Client Advisory Services (CAS) has become one of the most profitable and in-demand service lines in accounting, with revenues surging 17% in two years. Amy Bridges, Senior Manager of Practice Development at CPA.com, unpacks key findings from the latest CAS Benchmark Survey, revealing how top firms achieve $250,000 in median net client fees per professional and why 90% have moved away from hourly billing. From pricing strategies to scaling advisory services, this conversation offers actionable insights for firms looking to maximize CAS growth.

Resources:

• CPA.com’s 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey
• Amy Bridges, LinkedIn Profile

Maryland's General Assembly is in session, facing a significant budget deficit. In this episode, State Senator Brian Feldman, CPA, breaks down the tough decisions ahead, including the potential taxation of professional services. He emphasizes why legislative advocacy is crucial for CPAs, who can influence tax policy and business decisions. Senator Feldman also explains how Maryland’s legislative process is accessible, offering CPAs a chance to make a real impact. We also discuss how Maryland’s economic, energy, and environmental policies will shape the future, making it vital for CPAs to be involved.

Resources:

• Brian J. Feldman, Maryland State Senator
• MACPA's annual CPA Day in Annapolis
• MACPA editorial, "Fiscal concerns dominate Maryland's 2025 legislative session", by Bill Sheridan

What’s next for CPAs after the election? I sit down with Lauren Pfingstag Vahey, AICPA’s Director of Congressional and Political Affairs, to explore the impact of a new president and Congress on the profession. We discuss the future of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, potential new tax legislation, and the recent IRS funding boost from the Inflation Reduction Act. Lauren also shares insights on the possible restructuring of the PCAOB under SEC oversight and offers advice on how CPAs can stay actively engaged in legislative advocacy. Tune in to this essential conversation to navigate the evolving political and regulatory landscape.

Resources

• Lauren Pfingstag Vahey LinkedIn Profile
• AICPA Congressional and Political Affairs Team

AI is the new social media—exciting, risky, and in need of guardrails. In this episode, we explore what makes a good AI policy and how to navigate the powerful tools reshaping our world. From confidentiality to data reliability, we cover key considerations for using AI responsibly.

Joining the conversation is digital strategist Maddie Grant from Propel. She shares insights on crafting effective AI policies, testing their strength, and understanding where we stand in this fast-moving AI era. Tune in for essential guidance on shaping AI policies that protect and empower your organization.

Resources

• Maddie Grant, Culture Designer & Digital Strategist at Propel
• Journey of Accountancy article, "Generative AI and risks to CPA firms" by Sarah Beckett Ference, CPA

In this episode, we explore how your business model might be evolving, whether you realize it or not. Technology, demographics, and regulation are driving change across industries, and for business and CPA firm leaders, the big question is: how do we stay relevant?

I’m joined by Lisa Simpson, VP of Firm Services at the AICPA, to discuss the "Transforming Your Business Model" initiative, launched by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS). This project helps firms identify outdated aspects of their business model and offers solutions across five key areas: governance, strategy, service offerings, talent, and technology. We take a deeper look at how this transformation can shape the future of your firm.

Resources:

• Lisa Simpson, VP of Firm Services, AICPA LinkedIn Profile
• Transforming Your Business Model by AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS)

In this episode, we tackle the talent puzzle and discuss steps to secure the future of the accounting profession. I sit down with Lexy Kessler, Vice Chairman of AICPA and Mid-Atlantic Managing Partner at Aprio and member of the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG), to dive into the finalized "Accounting Talent Strategy Report" and its bold solutions to the profession’s talent challenges. Lexy shares insights on how the report’s key themes have been well-received, and we explore trends like three-year bachelor's programs and shifting education preferences.

We also break down the report’s six recommendations, from retooling education to evolving business models. Lexy also speaks to the importance of collaboration and grassroots efforts like the National Pipeline Pledge.

Tune in to hear our full conversation about this report and it's implications for the future of our profession.

Resources

• NPAG’s Accounting Talent Strategy Report 
• Lexy Kessler CPA, CGMA
• Proposed “CPA Competency-Based Experience Pathway” from AICPA and NASBA
• National Pipeline Pledge

In this episode, we discuss the need to change the narrative around what it truly means to be a CPA.

I’m joined by Carla McCall, the 2024-25 Chair of the AICPA, to explore how the accounting profession can attract new talent by focusing on purpose and passion rather than just tasks and hours. By highlighting the “why” behind accounting—what makes it exciting, meaningful, and impactful—we can inspire the next generation to see the true value of a career in this field.

Carla’s views perfectly align with the MACPA’s “Purpose of a CPA” campaign, which encourages CPAs to share their personal stories and what drives them. We also discuss her plans for the year, insights on the industry’s future, and her leadership approach. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with a leader committed to showcasing the true purpose and value of the CPA profession.

Resources:

• Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, Managing Partner at AAFCPAs
• Journal of Accountancy article, "New AICPA chair: ‘We need to promote the cool work we do", by Mari Sagedal
• MACPA's Purpose of a CPA: Share Your Why

This week, we're tackling a challenging yet crucial topic: when and how to fire a client. Some clients can end up costing more in time, effort, and frustration than the value they provide. Letting them go can sometimes be the best decision for your business. However, this process is not to be taken lightly—there are numerous pitfalls to avoid and best practices to follow. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources to make it easier.

Joining me this week is Robert Albertini, an account manager at Aon, which has been a longtime partner of MACPA. With over 25 years of industry experience, particularly in professional liability, Robert will share his insights and expertise on managing client relationships and knowing when it’s time to part ways.

Resources:

• MACPA Preferred Providers
• Robert Albertini LinkedIn Profile
• Aon partner landing page

In this episode, we honor the remarkable career of Alvin Katz, Co-Founder & Director of KatzAbosch, a firm he helped build from the ground up in 1969 into one of the largest CPA and business consulting organizations in the Mid-Atlantic. As Alvin retires after 55 years at the helm, he shares his journey, the evolution of the profession, and the lasting impact of KatzAbosch on the Maryland community. Join us for an insightful conversation on building a lasting firm, embracing change, and the future of accounting and finance.

Resources

• Alvin Katz, Co-Founder & Director of KatzAbosch
• Alvin Katz LinkedIn Profile

This week's episode is about TRUST. We must rely on trust as we navigate change.

Our guest is Barry Melancon, who will be retiring as long-time President and CEO of AICPA as of December 31, 2024. Barry has been the "face" of the profession for decades.

This transition is another example of great change in our profession. Since Barry has been leading change, and has been teaching our profession to navigate shifts, we are all better prepared even for this particular moment in our profession.

Join us as we talk about the state of the profession, what's next for CPAs, and what's next for Barry himself.

A true visionary and thought leader, Barry gives us his wisdom on trust, change, and the future.

Resources

• Preferred Providers: macpa.org
• AICPA& CIMA: aicpa-cima.com
• Barry Maloncon on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/barry-melancon-cpa-cgma/

This week, we're diving back into the world of AI to uncover some practical ways this technology can take over tasks that are consuming too much of your time. At a recent MACPA Town Hall, 64% of accounting professionals admitted they haven't tried generative AI tools. Many might think they're not using AI at all, but the reality is they're likely interacting with it daily through virtual assistants, shopping recommendations, music playlists, facial recognition, and more.

To help us embrace AI more actively, we speak with Ashley Francis, a seasoned CPA, Microsoft MVP, featured speaker, and passionate AI advocate. Ashley provides insights and tips on seamlessly incorporating AI tools into your daily workflow. Through her newsletter and series of classes, "Kitchen Table Automations", she simplifies the integration of AI, making it more accessible and user-friendly for accounting professionals.

Listen to gain some practical, actionable advice to harness AI in your professional life.

Resources

• Harvard Business Review article, "How People Are Really Using GenAI" by Marc Zao-Sanders
• Mashable article, "I spent a week using AI tools in my daily life. Here's how it went." by Cecily Mauran
• Ashley Francis, CPA: LinkedIn Profile
• The Francis Group, PLLC
• Kitchen Table Automations Newsletter