. What I seldom hear is how a good a practice is doing, or the overall successes of a firm. However, what I would like to share in this article are the firms which are doing exceptionally well, and still looking for top talent. I know this because they are my clientele and they are persevering through the hard times, and will be even better positioned when the smoke and dust settles.

The Top Seven:

1. RSM McGladrey – Just separated from HR Block/this will loosen up their cash flow and bring better profits to the partners. Within public accounting, RSM McGladrey & Pullen is better positioned than any other attest firm. Nobody really knows that they are the 5th largest in the US, with $1.5B in the bank!

2. Alvarez & Marsal – Obviously, landing the Lehman Bros. restructuring deal isn’t bad, but their Transaction Advisory and Disputes divisions are performing well.

3. LECG – Continuously building an overall strong Forensic Litigation practice which covers several facets. LECG recently opened up their Dallas office with a key partner hire, which will expand their footprint even further.

4. FTI Consulting – Known for having a top tier Corporate Finance and Forensic Litigation division, FTI has also built some exceptional sub niches, such as Transaction Advisory Services.

5. UHY – This middle market public accounting firm ranks as one of the best for Audit and Tax, however also is ramping up a national advisory practice.

6. AlixPartners - Landing GM’s bankruptcy/restructuring engagement could never hurt, especially with how the government has assisted. However, this firm has 3 other service lines which are starting to be recognized nationally.

7. Hein & Associates – This middle market firm only has 4 offices, but has some of the best talent in each market, which includes, Dallas, Houston, Denver and Orange County. They are always looking for the best salary, and their compensation can compete with any top firms.

Written by: John McSpadden, CEO of MAC & Associates LLC