Most CPAs are abundantly aware of the challenges facing the accounting profession today. You can't attend a professional meeting without a discussion about increased regulations, attraction and retention of talent, succession, accountability, and the need for change in the business model. While the order of priority may vary from small to large firms, all of the above issues are impacting merger activity and demand for new services and, many would say, are disrupting our profession like they have never seen before. What is causing this disruption and how the profession takes advantage and turns the challenges into opportunities is certainly a matter of opinion. These are difficult challenges, especially in a profession that has focused primarily on accuracy and hindsight. But the world is changing and clients are asking CPAs for services that are more advisory, services that focus more on insight and foresight. Hindsight, insight and foresight are all necessary for innovation. You probably have noticed that I have not yet mentioned technology. I have done this for two reasons. First, many of the merging firms don't even consider technology until after the deals are consummated. Second, technology is the accelerator.
展开▼
