Whether it’s from research reports, state and national CPA societies, or newly formed organizations, the bell of change is being tolled loud and clear…and often. So what’s with all the changemongering?
To be fair, the economic and technological environment is shifting as certainly as the earth is warming. But debating over how and why, or worse, getting worked up to the point of making poor decisions for your business or practice is not the answer.
Let’s face it, not every accounting firm is ready for the impending change and groups taking an “adapt or die” approach aren’t going to help matters any. It’s true: change is happening and likely faster than ever before. But no matter what anyone says, the accounting industry—for the most part—will do things at its own pace. More importantly, firms need to be smart about the changes they do make, not just change for the sake of change or out of fear.
For anyone interested in causing real change or assisting firms in what to do about competition, technology, or succession planning and the like, deliver a message of best practices rather than worst case scenarios.
This isn’t to say there aren’t firms that are already making choices to evolve their practices, be it through cloud or mobile technologies, hiring younger staff, or offering more than tax and audit work. Overall, change simply isn’t happening the way many are professing, and those who are doing the work need to get more collaborative.
That’s right: it’s not just about competition anymore, but sharing the wealth. If you have a positive experience with change, why not share it with your colleagues in a webinar or at the next local or state society juncture? I’m not saying give away all of your new-found secrets, but let’s be honest: the more firms that can learn from each other and see real-life scenarios of how change really does work (and what doesn’t), the fewer mistakes that will be made and the more the industry as a whole will progress.
I know, it’s just one man’s thinking over here, but I fail to see the good in proffering a message of doom over one of enlightenment. This is what really needs to change.
