Ed Mendlowitz

This is my 312th weekly column. Once a week for six years!

Accounting firm owners and partners who did not get their own tax returns in on time face losing their licenses, being expelled from their professional societies, losing their livelihoods and possibly being imprisoned.

I’ve spent my career as an “expert generalist,” so when a book on the advantages of being a generalist was published, many friends called it to my attention and I read it.

Last Wednesday I spent the day in Manhattan and some things occurred that I would like to share here.

We need to be aware of things that we do that make others uncomfortable, especially women and members of minority groups.

Here are some suggestions on how to pull work out of tax season and push it into November and December to better handle the extra work.

Today there is considerable consternation that women and blacks are underrepresented in the partnership ranks of CPA firms.

A chief accountability officer can improve the functioning of accounting firms.

Uber passengers are asked to evaluate their ride as soon as they get out of the car, and the drivers are also asked to evaluate the riders immediately. This seems like it would be a good idea for accounting firms.

When a new book was recently published about internal controls, I wondered about its benefits or use.

Four recent actions gave me insights into the changing business models of the accounting business.

Things change, and change can be upsetting and unsettling.

Periodically I review what I and others have written, trying to get ideas to present to clients and to accounting firms I consult with.

I get a ton of interruptions; I figure it comes with the job. The issue is how I deal with them and which ones I have learned to ignore or pass over.

Many firms that have active mentoring programs do not provide the appropriate mentors.

I have spoken to and met with thousands of fellow accountants, and I truly believe many are underpricing their services.

Last month I gave one of the best continuing professional education programs I ever did about the worst topic ever.

This is the third year for my “field trip” to Manhattan with summer interns.

My previous column, “Female staff are smarter than male staff,” drew a lot of comments and emails indicating considerable interest in this topic. Hence, this additional column.

Why are there far fewer women partners than men partners in CPA firms?