Remote work is no longer a perk in professional services—it’s a recruiting strategy.
Brown Plus has been named the No. 13 Best Remote and Hybrid Workplace in America for 2026 in the small/medium employer category by Best Companies Group. The ranking places the accounting and advisory firm among the top hybrid employers nationally for organizations with 30 to 249 U.S. employees.
For a mid-sized firm in a traditionally office-centric industry, the recognition reflects a broader shift: flexibility is becoming a competitive differentiator in accounting, where talent shortages remain persistent.
How the Ranking Was Determined
The 2026 Best Remote and Hybrid Workplaces in America list is based primarily on employee satisfaction survey results conducted in 2025. Companies are evaluated on the strength and effectiveness of their remote and hybrid programs, with a focus on engagement, culture, and operational execution.
Brown Plus secured the No. 13 position in the small/medium employer category—a segment defined as organizations with 30 to 249 U.S. employees.
President and Managing Principal Ken Wolfe emphasized that the modern workplace “is no longer defined by four walls,” noting the firm has built a team spanning six states through technology-enabled collaboration.
That multi-state footprint is notable. Regional accounting firms have increasingly expanded talent pools beyond commuting distance, particularly as larger national firms push aggressive hybrid recruiting strategies.
Accounting’s Hybrid Inflection Point
The accounting sector has faced sustained workforce pressure over the past several years, driven by:
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Declining CPA exam participation
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Increased retirement among senior professionals
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Growing demand for advisory services
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Competition from consulting and fintech firms
In that environment, flexibility isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Industry giants have leaned heavily into hybrid models, while smaller and mid-sized firms have been forced to rethink office-first assumptions. Brown Plus’ ranking suggests it has successfully operationalized remote collaboration rather than treating it as a temporary accommodation.
The firm’s workplace policies reflect that approach, including:
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Remote work arrangements
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Flexible scheduling and summer hours
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A paid week off during the week of Independence Day
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CPA exam reimbursement and development bonuses
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Paid parental leave
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Paid volunteer time
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Family-inclusive events
These benefits aim to address both professional growth and work-life balance—critical factors in attracting younger accounting talent.
A Streak of Workplace Recognition
The remote and hybrid ranking adds to a growing list of accolades for Brown Plus over the past year. The firm has also been recognized as:
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A recipient of the 2026 America’s Best Workplaces Award (Medium Company Category)
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No. 13 Best Accounting Firm to Work For in 2025 (mid-sized category) by Accounting Today
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No. 5 Best Place to Work for Women in 2025 by Best Companies Group
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No. 3 Best Places to Work in PA (medium-sized category) in 2025 by Central Penn Business Journal
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No. 1 Best Company to Work For in Maryland in 2025 by The Daily Record
While awards don’t always translate directly into business performance, repeated recognition across categories—remote work, gender equity, regional excellence—signals a deliberate employer brand strategy.
For mid-market firms competing against Big Four and national players, reputation can influence everything from campus recruiting to lateral hiring.
Why It Matters for HR Leaders
The recognition comes at a time when hybrid policies are being re-evaluated across industries. Some large corporations have tightened in-office mandates, citing collaboration or culture concerns. Others continue to expand distributed hiring models to access broader talent pools.
Professional services firms face a unique balancing act: maintaining client service standards while offering flexibility that rivals corporate employers.
Brown Plus’ placement suggests that structured hybrid programs—backed by clear policies and employee input—can achieve high satisfaction without sacrificing performance.
For HR leaders in accounting and advisory firms, the takeaway is straightforward:
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Hybrid is now a baseline expectation.
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Structured flexibility can strengthen retention.
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Regional firms can compete nationally for talent.
The ability to hire across state lines also expands diversity pipelines, an increasingly important metric for clients evaluating advisory partners.
The Bigger Picture
The “future of work” conversation has matured. It’s less about whether remote work is viable and more about how effectively it’s implemented.
For firms like Brown Plus, hybrid strategy is no longer experimental—it’s foundational.
As accounting continues its transformation from compliance-driven services to strategic advisory, attracting and retaining top talent may depend as much on workplace design as technical expertise.
Ranking No. 13 nationally among small and mid-sized employers suggests Brown Plus understands that equation—and is building accordingly.
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