The Top 100 CPA and advisory firm AAFCPAs has acquired McLaren & Associates CPAs PC. The move will enable the firm to expand delivery of its forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuation, and tax advisory solutions.
McLaren & Associates brings to AAFCPAs 17 accomplished professionals and a reputation for excellence. Notably, the team was voted the Best Forensic Accounting Firm by the Worcester Business Journal’s Best of Business Awards for the past eight consecutive years (2019–2026) and boasts a 97 percent success rate in forensic accounting cases.
Included in the transition is Founder and Managing Partner David S. McLaren, a renowned forensic accountant. David will join AAFCPAs as partner, risk advisory. His expertise is underscored by advanced credentials in accounting, forensic auditing, and investigative techniques; he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Certified Forensic Accountant (CRFAC), Government Forensic Accountant (ABGOV), Registered Forensic Investigator (RFI), and Certified Forensic Auditor (CRFAU).
Recommended Articles
Also part of the team is Tax Partner Jennifer Chase-Williams, CPA, MBA, whose 30 years of experience in complex business tax matters adds further depth to AAFCPAs’ tax advisory practice. Jennifer helps business owners make informed decisions across transactions, compensation structures, and succession planning. Her background also includes business valuation, forensic accounting, and personal income tax, allowing her to deliver integrated, forward-looking tax strategies that support long-term growth.
“This strategic integration reflects our shared values and vision for the future,” said Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, managing partner, AAFCPAs. “By welcoming McLaren & Associates into AAFCPAs, we expand our resources and capabilities and reinforce our position as a leading advisory firm. In an AI-driven world where forensic accounting becomes ever more valuable to organizations facing escalated risk of financial and cybercrimes, this integration strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients.”
The firms are also closely aligned in values, as reflected by their shared Certified B Corporation status. McLaren & Associates became a B Corp in 2019, the first accounting firm in New England to earn the designation, and AAFCPAs followed in 2025. This mutual commitment to community impact and social and environmental responsibility highlights a strong cultural fit that serves as an essential foundation for successful integration.
“Joining AAFCPAs allows us to expand our impact and stay true to our mission,” said David. “Our clients will benefit from access to the full breadth of AAFCPAs’ business advisory solutions to support their continued growth. I have always loved the AAFCPAs tagline—Great Minds, Great Hearts—and everyone at McLaren is very excited about our bright future together.”
Thanks for reading CPA Practice Advisor!
Subscribe Already registered? Log In
Need more information? Read the FAQs
