New Energy Comes from New Ways of Doing Business

two women having business discussion in front of laptop; wall of windows in background

One idea: a client service coordinator.

By Tamera Loerzel
The Rosenberg MAP Survey

EDITOR’S NOTE: Every year, the Rosenberg MAP Survey asks the industry’s top consultants to share their observations from CPA firms across the country. How do you think the next 12 months will unfold? Also, how would you assess the last 12 months?

While everyone is cautiously watching the economy, client needs and demand for accounting and advisory services continues to increase. Firms have to figure out how to run their practices differently to be available to do more with clients, help them solve problems, and make the shifts they need to make, too.

MORE: Outsourcing, Remote Work Will Help Firms Grow Capacity, Revenue | ‘Great Shakeup’ in CPA Firms on the Way | PE, Consolidations to Keep Impacting Accounting Profession | Soft Skills Are Front and Center | It’s Time for a New Business Model
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While 2023 busy seasons may have been “better,” a lingering fatigue continues. Firm leaders who are focused on new ways of doing business, staffing and serving clients will find relief and the ability to focus on important initiatives in their firms. And empower young partners and managers to try new things and lead change initiatives. They can see what’s possible and will make it happen.
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Win with an Intentional Culture

It is the most important factor in attracting and retaining talent.

By Tamera Loerzel
Bridging the Gap

Firm culture is a term that is frequently used and often taken for granted. Assuming that your culture matches the firm’s stated goals isn’t wise, nor is considering the culture to be static and unchanging.

MORE: Each Generation Must Change
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To create and maintain a firm culture that delivers positive results and brings team members together to work toward a common cause, you must take action to ensure that the many elements contributing to an engaging, positive firm culture are all working to create concrete manifestations of the culture you desire to see.  
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Stop Complaining and Start Innovating

The pandemic requires new thinking with new business models.

By Tamera Loerzel

Considering the many long-term ramifications from the pandemic on the accounting profession, I would start with a “clean sheet of paper” to position your firm for future success,

MORE: Private Equity at the Gates | 12 Shifts to Ensure Firm Success | How to Reinvent the Firm for the COVID Age | Why It’s Time for an Acquisition | Three Ways the Accounting Profession Has Changed | Ramping Up for the Year Ahead
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Firms today require new thinking, new business models, and new ways of operating, staffing, managing work, and measuring success.

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You Like Being Remote, But What About Your Clients?

Businesswoman with headache at laptop2020 shed new light on diversity.

By Tamera Loerzel

Wow, we have learned so much from this pandemic. The toll of the illness, deaths and impact to our medical providers and so many more has been staggering; there are lasting lessons and change that can benefit us all.

MORE: Advisory Services: Real Commitment or Just Talk? | COVID-19 Shakes Up M&A Activity | We’re in the Fast Lane… Can Your Partners Keep Up? | 2021: You’ll Never See ‘Normal’ Again | SURVEY: We Adapted to Remote Work … Now What? | SURVEY: 2020’s Disruptions Are Only the Beginning | COVID Brought Us More and Better Client Communication
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Obviously, one of the most significant changes firms made is the swift move to remote back in March. This move to remote can be a competitive advantage for firms that truly embrace it now and aren’t waiting (or hoping) to “go back” to how it was.
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2020 Outlook: Making Volume Manageable

Remember who’s watching.

By Tamera Loerzel

A big issue that I have seen firms struggle with is volume. To help manage and reduce the volume to free up time for proactive, future-oriented initiatives, firm leaders need to get laser focused.

MORE: 2020 Outlook: More Engagement, Less ‘Efficiency’ | Non-Traditional Hires Might Be the Answer | Focus on Business Development | Innovate and Anticipate | Balance Advisory and Compliance | Talent Shortage Drags On | Demand Is High | Business Development Goes Borderless | Data Import on the Rise | Becoming the Most Valuable Advisor | Top Three Tips for 2020 Success | Where Do You Want to Be? | Dicey Disruptions | Upstream Mergers | Staffing Gets Creative
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Three places you can start and take incremental steps to make progress in truly driving change in your firm include:
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2019: NextGen Realities

Flex work, project-based learning, and app-connected clients.

By Tamera Loerzel
The Rosenberg MAP Survey

This next generation of leaders is eager to embrace changes in technology, pricing, and service — all to add new value to clients and the market.

MORE FROM THE MAP SURVEY: 2019: When CPAs Go Extinct | 2019: Appetite for Growth Unabated | Why You Need a Tech Strategy Consultant | 2019: Why Small Firms Shun Mergers | 2019: Expect More Alliances | 2019: Firms Grapple with Change
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But even some the most successful firms are struggling with the challenge, hindered by retiring partners who struggle to let go and turn over the reins to future leaders.
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SURVEY: Extending Retirement Turns off Future Leaders

Older businessman taking a coffee break“Many buy/sell agreements just aren’t financially feasible.”

By Tamera Loerzel
Rosenberg MAP Survey

A major trend in 2016 that continued throughout 2017 is that there are too many trends for firm leaders to focus on!

This often leaves many firm leaders overwhelmed and unsure where to spend their time and resources. Here are my top three:

MORE FROM THE MAP SURVEY: Firms Struggle to Retain Clients, Key Players | Offshoring on the Rise | Tech Advances Will Lead to Dichotomy | Be a Consultant or Be Left Behind
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1. While attracting, retaining and developing top talent continues to be a top issue, firms that are winning the people race have worked to ensure a unified partner group.
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A Winning Culture Is an Intentional Culture

Tamera Loerzel: "Are you defining your culture or letting it define you?"4 steps you can take today.

By Tamera Loerzel
Bridging the Gap

Firm culture is a term that is frequently used and often taken for granted. Assuming that your culture matches the firm’s stated goals isn’t wise, nor is considering the culture to be static and unchanging.

MORE: A Call for Change: An Open Letter to Each Generation
GoProCPA.comExclusively for PRO Members. Log in here or upgrade to PRO today.

To create and maintain a firm culture that delivers positive results and brings team members together to work toward a common cause, you must take action to ensure that the many elements contributing to an engaging, positive firm culture are all working to create concrete manifestations of the culture you desire to see.
READ MORE →