Crete Professional Alliance, a national partnership of accounting and advisory firms, announced Wednesday its newest and 30th member—Honolulu-based Accuity.
Established in 2023 to provide an alternative to the traditional exit options for accounting and professional services firm owners, Crete partners with firms across the country, keeping its partner firms’ leadership, brand, and culture independent while providing access to its national back-office resources and financial backing.
Founded by Jake Sloane and Frank Zhang of New York City-based investment firm ZBS Partners, Crete has also received financial backing from venture capital investment firms Thrive Capital and Bessemer Venture Partners.
“Crete was built on the belief that firms with deep local relationships can unlock extraordinary growth when they have access to modern tools, data, and scale,” Crete CEO Steve Stagner said in a statement. “Accuity has earned a trusted reputation across Hawaii by understanding the fabric of its business community. Their partnership with Crete will only amplify their ability to serve clients while preserving the local values that make them unique.”
Accuity was founded in 1951. It was originally known as Baker & Gillette, then as the Honolulu office of Big Four accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. It has been Accuity since 2006.
The firm says it helps clients build value, manage risk, and achieve growth across diverse industries, including education, health care, technology, real estate, insurance, hospitality, retail, not-for-profit, and government agencies.
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“This partnership represents a bold investment in Hawaii’s future. Crete’s platform gives us access to advanced technology, national resources, and a network of forward-thinking peers while allowing us to stay true to who we are,” said Accuity CEO Cory Kubota. “We’ll continue to nurture the next generation of Hawaii business leaders and deliver the exceptional service our clients have always known us for.”
According to Crete, Accuity will retain its local leadership and brand while gaining access to:
- A national network of more than 30 top-performing accounting and advisory firms.
- Enterprise-level corporate services in human resources, finance, legal, and IT.
- AI-powered tools and automation solutions to enhance service delivery.
- Global delivery teams in India and the Philippines.
- Growth operations, recruiting, and future M&A support.
“Accuity’s decision to take on a capital partner is one of the most significant moves we’ve seen in the Hawaii accounting market,” said Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised both firms on the partnership. “It speaks volumes about both their leadership and the changing dynamics of the profession. Accuity is a prominent firm in the state, deeply respected for its reputation, culture, and long-standing client relationships. For them to choose Crete as their partner says everything about Crete’s vision, innovation, and alignment with what the firm of the future should look like. This is a transformative moment for both the Hawaii business community and the broader accounting industry.”
Accuity LLP and Accuity Advisors (and its subsidiary entities) practice as an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards. Accuity LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients, and Accuity Advisors and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business consulting services to their clients. Accuity Advisors and its subsidiary entities aren’t licensed CPA firms.
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