Hiring qualified staff emerged as the No. 1 concern of firms employing six or more people in the 2021 AICPA Private Companies Practice Section CPA Firm Top Issues survey.
Firm operations
7 tips for starting a client advisory services practice
Many resources are now available to help firms launch CAS practices. CAS experts and firm leaders who’ve taken the plunge share their best advice for getting started.
Graylin Smith, CPA, CGMA
Guiding clients through opportunities and risks requires a careful process, according to Graylin Smith, CPA, CGMA.
Ask the expert: What is an API?
Calvin Leong helps firms understand what APIs are available at Thomson Reuters and how to use them.
Find value in letting clients go
CPAs explain their approach to evaluating and parting ways with some clients.
An evaluation framework for responding to requests
Even seemingly benign requests made of CPAs can raise professional liability risk. Follow this evaluation framework to help understand and manage risk related to requests.
4 reopening mistakes employers must avoid
As firm leaders prepare for a post-pandemic work world, they should take care to plot a path that steers clear of potential pitfalls — four of which are explored in this article.
Understanding the professional liability claims process
We pull back the curtain on the claim process and highlight what to expect if you face this unfortunate situation.
Don’t let dead weight sink your firm
CPA firms today need more speed, agility, and power to deal with disruption, uncertainty, and clients’ quickly changing needs.
Data thieves strike at any weak point
Cyberattackers remain unrelenting in adapting tactics to exploit human and technological vulnerabilities.
The year ahead: CPAs share their ambitions and goals
CPAs from across the country discuss what they’re looking forward, the skills and technology they’d like to master, and the business opportunities they think might be available.
Virtual accounting: How to succeed remotely
Founders of a fully virtual accounting firm share how accountants can succeed at working remotely now and after the pandemic is over.
Succession issues surge at accounting firms
According to the 2020 Succession Planning Survey, more than half of multi-owner firms (55%) said they are currently experiencing succession challenges, up from 26% in 2016.
Client acceptance: A liability gatekeeper
Learn how to evaluate the risk of a prospective client to help keep liability risk at bay.
3 tips for building remote-work policies that last
This article discusses ways firm owners and leaders can start to develop a strategy for a work-from-anywhere reality that lasts.
Risk alert: COVID-19 and the return to work
A workplace safety plan amid the pandemic requires unique considerations.
How to handle the 2020 PTO backlog
With few employees taking extended time off this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, firms will inevitably face scheduling challenges as the year ends.
17 strategic questions to answer before reopening
Firms must consider strategic as well as practical issues as they reopen. These questions can help you think through some of these issues and point you toward ways to preserve positive changes made during the lockdowns.
15 questions firm leaders should ask before returning to the office
Reopening your physical office is not a decision to take lightly. Here’s an overview of the many issues firm leaders need to consider when developing a plan to reopen.
Keep or toss? A guide to CPA firm record retention
Develop a record-retention policy that follows prudent practice without turning into hoarding.
Features
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Real-life ways small firms use AI
Learn how four small firms use artificial intelligence to automate processes while maintaining strong oversight.
