This electronic newsletter is prepared especially for public practitioners and is sent bimonthly to members of the (Name of State CPA Society). This e-newsletter features regular commentary from Bill Reeb, a CPA firm consultant based in Austin, Texas.

From the BILLiverse
In the fourth installment of his series on partner roles and responsibilities, Bill Reeb explores rainmaking skills and bringing new business to the firm. Reeb examines referrals as a new business builder, the various models for balancing the number of rainmaking partners and technical ones, and how marketing comes into the mix. If your firm follows a business model where only one or two partners are devoted to bringing in business and you want to grow your firm, this issue’s commentary is a must-read for you! With his trademark wit, Reeb weaves the lessons learned from the first three articles into this final culmination on partner roles and responsibilities.
Read the Commentary

Read Reeb’s Articles from Previous Issues

Did You Know?
Prepaid IRS Audit Fee Programs
Give your clients a value-added service during tax season by offering them a prepaid Internal Revenue Service audit fee program. This engagement letter template gives you a good start for outlining the definition of an audit, your representation agreement and obligations to be fulfilled by your client.
Download a Sample Sales Pitch and Engagement Letter

Ready, Set, Grow: CPA Firm Strategic Outlook in 2007
You probably want to grow your firm, right? Growth can be a very good thing, as long as you’re ready for it. With many CPA firms predicting to grow at least 10 percent in 2007, now is the time to devise a game plan for managing growth. This article from the Institute of Management and Administration’s (IOMA) March 2007 Partner’s Report for CPA Firm Owners focuses on changing expectations, how firms are growing, and funding new initiatives.
Read the IOMA Article

What is Your Story?
Are you a storyteller? Don’t worry. You don’t have to tell long fascinating tales by the campfire or anything. But to be a good marketer for your practice, you need to tell your CPA firm’s “story.” Brand development is far more than logos and taglines; you must be able to write and share your story. This article by ConvergenceCoaching covers what you need to get started.
Read the Article

AICPA Survey Ranks Top Technologies for 2007
For the fifth straight year, information security was identified as the technology initiative expected to have the greatest impact over the coming months in the American Institute of CPAs’ (AICPA) annual survey of top technology initiatives. Coming in second on the top technologies list was a related initiative, identity and access management. Conforming to assurance and compliance standards, privacy management and disaster recovery planning/business continuity management rounded out the top five. Stay abreast of the latest technology issues by checking out AICPA’s top 10 technologies for 2007.
See the List of Top 10 Technologies (PDF)

Specialization: Is There a Credential in Your Future?
Today, CPAs do a lot in addition to the profession’s traditional roles of audit and attestation. With tax, financial services, management advisory services, bookkeeping, payroll, technology, business valuation, and more, CPAs wear many hats. If you specialize in a particular service area, consider obtaining a credential to demonstrate your mastery of that defined body of knowledge. This article makes a strong case for specialty credentials.
Read the Article (PDF)

Survey: Retirement Tops Consumers’ Financial Concerns
Retirement is the number one personal financial planning concern, regardless of age, according to an informal survey of CPAs at the AICPA 2007 Personal Financial Planning Conference. Surprisingly, it is a major concern for career builders — those 25 to 34 years of age — with the more immediate pressures of education, home buying and debt management following close behind.
Get the Details (PDF)