TechTimes CPAConnections News From Your Alliance Leaders
The CPAConnections newsletter will be going electronic during the pandemic. We will continue to evaluate whether to return to print copy or to remain electronic only.
February 2021
From Member Services: Thriving Amidst Change
D'Yãn Davis Director of CPAConnect
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
− Buckminster Fuller, Architect, Inventor and Futurist After surviving the flu pandemic of 1918, grieving the loss of his young daughter in 1922 and the failure of his business in 1927, Buckminster Fuller, noted architect, inventor, and futurist, embarked on a re-examination of his life. The epiphany that followed created in him a globalized view on the impact of individual activities, with a belief in “doing more with less” and the efficiency
of process and procedure. Almost 100 years later, we also find ourselves in a time of forced transition. Faced with shutdowns on a global scale, drastic changes to work environments, and multiple changes to tax law and regulations, CPA firms needed to find ways to continue serving clients while ensuring the safety of staff members. Utilizing collaborative technology such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, CPAConnect members recognized that they were able to interact effectively in virtual environments. Tools such as messaging and discussion forums, audio, and video conferencing not only served to promote internal connectivity, they also created new lines of communication to prospective and current clients. Many of these tools and procedures will remain a vital part of firm culture
moving forward. Embracing new lines of communication meant that firms needed to retool processes and procedures within their firms to ensure productivity. From employee reviews, to workflow management, each process required examination. By participating in CPAConnect Sharing Calls, online discussions, and peer-to-peer discussions, members encouraged one another and helped create new operating Thriving, continued on page 2
Announcing CPAConnect’s 2021 Advisory Committee
Park Ridge, Ill., will step into his new role as vice chair.
Delanna Rhoton of BRK CPAs, will lead this year’s group CPAConnect's advisory committee play a major role in gathering and evaluating information and helps to shape the course of the alliance. After the Chair Delanna Rhoton challenges of the past year, we are pleased to announce the 2021 CPAConnect Advisory Committee. The year will see Delanna Rhoton of BRK , in Winchester, Tenn., settle in and
start on her term as the 2021 chair. Rhoton will succeed Philip M. Juravel of Juravel & Company, LLC, of Alpharetta, Ga., in the position. Juravel will remain on the committee s er v i n g i n t he immediate past chair Immediate Past Chair role where he will Philip M. Juravel support the chair and provide continuity during the transition. Jeff Rozovics of , in
Vice Chair Jeff Rozovics
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The remaining 2021 CPAConnect Advisory Committee positions will be filled out by t he follow ing members:
Kathy Lyle, leading partner with , in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Thomas Mangold , leading partner and president with , in Austin, Texas. Kevin Matthews, leading partner with , in Reston, Va. Committee, continued on page 2
CPAConnect Discussion Lists This resource helps members to build relationships and access expertise To our CPAConnect members – In order to ensure that you have the most efficient sharing opportunities during this coming busy tax season, please review and confirm your CPAConnect Discussion List subscriptions. CPAConnect Discussion Lists are email-based forums. Members need not log in to the website to participate and can simply send a message to the list email address, and everyone subscribed will receive your post. If you would like to add or change your discussion list subscriptions, you can email accounts@cpamerica.org with your requested changes. We have various available discussion lists for members to use: CPAConnect Members Discussion List - For general accounting, practice management or client management discussions. Email: cpac-members@list.cpamerica.org CPAConnect Water Cooler - For non-accounting/off topic networking discussions. Email: water-cooler@list. cpamerica.org CPAConnect Tax - For technical tax discussions. Email: cpactax@list.cpamerica.org CPAConnect A&A - For technical A&A discussions. Email: cpac-aa@list.cpamerica.org CPAConnect Practice Management Discussion List - This list is restricted and available to partners only. Discussions deal with sensitive practice management issues. Email: cpac-pm@ list.cpamerica.org General Office Administration - For office administration discussions. Email: goa@list.cpamerica.org There are various CPAmerica Discussion Lists that CPAConnect members may subscribe to if you operate in the niche areas of Technology, International, Nonprofit, Business Valuations, or Client Accounting Services. Just like before, to share with other members or to post a question, please email the corresponding list’s email address and all individuals subscribed to the list will receive the original post and all replies. All correspondence will land in your inbox. It’s that easy! Here are some Discussion List guidelines: • Posts should reflect the sophistication of CPAConnect member firms. Individuals should refrain from posting questions which could be answered with minimal effort such as a Google search or using the IRS website. • Ensure content of post is of general interest to the Discussion List. If not, reply only to the person who posted the initial question. 2
• Stay on topic. The lists are places for specific questions and discussions should limited to succinct and relevant answers. If a topic is simply too broad, offer to have a conversation offline. • Respect the privacy and security of Discussion List posts and email addresses. Do not forward or share discussion list posts or email addresses without the authorization of all parties involved. • Utilize the Water Cooler Discussion List for chit-chat and off-topic discussion. Discussion on all other lists should reflect the technical nature of the topic. Thriving, continued from page 1
models designed to meet the needs of a remote environment. This rapid change to firm operations also highlighted the importance of ongoing communication with clients throughout the year. As accountants worked to interpret the effect of the CARES Act, individual stimulus package and PPP Loans, engagements required an increased level of client management, and finding opportunities to deepen the advisory relationship became even more essential to prepare the client and firm for the unexpected. As CPAConnect firms revisit strategic planning, a new model for the modern firm begins to form. Advisory and niche services will continue to thrive as clients rely on accounting professionals to take the burden of compliance and financial management off their shoulders. The increased reliance on advisory services will require firms to further embrace innovative technology. Employing the use of OCR, bots and apps to automate repetitive tasks and reduce individual effort will not only improve accuracy and efficiency, it can also allow your team to focus on the individual as your firm works to build the long-term loyalty of the next generation of clients. Although last year was filled with filing delays, legislation changes, and e-file snafus; two things are certain, CPA firms have changed and your peers and staff at CPAConnect will be there to help navigate the unknown as leadership teams rethink firm operations and prepare for the next era in accounting. Committee, continued from page 1
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Sherila Tuggle, leading partner with PLLC, in Memphis, Tenn. Mark Vitek, leading partner with in Raleigh, N.C.
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, located in Michael J. Noonan with Joliet, Ill., will remain on the advisory committee as member emeritus. The CPAConnect Advisory Committee will next convene in early May to discuss matters that affect membership, go over and fine tune the elements and offerings of CPAConnect, and review the upcoming 2021 CPAConnect Roundtable.
Member News: Member firm Kelly CPA names Weeg as a new partner CPAConnect member firm Kelly CPA in Dallas, Texas, recently announced Lisa Weeg, CPA, as their newest partner. A native of West Palm Beach, Fla., Weeg has a bachelor's in accounting and a master's in taxation. She has extensive experience preparing and reviewing tax returns for high-net-worth individuals, partnerships, corporations, trusts, and Lisa Weeg foundations. Weeg has supervised large financial staffs, successfully coordinated as many as 50 concurrent projects, and still found time to support her community as a member of the Junior League and by serving on the board of the Palm Beach Planned Giving Council.
New Member Spotlights: Please feel free to welcome your fellow members to our association with an email or call. membership in CPAConnect, contact Ellen Donovan at: edonovan@cpaconnect.com
Carbone & Allison, LLP 2651 Pearland Parkway, Suite 102 Pearland, Texas 77581 Phone: (281) 997-6699 Anthony (Tony) Carbone - Managing Partner Email: tony@carboneandallison.com Website: https://www.carboneandallison.com CPAmerica Sponsor Firm: Harper & Pearson Company, P.C.
CPAConnect members are eligible to attend CPAmerica's A&A Conference coming this June and focuses on being proactive in planning throughout the year.
these is having access to several niche members-only events. We’re excited to share the opening of our 2021 A&A Conference in Denver, scheduled for June 22-25. You will get the latest industry updates, earn CPE and most importantly, connect with members. This year will include the annual Yellow Book Optional Pre-conference on Tuesday, June 22. We’re pleased to share that we’ll also be offering a live stream option for the Yellow Book preconference for those not attending the event in-person. We have a strong agenda planned with auditing updates from Rich Daisley of Surgent CPE and accounting updates with Mike Cheng, Partner with CPAmerica member . You will also hear from economist Anirban Basu; IT expert Roman Kepczyk on A&A Technologies; and Crowe Global's International Accounting & Audit Director, David Chitty. There is also plenty of time scheduled for member sharing on relevant industry topics. If you have any questions about the CPAmerica A&A Conference, please reach out to me at jwalker@cpamerica. org or our Senior Events Manager, Toya Frazer-Ellis at tellis@ cpamerica.org.
Centuriatus PLLC 41000 Woodward Ave. STE 350 Phone: (248) 631-4310 Mike Skorupski, CPA/ABV, CGMA Managing Director, Consultant Email: mike.skorupski@centuriatus.com Website: https://www.centuriatus.com Centuriatus is a full-service public accounting and advisory
standards. Centuriatus believes that reputation and integrity are fundamental qualities of a successful professional. That is why their commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices is unrelenting.
Ballard & Company, LTD., CPAs 210 East 7th Street, Suite #2 Mountain Home, Arizona 72653 Phone: (870) 425-6256 Patrick C. Ballard, CPA - Managing Partner Email: patrick.ballard@ballardcpa.com Website: https://www.ballardcpa.com CPAmerica Sponsor Firm: Bell & Company, PA
We look forward to seeing you in Denver! with clients from Arkansas, Missouri and elsewhere throughout the United States, as well as clients overseas. Ballard & Company, Ltd CPAs has been awarded the Leading Edge National Award by eFile Cabinet for innovation and technology. 3
New Member Spotlights, continued Robert B. Fisher, CPA, PC 250 Parkway Drive Suite 150 Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069 Phone: (847) 680-7505 Robert B. Fisher - Managing Partner
Their capable team is here and ready to apply their years of experience to your accounting needs. With
Website: CPAmerica Sponsor Firm: Mathieson Moyski, Austin & Co., LLP
allocate your time where it counts most – to making sure your business runs smoothly. You can count on
Olufemi B. Ijadimbola CPA Ltd. 3300 County Road 10, Suite 204c Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55429 Phone: (763) 228-0211 Fax: (763) 226-2523 Olufemi B. Ijadimbola - Principal Owner Email: femi.ijad@ijadimbolacpa.com Website: https://www.ijadimbolacpa.com
Olufemi B. Ijadimbola CPA Ltd., based in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, provides a full range of accounting, bookkeeping, consulting, outsourcing, payroll and business services, either in your facility or at our location. They can provide
correctly and accurately.
Perry, Shelton, Walker & Associates, PLLC 13555 SE 36th Street, Suite 250 Bellevue, Washington 98006 Phone: (425) 562-6899 Donald E. Shelton - Leading Partner Email: don@pswa.com Website: https://www.pswa.com CPAmerica Sponsor Firm: Hagen, Kurth, Perman & Co., P.S.
With a proven history of service since our founding in 1979, Perry, Shelton, Walker & Associates, PLLC, is a solutions for your business and tax needs. Their senior
www.cpaconnect.com
century of combined business experience to apply to your situation.
Contact us with your news and let us help you market
Wise & Co., LLP, CPAs
marketing@cpamerica.org 422 S. 4th Street Klamath Falls, Oregon 97630 Phone: (514) 882-6630
Our address is: 7555 West University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32607 Phone: (352) 727-4143
Gerry Horowitz - Managing Director Email: ghorowitz@wise-cpa.com Website: https://www.wise-cpa.com and professional lives. They listen to their goals and plans that transform ambitions into reality.