Lessons learned from a practice seeking to grow better but not always bigger.
Advertisement
TOPICS / FIRM PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
Practice growth & client service
How mental shortcuts expose you to wire fraud risk
Despite warnings and trainings, wire fraud claims continue to increase in frequency and severity. Here are some tips to help short-circuit your natural responses to this threat.
Business model transformation: ‘Single best decision I’ve made’
A small-firm owner explains how the decision to cull her client base and change her billing structure netted positive outcomes on a level she couldn’t imagine.
Succession and practice continuation agreements
Entering into a practice continuation agreement with another CPA can help you plan and prepare for the unimaginable, giving you, your clients, and your next of kin some peace of mind.
Mitigating risk of large FBAR and international tax claims
Claims relating to U.S. filing obligations for foreign activity, including the FBAR, are getting increasingly more severe.
5 things to stop doing in your firm
Stop putting clients first? Stop making revenue the primary objective? Presenters at ENGAGE explain how these counterintuitive moves could help move your firm in the right direction.
Bad billing practices can affect malpractice risk
Billing and collection practices may not be perceived as a professional liability risk issue, but proactively managing this risk is important to more than just a firm’s financial health. Learn why.
Grow your firm with intention
It’s time to question whether growth is always a good thing. Growth for growth’s sake shouldn’t be the goal.
Of high interest: What rising rates mean for everyone
Higher interest rates affect more than home or vehicle purchases. Learn more about the associated risks of a high-rate environment for practitioners and the clients they advise in this podcast episode with transcript.
How CPAs focused on advisory services can answer several common questions
A leader in client advisory services shares strategies for growing your CAS practice by delighting clients in this podcast episode with transcript.
Private equity eyes accounting firms large and small
Private-equity investors are increasingly buying into accounting firms. The deals, which carry risks and benefits for the profession, change the way the firms operate.
Innovative CPA firm leader: ‘We never had a fear of trying’
The co-founder of a leading CPA firm explains why Monday is his favorite day of the week, how his firm got out of the “rat race” of hourly billing, and how it has adapted after a merger in this podcast episode with transcript.
CAS practices report growth, optimism for the future
Client advisory services (CAS) practices reported a median growth rate of 16% over the previous year and projected 15% growth in the current year, according to a survey conducted by CPA.com and AICPA & CIMA.
Do I really need a new engagement letter for that?
A dually signed engagement letter is always the best way to document agreed-upon services, especially if a disagreement arises.
4 steps to building a successful CAS practice in a traditional CPA firm
Integrating client advisory services can be challenging for a traditional CPA firm. Here are four steps to do it successfully.
Deliver business insights with CAS 2.0
Client advisory services is the fastest-growing service area in the profession, and some firms have begun to differentiate themselves by providing not only financial services but also strategic business insights.
Working with third-party experts
When a CPA firm engages a third party to help a client with an issue that requires special expertise, the firm may still be held liable for deficiencies in the third-party expert’s work. Professional standards outline steps a firm can take to mitigate this risk.
IRS annual inflation adjustments, negotiating a job offer, and a quiz
This quick-hitting episode covers recent news of interest, including IRS and Social Security Administration annual announcements, why the AICPA is requesting guidance from the IRS and Treasury, and advice for negotiating after you’ve received a job offer.
Fraud risk applies to all CPA firm services
Regardless of the services they provide, CPAs can face professional liability claims asserting that they failed to detect a theft or fraud at a client organization.
How firms are seizing the ESG opportunity
Sustainability teams are breaking new ground in accounting firms — but staffing and training remain a challenge.
Features
FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE
Tax season quick guide
Get ready for tax season with the JofA’s annual filing season quick guide, an easy-to-use compilation of dollar thresholds, tax tables, standard amounts, credits, and deductions. Download and print for quick reference this tax season.
From The Tax Adviser
December 31, 2025
Practical tax advice for businesses as a result of the OBBBA
November 30, 2025
Digital asset transactions: Broker reporting, amount realized, and basis
October 31, 2025
