‘Next Gen’ CPA Firm? “Now We’re Talking…”

…says famed practice management consultant Rita Keller.

Talking about “New Rules for the Next Generation Accounting Firm,” Rita writes in Comments:

Now we’re talking. I absolutely agree that in the next 10 to 15 years (probably even sooner) we will not recognize the CPA firm of today.

Keller

CPA firms have, and continue to, evolve – especially in the use of technology. However, it has been a fairly slow and methodical change. The progressive partners often have to drag the old timers along and that’s hard work. The least the slow-adapters could do would be to pick up their feet (not drag them in the dust to slow things down).

It will take better, smarter, more proactive management from all owners, not just the managing partner. While CPA leaders are indeed very smart and caring human beings and great advisors to business owners, most of them have never received advanced education or even CPE in advanced people skills (soft skills, like listening, coaching, motivating and mentoring). A big factor, just my opinion, is that they absolutely LOVE the numbers, the tax work and auditing. They do not LOVE dealing with “green” new hires.

As the Boomers retire, the next generation of leaders will create organizations that are more nimble and open to continual change and new ideas. They will not get new clients at a Chamber networking event, they’ll get them from Facebook and from blogging. They will keep in touch with referral sources on-line, not at lunch.

To play upon your comment about Blumer’s father, the evolution will occur naturally and rather slowly and the current model will become extinct when some current owners take a hike (no disrespect intended).

As you can tell, I feel strongly about this. I’m going to blog about it today.

And she does, read about the “Possibilities” here…

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Posted at February 2, 2010
Filed Under BSG [CPA TRENDLINES] | 3 Comments

Comments

3 Responses to “‘Next Gen’ CPA Firm? “Now We’re Talking…””

  1. WDF on February 3rd, 2010 12:08 am

    Funny thing … the soft skills, which in my opinion many times carry the tech skills, receive less emphasis, to the point where CPE credit is sometimes limited. Too bad — that is where the rubber hits the road.

  2. Heather Villa on February 3rd, 2010 6:31 am

    I agree, most CPAs are not real people persons. Most of the ones I work with are all into the numbers and not very good with the client. However, social media is slowly changing that.

    Great post!

  3. Chris Zdunich on February 3rd, 2010 2:40 pm

    “They will not get new clients at a Chamber networking event, they’ll get them from Facebook and from blogging. They will keep in touch with referral sources on-line, not at lunch.”

    The statement mentioned above is extreme. All the activities mentioned will be part of a well coordinated marketing effort. You must always have multiple spokes on the wheel.

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