News from your accounting association
Designing Your Future Practice: Moving from Problem-Solver to Vision-Creator
By: Amy Vetter, The B 3 Method Institute
February 2025
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► Designing Your Future Practice: Moving from Problem-Solver to VisionCreator ► Preferred Provider Spotlight - Audit Dashboard
Next Generation Conference
Member News
CPAmerica Insights
Early in my career, my inbox was constantly filled with urgent client requests, and I prided myself on lightningfast responses to their tax and accounting emergencies. Like many CPAs, I measured success by problems solved and fires extinguished. But after experiencing burnout and rediscovering my purpose, I realized we need to shift from reactive problem-solvers to proactive vision-creators.
Being an accountant or a financial professional isn’t just about having the correct answers— it’s about asking the right questions and helping clients envision possibilities they hadn’t considered. As we enter 2025, this transformation becomes even more imperative.
From Reactive to Proactive
When we operate in reactive mode, we’re constantly playing catch-up. I remember spending countless hours fixing year-end issues that could have been prevented with proactive planning. Today’s technology allows us to automate many traditional tasks, creating space for strategic thinking and deeper client relationships.
Start by analyzing your client interactions. How many are focused on past issues versus future opportunities? By leveraging cloud accounting and real-time data, we can spot trends and opportunities before they become apparent to clients. This shift requires intentionality – block time in your calendar for strategic thinking and client outreach beyond tax deadlines and compliance dates.
The Vision-Creator Mindset
Becoming a vision-creator means embracing what I call the Connected Leader® approach.
It’s about combining technical expertise with emotional intelligence and active listening to understand what clients need and what they dream about for their businesses and lives.
In my B³ Method® courses and workshops, I often ask participants to recall their most meaningful client conversations. More often than not, these moments weren’t about solving tax problems but about helping clients achieve personal goals—whether expanding their business, planning succession, or creating more work-life harmony.
Tips to cultivate this mindset:
• Start client meetings with open-ended questions about their vision for the future.
• Practice mindful listening before immediately jumping to solutions (really listen to what your clients are saying and not saying.)
• Look for connections between different aspects of their business and personal goals.
• Share insights from your broader experience while remaining curious about their unique situation.
Building Your Vision-Creation Framework
Start your practice’s transformation by executing these practical steps:
1. Discovery Sessions: Schedule quarterly vision meetings with key clients, separate from compliance work. Use these sessions to understand their long-term aspirations and challenges. Use active listening and document these insights in your practice management system to inform future interactions.
2. Technology Integration: Select tools that enhance rather than replace human connection. While AI can handle routine tasks, use the freed-up time for meaningful client discussions. Remember, technology should support work-life harmony, not create 24/7 availability expectations.
3. Team Development: Train your team to think beyond compliance. Create frameworks
for pinpointing advisory opportunities during routine work. Build a culture where everyone sees themselves as contributing to client success, not just completing tasks. Your Implementation Roadmap
The journey from problem-solver to visioncreator requires intentional steps throughout the year. While every firm’s path will look different, here’s a framework that balances structure with flexibility. Think of it as a guide rather than a rigid plan—adapt each phase to your firm’s unique needs and client relationships.
Launch Phase (January)
Start with a focused pilot group of 5-7 clients who show growth potential and openness to advisory services. Consider these key actions:
• Review three years of historical data to spot patterns and opportunities
• Create customized “opportunity matrices” for each selected client
• Draft vision-session agendas that blend financial insights with strategy
Q1: Strengthen Your Foundation
With your foundation solidified, it’s time to expand your reach. Transform your client conversations by developing thoughtful frameworks that uncover aspirations beyond numbers. Your foundation should include:
• 90-minute vision sessions separate from compliance meetings
• Templates for documenting insights and action items
• Monthly team meetings to share learnings and refine approaches
Q2: Scale Your Impact
Now that your advisory services are gaining traction, let’s optimize your delivery. As your confidence grows, expand your vision-creator approach methodically. Build momentum through:
• Industry-specific advisory packages with clear deliverables
• Quarterly business review frameworks that
Vision, continued on page 4
Amy Vetter
Preferred Provider Spotlight Audit Dashboard
Audit Dashboard is a software solution designed to help CPAs and their clients coordinate and collaborate on a PBC list with ease and efficiency. The platform allows you to request information, exchange files, track outstanding items, and more—all within a single, simple dashboard.
a single directory, and integrate existing technology through our professional services.
Audit Dashboard is the preferred choice for many CPAmerica members who want to centralize and streamline mission-critical workflows all on one intuitive dashboard. CPAmerica member
implementations and integrations are available to help accelerate your success.
For more information, please visit www.auditdashboard.com or email joel@auditdashboard.com.
REGISTER HERE:
This year’s Next Generation Conference features the optional Pre-Conference opportunity, Business Development Basics: Laying the Foundation for Success, presented by The Rainmaker Companies on June 11. This option can be added at registration.
Jeremy Clopton, Upstream Academy | Charles Hylan, The Growth Partnership | Ashley Francis, The Francis Group | Brian Kush, Intend2Lead | Trevor Williams, GRF CPAs & Advisors
Jennifer L. Landis named comanaging partner
Baum, Smith & ClemenS, llP, is pleased to announce that Jennifer L. Landis, CPA, has been named co-managing partner of the Harleysvillebased Certified Public Accounting and Business Advisory Firm as of January 1, 2025. Landis will join current managing partner
have all been promoted to tax senior associate.
Williams & Company, P.C. announces two new shareholders
Gary T. Schultz, CPA, to oversee the firms’ overall operations and direction. This transition further solidifies the firms’ leadership team as they work to carry out the firms’ long term vision and strategic goals. As co-managing partner, Landis’s main focus will be on firm growth as well as investments in people and technology. She will provide leadership, management and strategic direction to deliver enhanced value and drive success for both our employees and clients. Her experience and insights, along with her contributions to the firms’ leadership team, position her to further elevate our firms’ offerings.
415 Group announces new partner and eight promotions
415 GrouP, the largest locally-owned public accounting and IT consulting firm in Stark County, Ohio, announced nine promotions, including Marcie Curry, CPA, to partner. Curry is the partner in charge of their Alliance office. “Marcie’s dedication, leadership, and strategic vision have been instrumental in driving the growth of our Alliance office,” said Richard Craig, managing partner of 415 Group. “Her promotion to partner reflects her outstanding contributions and the trust we have in her to continue leading the office toward even greater success.” With over 25 years of experience in the accounting industry, Curry is recognized for her ability to build strong client relationships and her commitment to mentoring team members. As partner, Curry will continue to oversee the operations and development of the Alliance office while working closely with other firm leaders to drive overall growth and innovation. Additional promotions include, Sheila Kurtz, promoted to director of operations; Drew Bolog, CPA, promoted to assurance senior manager; Isaac Orellana, CPA, promoted to assurance manager; Brandon Hadinger, CPA, promoted to assurance supervisor; Nick Jubara, promoted to assurance senior associate; and Alexis Beaver, Lettie Reed, and Renee Robinette,
corporations. Oakley is a seasoned member of FD’s Tax Practice in Atlanta with over 20 years of experience. Schrock a member of FD’s Advisory Practice and now serves as the Las Vegas office managing partner. Tanner is a member of FD’s Audit Practice in Atlanta with over 10 years of experience in financial statement audits, reviews and compilation engagements under US GAAP and IFRS. Vukovich is a member of FD’s Audit Practice, bringing nearly 15 years of expertise to clients. Williard is a member of FD’s Audit Practice in Atlanta with over 15 years of experience.
New Partner Admitted at Mathieson, Moyski, Austin & Co.
WilliamS & ComPany is proud to announce the promotions of Alexandrea (Alex) Keller and Chad Regnier to the firm’s shareholder team. This achievement highlights their dedication, expertise, and contributions to the firm over the years. Keller is a newly appointed shareholder managing their West Des Moines, Iowa, office. Keller has nearly 10 years’ experience in public accounting and in delivering a wide range of audit and consulting services to long-term care organizations and continuing care retirement communities. Keller also serves on the firms’ Audit and Accounting Committee and Learning Ladder Committee. Regnier is a newly appointed shareholder managing their Onawa, Iowa, office. Regnier has 13 years of experience in public accounting. His responsibilities include individual, partnership, exempt organization, and corporate income tax preparation as well as preparation of complied, reviewed and audited financial statements. Regnier also services on the firms’ Audit and Accounting Committee, and Tax Committee.
Frazier & Deeter names seven new partners
Frazier & Deeter (FD), a Top-50 accounting and advisory firm, is proud to announce the promotion of seven accomplished professionals to partner: Donald Jack, Courtney Mishoe, Meredith Oakley, Amber Schrock, Chris Tanner, Tommy Vukovich and Andrew Williard. These leaders bring extensive expertise across diverse practice areas, reflecting FD’s dedication to innovation, outstanding client service and fostering career growth. “Our new Partners represent the next generation of leadership at Frazier & Deeter,” said Seth McDaniel, managing partner. “Their contributions will strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional service and solutions to our clients as we look toward 2025 and beyond.”
Jack is a member of FD’s Tax Practice in Nashville with over a decade of experience in tax planning and compliance for corporations and partnerships. Mishoe is a member of FD’s Tax Practice in Alpharetta with over 15 years of experience in tax compliance and planning for individuals, trusts, partnerships and S
Ryan Sneed, CPA, CFP, MAS, has been promoted to partner at mathieSon, moySki, auStin & Co. (mma). “We are happy to announce Ryan’s admission as partner,” said Ron Austin, CPA, managing partner.
“Ryan possesses the qualities we value most: dedication, integrity and a passion for excellence. He has earned the trust of our clients and respect of his colleagues through his expertise and leadership.” Sneed joined MMA in 2021, after working in public accounting since 2010.
Aldridge Borden - OneSource expands footprint
alDriDGe BorDen - oneSourCe proudly announces its expansion into the Huntsville, Ala., market through a strategic partnership with LeCroy CPA Group and Mercer & Associates. Jerry Mercer, of Mercer & Associates, shared, “We are thrilled to join the Aldridge Borden team, bringing together our shared commitment to excellence and innovation. This acquisition will provide our clients with expanded resources, enhanced expertise, and a broader range of services.”
Gail LeCroy, of LeCroy CPA Group, shared, “We are excited to be a part of the Aldridge Borden family! Their reputation for excellent client service, family-like culture and values, extensive expertise in diverse accounting fields, and modern technology are a great fit for our clients and staff alike. We look forward to a bright future as part of the team.” Scott Grier, one of the managing partners of Aldridge Borden, shared, “This strategic alliance combines over a century of Aldridge Borden’s legacy of excellence with the specialized expertise of LeCroy and Mercer, enhancing our ability to provide tailored accounting, tax, attestation, and consulting service that drive growth and success for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals in North Alabama and across the Southeast”
Marcie Curry
Ryan Sneed
Jennifer Landis
Chad Regnier
Alexandrea Keller
Unlocking Growth with your CPAmerica Member Resources
As shared last month, CPAmerica is more committed than ever to equipping member firms with the tools and resources needed to thrive in an evolving marketplace. Guided by the Five Bold Steps for 2025, CPAmerica will expand its benefits to help firms seize opportunities and overcome challenges.
Being a member of CPAmerica provides more than just access; it has a significant impact on incremental improvements to the firm. Our expanding portfolio of member benefits is designed to empower your team and drive growth. From exclusive training opportunities to advanced industry insights, we are committed to being your partner in success.
Our team is pleased to introduce various innovative tools and resources that align with our Five Bold Steps for 2025. This year, you can expect the availability of added resources, alongside enhancements to existing resources that continue to be relevant and are continually evolving.
• AI resources – One of the 2024 goals to develop AI resources has become a permanent feature of the association’s programs, supporting the need for firms’ access to practical applications. Last month, an AI Collaboration Town Hall was held in partnership with Future Point of View (FPOV), exploring pathways for collaboration and the potential to develop shared resources across member firms. A recording of the call is available on the CPAmerica sharing library for those who missed it. Participants will receive a brief survey this month to gauge interest and a next steps workshop will be held after tax season.
Continued from Vision, on page 1
maintain progress
• Client success stories highlighting tangible outcomes
• Peer learning groups among similar clients
Q3: Optimize Your Systems
With your advisory practice growing, now is the time to fine-tune your systems. Leverage technology to enhance, not replace, personal connections. Focus on:
• Automated alert systems for proactive outreach
• Client portal sections dedicated to strategy documentation
• Streamlined workflows for advisory services
• Regular check-ins to ensure tech supports relationships
Q4: Elevate and Expand
As you enter the final quarter, focus on evaluating impact and setting the stage for next year. Measure impact and prepare for future growth through intentional evaluation:
• HR Roundtable – New for 2025, this addition to the CPAmerica event lineup provides members with a space to connect with peers, share insights, and exchange best practices on important HR topics. It covers areas such as navigating difficult conversations, creating career pathways, and developing recruiting strategies. The HR Roundtable aims to engage more deeply with members across all departments of the firms. The HR Roundtable is scheduled for April 30-May 1 in Atlanta, GA. For more information, please visit the CPAmerica members-only website.
• NextGen Business Development Workshop – The NextGen Conference is an event for seniors and managers designed to develop knowledge about firm operations and achieving success in public accounting. This year, a Business Development Pre-Conference Workshop will be introduced in partnership with Rainmaker Companies. Participants will learn foundational principles of business development, including identifying growth opportunities and building strategic relationships. This training aims to support the development of future rainmakers with plans to create an ongoing business development cohort to help them implement these strategies.
• Educational Series on Investment Capital – These calls are planned to help increase understanding for various strategies for staying independent while
• Review revenue impact and successful strategies
• Document client transformation stories
• Design systematic onboarding for new advisory relationships
• Create next year’s vision-creation calendar
Takeaway
This year, try measuring success through client engagement levels, proactive recommendations made, and team satisfaction—not just billable hours. Becoming a Cherished Advisor means creating value that transcends traditional metrics.
While this transformation requires patience and mindfulness, the rewards—deeper client relationships, more fulfilling work, and sustainable practice growth—make it worthwhile. Take the first step today by blocking time in your January calendar for vision-creation activities. Your future practice and your clients’ futures will be better for it.
navigating the evolving landscape of ownership and partnership opportunities. Featuring experts and peer-led discussions, these sessions will offer practical guidance. Additionally, these conversations will be incorporated into several of CPAmerica’s live events throughout the year.
These are only a few of the resources available to CPAmerica member firms. With approximately 20 events held annually, covering both technical and non-technical topics, there is truly something for everyone. Members have ongoing opportunities to connect, learn, and grow throughout the year through in-person events, member sharing calls, educational webinars, and interactive peer-to-peer discussions via the Center of Excellence.
We recognize that communicating these valuable resources across the firm can be challenging. We encourage you to schedule a virtual CPAmerica member benefits overview, allowing our team to present the various resources available to your firm. If you are interested in arranging a member benefits overview, please email us at accounts@ cpamerica.org.
The CPAmerica team looks forward to supporting you throughout 2025 and beyond.
7555 W. University Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 727-4070 www.cpamerica.org
