Accrual buys Puzzle's firm business to push $75M-backed AI into client accounting

What's the deal? Accrual, an AI platform for accounting firms, has agreed to acquire Puzzle's accounting-firm technology and business, including its AI-native ledger and month-end close products. Puzzle founder and chief executive officer Sasha Orloff and members of his team will join Accrual. The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary closing conditions.

What's the endgame? The deal expands Accrual beyond tax preparation into client accounting services (CAS), advancing its aim to give firms one platform across tax, audit, client accounting, and advisory work. Its CAS offering is already in early access, with broader availability of Puzzle's ledger and close tools planned by the end of 2026.

Who's who? Accrual launched in February 2026 with $75 million in funding led by General Catalyst and counts firms including ArmaninoDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, AprioDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and H&R BlockDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → among its users. Puzzle, founded by Orloff, serves more than 7,000 startups, small businesses, and accounting firms — and has run Accrual's own books since early in the company's history.

What changes? Puzzle will keep operating independently for the startups and small businesses that use its general ledger directly. The structure splits the two: Accrual serves accounting firms and their clients, while Puzzle supports its established base.

Why it matters? "Together, we can bring production-ready AI to CAS faster and help firms modernize a critical part of how they operate," said Cosmin Nicolaescu, co-founder and chief executive officer of Accrual.

The signal: The deal reflects a broader push to move accounting firms from isolated AI tools toward production workflows built around firm methodology and review — with professionals still responsible for judgment.

Image credit: Homedust