The case against CPA licenses (yes, really)
Plus: Grads skipping Big Four | Coaching tips for firm leaders
Today's newsletter is like an end-of-summer potluck: we're serving up a little bit of everything. We've got a talent crunch that might actually be a blessing, mindset tips to make work life less brutal and why skipping the Big Four could give new grads a bigger leg up.
But before you dig in, check out what inspired this thriving Texas accountant to become a baby fashion designer in order to lean into her creative side.
Busy season blessings: Could talent shortages and tight deadlines actually create opportunity?
Mindset matters: These simple habits make work life less brutal.
Small firm = big growth: For new grads, skipping the Big Four builds real skills.
Practice pays: Real client exposure beats endless study sessions in your L&D program.
Firms grow revenue as salaries keep climbing
The AICPA's 2025 National MAP Survey shows accounting firms are still on a growth streak, though at a slightly slower pace than recent years. Firms reported a median 6.7% increase in revenue, with audit, tax and client advisory services leading the charge.
Partners saw profits climb nearly 12% while staff at all levels enjoyed noticeable pay bumps. New grads with bachelor's degrees are now starting at around $61K, and those with master's degrees are closer to $68k. Firms are also eyeing AI, fixed-fee billing and tech-enabled services to keep the momentum going.
Why this matters: Growth is good news, but rising salaries and client expectations mean firms need sharper strategies than ever to stay competitive. (AICPA & CIMA)
Bears, broadcasts and balance sheets
What do accountants and NFL broadcasters have in common? More than you'd guess. On "The Unique CPA Podcast," host Randy Crabtree, CPA, kicks off football season with Jeff Joniak, the legendary voice of the Chicago Bears. Their conversation blends locker-room storytelling with practical lessons on preparation, pressure and the power of finding your voice. Joniak shares what he's learned from 25 seasons behind the mic and why effective storytelling is just as critical for accountants as it is for sportscasters.
Why this matters: Because whether you're calling plays on Sunday or explaining tax strategy on Tuesday, it's not just what you say, it's how you say it. (The Unique CPA Podcast)
46%
The amount of Gen Z workers who have dipped into their retirement accounts. (Money Wise)
- Trump's tips tax break now stretches to 68 job categories
- ACA premium credits will vanish soon and could leave clients scrambling
- Staff following dress code literally sparks HR response
- Bad charts can sink smart accountants faster than bad math
- Young accountants think they're ready, but their managers say otherwise
CPAs without licenses: Brilliant idea or professional bootlegging?
Licensure has long been the foundation of the CPA profession, but what if it's holding accountants back? In a provocative episode of the "CPA Trendlines Podcast, "hosts Donny Shimamoto and Byron Patrick sit down with Ron Baker to ask whether CPA licensure actually protects the public or simply creates barriers to entry. Baker traces the history of licensure, points to inequities it creates and argues certification—not licensure—could be the better safeguard. Shimamoto and Patrick don't shy away from tough questions, like how to balance public protection with widening the pipeline, but they agree the status quo isn't working.
Why this matters: If licensure blocks diversity, innovation and the CPA pipeline, accountants can't just shrug and move on. Whether or not you agree with Baker's radical solution, the conversation forces firm leaders to confront the uncomfortable question of whether clinging to tradition is costing the profession its future. (CPA Trendlines Podcast)
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The Net Gains is curated and written by Janet Berry-Johnson and edited by Bianca Prieto.