Rita Keller, an award-winning and widely respected voice to CPA firm management, is uniquely positioned to help CPAs and their teams face rapid and significant change.
“There’s no shortage of remarkable ideas, what’s missing is the will to execute them.” – Seth Godin
Once again, a Seth Godin quote seems to fit perfectly into the management of an accounting firm.
Failing to implement is something that I have covered often. Why? Because it happens SO often!
You are not attending conferences where you once obtained many great ideas that would benefit your firm. But now, in these unique times, you are listening to a lot of helpful podcasts and informative webinars. Something is mentioned that would be a perfect thing for your firm to embrace.
You mention it to others on the firm’s management team. They agree that it is a good idea but with COVID the time is not right.
When will the time be right?
For some helpful ideas, join the CPAFMA Accelerator Program on November 9 and 10. I’ll be involved both days.
Have you got a problem? Do what you can where you are with what you've got.
“TPI was one of the most meaningful programs in my professional career.” – Jessica Sayles, Managing Principal
How many of your current partners went through any kind of educational program to prepare them for partnership? Your answer might be, “None.” Or perhaps, one or two. Don’t you wish ALL your partners had some basic training on how to be a productive, successful partner in a CPA firm?
Now is the time to register your prospective partners (current partners might need to also register!) for The Partner Institute.
The Partner Institute is a comprehensive three-year leadership development experience designed specifically for the CPA. The program provides participants with world-class training, a continuous learning environment, and a culture of accountability that is unmatched.
The launch of the next program is on January 13-15, 2021 at the Boardwalk Inn at Walt Disney World.
If in-person attendance is not an option for you at this time, you may choose to attend virtually. If less than 12 participants are available to attend in person, they will forego the January start date and launch the program on June 9-11, 2021.
Never hesitate to invest in your firm’s future. More information about The Partner Institute here.
“Great ideas emerges from useless fragments of thoughts.” – Michael Bassey Johnson
On Fridays, I often provide you with a flashback post – something I have written about before. Sometimes I save Fridays for random thoughts, ideas, and comments.
This week I spent some time preparing for CPAFMA’s virtual Accelerator for people managing accounting firms. The virtual event will take the place of FMA’s 2020 annual conference and will provide practice managers with some timely and helpful information. This program is exclusively designed to help participants professionally manage accounting firms of varying sizes.
I will be involved in the Strategy, Leadership & Growth Accelerator – Monday, November 9th at 11:40a – 1:30p EST and also in the Talent & People Accelerator on November 10th at 12:20p – 2:20p EST.
This week I was featured via an AICPA PCPS podcast – Small Firm Philosophy. I hope you will set aside some time this weekend to listen.
Next week, I will be speaking (virtually) with one of the AICPA PCPS small firm networking groups.
Finally, my newsletter went out yesterday. Did you receive your copy? Be sure to check your spam filter. Here’s a link to one of the articles titled, Afraid. This article will only be available online for a limited time. Sign-up for my newsletter via my website.
Have a nice weekend. Monday will be November and you have a lot to do!
The best advice I’ve ever received is 'No one else knows what they’re doing either'.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.” – B.B. King
A great opportunity to learn what’s happening in the world of CPA firm management!
Understanding the challenges firms have faced in 2020, CPAFMA has designed this virtual opportunity to be affordable and inclusive, providing the opportunity for up to five members of the firm’s leadership group to participate for one low price from the convenience of one’s home or office. The two-day educational exchange has something for everyone involved in accounting firm management. The live online event includes high-level keynote sessions to facilitated discussions customized to provide information that can be implemented immediately.
YOU SHOULD ATTEND IF YOU ARE….
Responsible for management of an accounting practice
Responsible for the quality and profitability of your firm
Supervising and/or training staff in an accounting firm
Interested inn developing a team of outstanding professionals
Ready to promote your firm in today’s marketplace with expanded services and a desire to strengthen client relationships
New to the profession or an experienced firm manager, chief operating officer, human resource director or managing partner
“Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.” – Bill Gates
Another important conference for CPAs, Digital CPA, will be virtual this year. Here’s some current information from the AICPA.
The AICPA and CPA.com have added another keynote speaker – former CNBC chief economist Marci Rossell — to the lineup of this year’s Digital CPA, which takes place Dec. 8.
Rossell, a co-host of Squawk Box during her time at the financial news network, will discuss the current state of the economy and the larger trend of “seismic surprises” that businesses face, including cyberterrorism, environmental disasters, swings in the regulatory regime, and pandemics such as COVID-19.
Before her stint at CNBC, Rossell was an economist and investment spokesperson for Oppenheimer Funds, an expert witness on economic issues for Deloitte & Touche and an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Digital CPA is an all-virtual event this year and will be complemented by a Nov. 12 pre-conference session on remote work and decentralization.
Other keynotes at the main Dec. 8 event include:
Jeffrey Rogers, a moderator of executive education programs and international summits for Singularity University, who will speak about change dynamics, managing complexity and transformation in a period of continuous, accelerating change,
Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, president and CEO of the AICPA, who will give an in-depth professional issues update on accounting and finance
Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA.com, who will discuss trends in firm management, advisory services and technology.
The conference will also include a panel discussion with CPA firm leaders.
Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one.
‘It is what we know already that often prevents us from learning.’ –Claude Bernard
DIGITAL CPA has become one of the most popular and helpful AICPA conferences in recent years. It is always held in December. No surprise that this year the event will be virtual. Here’s the scoop from the AICPA:
AICPA and CPA.com Announce All-Virtual Digital CPA Event This Year
Acceleration of Change is Overarching Theme of Dec. 8 Forum
NEW YORK (Aug. 3, 2020) – Digital CPA, an event hosted by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and its business and technology arm, CPA.com, will focus this year on change management, successful deployment of distributed teams and technological innovation in the accounting profession.
The all-virtual event will be held Dec. 8 and will be complemented by a Nov. 12 pre-conference session on remote work.
“We’re living through a year defined by uncertainty, disruption, complexity, but also opportunity,” said Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA.com. “Businesses need guidance and insight from trusted advisors like no time in history. Market dynamics are accelerating technology adoption timelines and the bonds between CPAs and their clients will be a critical component of economic recovery. We want to make this discussion the hallmark of Digital CPA 2020.”
Conference keynotes at this year’s event include:
Jeffrey Rogers, a moderator of executive education programs and international summits for Singularity University, who will speak about change dynamics, managing complexity and transformation in a period of continuous, accelerating change,
Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, president and CEO of the AICPA, who will give an in-depth professional issues update on accounting and finance
Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA.com, who will discuss trends in firm management, advisory services and technology.
The pre-conference session, “Distributed by Design: A Framework for Future Forward Organizations,” will be led by Radical Ventures cofounder Pascal Finette. It will provide a framework and toolkit for CPA firms to conduct strategic planning and decision-making on remote work, decentralization, and the opportunities and challenges that arise from them. Participation is limited and will be on a first-come. first-serve basis.
Digital CPA is designed for CPA firm partners, managers and staffers responsible for implementing cloud solutions and practice management innovations, as well as business development, firm marketing and human resources directors within firms.
It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.
“Losers live in the past. Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present toward the future.” – Denis Waitley
On May 6th and May 7th, Gary Adamson, President of Adamson Advisory will be hosting two webinars for CPA firm leaders. The sessions are sponsored by CPA Leadership Institute.
May 6th – Valuation is Driven by Terms of CPA Mergers – And Other Keys to Success
Date/Time: May 6, 2020 @ 1-1:50pm ET
During this session, you will receive an overview of the M&A frenzy in the profession today and give you tools to help you, whether you are a potential buyer or seller. Adamson will discuss the trends in valuations and the terms, and why the terms drive the multiples that we all hear about.
May 7th – How to Maximize Performance of Best Practices in Partner Admission, Transition, and Buyout
Date/Time: May 7, 2020 @ 1-1:50pm ET
This session focuses on partner admission, transition and buyout. Adamson will discuss the 25 best practices in both admitting a new partner, buying out a parter and the transition issues associated with the buyout.
“Everyone seems to think that digital technology devoids the medium of content, but that is not true at all. If anything, it broadens the content.” – George Lucas
The well-attended AICPA ENGAGE Conference will go on but it is just another thing that has entered the “new normal.”
ENGAGE 2020 Transitions to an All-Digital Event This Year
Virtual Sessions to Be Held in June and July with Extra Content Through End of Year
NEW YORK (April 28, 2020) – ENGAGE 2020 will be an all-digital event with the core conference taking place online from July 20–24. The event, designed for accounting and finance professionals, is sponsored by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
The AICPA and CIMA decided to forego an onsite version of ENGAGE 2020 this year to ensure the safety of attendees, speakers and staff in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda has been updated to cover the latest issues impacting CPAs, clients, management accountants and other finance professionals during the current crisis.
“Our team has delivered interactive, high-quality online learning programs for a decade now and we have deep expertise in running these events,” said Clar Rosso, executive vice president of engagement and learning innovation for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, which is comprised of the AICPA and CIMA. “ENGAGE 2020 represents an exceptional learning opportunity, and we’ve added new features to help enhance interaction and build a sense of community among virtual attendees.”
ENGAGE 2020 will be delivered in three ways:
Interactive Solution and Key Initiatives Sessions (June 8-12)
The kickoff ENGAGE 2020 offering features virtual sessions on key initiatives, professional trends and solutions delivered by Association staff, partners and relevant sponsors. This learning content is free to anyone who signs up. CPE credit is available.
The Main Event (July 20-24)
Online sessions will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern each day, with virtual networking opportunities during breaks. Defined learning tracks include Advanced Accounting and Auditing, Advanced Estate Planning, Advanced Personal Financial Planning, EDGE Career Development, Practitioners and Tech+, Tax Strategies for the High-Income Individual and Finance Redefined.
There will be two July 22 keynote sessions:
Daymond John, an author, founder of the fashion business FUBU and celebrity judge on Shark Tank, will talk about how he built his businesses, financial lessons he learned on the way and general observations on entrepreneurship.
A professional update will be given by AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon, Sue Coffey, the organization’s executive vice president of public practice, CPA.com President and CEO Erik Asgeirsson, and AICPA Vice Chair Tracey Golden.
ENGAGE + (July 27- Dec. 31)
ENGAGE 2020 All-Access Pass holders also will receive exclusive monthly access to two virtual sessions focused on a range of timely topics.
For more details about conference registration and agenda items, please visit www.aicpaengage.com.
Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
News from the AICPA about one of their largest conferences:
AICPA and CIMA to Postpone ENGAGE 2020 Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
Accounting and Finance Event to Be Rescheduled Later This Year
NEW YORK (March 19, 2020) – ENGAGE 2020, one of the largest accounting and finance conferences in North America, will be postponed until later this year due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. The event is sponsored by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
The original date for ENGAGE 2020 was June 7-11 in Las Vegas. Details on the timing and format of the rescheduled event are still being set, as the situation surrounding the outbreak is fluid.
“We want our attendees, staff, and speakers to be safe, so this is the most prudent step to take at this point,” said Clar Rosso, executive vice president for engagement and learning innovation at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the global organization comprised of the AICPA and CIMA. “We also know that families, small businesses and companies of all sizes will be depending on CPAs and management accountants to help guide them through unexpected financial and economic challenges in the weeks ahead, so we are bearing that in mind, too.”
Given the restrictions on normal activities, the AICPA and CIMA continue to explore ways to support our members in their professional and personal development through expanded digital offerings and other virtual learning opportunities. More information will be available on these enhanced options soon.
ENGAGE 2020 attendees who are already registered and others interested in details about the rescheduled event can sign up for updates on aicpaengage.com. More information about the postponement, refunds, and other policies can be found in a FAQ on the site.
Several other upcoming AICPA conferences will also be postponed, including the AICPA CFO Conference, which will now be held Sept. 16-18 at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, Calif., the AICPA Employee Benefit Plans Conference and the AICPA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference, with the latter two reschedulings still to be determined. Please visit aicpaconferences.com for more information on events in the weeks ahead.
During my New York run, I injured my voice badly. I was getting increasingly hoarse, and it finally gave up. The doctor said I had two choices. Either cancel things, or try my luck and perhaps never speak again. That's not much of a choice.
“It’s income tax time again, Americans: time to gather up those receipts, get out those tax forms, sharpen up that pencil, and stab yourself in the aorta.” – Dave Barry
The quote above is for those of you preparing extended 1040s!
s (AICPA) will host its annual National Tax Conference. Press registration includes access both online and in-person access. Please mark your calendars.
WHAT: 2019AICPA National Tax Conference
WHEN: November 13-14, 2019
WHERE: The Marriott Marquis, Washington, D.C.
INVITED:
Charles Rettig, IRS Commissioner
Michael Desmond, IRS Chief Counsel
Rochelle Hodes, Washington National Tax Office Crowe, LLP
Tony Nitti, Partner, RubinBrown LLP
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Using Machine Learning to Predict Outcomes in Tax Law
Treasury and the TCJA
Small Business Exceptions and the Tax Shelter
Lessons Learned from the 1st Year of Filing After TCJA
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: Current information about speakers and conference topics including full agenda may be found here
Note: AICPA Fall Tax Division Meeting will take place at the Marriott Marquis on November 15th. These meetings are open to the press but not accessible via the internet.
I'm proud to pay taxes in the United States; the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money.
