Accounting Today editor-in-chief Dan Hood outlines the major trends and developments that accountants should be keeping an eye out for over the next 12 months.

As the profession grapples with lower numbers of people becoming accountants and CPAs, discussions about what it should take to become a CPA have proliferated; in this episode, Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs CEO Jennifer Cryder dives into why and how new paths to getting licensed are opening up.

On the eve of his retirement, longtime AICPA chief Barry Melancon turns his eagle-eye to the future, talking about the challenges and opportunities facing the profession, and what it needs to do to get ready for both.

As he prepares to step down from his long tenure as president and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs, Barry Melancon looks back at how the institute – and the accounting profession – have changed over the past 30 years.

Sarah Dobek, President and founder of Innovatus Consulting, specializes in helping accounting firms develop effective sales pipelines. She discusses how transitioning sales processes from mental tracking to formal structures can boost accountability and growth. Key topics include navigating each stage of the client journey, the importance of lead qualification, and efficient onboarding practices. Dobek emphasizes that integrating practice management systems is crucial for success, allowing firms to adapt their sales strategies to their unique culture.

Private equity can solve many of a firm's problems –– but not necessarily all, according to Phil Whitman of Whitman Transition Advisors, and there are alternatives.

Private equity is a solution to many accounting firm problems -- but not for all accounting firms. Allan Koltin of Koltin Consulting Group dives into who might be a good fit for PE, and what they can expect if they do.

Private equity presents a lot of opportunities for accounting firms -- but comes with a great many questions, too. Bob Lewis of the Visionary Group offers answers and valuable advice for accountants looking at this major trend.

Tina Wang, a division vice president of HR at ADP, and Darren Root, a thought leader in accounting and co-founder of Better Every Day, discuss evolving employee engagement in accounting firms. They highlight the shift in employee expectations post-pandemic, stressing the necessity for mental health support and meaningful feedback. The duo emphasizes the importance of adapting leadership styles, fostering strong connections, and leveraging technology for enhanced workplace engagement. Their insights aim to empower firms to attract and retain top talent.

Sarah Dobek, President and founder of Innovatus Consulting, shares her insights into modern accounting practices. She emphasizes the importance of selecting the right key performance indicators (KPIs) for growth. Real-time data is crucial for effective decision-making, outweighing outdated historical metrics. Dobek discusses the need for data-driven strategies to foster innovation, highlighting how firms can evolve by tracking sales metrics and leveraging technology. She also addresses the challenges of data management and the transformative role of AI in enhancing performance analysis.