News from your accounting association
Empowering Leadership Through CPAmerica’s Upward Evaluation Surveys
There are many things firms across the country can do to set themselves apart in the eyes of job-seekers. At Albin, Randall & Bennett (ARB), headquartered in Portland, Maine, they keep their firm competitive by utilizing CPAmerica’s Upward Evaluation Surveys. Through these surveys, your firm can keep leaders moving in the right direction and listen to your staff’s opinions on how the leadership team is meeting their needs.
October 2024
IN THIS ISSUE:
► Empowering Leadership Through CPAmerica’s Upward Evaluation Surveys
► Preferred Provider Spotlight - ACPEN
► International Group Meeting
► Member News
► CPAmerica Insights –Grace Horvath
CPAmerica’s member services manager to create succinct questions and a project management timeline. Once the surveys are sent to team members and completed, CPAmerica will compile the results and share the data reports with the firm.
“The process itself is extremely smooth,” said Zimba. “CPAmerica uses SurveyMonkey, and they send the survey out to our people. They then aggregate all the results and give me a PDF that shows all the data that I could possibly need.”
integral part of ARB’s “survey season,” where they complete various firm surveys and best places to work evaluations. Zimba shared that completing everything in survey season can require a significant time commitment, and CPAmerica helps to lighten the load.
For the last several years, ARB has conducted upward evaluation surveys on their management team members and partners. Upward evaluation surveys give employees the opportunity to reflect on and rate their firm leadership. Dawn Zimba, ARB’s professional development manager, has been with the firm for five years and has seen the impact of these surveys firsthand.
“You can get a gauge for what you’re doing well and what you’re not doing well by these survey responses,” said Zimba. “It gives each manager insights into what their team thinks, and I think that’s really valuable information to have. Set against the cost that we pay for it, it makes sense for us.”
Zimba shared that CPAmerica helps them throughout the entire process, to ensure it’s easy for their nearly 60 employees to participate. She works closely with
Zimba said the most difficult part can often be selecting the appropriate questions to ask, and how to ask them in a way that’s user-friendly and gets the point across. With ARB, they have maintained a consistent set of about 25 questions for evaluating each management member and then they repeat the process for partners, ensuring comprehensive coverage. The feedback from the surveys is incorporated into annual and mid-year meetings, setting goals and addressing team needs based on the responses.
The ARB team gets value from these surveys in a variety of ways. Newer managers with the firm get the benefit of direct feedback from their team members, perhaps for the first time, and partners can see how changes they’ve made are being received by others. Zimba stresses that the survey results should be part of a longterm strategy, but should never be used in a punitive way.
Over the last few years, these upward evaluation surveys have become an
Since ARB and Zimba have used these CPAmerica surveys for multiple years, setting them up each year is a seamless process. Zimba said that after contacting CPAmerica and arranging a call with the member services manager, they can hammer out the survey logistics in about two hours.
“Having someone else manage the process from start to finish, just saves me a lot of time. Since we don’t have a ton of operational people and the survey would need to be administered by someone at a higher level, you just need someone who’s going be confidential to administer it, and using CPAmerica for that functionality really does help,” said Zimba.
If you’re interested in learning more about Albin, Randall & Bennett’s upward evaluation survey experience, please contact Dawn Zimba at DZimba@arbcpa.com.
To get started with CPAmerica surveys, please contact Haley Wilson at hwilson@cpamerica.org.
Dawn Zimba
Interview with Dawn Zimba, Albin Randall & Bennett
Preferred Provider Spotlight ACPEN
The Accounting Continuing Professional Education Network (ACPEN) is the largest CPE network in the United States, and is sponsored by over 40 state CPA societies. Their goal is to provide accounting and tax continuing education to every CPA, whether in public practice or in industry, in the most
CPAmerica and ACPEN partner to offer members 25% off courses that include technical topics such as, accounting and auditing, such as, industry specific accounting, management, leadership, and personal development courses.
Additionally, ACPEN offers a full range of production and webcasting capabilities. ACPEN helps firms, companies and
For more information, please visit www.acpen.com or email anne.taylor@acpen.com
To purchase ACPEN courses, visit catalog.acpen.com and use discount code CPAMERICA25 at checkout.
Thank you to our annual partner!
Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals turn a complex process into a refreshingly straightforward cash-generating experience
Tri-Merit is the preferred choice for many CPAmerica members who are looking for ways to help U.S.-based taxpayers generate cash for their business while reinforcing the CPA’s role as their most trusted advisor. They support CPAs, CFOs, and owners of small-to-mid-size businesses by serving as an extension of their advisory team to lessen the tax burden and increase cash flow.
When it comes to outsourcing, you want a partner who is flexible and will work with you the way you want to work. You want a partner who has the technical expertise to identify all the opportunities available to your clients. You want a partner who honors their relationship with you and keeps the lines of communication open throughout the process. You want a
For more information, please contact Randy.Crabtree@tri-merit.com or visit www.tri-merit.com.
Upcoming Event Dates
Scan this QR code for complete event information, a full list of events and to complete your registration.
Basu, Sage Policy Group | Juan Carlos Lara, Crowe Global | Harrison Schofill, CPAmerica
Acquavella, Chiarelli, Shuster, LLP, Spiegel Accountancy Corp. and Cathedral Accountancy LLP, announce merger into a new company
The New Jersey-based firm of AcquAvellA, chiArelli, ShuSter, llP, and the northern California-based firms of Spiegel Accountancy Corp. and Cathedral Accountancy LLP, have merged their practices into a new firm: cAthedrAl cPAS & AdviSorS, llP (Cathedral). The formation of Cathedral represents the collective vision of its founders to bring together their highly reputable firms to establish and build a leading, nationally recognized CPA and advisory firm specializing in the financial services industry. Led by distinguished, industry-seasoned professionals, Cathedral’s objective is simple: provide client-centric solutions that turn challenges into successes— solutions redefined. They provide strategic advice using superior accounting, advisory, and tax solutions to financial services companies, including banks, credit unions, mortgage banking companies, fintech, and other specialty finance, real estate, and investment companies. For their people, they provide a welcoming and inclusive culture where future public accounting and advisory business leaders can develop and thrive.
HarperWhitfield, P.C. names two new partners
Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, CPAs, P.C. names three new partners
Joseph Watroba, CPA, Timothy S. Raczynski, CPA, and Denise Lurenz, CPA, have recently been named Partners for teAl, Becker & chiArAmonte, cPAS, P.c (TBC).
Watroba joined in 2018, while Raczynski joined in 2016, and Lurenz joined in 2009. Watroba provides accounting, auditing, and tax services to businesses and individuals. He works with different commercial entities including real estate, construction, and professional services. Raczynski provides accounting and auditing services to businesses. He works with different commercial entities including retail and real estate. Lurenz provides accounting and auditing services to businesses and individuals, focusing primarily on clients in the construction industry, as well as specializing in Employee Benefit Plan audits. Serving thousands of clients, TBC excels in areas such as accounting, auditing, tax, advisory services, trusts and estates, business advisory, and pension services.
company’s history is both a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. We are excited to build upon our strong foundation and drive future growth, innovation, and success for DMJPS and our valued clients.” said Drew Haddock. “Our specialized knowledge ensures a future-focused, proactive, and thoughtful approach as the firm strives to Be Greater.”
Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, P.C. announces annual promotions
WAll, einhorn & chernitzer, P.c (WEC), a prominent Norfolk-based firm, is pleased to announce the promotions of four employees. Angela Kerns, CPA, HCCP, leads the firm as managing shareholder. Hannah Loupos has been promoted to tax supervisor. Iman Calloway has been promoted to tax senior. Rice Van Coutren has been promoted to audit senior. Stephen Magyar has been promoted to tax senior. “It has been a privilege to witness the remarkable progress and contributions of our talented team,” said Kerns. “Each of these individuals began as interns and has really shown dedication and a strong commitment to our firm’s values. They’ve brought expertise across different areas, showing professionalism and passion. As they move forward in their careers, we’re excited to see how they continue to grow and positively impact our firm and our clients.”
Whalen CPAs welcomes three new team members
DMJPS CPAs + Advisors unveils leadership transition
hArPerWhitfield P.c , a certified public accounting firm with offices in Farmington and Weatogue (Simsbury), CT, has named Joshua R. “Josh” Pedersen, CPA, CGMA, MBA, and Beth A. Thurz, CPA, as partners in the firm. “We are thrilled to announce the advancement of Josh and Beth to partnership in our firm,” said Todd Shelansky, CPA, managing partner of HarperWhitfield, P.C. “Their expertise, dedication, and leadership has been instrumental in providing exceptional service to our clients. We are confident that their continued contributions will drive our success and growth even further,” he added. Pedersen joined HarperWhitfield in 2000 as a staff accountant. He was subsequently promoted to manager, and then to director in 2023. Thurz joined HarperWhitfield in 2019 as a director.
dmJPS Pllc, a Top 200 U.S. CPA and accounting firm based in North Carolina, proudly announces the appointment of Drew Haddock and Mike Gillis as Co-CEOs, effective November 1, 2024. They will jointly serve as Co-CEOs for a one-year period, after which Haddock will assume the position of CEO. Gillis will maintain his full-time role as partner focusing on the firm’s strategic planning, growth initiatives, and client services. After 26 years of leadership by Gillis, the transition to Haddock as CEO ensures the firm’s dedication to excellence in client service and its commitment to its core values; it’s people, clients, and communities. “Assuming the role of CEO at such a pivotal time in our
WhAlen cPAS is thrilled to announce that three new professionals have joined their team. Michael Merna joins as the director of tax services. With over 30 years of experience in financial reporting, tax planning, and staff development, Merna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm. Rylee Tanner has joined as the administrative assistant in Tax Services. Brody Hanna, a specialist in the Audit Department, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for accounting to their firm.
Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. announces new team members
meyerS BrotherS kAlickA, P.c., is proud to announce two new hires. Allison Gaynor joins the firm as administrative assistant, and Jalaysia Isaac, joins as A&A associate. Gaynor has more than 30 years of experience in the administrative world. Isaac brings her fresh perspective and believes in customer service starts with listening to the client’s needs.
Joseph Watroba
Timothy Raczynski
Denise Lurenz
Joshua Pedersen
Drew Haddock
Beth Thurz
Mike Gillis
Reflections and Progress: A Year of Evolution and Strategic Initatives
Hard to believe it’s October! We just wrapped up another successful week of meetings centered around firm leadership in historic Boston. Five groups met this week, beginning with the Major Firm Group, followed by New Leading Partners, Large Firms, the Leading Partners Retreat, and Firm Management Roundtable. Each meeting is designed to support member relationships, learning not only from the country’s best experts but from each other. We also conduct the business meeting of the association where updates are provided to the members on what the association is doing to support them and the organization’s mission. Our transparency is one of our greatest strengths that fosters the trust of the membership, allowing staff to fulfill their expectations.
Grace Horvath, President & CEO
for a variety of reasons. The program was established over 30 years ago to let CPAmerica firms “sponsor” smaller, local firms for referral opportunities and to provide a “courtship” period for potential acquisition targets. The sponsorship model has proven difficult to maintain, but CPAConnect has continued with a strong, loyal core group who, like CPAmerica firms, highly value their relationships and sharing. The market tells us there is a clear need for this alliance and we have hired a full-time Director of CPAConnect to exclusively support those 145+ firms and enhance the value of their programs.
The third and fourth goals are highly intertwined and institutionalized in our activities to retain the value of membership. We are continuing to engage more deeply with firms, especially beyond the leading partner, and we are remaining focused on growing membership quality and reach. Some ways we are tackling those goals are:
the affiliation of the large firms to follow by example and to expand client services capabilities. You all know the importance of being able to share with firms of your own size, too. Regardless of size, no firm will remain in the association if they are only giving and not getting.
We continue to assess how we make sure our programs serve the varying needs of each firm. Not a day goes by that we don’t consider PE and M&A and what your firms need to do to remain independent and avoid being on the acquired end of a transaction where you relinquish control. We are collaborating with experts in those fields to understand how we support the independence and profitability of your firms regardless of your chosen business model.
This year, we provided an update on our progress on the 2024 Bold Four Steps conceived at the annual update to our strategic plan. Everyone agrees that 2023 was a dynamic year. We invested in a more modern, optimistic brand that positioned us boldly as leaders in the field. We invested in technology meant to support deeper member engagement and create more value for firms. And we did a lot of housekeeping in a tough regulatory environment to protect member firms’ independence and their ability to improve through sharing. The 2024 goals were established to ensure internal refinement of processes and follow-through on those investments.
First, developing AI resources made the top of the list. An AI community was established in the Center of Excellence where questions, content, and discussions have been taking place throughout the year. We have developed new relationships with AI experts to incorporate education into every meeting this year. We’ve met with outside parties who are working with firms to develop and implement AI-driven solutions. And coming this year will be the opportunity to participate in AI bootcamps led by Crowe Global.
Second, we assessed our companion alliance, CPAConnect, and determined to increase resources to the program
• Conducting 21 Visitation Improvement Programs (VIPs) that achieve the goal of strengthening your relationships with each other and resulting in actionable advice to help you continuously improve.
• Quarterly Practice Improvement Circle (PIC) calls are taking place for the leading partners, as well as HR, Tax, and CAS professionals.
• Staff training is providing your young professionals with important technical training, but as important, it is helping a new generation build relationships with their peers and inspiring them about their profession!
• Participation continues to grow at live events where agendas have avoided overlapping topics, giving compelling reasons for more people to attend.
• Four new firms attended in Boston and joined us in hosting three prospective new member firms.
Retaining our largest firms is a priority that affects every CPAmerica firm. A Major Firm Group was formed consisting of Top 200 firms as identified by IPA. They will have the opportunity to meet on their own where they relate on issues shared by very large firms. Firms of all sizes need
Our board of directors will meet in November to establish our 2025 goals as we come into the final year of our plan. Based on the momentum we have sustained, I’ll be excited to report back to you on what we come up with!
2024 Leading Partners Retreat & Firm Management Roundtable
September 24-27 | Boston, Massachusetts | The Intercontinental Hotel
Tuesday, September 24, marked the beginning of the annual Leading Partners Retreat (LPR) and Firm Management Roundtable (FMR) at The Intercontinental Hotel along the iconic Boston Harbor. Historic elegance meets modern luxury and waterfront views, The Intercontinental Boston provided the perfect environment for our members to network, learn together and collaborate.
After a welcome message and update on the association from CPAmerica President & CEO, Grace Horvath, Dr. Anirban Basu (Sage Policy Group) shared the informative The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Economic Update. After a networking break and visit with our amazing sponsors, Scott Klososky (Future Point of View) dove into Artificial Intelligence‘s (AI) Impact on the Accounting Profession. Klososky then continued the conversation with the Not Your Average Technology Panel Discussion. The group wrapped a productive day with member sharing by firm size and a Connection Reception before an evening of exploring Boston.
Day two started strong with yoga with Amy Vetter (The B3 Method Institute) and optional business before hours sessions on various topics, including private equity and M&A. Vetter then kicked off the day with thought-provoking session Disconnect to Connect Jeremy Clopton (Upstream Academy) explored consulting with To Consult or To Advise - That is the Question. After a collaborative lunch, Charles Hylan (The Growth Partnership) led a deep dive into the Practice Management Survey and presented key insights. That evening, attendees visited The Envoy Hotel for a special event filled with delicious food, networking and fun, alongside Boston’s best skyline.
The last day of the meeting began with more business before hours sessions, before the highly anticipated State of the Profession presented by Barry Melancon (AICPA). After a networking break, attendees learned more about Leveraging Our Strategic Relationships with Crowe during the panel discussion featuring Kamel Abouchacra (Crowe Global), Mark Baer (Crowe LLP), Gary Anglin (Anglin Reichmann Armstrong), and Nick Bruner (Rushton), facilitated by Horvath. After more member sharing by topic, the meeting closed out with a Monday Morning Game Plan with attendees sharing their biggest takeaways they will work on in their firms.
Dr. Anirban Basu (Sage Policy Group) opening the first day of the meeting
(L to R) A.J. Schiavone (Crowe LLP), John Baillie (Crowe Global), Denise Batac (Crowe Soberman), Kamel Abouchacra (Crowe Global), Juan Carlos Lara (Crowe Global), Filipa Correia (Crowe Global) and Adam Scherer (Crowe Soberman)
(L to R) Blake Johnson (Cooper Norman), Blake Isobe (N&K CPAs), Victor Ramsauer (LevitZacks), John Lauseng (Aldrich Group), Clint Tavenner (Cooper Norman), Kayla Kanetake (N&K CPAs), Dwayne Takeno (N&K CPAs) and Remington Hodson (Cooper Norman)
Firm Management Roundtable topics important to your firm
In addition to several joint sessions with LPR, the Firm Management Roundtable (FMR) group had sessions specifically related to those in the role of firm administration, HR and COOs. The first meeting day included two member sharing breakouts, Best Practices Implemented at your Firm and Leadership and Training, led by Erin Raukar (Cummings Keegan & Co.) and Jen Hadde (Whalen CPAs), and Jennifer Steif (Sol Schwartz & Associates) and Amy Maule (Williams & Co.), respectively. After some free time, the group rejoined the leading partners for the Connection Reception before an evening of exploring Boston.
Attendees enjoyed the morning yoga session before heading into optional business before hours sessions on a variety of topics. Amy Vetter (The B3 Method Institute) continued with the FMR-exclusive session, Work-Life Harmony and Transformation is Possible in Your Organization. After a networking lunch, the group continued in the afternoon with Running the Firm of the Future led by Jeremy Clopton (Upstream Academy). Charles Hylan (The Growth Partnership) closed out the afternoon with FMR-specific information about the Practice Management Survey. Attendees ended a full day at The Envoy Hotel for the evening’s special event.
The last day of the meeting began with more optional business before hours sessions. The group continued with the engaging Anything Goes Member Sharing, facilitated by Galen Broderick (Barnard Vogler & Co.) and Julie Vargo (Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, PC). The meeting closed out with a Monday Morning Game Plan with attendees sharing their biggest takeaways they will work on in their firms.
Scan the QR codes below for more information and to register Tax Conference November 10-13
El Conquistador Resort Fajardo, Puerto Rico
International Group Meeting
December 3-6
The W Hotel
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Thank you to our 2024 LPR and FMR co-chairs!
CPAmerica’s annual Leading Partners Retreat is the association’s flagship event. Our members play a key role in the success of the event, and having co-chairs with the expertise and perspective is crucial in the planning process.
(L to R) Debbie Weidner (Wallace, Plese + Dreher LLP), Cindy Wubben (MHCS PC), Lori Zahm (Frankel) and Tina Moore (Pease Bell CPAs, LLC)
Thank you to our 2024 LPR chair, Jason Pease (Robinson Grimes & Company)! Thank you to our 2024 FMR co-chairs, Anita Atkinson (Kassouf & Co.) and Ellen Rusco (Brickley DeLong)!
The 2025 LPR co-chairs will be Deborah Sundermann (Cg Tax, Audit & Advisory) and Blake Johnson (Cooper Norman).
The 2025 FMR co-chairs will be Galen Broderick (Barnard Vogler & Co.) and Jennifer Stief (Sol Schwartz & Associates).
Save the date for the 2025 LPR / FMR, September 16-19, at the The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa, California
Grace Horvath (right) with LPR chair, Jason Pease
Grace Horvath (center) with FMR co-chairs, Ellen Rusco (left) and Anita Atkinson (right)