CohnReznick Careers: Culture, Salaries, and Opportunities Guide

CohnReznick is a leading accounting, tax, and advisory firm in the United States with more than a century of experience. Known for its industry expertise and supportive workplace, the firm offers strong career opportunities across audit, tax, and advisory services. Its reputation makes it a respected choice for professionals seeking growth and impact.

In this article, we will explore what CohnReznick is known for, its history, careers, culture, interview process, salaries, and more.

Key Insights

• CohnReznick is a top 15 CPA firm specializing in audit, tax, and advisory services across industries like real estate, renewable energy, and government.
• The firm has more than 2,800 employees, $680M in revenue, and 25 U.S. offices, with global reach through the Nexia International network.
• CohnReznick careers offer structured progression, CPA support, and industry specialization, while the internship provides hybrid learning and mentorship.
• Employees describe CohnReznick culture as inclusive and flexible, with seasonal workload spikes balanced by collaborative leadership and diversity programs.
• The CohnReznick interview process involves video screening, CR Talent Days, and behavioral and technical questions assessing skills, problem-solving, and cultural fit.

What is CohnReznick known for?

CohnReznick is known for being one of the largest CPA firms in the U.S., specializing in audit, tax, and advisory services. The firm is particularly recognized for its expertise in real estate, renewable energy, and government sectors, as well as for fostering a workplace culture that values inclusion, professional development, and community impact.

CohnReznick’s reputation has been built on more than 100 years of client service. The firm consistently ranks among the top 15 accounting firms in the country, providing services that go beyond compliance to help businesses solve complex challenges.

Key areas of recognition include:

• Strong expertise in real estate, affordable housing, and construction projects
• Leadership in renewable energy tax credits and advisory services
• Broad work with government, not-for-profit, and education sectors
• A growing reputation for its diversity and inclusion initiatives

Professionals often associate CohnReznick with opportunities to work on high-impact projects that connect finance, policy, and business strategy. Its membership in the Nexia International network enhances its global reach, giving employees access to professionals in 100+ countries worldwide.

Is CohnReznick a CPA and top-ranked firm?

CohnReznick is a licensed CPA firm and ranks among the top 15 largest accounting firms in the United States. While not part of the Big 4, it is widely respected for its expertise, size, and industry specialization, making it a competitive choice for both clients and professionals seeking career growth.

The firm provides a full suite of services across audit, tax, and advisory, reinforcing its credibility as a CPA organization. Recognition in industry rankings highlights CohnReznick’s position as one of the most influential mid-market firms with global reach.

Key ranking details:

• Consistently ranks in the top 15 accounting firms by revenue in the U.S.
• Known for its CPA expertise and ability to serve complex industries such as real estate and renewable energy
• Part of the Nexia International network, with access to over 23,000 professionals worldwide

Although not part of the Big 4 (PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG), many professionals see CohnReznick as a strong alternative because of its specialization and reputation in niche industries. This positioning provides stability, growth opportunities, and credibility in the CPA and consulting landscape.

How big is CohnReznick?

CohnReznick is one of the largest accounting and advisory firms in the United States, with more than 2,800 employees, 25 office locations, and annual revenue exceeding $680 million. Its scale makes it a top 15 CPA firm and a strong competitor in specialized industries.

Key facts about CohnReznick’s size include:

• Over 2,800 employees across multiple service lines
• Headquarters in New York City, with offices in major markets such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Boston
• Approximately $680 million in annual revenue
• 25 offices spread across the United States, providing geographic flexibility
• Access to professionals in 100+ countries through Nexia International

For prospective employees, the firm’s size means exposure to large-scale projects while still maintaining a culture often described as more personal than the Big 4. Clients benefit from deep specialization paired with the resources of a nationwide CPA firm.

What is the history of CohnReznick?

CohnReznick was formed in 2012 through the merger of J.H. Cohn, founded in 1919, and the Reznick Group, founded in 1977. This merger combined decades of tax, audit, and advisory expertise, creating one of the top 15 CPA firms in the United States with more than a century of heritage.

Key milestones in CohnReznick’s history include:

• 1919 – J.H. Cohn founded, specializing in tax and audit services
• 1977 – Reznick Group established, building expertise in real estate and affordable housing
• 2012 – Merger of J.H. Cohn and Reznick Group created CohnReznick LLP
• 2012 onward – Became a member of Nexia International, expanding global access

Today, CohnReznick leverages its heritage while continuing to grow in areas like renewable energy, government contracting, and real estate. This history of steady expansion positions it as both a traditional CPA firm and a modern advisory practice.

Who leads CohnReznick today?

CohnReznick is led by Chief Executive Officer David Kessler, who has overseen the firm’s strategic growth since 2019. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded its focus on advisory services, strengthened its culture of inclusion, and advanced digital transformation initiatives to better serve clients.

Key leadership details:

• David Kessler – CEO, with more than three decades of professional services experience
• Emphasis on innovation, diversity, and sustainability
• Strategic investments in digital transformation and client service tools
• Focus on strengthening global reach through Nexia International

This leadership approach ensures employees have opportunities to grow while clients benefit from forward-looking strategies. The firm’s management balances tradition with innovation, supporting its reputation as a modern CPA and advisory firm.

What careers does CohnReznick offer?

CohnReznick careers span audit, tax, and advisory services, offering roles for students, entry-level hires, and experienced professionals. The firm is known for structured career progression, mentorship, and opportunities to specialize in industries such as real estate, renewable energy, and government contracting.

Key features of careers at CohnReznick:

• Clear career progression from associate to partner
• Exposure to clients across industries such as healthcare, technology, and financial services
• CPA licensure support and continuing professional education
• Mobility between audit, tax, and advisory practices
• Access to diversity and inclusion programs for personal and professional growth

For students and recent graduates, the firm’s recruiting process is designed to align skills and interests with the right teams. For experienced hires, CohnReznick offers pathways to leadership roles while maintaining flexibility in specialization.

What is the CohnReznick internship like?

The CohnReznick internship provides students with hands-on experience in audit, tax, or advisory, combining real client work with mentorship and training. Interns benefit from a hybrid schedule, professional development workshops, and a structured recruiting process that helps match them to the right teams for growth.

Highlights of the internship:

• Hybrid schedule blending independent work and in-office collaboration
• Mentorship and career coaching for guidance and feedback
• Structured training in technical and professional skills
• Recruiting designed to align candidates with the best-suited practice area
• Pathways to full-time offers for top-performing interns

For many students, the internship serves as both an introduction to the firm and a springboard to a full-time career. The combination of flexibility, mentorship, and real-world exposure makes it one of the most valued entry points into the accounting and advisory profession.

What is the culture at CohnReznick?

CohnReznick culture is often described as collaborative, supportive, and inclusive, with employees highlighting approachable leadership and opportunities for mentorship. The firm emphasizes diversity, professional growth, and flexibility, although workloads intensify during the busy tax season from January to April.

Notable aspects of CohnReznick culture:

• Strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion initiatives
• A workplace where colleagues are approachable and supportive
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements, especially post-pandemic
• Recognition as a “Most Loved Workplace” in 2021
• Seasonal workload spikes balanced by lighter off-season schedules

Employees generally view the culture as a mix of professional rigor and personal support, making CohnReznick attractive for those seeking both career advancement and work-life balance.

What is the interview process at CohnReznick?

The CohnReznick interview process includes a video screening, CR Talent Days with structured interviews, and final rounds with senior professionals assessing both technical skills and cultural fit.

Candidates can expect:

• A short video interview with preset questions
• CR Talent Days featuring two structured interviews
• Final interviews with senior leadership depending on role

Examples of common interview questions:

• What industry do you prefer to work with?
• Tell me about a time when the outcome was different than expected.
• How strong are your spreadsheet and analytical skills?
• Describe a situation where you demonstrated organizational skills.
• What is one strength and one weakness you would highlight?

Tips for candidates:

Be ready to walk through your resume, expect both behavioral and light technical questions, and demonstrate awareness of industries where the firm is strong. Aligning with the firm’s culture of teamwork and adaptability is critical.

How much does CohnReznick pay?

CohnReznick salaries are competitive, with interns earning about $58,000 and associates starting near $70,000, increasing significantly as professionals advance into senior and managerial roles.

Examples of reported salary ranges:

• Intern – about $58,000 annually (pro-rated for internship duration)
• Audit Associate – approximately $70,000 annually
• Consultant – around $94,000 annually
• Assurance Manager – $130,000+ annually

Additional compensation includes:

• Annual performance-based bonuses
• Comprehensive healthcare, retirement, and wellness benefits
• Support for CPA licensure and continuing education
• Hybrid work flexibility and professional development stipends

While slightly lower than Big 4 firms, CohnReznick’s compensation is offset by work-life balance, flexibility, and strong professional growth opportunities.

What industries and practice areas does CohnReznick serve?

CohnReznick serves clients across audit, tax, and advisory services, with deep specialization in industries such as real estate, renewable energy, government, and life sciences.

Practice areas:

• Audit & Assurance – financial statement audits, internal controls, and compliance
• Tax Services – corporate, partnership, and international tax planning
• Advisory – transaction support, risk management, and restructuring

Industries served:

• Real Estate and Construction – affordable housing, commercial real estate, opportunity zones
• Renewable Energy – solar, wind, and tax credit advisory services
• Government and Public Sector – government contracting, education, not-for-profit
• Life Sciences and Healthcare – biotech, pharmaceuticals, healthcare providers
• Technology, Media, and Entertainment – film, digital media, startups
• Financial Services – private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, family offices

This breadth ensures CohnReznick can address both compliance needs and strategic business challenges.

What exit opportunities come from CohnReznick?

Exit opportunities from CohnReznick include roles at other public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, private equity, and government agencies. Many professionals also use the Nexia International network to pursue global opportunities or transition into industry roles aligned with their specialization.

Typical exits include:

• Moving to other CPA firms for expanded responsibilities
• Joining corporate accounting or finance teams
• Transitioning to private equity, hedge funds, or venture capital
• Entering government agencies or non-profits
• Pursuing international roles via Nexia International

The firm’s strong reputation, training, and industry specialization make it a launchpad for long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is CohnReznick prestigious?
A: CohnReznick is considered a prestigious accounting and advisory firm, recognized for its strong audit and assurance practice, tax services, and growing advisory capabilities, making it a respected choice for professionals seeking impactful career opportunities.

Q: Where does CohnReznick rank in accounting firms?
A: CohnReznick consistently ranks among the top 15 U.S. accounting firms, reflecting its national reputation in audit, tax, and advisory services and its role as a key member of the Nexia International network.

Q: Is CohnReznick a good company?
A: CohnReznick is regarded as a good company to work for, offering diverse career opportunities, strong mentorship, and a supportive culture that emphasizes diversity and inclusion across its practices.

Q: Why work at CohnReznick?
A: Many professionals choose to work at CohnReznick for its collaborative culture, structured career development, and exposure to varied client work that supports long-term growth and exit opportunities.

Q: What GPA do you need for CohnReznick?
A: While GPA requirements can vary, CohnReznick typically looks for students with solid academic performance, often around a 3.0 or higher, along with strong skills and experiences relevant to the recruiting process.