5 essential tactics of future-ready firms

The accounting profession is evolving faster than ever before, and firm leaders seek clarity on what they must do — not just what they can do — to build sustainable, future-ready organizations.

Here are five essential tactics for transformation:

1. Define a clear vision and execute a strategic plan

The starting point for any meaningful transformation is a compelling vision that inspires your people, unites your firm, and provides direction when change is constant. A well-articulated vision is more than a lofty idea; it’s a strategic compass. It answers two critical questions: Where are we going? Why does it matter?

But vision without execution is just inspiration. That’s why a strategic plan is essential. Your plan should be focused, measurable, and time-bound, aligning daily efforts with long-term aspirations. It should include clear objectives, owner accountability, and defined metrics that translate vision into progress.

Firms without a strategic plan risk drifting off course. Firms that live by their plan move with clarity, intention, and velocity.

2. Redefine talent and rethink roles

The profession is in the midst of a talent revolution. The traditional CPA skill set is still vital, but it is no longer sufficient on its own. Firms, large and small, must now contain or have access to a multidisciplinary skill set that blends accounting expertise with capabilities in consulting, client experience, technology, and data.

In larger firms, that means redefining roles and inviting in new ones, such as project managers, client success leads, wealth strategists, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) analysts, and even fractional chief experience officers. In smaller firms, that may mean better defining processes and clarifying which staff serve as the go-to to ensure projects are on track and managed efficiently.

This shift requires more than new job descriptions. It requires a mindset change from viewing the firm as a static hierarchy to a dynamic, collaborative ecosystem. The firms that design roles around future value creation (not just historical compliance) will win the talent war.

3. Pursue growth with intention and purpose

Future-ready firms pursue growth strategically, aligning it with their vision, culture, and long-term value goals. This involves asking: Who is our ideal client? What services and industries should we double down on? How do we balance organic growth with mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, or private equity? Who on our leadership team is accountable for driving growth forward?

Intentional growth is about building the kind of firm you want to be known for and aligning people, processes, and investments to that vision.

4. Strengthen internal processes and drive accountability

As firms scale and evolve, simply documenting workflows is no longer enough. Agile processes become non-negotiable, and firms need to invest in process improvement education and assign champions to lead this work.

Train a select group of team members in Lean Six Sigma, a structured approach to improving efficiency and reducing errors, or a similar methodology. Select process champions to optimize operations and become stewards of consistency and efficiency.

Yet even the best-designed process will fall flat without accountability. That means:

• Defining ownership clearly.
• Establishing KPIs to track adherence and impact.
• Creating feedback loops.
• Celebrating wins visibly.

Streamlined, friction-free operations are a strategic advantage.

5. Lead with vision in your AI strategy

AI is already reshaping how firms operate, think, and serve clients. But adopting AI tools is only half the battle. The real challenge is embedding AI into your firm’s strategy, culture, and training.

The first step is to designate an AI champion. This doesn’t need to be your chief information officer. It could be an emerging leader with curiosity, initiative, and the drive to experiment. Equip them with time, tools, and a voice at the table.

Create an AI learning plan that includes foundational education for all staff, use-case pilots in real workflows, and regular forums to share what’s working.    

Start with commitment, build confidence

As a firm leader, you may not feel ready to launch all five tactics at once. That’s OK. Commit to one. Name it. Start small. Build momentum.

Confidence will come from action, not preparation. Each step forward builds capability, clarity, and courage for you and your team. As those grow, so does the possibility of creating a firm that’s successful and future-shaping.

The path forward is challenging, but it’s also full of promise. Your future firm is the one you begin building today.

— Sandra Wiley is president and a shareholder at Boomer Consulting Inc., a management consultancy in Manhattan, Kan., that helps accounting firms improve their workflow.

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Articles

Building a Better CPA Firm: Transform Your Business Model,” JofA, July 1, 2025

How to Develop Your Firm’s Transformation Strategy,” JofA, July 1, 2025.

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