In the world of American tax consulting and professional services, few names carry as much history and influence as BDO USA LLP. Today, the firm is led by Chief Executive Officer Wayne Berson, a leader known for his commitment to growth and people-focused culture, and is poised to welcome Matthew K. Becker, the firm’s national managing principal for tax, as the next CEO in 2026. This transition reflects BDO’s continued evolution while staying true to the values set more than a century ago.
Roots of a Firm: From Seidman and Seidman to BDO USA
The story of BDO USA begins in 1910, when three immigrant brothers, Maximillian L. Seidman, Francis E. Seidman, and Jacob S. Seidman, founded an accounting practice in New York City called Seidman and Seidman. At the time, fewer than 2,200 certified public accountants were practicing in the United States, and the firm’s founders saw opportunity in the rapidly changing regulatory and economic landscape.
From the outset, the Seidman brothers focused on offering personalized, high-quality financial services. The passage of the Sixteenth Amendment and the Revenue Act of 1913, which introduced federal income tax, created a new demand for tax expertise. Maximillian Seidman recognized this shift early and steered the firm toward providing tax services alongside traditional accounting. By the time the United States entered World War I, the brothers were helping clients navigate complex corporate and individual tax obligations a niche that would define the firm’s offerings for decades.
The Founders: Vision and Early Lives
The Seidman brothers themselves were products of their time: industrious, ambitious, and willing to build something meaningful from the ground up. Maximillian, the eldest, led the firm’s vision in its earliest days. Francis and Jacob joined soon after, helping expand services and offices as demand grew. In the early 20th century, few accountants offered the breadth of services the Seidmans conceived, especially in tax planning and compliance, which were increasingly necessary for businesses and individuals alike.
Their decision to emphasize tax consulting was not accidental. With the federal tax system still in its infancy, many businesses were unsure how to comply with new laws. The brothers understood that their technical skills could give business leaders clarity and peace of mind in uncertain financial times. Today’s BDO USA still echoes that early mission: helping clients understand their tax responsibilities and optimize financial decisions.
Growth, Transformation, and Modern Leadership
Over the decades, BDO USA expanded across the country. Offices sprouted in the Midwest and beyond, with growth accelerating through the twentieth century as the firm became a national presence. By the 1960s, the company had transitioned into a national general partnership, and in the decades since, it has built itself into one of the nation’s largest accounting and advisory firms.
In recent years, under the leadership of Wayne Berson, BDO USA has undergone a substantial transformation. Wayne Berson took on the CEO role in 2012, and during his tenure, the firm grew nearly 400 percent in revenue, surpassing $2.8 billion in annual U.S. revenue. He championed a move from a traditional partnership to an employee-owned corporation, enabling professionals throughout the firm to share in its success. This shift was designed to strengthen company culture and align everyone toward common goals.
Wayne Berson has also articulated a clear purpose for the firm: “helping people thrive, every day.” In discussions around sustainability and corporate responsibility, he stated that publishing BDO’s inaugural sustainability report was a way to define “the kind of organization we want to be in the future.” This underscores his belief that a tax and advisory firm should serve both clients and its wider community.
As part of its leadership evolution, BDO USA announced a CEO succession plan in 2025. Matthew K. Becker, currently the leader of the firm’s tax practice, was nominated to succeed Wayne Berson in July 2026. Becker’s deep experience in tax strategy and operations positions him to guide BDO through the continuing complexities of federal, state, and international tax environments.
Commitment to Clients and Community
BDO’s services extend far beyond tax compliance. The firm offers assurance, advisory, and consulting services to public and private companies across industries. Its tax practice, however, remains a cornerstone, advising clients on everything from total tax footprints and strategic planning to navigating new regulatory changes. BDO’s professionals combine deep technical expertise with practical insights, helping organizations make meaningfully informed decisions.
Despite its size and sophistication, BDO USA has emphasized maintaining a human-centered approach. This is reflected in the firm’s support for community initiatives, its focus on sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles, and its engagement of professionals in leadership beyond traditional business goals.
A Legacy of Influence in U.S. Tax Consulting
From three brothers in early 20th-century New York to one of the most respected professional services networks in the United States, BDO USA LLP’s journey is a testament to foresight, adaptability, and a commitment to client service. Its founders saw the importance of tax expertise long before it was commonplace, and today the firm continues to lead clients through an ever-changing fiscal and regulatory landscape. As leadership passes to the next generation, BDO’s influence on tax consulting and advisory services in the U.S. looks set to grow even further.
