Practice growth & client service

TOPICS / FIRM PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

September 13, 2021

How to negotiate from a disadvantage

This article discusses steps that could help CPAs turn the tables and come through in a strong position during a challenging negotiation.

September 1, 2021

Ask the expert: Client service

Greg Lockhart is the president of Lockhart Industries, a Dallas-based leader in custom branding, graphic design, and fine imprinting for America’s top financial firms.

September 1, 2021

Frequently asked engagement letter questions

This one-stop guide includes common engagement letter questions and resources to help answer them.

August 2, 2021

M&A activity in accounting on the rebound in 2021, expert says

Merger-and-acquisition activity for CPA firms is surging in 2021 after dropping in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Joel Sinkin, president of Transition Advisors LLC said in a session at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 2021.

August 1, 2021

Energize your practice with a tax innovation challenge

The skills and ingenuity the accounting profession showed in reacting to the pandemic can be applied proactively with a new type of competition.

August 1, 2021

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.

August 1, 2021

Graylin Smith, CPA, CGMA

Guiding clients through opportunities and risks requires a careful process, according to Graylin Smith, CPA, CGMA.

July 7, 2021

Restaurant industry recovery aided by CPAs, 2 leaders with longtime ties

CPAs and restaurant owners have worked together closely to overcome the devastating consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Bill Pirolli, CPA/CFF/PFS, CGMA, and Brian Casey, who are Rhode Island natives and chair their respective association boards, endeavor to help the industry recover.

July 1, 2021

Find value in letting clients go

CPAs explain their approach to evaluating and parting ways with some clients.

July 1, 2021

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.

June 1, 2021

Use this formula to build trust with clients

Accountants can position themselves as more trustworthy by working through the classic “trust equation” developed by David Maister, Charles Green, and Robert Galford. Angie Grissom, owner of The Rainmaker Companies, illustrates how to do so.

March 29, 2021

How CPAs can help clients combining households during the pandemic

CPAs share their thoughts on how to help clients through changes in households.

March 22, 2021

Broaching tough conversations with clients

CPAs are knowledgeable about their small business clients’ financial conditions and emotionally removed enough from the organizations to help business leaders see what they often would rather avoid.

March 8, 2021

CPAs urged to be voice of calm in PPP storm

Rule changes, deadline pressures, and ongoing processing problems with the Paycheck Protection Program are causing high levels of frustration and anxiety among many small businesses. This creates an opportunity for CPAs to provide calm guidance for stressed clients.

March 8, 2021

7 tips to network strategically

Experts offer advice on building solid relationships with others who can help you expand your networks.

February 22, 2021

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.

February 10, 2021

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.

January 11, 2021

Developing a strong fraud-mitigation program

This article suggests practices that can aid in creating an effective fraud-mitigation plan.

December 21, 2020

Protecting small business clients from predatory loans

CPAs who work with small businesses offer tips for identifying predatory loans and steering clients away from them.

December 14, 2020

Attracting and keeping clients during COVID-19

CPAs offer advice on how to retain and attract clients during difficult times.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Flip out with the latest Tech Q&A

The September Technology Q&A column shows how to create dynamic to-do lists with Excel's checkboxes and also how to set up multifactor authentication texts that don't rely on phones. Flip through both items and view a video walkthrough in our digital format.