Accounting Today Podcast

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 Real-time data is crucial for effective decision-making, outweighing outdated historical metrics.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.

Melanie Lauridsen, vice president of tax policy and advocacy at the AICPA, and Cynthia Rijo Sanchez, president of the Puerto Rico CPA Society, discuss the boom in demand for tax and accounting services, and what it takes to successfully serve this market.

Terrell Turner of the TLTurner Group explains his firm's unique process for upgrading employee reviews and keeping staff performing at the levels they need.

John Napolitano of Napier Financial takes a long look at the host of unusual investment opportunities available to your wealthier clients, and how to tell what will work from what won't.

Michael Bannon of ESOP investment banking advisors CSG Partners explains which accounting firms might want to look into employee stock ownership plans -- and why.

AICPA chair Carla McCall talks about the opportunities and challenges facing the profession, and how accounting firms need to work together so they can all thrive separately.

David Wurtzbacher, a representative from PE-backed accounting firm platform Ascend, argues that managing partners should focus on leading their firms rather than maintaining individual client portfolios. He discusses the necessity of effective leadership in CPA firms and how delegation can improve client service quality. Wurtzbacher emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts as partners transition to CEO roles, fostering entrepreneurial growth, and prioritizing personal well-being to enhance professional performance.