When Should You Commence the Execution of Your Succession Plan

A key factor in successful transition of clients, as a partner moves toward retirement, is how dependent the client has become on the individual, rather than dependent upon the firm.  In most firms, retirement benefits for partners are dependent upon the number of clients that remain with the firm. So, it is important that you…

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Flexibility- Not Just About Part Time Work Schedules

Flexibility??  …Been there done that?  Or that won’t work here…our customers and clients are too demanding?  Do these comments sound familiar?  Read on to learn how flexibility may not be what you think. Building flexibility into a work culture impacts so much more than your employee’s intention to stay and contribute their very best to the organization.  While…

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Rethinking Credit Card Merchant Fees

Today, we see the majority of firms reluctantly accepting credit cards from some clients to pay for their accounting services.  A relatively small number of firms advertise this option and most only bring it up either when a client specifically asks to use their card or when the firm is trying to collect on a…

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Can You Feel The Power Shift?

78 million Baby Boomers, born from 1946-1964 need to transfer responsibility, wealth, and assets over the next 12-15 years. It might be easy to lull yourself into believing that the impact of this is a ways off.  But studies estimate that 10,000 to 12,000 people are retiring every day and the impact in firms (and…

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A conversation with Managing Partners

I recently facilitated a panel discussion with three managing partners. The topic of discussion was around developing future leaders. They also shared best practices around creating a culture focused on creating value for clients, and not just what we ordinarily think of as value. True value and deep relationships that come from a focus on…

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Two Simple Questions To Ask Your Clients

Every CPA we meet is committed to delivering exceptional client service. However, it’s easy to get caught in a transactional rut working on client engagements and miss the opportunity to spend a few minutes on your relationship with each of your clients.  Since client retention has consistently been one of the top five issues for…

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Seek A Higher Level Of Engaged Employee For Your CPA Firm

You have read a lot about it. I have written a lot about it. Hopefully, you are working on it. I am referring to developing and retaining engaged employees. Per the Gallup organization, there are three types of employees: ENGAGED employees work with passion and feel a profound connection to their company. They drive innovation and move the…

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The Myths of Diversity & Inclusion

Every day there is more conversation about diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession.  The AICPA formed the National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion[1]  to begin looking at ethnic diversity which is only one aspect of diversity.  The AICPA has also had a focus on gender diversity for over thirty years which continues with the…

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Communicate To Drive Change

“Every time I find the meaning of life, they change it.” Reinhold Niebuhr Have you found the meaning of life?  If we each had to define our meaning, the meanings we’d interpret would be as diverse as our backgrounds, experiences and beliefs.  But no matter what you’re planning and expecting in this life, the one…

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