News from your accounting association
The Strength of Boundaries: Setting Limits That Improve Rather Than Restrict Success
By: Amy
The most successful leaders I know have mastered one skill their struggling colleagues haven’t: they’ve learned how to say no gracefully.
December 2025 IN THIS ISSUE:
► The Strength of Boundaries: Setting Limits That Improve Rather Than Restrict Success
► Preferred Provider Spotlight - Trullion
► What’s Ahead for 2026
► Member News
► CPAmerica InsightsGrace Horvath
This catches people off guard. We’ve been taught that good service means being available whenever clients need us. Set any limits, and you risk appearing uncommitted or difficult to work with.
What I’ve observed working with hundreds of professionals tells a different story. When people implement strategic boundaries, both their performance and satisfaction improve. Yet firms continue to resist this approach, keeping themselves stuck in patterns that burn out good people while delivering inconsistent results.
How we accidentally train people to disrespect our time
Many firms create boundary-less environments without realizing it. The “client first” mentality sounds admirable, but it often translates into professionals who never get ahead of their work because they’re constantly reacting to the next request.
When we make ourselves available for everything, we train others to expect immediate responses to non-urgent matters. Clients start firing off questions the moment they think of them instead of batching their concerns into meaningful conversations.
Worse, this reactive approach means we never have time for the strategic thinking that clients actually pay us for. We become order-
takers instead of advisors because we’re too busy managing the inbox to think deeply about our clients’ situations.
In my workshops, people often have breakthrough moments when they realize they’ve been enabling poor boundaries by having none themselves. Instead, they’re teaching everyone that their time had no value.
What happens when people start protecting their focus
The transformation I observe when professionals implement strategic boundaries is remarkable. In my workshops, 89% of participants who focus on time management see immediate improvements, and 93% get better at delegation. But the real change is qualitative.
When someone protects time for focused work, the quality of their output jumps significantly. They move from managing crises to preventing them. Instead of rushing through ten client questions with surface-level answers, they take time to provide thoughtful guidance that addresses underlying issues.
One workshop participant shared something that stuck with me: “I used to pride myself on being the person who could handle anything at any time. Now I realize that made me mediocre at everything.” She’d started batching client communications and protecting two-hour blocks for complex work. Her client satisfaction scores improved even though her response times got longer.
This connects to something fundamental about how our minds work. When we’re constantly interrupted, we never reach the deeper thinking that produces real insights. The strategic pauses I teach through the B³ Method—what I call “taking a beat”—aren’t
about working less. They’re about working more intentionally.
Why clients actually prefer boundaries
This might surprise you, but clients prefer working with professionals who have clear systems and expectations. They want to know their accountant has time to think about their situation, not that they’ll get a hasty response fired off between meetings.
The psychology here matters. When something has limits, people naturally perceive it as more valuable. A professional who protects their time for high-value work signals that their expertise matters. Someone who’s always available for any request signals that their time isn’t particularly valuable.
This doesn’t mean being difficult or unresponsive. It means communicating clearly about how you work best and then delivering exceptional value within those parameters. Clients respect this approach because it usually results in better service.
Making boundaries work in practice
The key to implementing boundaries successfully is being proactive rather than defensive about them. Instead of apologizing for not being available 24/7, frame your approach in terms of better service.
Start with internal boundaries. Protect time for focused work by batching similar tasks and creating specific windows for different types of activities. When you’re more organized internally, everything else becomes easier to manage.
Communication boundaries work best when you set expectations early and consistently. Let clients know your response protocols during onboarding, not after they’ve gotten
Vetter, The B3 Method Institute
Amy Vetter
Preferred Provider Spotlight
Trullion
Trullion is a leader in AI-driven automation for accounting professionals. Trusted by more than 1,000 firms, Trullion delivers intelligent workflows that simplify complex audit and lease accounting tasks. With its intuitive interface, powerful GenAI capabilities, and real-time compliance tools, Trullion is reshaping how accounting and audit teams work.
Complete hours of review and data extraction in seconds. Trullion’s platform automates document reading, matching, validation, and substantive testing so firms can focus on higher-value client service while improving accuracy and engagement profitability.
Transform your accounting workflows with:
• AI-powered automation that streamlines audit procedures and financial statement reviews
• Trusted LLM-driven insights with source citations for greater transparency
• Cloud-based collaboration that enhances efficiency across teams
• Automated ASC 842 lease accounting and real-time modification tracking
• Centralized audit logs that improve visibility, compliance, and stakeholder communication
For more information, email michael.condon@trullion.com or visit trullion.com/partnership/cpamerica.com
Continued from Boundaries, on page 1
used to immediate replies. Explain how your system ensures they receive thoughtful, complete answers to their questions.
One approach is the “response time by urgency” framework. Routine questions get responses within 24 hours, complex matters within 48 hours, and true emergencies get immediate attention. Clients appreciate knowing what to expect and rarely abuse the emergency category.
Building boundaries gradually People try to implement too many boundaries at once and end up abandoning the whole effort when it feels overwhelming. Start with one area where lack of boundaries is clearly reducing your effectiveness.
Maybe it’s email interruptions during focused work time. Try checking messages at set intervals instead of responding to each ping immediately. Or perhaps it’s meetings that consistently run over their scheduled time—start enforcing time limits politely but consistently.
Track the results. Notice whether the quality of your work improves when you have uninterrupted time to think. Pay attention to whether clients seem more or less satisfied with your service when you respond thoughtfully rather than immediately.
The breakthrough usually comes when you realize that what felt like reduced availability actually improved your value delivery.
The competitive advantage of sustainable performance Professionals who master strategic boundaries create real competitive advantages. While others burn out from constant availability, they maintain the energy and focus needed for high-quality strategic work.
This matters more than ever. We’re facing talent shortages partly because firms demand unsustainable availability. The firms that figure out how to maintain high standards through strategic boundaries rather than endless hours will win the talent war.
What’s
Ahead for 2026Your CPAmerica Benefits & Resources Sharing Call January 14, 2026 | 1-2pm ET
Start your year off right with CPAmerica! Join our 2026 CPAmerica Sharing Call to learn about upcoming events, webinars, Preferred Provider benefits and much more. You’ll hear from the CPAmerica team along with fellow members on these various CPAmerica resources.
Try identifying one area where lack of boundaries is hurting your effectiveness. Maybe it’s scope creep on projects, or clients who bypass your established communication channels, or colleagues who schedule meetings during your productive hours.
Enforce one strategic boundary this week. Communicate it clearly. Measure the impact on both your stress and your work quality. You might discover that the strength you thought you were showing through boundaryless availability was actually weakness that diminished your professional effectiveness.
Sharing Call Highlights Include:
• 2026 Conferences & Meetings
• Webinars
• LMS powered by LCvista
• Center of Excellence
• Preferred Provider Benefits
• Surveys
• Crowe Global Scan here to register:
government, nonprofit, and healthcare. With offices in Tallahassee, Tampa, and Panama City, this merger represents a strategic step in THF’s continued growth and solidifies its presence in the central region of the state. “We are excited to welcome the HPS team into our THF family,” said Jeff Barbacci, CPA, Managing Shareholder of THF. “Their strong client relationships, local market knowledge and shared commitment to quality and integrity make them a perfect fit as we continue to expand our footprint and services across the state of Florida.”
Frazier & Deeter announces two acquisitions, expanding their presence in Charlotte and the Mid-Atlantic regions
Frazier & DeeTer (FD), a nationally ranked accounting and advisory firm, announced its acquisition of Pesta, Finnie & Associates, LLP (Pesta Finnie), a highly regarded Charlotte-based accounting firm. FD has also announced it has completed its acquisition of Rosen, Sapperstein & Friedlander, LLC (RS&F). RS&F is an IPA Top 300 Towson, Md., headquartered CPA and advisory firm serving family offices, ultra-high-net-worth families and middle-market organizations. The strategic acquisition of Pesta Finnie represents a significant step in FD’s Southeast growth strategy, expanding its presence in Charlotte and the broader Carolinas, and enhancing the portfolio of accounting and advisory services available to the market. The addition of RS&F advances FD’s strategic growth plan by deepening its footprint in the Mid-Atlantic region and expanding its capabilities across industries such as real estate, healthcare, nonprofit, government contracting, construction, manufacturing and technology. “For many years, Pesta Finnie has been a trusted name in Charlotte for real estate and tax advisory services,” said Seth McDaniel, managing partner & CEO of FD.
“Their reputation for excellence and client commitment mirrors our firm’s core values. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to investing in Charlotte as part of our long-term growth.” “We are thrilled to welcome RS&F to the FD team,” added Jeremy Jones, COO and incoming managing partner of FD. “The firm’s specialization in family office and advisory services, as well as industries like government contracting, health care, real estate and construction, strengthens our collective platform and enhances our ability to serve clients with depth and sophistication.” In the coming months, RS&F will be fully integrated into FD’s operational and support infrastructure, giving clients access to enhanced technology, specialty tax and audit expertise and expanded advisory services while maintaining the trusted relationships that define the RS&F experience. Additionally, FD will fully integrate Pesta Finnie into its operational and support infrastructure, providing immediate access to firmwide resources such as technology, talent development, finance, marketing, and business development.
Brickley DeLong welcomes Andy T. Fay as manager in Hart office
Cathedral CPAs & Advisors LLP celebrates 16 team member promotions
CaTHeDral CPas & aDvisors llP, is proud to recognize 16 team members who have recently earned well-deserved title promotions. Fady Shoukry, Matt Brown, Nicole Stewart, Nicolette Maggiotto, and Pali Singh have been promoted to director; Bhumi Patel and Marta Jendrusiak have been promoted to client services supervisor; Marc Zotti and Newlyn Adams have been promoted to tax supervisor; Tyler Gouse has been promoted to audit supervisor; Lindsay Reynolds and Tatsiana Chubatyy have been promoted to senior tax manager; Kate Greenberg and Loralyn Anduaga have been promoted to tax manager; Brant Wigginton has been promoted to audit manager; and Shrusti Vasani has been promoted to senior audit associate.
Vesta celebrates recent team member promotions
BriCkley Delong, P.C., is pleased to announce the addition of Andy T. Fay, CPA, who has joined the firm as a manager in the Hart, Mich., office. Fay brings more than six years of diverse public and corporate tax experience to the team, strengthening the firm’s continued growth and commitment to high-quality client service. Fay began his tax career with Plante Moran before moving into corporate tax at IAC Group, where he specialized in ASC 740 tax provisions, multi-state and international compliance and engagement leadership. His technical expertise and broad industry exposure position him as a strong asset to Brickley DeLong’s tax department and the clients it serves. Before entering the accounting profession, Fay built successful careers in television broadcasting and the oil and gas industry. These experiences contribute to his adaptable, client-focused approach and strong communication skills. Brickley DeLong is proud to welcome Fay and looks forward to the expertise, leadership and communityminded spirit he brings to the firm.
vesTa, the Wisconsin-based CPA-led advisory firm, has announced recent team member promotions. Melita Olig and Kaelin Thibodeau have been promoted to senior consultant; Zach Newsome, Kelly Cowhig and Tommy Spicer have been promoted to senior manager; Marissa Anderson has been promoted to senior brand developer; and Abby Weisse has been promoted to operations manager.
GRF CPAs & Advisors managing partner honored with 2025 Tyser Gottwals Award
grF CPas & aDvisors, is thrilled to celebrate their president and managing partner, Jackie Cardello, CPA, being named a 2025 Tyser Gottwals Award honoree at A Celebration of Terps: Featuring The Maryland Awards. As president of GRF CPAs & Advisors, Cardello has led with integrity, vision, and a steadfast commitment to empowering others. Her leadership continues to shape not only our firm but also the broader accounting profession.
Jackie Cardello
Andy T. Fay
Leading Together: Lessons from a Year of Shared Success
Grace Horvath, President & CEO
patience, and occasionally, your courage.
This year reminded me that being entrusted to lead a community of high-performing CPA
Participation remains the heartbeat of this association. When members show up— when they engage, ask questions, volunteer
leadership is strengthened when shared. They modeled resilience, thoughtfulness, and a willingness to challenge assumptions—attributes that are essential to any organization committed to excellence.
Of course, leadership also asks us to make difficult decisions. It asks us to set boundaries, clarify expectations, and occasionally realign priorities—actions that are not always applauded in the moment but are nearly always appreciated in hindsight. Protecting the long-term health of an organization requires fortitude, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to mission. I am grateful every day to work alongside members who understand that and support the decisions that ensure we remain strong, relevant, and forward-focused.
As we prepare to enter a new year, I am reminded that leadership is ultimately an act of service. It is about elevating others, creating conditions for success, and ensuring the organization is positioned to thrive long after any one person rotates out of a role. It is about carrying a responsibility that is bigger than any individual and doing so with both humility and conviction.
Thank you for the trust you place in CPAmerica and for the leadership you demonstrate within your firms and within the profession. I am continually inspired by the commitment, candor, and generosity of our members. As we turn the page to a new year, I look forward to building on the momentum we’ve created—together.
Annual Collaborative Partners
Connected & Inspiring Partners
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