Smart growth isn’t just adding more clients

Scaling your accounting or bookkeeping firm takes more than finding more clients. You also need to implement smart workflows and find the right people to grow alongside you. In this issue, we look at the industry’s latest hiring trends and explore how effective thought leadership is evolving as audience attention spans shorten.

But first, one more reason to watch the Big Game: the world’s most famous accountant from "The Office" returns to the small screen in a new ad. 

What employees want: Instead of guessing what benefits and perks your team prefers…maybe just ask? 

Finding the One: Skip the hunt for a unicorn. Here’s how to realistically choose your next hire 

Trend alert: CAS-heavy firms are cashing in this tax season thanks to higher fees 

Higher impact: Your latest whitepaper isn’t enough to woo your next client. Here’s how experiential thought leadership educates and engages your prospects

Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin accountant Joan Hudson passes away at 87 after decades of handling tour expenses and more

Your graduate recruitment strategy may need an upgrade

 AI may cause entry-level job opportunities to dwindle, yet accounting firms still struggle to maintain a pipeline of qualified talent. One solution? Up your recruitment game to attract upcoming graduates to your firm. Innovative strategies include offering scholarships and work opportunities to college students and connecting with potential employees on LinkedIn. 

Why this matters: As the industry’s hiring needs continue to shift, you’ll be well-positioned for those changes by attracting top-tier talent among recent graduates. (In The Black)

Refereeing the game of accountancy

Ethics is a non-negotiable in the accounting world, but it’s not always a priority for clients. Arun Mathur, founder of UltimQuest Knowledge, talks about rules enforcement on the Universal Accounting YouTube channel. He says that accountants are as important to their clients as referees are to the sports games they oversee. Without rule enforcement, no one would be interested in a football or soccer game. Similarly, accountants enforcing rules and standards keep companies in business. 

Why this matters: Even when policies are straightforward, it’s not uncommon to get pushback from clients. But accountants must be firm in the interpretation of those rules—even if it means losing a client. (Universal Accounting)

44%

The number of accountants disappointed with their tax software. (Capterra)

• Influencers tout tax protests (and CPAs cringe)
• President Trump files $10 billion IRS lawsuit
• More states advance legislation on CPA license reform
• AICPA: Please don’t shut down the IRS

Scale at the right pace

Knowing when to hire and which roles to focus on can be tricky—not to mention a huge waste of resources if you get it wrong. Financial Cents pulls back the curtain on how accounting firms should approach organizational structure based on size. 

Why this matters: The hiring needs of a solo practitioner will vary greatly from a firm with 30 employees. Identifying the biggest challenges of the stage you’re in takes the guesswork out of bringing in help. (Financial Cents)

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 Lauren Ward and edited by Bianca Prieto.