

Transforming: Tales of Business Evolution
AICPA & CIMA
The Small Firms Philosophy podcast has become "Transforming: tales of Business Evolution", a monthly show designed for firms of any size and scale, exploring innovative operating methods that help organizations adapt to a changing landscape. Hear from industry leaders sharing their experiences of reshaping their business models, delving into the dynamic world of business transformation, and inspiring you to explore new ways to evolve your own organization.  "Transforming" started in November 2024 with 4 bonus episodes.
Brought to you by AICPA & CIMA's Private Companies Practices Section (PCPS).
Brought to you by AICPA & CIMA's Private Companies Practices Section (PCPS).
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 27, 2022 • 42min
The secrets of selling your small firm
 Loretta Tubiello-Harr, founder of Tubiello-Harr & Associates, LLC, was approaching retirement and set out to create an exit plan. What did it take for her to get her practice attractive to buyers, vet those potential sales, and finally execute a successful sale? Find out in this episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast from the AICPA's Private Companies' Practice Section (PCPS).   Succession Planning Survey  Succession Planning Guide & Tools  To learn more about Herbein + Company, Inc., please visit their website at herbein.com. This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the home of small firms. To learn more about PCPS, email pcps@aicpa.org and schedule a free webtour. Note: If your podcast app does not hyperlink to resources, visit https://aicpasmallfirm.libsyn.com to access show notes with direct links. 
Jun 27, 2022 • 42min
The secrets of selling your small firm
 Loretta Tubiello-Harr, founder of Tubiello-Harr & Associates, LLC, was approaching retirement and set out to create an exit plan. What did it take for her to get her practice attractive to buyers, vet those potential sales, and finally execute a successful sale? Find out in this episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast from the AICPA's Private Companies' Practice Section (PCPS).   Succession Planning Survey  Succession Planning Guide & Tools  To learn more about Herbein + Company, Inc., please visit their website at herbein.com. This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the home of small firms. To learn more about PCPS, email pcps@aicpa.org and schedule a free webtour. Note: If your podcast app does not hyperlink to resources, visit https://aicpasmallfirm.libsyn.com to access show notes with direct links. 
Jun 3, 2022 • 28min
Volunteer for personal and professional growth
 Dedicated volunteers play an essential role in helping the AICPA provide a more robust member experience. How can you get involved and what can you gain from the experience? Find out in this episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast as Erin Roche, CPA, CGMA, team leader with Elliott CPA Group, shares the personal and professional development opportunities she's experienced through volunteering. PCPS resources mentioned in this episode:  AICPA Volunteer Central  PCPS CPA Firm Competency Model  To learn more about Erin and Elliott CPA Group, please visit elliott.cpa. This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the home of small firms. To learn more about PCPS, email pcps@aicpa.org and schedule a free webtour. Note: If your podcast app does not hyperlink to resources, visit https://aicpasmallfirm.libsyn.com to access show notes with direct links. 
May 18, 2022 • 19min
Ransomware attack: One small firm's worst nightmare
 Patrice Mills, CPA, was sunning herself on a Florida beach when she received an alarming phone call. All of her client files had been seized in a ransomware attack, and cybercriminals were demanding payment to release them. Listen in as Mills recounts this experience and shares best practices for keeping your firm's data safe. PCPS resources mentioned in this episode:   PCPS CPA cybersecurity checklist  To learn more about Patrice, please visit https://www.millscpa.com. This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the home of small firms. To learn more about PCPS, email pcps@aicpa.org and schedule a free webtour. Note: If your podcast app does not hyperlink to resources, visit https://aicpasmallfirm.libsyn.com to access show notes with direct links. 
May 4, 2022 • 31min
CPAs: Not boring to cybercriminals
 Phishing schemes, ransomware attacks, and data breaches are on the rise. CPA firms and their client's data are prime targets. Listen in as Roman Kepczyk, director of Firm Technology Strategy with Right Networks and author of Digitally Speaking, a PCPS exclusive publication, shares how you can protect your firm's data from cybercriminals. Resources mentioned in this episode:   CPA cybersecurity checklist  Digitally Speaking  To learn more about Roman, please visit https://www.rightnetworks.com. This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the home of small firms. To learn more about PCPS, email pcps@aicpa.org and schedule a free webtour. 
Feb 28, 2022 • 34min
M&A best practices: Insights from a small and large firm perspective
 The AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section Succession Planning Survey finds that 44% of solo and sole practitioners plan to retire soon. David Shealy, CPA, Founder of the Shealy Group, was approaching retirement age and set out to find an exit plan. Brandon Miller, CPA, President & CEO of HW&Co, was actively seeking growth through smart acquisitions. Listen to this episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast as David shares how he prepared his firm for an exit and what Brandon and HW&Co consider when acquiring a practice. PCPS resources mentioned in this episode:   Succession Planning Survey  Succession Planning Guide & Tools  Work on your firm now, retire well later   To learn more about HW&Co, please visit their website at hwco.cpa. This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the home of small firms. To learn more about PCPS, email pcps@aicpa.org and schedule a free webtour. Note: If your podcast app does not hyperlink to resources, visit https://aicpasmallfirm.libsyn.com to access show notes with direct links. 
Feb 4, 2022 • 21min
Advancing diversity in a small firm: A business imperative
 Public accounting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are gaining momentum. Oftentimes, it can be the larger firms making the headlines, but small firms need not be overlooked. Listen to this episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast as Orume Hays, CPA, managing director of Hays CPA LLC, shares her first-hand experiences promoting diversity in a small firm. Resources mentioned in this episode:   PCPS Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit  Establish the next generation of diverse CPAs  Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in small firms  McKinsey & Company: Delivering through Diversity  This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the home of small firms. To learn more about PCPS, check out our  membership information or sign up for a free web tour. Note: If your podcast app does not hyperlink to resources, visit https://aicpasmallfirm.libsyn.com to access show notes with direct links. 
Jan 13, 2022 • 22min
Using client continuance strategies to control busy season
 On this episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast, you'll hear a clip from the AICPA's November 18th Town Hall series featuring the AICPA's Lisa Simpson, VP of Firm Services, Carl Peterson, VP of Small firms, Bill Pirolli, AICPA Chair and CPA.com's CEO Erik Asgeirsson. This panel of experts discuss client acceptance and continuation decisions small firms can make before busy season. Resources mentioned in this episode:   Surviving Tax Season Checklist  Client continuance evaluation tool  Client acceptance evaluation tool  Client termination practitioner checklist and notification letter  This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the home of small firms. To learn more about PCPS, email pcps@aicpa.org and schedule a free webtour.  Register for the next AICPA Town Hall series. Note: If your podcast app does not hyperlink to resources, visit https://aicpasmallfirm.libsyn.com to access show notes with direct links. 
Jan 5, 2022 • 27min
Surviving tax season: Top strategies to prepare your small firm
 The 2021 tax season is fast approaching. Is your firm ready? Listen to this episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast as Deb Rood, CPA and Risk Control Consulting Director at CNA shares best practices and resources to help your firm prepare for a successful tax season, this year and beyond. Resources mentioned in this episode:   Surviving Tax Season Checklist  Client continuance evaluation tool  Client acceptance evaluation tool  Client termination practitioner checklist and notification letter  To learn more about AON, please visit cpai.com or call 800.221.3023. This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the home of small firms. To learn more about PCPS, email pcps@aicpa.org and schedule a free webtour. Note: If your podcast app does not hyperlink to resources, visit https://aicpasmallfirm.libsyn.com to access show notes with direct links. 
Dec 16, 2021 • 34min
Right-size your client base, improve your small firm
 Burned out? Not enough hours in the day? In this episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast, Carrie Steffen, Co-Founder and President of the Whetstone Group, discusses how client acceptance and continuation policies can right-size your client base and positively impact your firm's people and profitability. PCPS resources include:   Client acceptance evaluation tool  Client continuance evaluation tool  Client termination practitioner checklist and notification letter  To learn more about Carrie, please visit www.thewhetstonegroup.com. This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the home of small firms. To learn more about PCPS, check out our  membership information or sign up for a free  web tour. Note: If your podcast app does not hyperlink to resources, visit https://aicpasmallfirm.libsyn.com to access show notes with direct links. 


