Accounting Today Podcast

As the Senate takes up the Trump administration's tax bill, Neil Fishman, the president of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, dives into the details of the House bill and some of the possibilities in the Senate, as well as other issues from Washington that accountants should be keeping in mind.

To move beyond being a scrappy small firm, you have to change the way you think about a host of things, suggests Brannon Poe of Poe Group Advisors.

Paul Peterson, CEO of Top 100 Firm WIS, delves into innovative strategies for addressing the talent shortage in accounting by embracing non-accountants. He discusses the benefits of diverse academic backgrounds and the unique skills that these individuals bring, especially in the era of technology and data analysis. Peterson highlights the importance of intentional integration and collaboration in firms, and the transformative impact of non-accountants on efficiency and workplace culture. He encourages a shift in hiring practices to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

Seth Fineberg, a technology consultant and thought leader in accounting, shares invaluable insights on optimizing your firm’s tech strategy. He discusses the crucial role of technology in driving efficiency and growth, while emphasizing the importance of reassessing tech partnerships. Seth advocates for attending industry conferences to boost tech knowledge and networking opportunities. He also explores strategies for smooth software integration and highlights how quantifying time savings can enhance productivity—don’t miss the upcoming Firm Growth Forum for more!

Bob Lewis and Doug Lewis of The Visionary Group dive into how everything about firm combinations -- from deal structure and their impact on staff, to how accounting and PE firms are identifying targets -- is changing, and will continue to change in the future.

Brannon Poe of Poe Group Advisors talks about how the current landscape of acquisition -- particularly the entrance of private equity into the field -- is impacting firms below $10 million.

Join August Aquila, a trailblazer in accounting marketing, and Kristen Lewis, a strategic growth expert, as they delve into the transformation of marketing within the accounting profession. They discuss the shift from traditional techniques to tech-driven strategies that enhance client experiences. The duo highlights the importance of aligning firm culture with marketing efforts and fostering a collaborative environment. They also explore how AI and data analytics are reshaping the landscape, preparing professionals for a future where adaptability is key.

All too often, what accountants are selling are services that clients have to endure, says Joe Woodard, a leading consultant to accountants and the impresario behind the Scaling New Heights Conference, and not the sort of thing that they really value. To succeed in the face of automation, AI and other changes in the profession, accountants need to find new ways to create value in the mind of the client.

William Kelly, Chief Counsel at Ascend, a platform for PE-backed accounting firms, delves into alternative practice structures (APS) in the accounting world. He highlights how APS diverges from traditional models, emphasizing their growth since the 1990s. The fascinating discussion covers the appeal of APS for attracting new talent, the legal landscape that allows non-CPA ownership, and the rise of multi-disciplinary practices. Kelly also tackles the challenges posed by private equity and the necessity of maintaining compliance and independence within evolving firms.

What will the firings at the IRS and other developments in Washington mean for tax season? Neil Fishman, returning president of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, dives into these and other major tax issues.