08 2023 CPAmerica Advantage Newsletter

CPAmerica ADVANTAGE

News From Your Accounting Association

August 2023

IN THIS ISSUE:

► Consulting with a third party

► Preferred Provider Spotlight - The Growth Partnership

► ESG Fireside Chat with Gale Crosley

► Member News

► CPAmerica Insights - Linda Portner

Consulting with a third party to take your firm to the next level

As your business grows and evolves, leaders may reach a point where they will need to seek some additional resources and tools outside of the organization. This is where consulting services can play an integral role in taking your business to the next level. There are many qualified consultants and Preferred Providers that we work with at CPAmerica, offering a wide range of services.

Leadership skills, talent development, strategic planning, practice management, and marketing are just some of the ways you can engage with a consultant.

Jennifer Wilson, partner and co-founder of CovergenceCoaching , shared that firms need to know their top three priorities for the next 12 months. That requires planning and communication that a firm may not be able to do on their own, that’s where her company can help. Through ConvergenceCoaching’s strategic and vision planning, and learning and development programs such as the Transformational Leadership Program (TLP), their team will help your firm maximize your talent and differentiate your culture.

The TLP is designed to take your new and future leaders to their next level of success in leading others and your firm. This 12-month program works with managers, senior manager and new partners providing them with leadership and management

training, as well as 360-degree input from their firm. Wilson shared that the ideal time to work with a consultant is when a firm is preparing for the next generation of leadership and to create a road map of what needs to be done to be successful. Wilson also shared that when a firm starts to get to a certain size, it may be time to focus on their future and succession plans.

“Through our strategic planning and vision planning services, we’re trying to help develop an attractive, compelling, next generation firm that people want to be a part of,” said Wilson.

Wilson shared that her team recently worked with a CPAmerica member firm on a 5-year vision plan. They formed a Vision Committee, studied current trends, surveyed the firm’s talent and leadership, and chose the firm’s top focal points for growth and development. By the end of the process, they selected industries to specialize in, services to emphasize, and knew what changes they needed to make related to their talent programs.

CPAmerica Preferred Provider, The Growth Partnership has been consulting for accounting firms since 1999. Their successful program, The Partner Institute (TPI) has been providing NASBA-certified soft skills training such as leadership, sales, managing people and projects, and communications skills for over 15 years.

Charles Hylan, managing director of The Growth Partnership shared that many TPI graduates have gone on to assume the managing partner role at their firms, and almost all have assumed leadership responsibilities for either a niche area or service line. Hylan also emphasized that leadership development is a process as opposed to a one-time event, their 2 ½-year curriculum offers compelling breadth and depth.

“We consider our TPI program to be a master’s degree in how to be a partner in an accounting firm,” said Hylan. “We’ve seen many of See Consulting, continued on page 2

Preferred Provider Spotlight: THE GROWTH PARTNERSHIP

About The Growth Partnership

The Growth Partnership is a full-service, multidisciplinary consulting firm serving the accounting profession. Their mission is to help their clients succeed as business owners and their ultimate goal is to become the de facto “go-to” consulting firm of choice for discerning accounting industry clients.

The Growth Partnership strives to engage their clients in a comprehensive, holistic manner. Their services include:

The Partner Institute – a comprehensive 2.5-year partner development program targeted at soon-to-be partners and new partners.

ABLE – a CRM platform for CPA firms which helps them

Continued from Consulting, on page 1 our program graduates start out as managers and go on to be partners and even some become managing partners.”

Through each group of TPI program graduates, cohorts of about 30 people making lasting connections and relationships with their fellow members, proving the impact of this program is felt long after graduation.

The Growth Partnership also provides consulting related to practice management and benchmarking. Through our partnership, they also manage CPAmerica’s annual Practice Management Survey, giving members invaluable insight into the accounting industry as a whole.

manage pipeline, COIs and distribute thought leadership.

Strategic Planning – they facilitate partner retreats helping firms identify long-term strategy, identify a viable succession plan, and determine a 1-year action plan.

For more information, visit https://thegrowthpartnership.com/ or email chylan@thegrowthpartnership.com

Hylan emphasized that since they focus on the accounting industry specifically, the leadership, communications and training skills are all tailored for you and your firm’s needs.

To learn more about consulting services with ConvergenceCoaching or The Growth Partnership, please contact Jennifer Wilson at jen@convergencecoaching.com, or Charles Hylan at chylan@thegrowthpartnership.com.

Additionally, both Jennifer Wilson and Charles Hylan will be speaking at our Leading Partners Retreat and Firm Management Roundtable, September 19-22 in San Diego, Calif. To register please scan the QR code below.

Upcoming Event Dates

2023 Tax Conference

November 5 - 8

Sandia Resort & Casino

Albuquerque, NM

November

Scan the QR code below for complete event information, a full list of events and to complete your registration.

Member News

GRF CPAs & Advisors announces new tax partner

GRF CPAs & Advisors (GRF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Ham, CPA , as a partner in the Tax Division. With more than 18 years of experience in providing tax advisory services to businesses and individuals, Ham brings a wealth of expertise in the technology and government contracting sectors. Ham’s primary focus will be on tax planning and compliance for S-corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, consolidated corporations, and individuals. “Ryan’s expertise is a welcome addition to our team,” said Troy Turner, CPA, VP and Director of GRF’s Tax Services. “His deep understanding of the technology and government contracting sectors will be invaluable to our clients. Ryan’s expertise will further strengthen our tax advisory services and contribute to the growth and success of our firm.”

preparation for individuals and corporate clients. Tony Cirone says “We congratulate Nick on this well-deserved promotion and have the highest confidence in his dedication to our clients and his leadership abilities as he assumes his expanded firm leadership role.”

excited to have this opportunity to lead the Tax Department,” said Simmons. “The firm and everyone here has always supported me and my career. I enjoy being an integral part of our continuously evolving team and am excited to assist the 415 Group tax team and our clients.”

Gray Private Wealth announces promotion Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. celebrates 75 years

Gray Private Wealth, LLC , a leading advisory firm that assists clients in growing, preserving, and protecting wealth, has announced that Austin Russell, CFP, has been promoted to portfolio manager. “Austin has proven himself to be a tremendous asset to our clients and our firm,” said Dan Romano, CPA, PFS, chief executive officer and chief compliance officer of Gray Private Wealth, LLC. “His analytical skills, tireless work ethic, and ability to focus on what is important to the clients he serves adds value to each relationship.”

Russell joined Gray Private Wealth, LLC, in 2018 as an intern before joining the team full-time in 2019. He is a Certified Financial Planner.

CironeFriedberg, LLP (CF), is pleased to announce the promotion of David C. Moseman, CPA , to partner in charge of Tax Services and Nicholas DaPaz, CPA , to partner in charge of Audit Services for the firm. Moseman joined CF in 2005. He has nearly 30 years of experience providing tax and consulting services to clients. He specializes in estate and trust taxation, partnership taxation and tax planning for privately held businesses and highnet-worth individuals. Tony Cirone, CF’s managing partner, says “We extend sincere congratulations to David on this well-deserved promotion and are confident that he will continue to provide excellent service to our clients as his leadership role in our firm expands.” DaPaz joined CF in 2019 as a manager and was quickly promoted to senior manager before becoming partner in 2021.

DaPaz has over 20 years of experience providing audit and tax services for employee benefit plans and multistate and multinational companies in a variety of industries, including public utility, manufacturing, and not-for-profit organizations. DaPaz also provides tax planning and return

415 Group, the largest locally-owned public accounting and IT consulting firm in Stark County, based in Canton, Ohio, has appointed Natalie Simmons to partner in charge of tax. Tax services make up the firm’s largest division. Simmons brings years of technical expertise and leadership to the role. She has been with the firm for more than 25 years, originally starting as an intern and working her way up to partner. “We are grateful to have Natalie continue to be a core part of our team,” said Rich Craig, 415 Group managing partner. “She’s been with us for over two decades and has contributed so much to the firm and our clients. We’re excited to continue witnessing her career growth through this prestigious leadership role.” Now, as partner in charge of tax, Simmons will draw on her deep knowledge and expertise to lead their team of certified public accountants in providing tax preparation and consulting services for a variety of clients, including corporations, partnerships and non-profits. “After working at 415 Group for many years, I’m

With a long and storied history, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) has proudly served individuals, businesses and organizations of all sizes, while building relationships with clients that span multiple generations. As a trusted and esteemed accounting firm, they are thrilled to commemorate this significant milestone in their company’s history. For over seven decades, MBK has been providing exceptional financial services to individuals, organizations, and businesses in Western Massachusetts and beyond. Their commitment to professionalism, accuracy, and integrity has been the foundation of their success, enabling them to establish long-lasting relationships with their clients and earn their unwavering trust.

Frankel Zacharia has evolved with the changing business landscape over the past 60 years, developing into one of the Midwest’s largest, locally owned CPA firms. “I’m proud of where our firm has been and the long-time dedicated clients we have served. More importantly, we are excited about where our firm is going and the many areas we can help serve our clients as their trusted advisor. We have an experienced team of professionals in multiple service lines focused on providing quality service,” stated Scott Sorenson, managing partner. “Our firm is united across all service lines, as one firm, ready to serve our clients.” Sorenson added, “I am pleased to announce our new name and brand, Frankel .

Frankel signifies our belief we are better working together as one collaborative firm looking forward and making a positive impact on our clients, associates, and community.”

Ryan Ham

Austin Russell

David Moseman

Natalie Simmons

Nicholas DaPaz

CironeFriedberg announces two partner promotions

415 Group appoints new partner in charge of tax

Frankel announces new name and brand

Join us at the 2023 Firm Management Roundtable in San Diego

In just a few short weeks, we’ll be gathering for the 2023 Firm Management Roundtable (FMR) at the historic US Grant hotel in San Diego!

This is a such special meeting because it allows firm managers and human resources professionals to spend meaningful time together sharing best practices and engaging in deep conversation within an incredible venue.

This year’s agenda is nothing short of spectacular. Our keynote speaker is the legendary Horst Schulze, founding president and former COO of Ritz-Carlton. His opening session, Service Matters, reminds us that it’s one thing to provide service – it’s another to be able to recognize it. Schulze believes an internal measurement system is an invaluable tool to assess the performance results of your service delivery system. He’ll show us how to determine appropriate standards and create reliable systems to measure the impact of your service.

The list of engaging speakers continues throughout our meeting with these industry leaders.

• State of the Profession - Tom Hood, EVP, AICPA

• Retention Based on Neuroscience - Don Rheem, CEO, E3 Solutions

• Recruiting During the Great Resignation and Performance Management Through the Employee Lifecycle - Kelly Simants, SHRM-SCP

• NextGen Panel and New KPIs & Metrics - Charles Hylan, The Growth Partnership

• Technology Update - Jim Bourke, Partner, withum+

FMR offers plenty of member sharing opportunities, including the popular Anything Goes session. There’s a session to discuss Compensation Practices as well as breakout sessions specific to HR and Firm Administration topics. Attendees will be surveyed before the meeting to determine exactly what they want to discuss during the Member Sharing sessions.

Our FMR Book Club session is back! Make sure to read The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, by Jack Canfield. We’re looking forward to discussing this classic bestseller with our facilitator, Hank Wolfson, COO, Gray Gray & Gray, LLP.

If you’ve been to a CPAmerica event, you know that we like you to have fun! This year’s FMR social events are no different. We’ll kick things off at our Welcome Reception at the US Grant on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday evening, we’ll be glamorously cruising the San Diego Bay on the Adventure Hornblower, a 150’ mega yacht offering magnificent skyline views from the sun deck. The next night we’ll celebrate together at the unique Venue 808. This is a one-of-a-kind venue housed within the historic 1933 TR Produce warehouse, located directly across from Petco Park in San Diego’s East Village neighborhood.

Make sure to invite your significant other to join you in San Diego because we’ve got

an amazing guest agenda to keep them entertained while you’re in meetings. They’ll enjoy their own networking while discovering hidden culinary gems on a “Secret Food Tour of San Diego” on Wednesday, followed by an “Inside Look” tour of the San Diego Zoo on Thursday. Of course, your guests have the option to join you on our mega yacht adventure and at Venue 808.

If you’re a first-time attendee, we’ve got you covered. Our Mentor/Mentee program matches newcomers with members who have previously attended FMR. You’ll connect with each other well before the meeting to ask questions and get to know each other. Mentors also help break the ice on the first evening by introducing you to fellow members at Tuesday night’s Welcome Reception.

Special thank you to our 2023 FMR Co-Chairs David Beir, COO, Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C.; and Suzzone Fletcher, HR Director, Gollob Morgan Peddy, P.C. They worked together with CPAmerica staff and your fellow members to create this enticing member-driven agenda.

Register today and book your hotel before the group rate deadline on Friday, August 25. We look forward to seeing you in sunny San Diego!

Linda Portner, Senior Member Services Manager