San Francisco-based Accrual is expanding its platform after acquiring Puzzle’s technology and business operations, aiming to integrate client accounting services into its tax and review software. The company, which raised $75 million in funding earlier this year, announced the deal on Wednesday to add AI-native accounting tools to its existing suite.
The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Accrual plans to integrate Puzzle’s AI-native ledger and month-end close products into its system, with the transaction expected to close in the coming weeks. As part of the agreement, Puzzle founder and CEO Sasha Orloff and several team members will join Accrual.
Accrual says its CAS offering is currently in early access. The integration of Puzzle’s technology is expected to begin shortly after the deal closes, with broader availability planned by the end of 2026.
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Accrual moves beyond tax preparation to enter the client accounting services market. Cosmin Nicolaescu, co-founder and CEO of Accrual, stated that the acquisition advances the company’s goal of providing a unified intelligence layer for firms. He noted that the combined teams can focus on building production workflows that incorporate firm methodology.
Accrual relies on Puzzle to run its own books. The accounting platform, founded by Orloff in 2019, serves more than 7,000 clients, including those using its AI-native general ledger. Puzzle will continue operating independently for its existing base of startups and small businesses.
According to a LinkedIn post, Puzzle Chief Marketing Officer Ozgur Uzuner will take over as CEO of “Puzzle 2.0.” Orloff explained that the evolution marks a shift from software to an integrated accounting platform. He wrote that the company is combining its technology, customer acquisition engine, and a group of accounting partners to serve its user base more effectively.
For the accounting firms using the platform, Orloff described the structure as a growth engine. He argued that this model creates a better alignment of incentives, allowing accountants to build larger, more profitable practices while the software handles the underlying accounting work. The company aims to achieve profitability without relying on venture capital funding.
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Accounting firms using Accrual will soon have access to a deeper stack of tools designed specifically for their workflows. By combining the technical capabilities of Puzzle with the firm-wide adoption already seen at Accrual, the new entity intends to offer a more cohesive environment for handling complex client accounting tasks. This creates a situation where the software supports the accountant’s judgment rather than replacing it, potentially reducing the friction of adopting new AI technologies in a professional setting.
Uzuner assumes leadership of the platform’s continued development. The new CEO inherits a user base of over 7,000 clients and a platform that has already been integrated into Accrual’s internal operations. The transition aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to provide a robust solution for accounting professionals.
Uzuner’s appointment signals a strategic evolution for the technology. The focus remains on delivering value to the user base through the combination of technical assets and operational expertise. This approach ensures that the platform can meet the diverse needs of its users while maintaining a strong operational foundation.
