A faster path to firm ownership

Let's explore multiple ways to grow an accounting firm without relying solely on a larger headcount. From high-value subscription services to fractional consulting, there’s more than one path to successful entrepreneurship within the industry. In this week's newsletter we also take a peek at corporate accounting challenges thanks to the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and the state of private equity at the end of 2025. 

And speaking of corporate accounting, check out this take from Michael Burry on how some Silicon Valley giants may be downplaying AI costs with some questionable depreciation tactics. 

CPA subscription service: How accounting firms can leverage digital platforms to offer ongoing, high-value services

Missed call metrics: Why you should avoid sending client calls to voicemail (and who should pick up instead).

Rethinking resumes: Employers’ artificial barriers to employment are exacerbating the world’s labor shortage

Stress check: Incorporate emotional intelligence into client conversations to pay attention and ask the right questions before jumping into a solution

Grow right: Four actions of forward-thinking firms (that don’t involve adding headcount)

Business building in a fraction of the time

Accountants are increasingly valuing flexibility in their careers, whether as a firm owner or senior-level employee. Becoming a fractional professional allows you to work the hours you want while providing businesses with financial leadership that doesn’t require a full-time hire. Whether you want to serve as a part-time CFO or controller, you can choose how many clients to juggle and what that retainer looks like. 

Why this matters: Instead of choosing between full-time employment and launching your own CPA firm, a fractional business model gives you the best of both worlds: keeping a flexible schedule while diversifying risk with multiple clients. (CPA Practice Advisor)

Leveling up with super-consultants

AI may be shifting workforce needs, but Richard Lynch, CPA, managing partner at Sikich, argues that’s a good thing. The next generation of entry-level accountants can leverage AI to increase the amount of work they complete, while simultaneously learning how to execute higher-level tasks. By bringing them into more complex situations earlier in their career, you can develop specialized employees at a much faster pace. 

Why this matters: Labor shortages and AI implementation are often seen as challenges in the industry. But with the right mindset and development track for employees, you can use technology to maximize the impact and expertise of early-career professionals. (Inside Public Accounting)

68%

Percentage of small business owners describing their business health as good or excellent. (NFIB)

• Four-day work week doesn’t pay off for regional accounting firm
• Supreme Court tariff ruling throws corporate accountants a curveball
• Private equity deals reach $2.6 trillion in 2025, but the number of acquisitions drops 9%
• AI engineering and operational efficiency top LinkedIn’s “career currency” skills list

Why automation is the true MVP of AI

The real value of AI for accounting firms is in creating workflows that connect disparate systems. From client intake to document handling, these tasks often involve multiple requests for client information and missing data. AI tools can help create repeatable routines that remove the burden of chasing down details and logging client status. 

Why this matters: Incorporating AI doesn’t need to involve a huge rollout. Instead, choose a single workflow that requires multiple follow-ups and work towards automating those steps. Your team will not only thank you – they'll also be excited to move on to the next automation. (TechGuide)

The Net Gains is your one-stop shop for fresh, FREE accounting insights. You can reach the newsletter team at thenetgains@mynewsletter.co. We enjoy hearing from you.

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The Net Gains is curated and written by Janet Berry-Johnson and edited by Bianca Prieto.