12 2024 CPAmerica Advantage Newsletter

News from your accounting association

Strengthening Bonds: The Benefits of Community Involvement for Your Firm

This time of year, people are usually looking for ways to give back to their communities. For Kassouf & Co. (Kassouf), headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., community involvement is not exclusive to the end of the year and is one of the main pillars by which they run their firm.

December 2024 IN THIS ISSUE:

► Strengthening Bonds: The Benefits of Community Involvement for Your Firm

► Preferred Provider Spotlight - NMGI

► What’s Ahead for 2025 CPAmerica Sharing Call

► Member News

► CPAmerica Insights –Grace Horvath

Bridget O’Neal is a tax manager in the Business Services Group and has been with Kassouf for six years. O’Neal is also the chair of Kassouf’s Employee Engagement Group (EEG), planning activities for their more than 100 employees within offices and working remotely. In recent years, employee engagement has even become a chief part of their recruitment and retention strategies for the firm.

According to Kassouf’s website, they believe it is their social responsibility to help make Birmingham a better place to live – for everyone. Highlighting their commitment to important causes, the firm supports

a variety of organizations, including the American Heart Association, United Way of Central Alabama, Community Kitchens of Birmingham, Community Foodbank of Central Alabama, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham, Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Alabama, The Exceptional Foundation, Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation, The Foundry Ministries, and United Ability, among others.

Kassouf also often finds themselves on Accounting Today’s Best Firms to Work For, Business Alabama’s Best Companies to Work For in Alabama and more. From back-to-school supply drives to United Way fundraising campaigns and food drives to holiday gift wrapping, Kassouf’s EEG keeps their team members involved and connected.

“We get to know each other a bit during our client work and in our day-to-day interactions,” said O’Neal. “But when you really get to know somebody is during those times outside of the office, where you’re doing something different, and you have an opportunity to have those different conversations.”

Beyond the benefit of simply being involved in the community, O’Neal shared that they’ve been able to build camaraderie among team members and increase overall firm morale through their community involvement efforts.

“This week, we’ve been preparing gifts for our Angel Tree participation,” said O’Neal. “So we’ve had people sign up to wrap the gifts and there are people from all different groups coming and spending some time

together. Just having that opportunity to interact with people that maybe you don’t work with every day is a big factor.”

“And as far as morale goes, I think that the more connected people feel to the organization, the more people they feel like they know within the firm, the more plugged in they feel, and the happier they are to come into the office. They feel like they have friends, and friends beyond just the core group of people they work with every day,” continued O’Neal.

Kassouf finds it important to give back yearround, not just during the holiday season. There are many different organizations that Kassouf is involved with, and their leadership is always open to supporting causes personally important to employees, shared O’Neal.

“They usually choose causes that are important to team members at our firm,” said O’Neal. “For example, we’ve recently partnered with a group that works on prostate cancer awareness because a team member had a family member undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.”

Planning for these continuous opportunities

See Bonds, continued on page 2

Preferred Provider Spotlight Network Management Group Inc. (NMGI)

Network Management Group Inc. (NMGI) is a leading provider of consulting, technology solutions, systems, and related services to both the public and private sectors across the United States. With over 40 years of experience, they pride themselves on their expertise in accounting technology. Their team of professionals brings over 600 years of combined experience to every project.

NMGI specializes in private cloud network implementation and proactive managed IT services, tailored specifically for public practice CPA firms.

NMGI is a professional service

Thank you to our annual partner!

Network Management Group Inc. (NMGI) is a leading provider of consulting, technology solutions, systems, and related services to both the public and private sectors across the United States.

NMGI offers comprehensive evaluations of a wide variety of system configurations, ensuring tailored solutions for your needs. With a team of certified experts in CISSP, Microsoft, HP, SonicWall, and VMware, NMGI delivers top-tier support and services. NMGI hosts over 500 CPE seminar sessions annually across more than 40 states, helping professionals stay current with the latest technology trends and earn valuable CPE credits to advance their careers.

For more information, please contact randyj@nmgi.com or visit www.nmgi.com.

firm offering a broad range of technology and management services to clients nationwide. They provide expert solutions in hardware services, IT support, managed services, network services, and security. Specializing in accounting technologies— including hardware, software, and CPE training—NMGI is dedicated to helping finance and accounting professionals thrive.

CPAmerica and NMGI have partnered to offer a discounted rate for a technology assessment of your firm, access to NMGI’s support system, and the expertise of their staff via email, along with preferred rates for partner consulting and technician support.

For more information, please contact randyj@nmgi.com or visit www.nmgi.com.

Continued from Bonds, on page 1

for team members to give back takes time and effort, so O’Neal works with a committee of about seven employees with different experience levels and from different departments. This group meets quarterly to plan out the next quarter.

The EEG usually sticks to the format of planning some kind of social event during work hours, and then they always plan a happy hour after work as well. To engage remote employees, they usually will plan a virtual activity like an online quiz of baby photos and other fun games.

Tracking both Kassouf’s and the EEG’s success comes in multiple forms. While they do keep an eye on things like number of cans donated, dollars raised and participation in their Angel Tree sponsorship, O’Neal shared that the greatest benefit internally is the connections and relationships being built between team members across the firm. And then exceeding the fundraising goal for their United Way campaign is just icing on the cake.

Upcoming Event Dates

Scan this QR code for complete event information, a full list of events and to complete your registration.

For more information about Kassouf & Co.’s community involvement, please contact Bridget O’Neal at boneal@kassouf.com.

to help Spokane and Coeur d’Alene-area companies, owners, and employees meet their financial goals.” “Joining Aldrich will allow our team to deliver even more value to our clients, as well as create growth opportunities for our professionals,” said Kevin Sell, CEO, HMA. “Aldrich shares our entrepreneurial spirit, and we look forward to providing more services to our Spokane area clients through Aldrich CPA + Advisors, Aldrich Wealth, and Aldrich Capital Advisors.” With this transaction, Aldrich now has eight offices in the Western U.S. across Oregon, California, Colorado, Utah, and Washington.

THF proudly announces two new shareholders

ThomAs howell Ferguson P.A. cPAs, (THF) is pleased to announce the elevation of assurance services Catherine Stout, CPA, and tax services

its clients, and THF looks forward to their continued leadership in their new roles as

Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, CPAs, P.C. announces new

c , the largest CPA firm based in the Capital District, is pleased to announce the to the TBC team

Capital District since 1994. At TBC, his mission is to empower small businesses and individuals by providing exceptional tax and advisory services. Snyder goes beyond traditional accounting practices, partnering closely with clients to deliver customized solutions that address their specific needs. His passion for excellence and commitment to fostering financial success make him a trusted advisor, dedicated to helping his clients thrive.

Stephano Slack welcomes new talent to Audit & Accounting Department

Linda Long, Sarah Robertson and Ting Peterson have joined the firm as senior accountants. Long became a member of Barnard Vogler & Co. in 2023, assuming the role of senior accountant. She earned her Enrolled Agent designation in 2015. Before joining Barnard Vogler & Co., she spent several years with a local government agency in the finance department. Robertson works in financial statement audits for various industries and assists clients with both personal and business tax preparation. Robertson serves as the secretary for the Northern Nevada Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Peterson’s focus is on tax engagements for individuals with a high net worth, as well as corporations. She began her career at a big four accounting firm in Washington, D.C., before joining the Barnard Vogler & Co team.

DMJPS congratulates team member on AICPA award

Ying Wang, CPA, to shareholders. Stout joined THF in January 2015, specializes in assurance and accounting services across various industry sectors, including corporate insurance, government, and not-for-profit organizations. Wang has been providing tax services since 2003 and joined THF in December 2007. With expertise in individual and family business taxation, trusts, and estate planning, Wang serves a diverse clientele, including industries such as manufacturing and retail. THF is proud to recognize Stout and Wang for their contributions to the firm and

sTePhAno slAck, one of the region’s largest accounting firms offering traditional and specialty accounting services, along with tax planning and transaction advisory support, is thrilled to announce the addition of Louis Esposito, CPA, Chanthy Nunez, CPA, and Tom Bradley, CPA, to our Audit & Accounting (A&A) department. Their arrival marks a significant step forward in the firm’s presence and capabilities in the Greater Philadelphia region. Esposito and his team bring a wealth of experience and an entrepreneurial spirit that aligns perfectly with our firm’s culture. Their extensive expertise in SEC practice areas and complex accounting issues will enhance the capabilities of the A&A team and support the firm’s clients with comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving regulatory landscape. “We are excited to welcome Lou and his team to Stephano Slack,” said A&A Partner, Jim Forgione, CPA. “Their decision to join us is a testament to our strong commitment to growth and innovation in the Greater Philadelphia region, and we are confident that their contributions will help drive our continued success.”

Barnard Vogler & Co. announces three new employees

BArnArd Vogler & co has announced

dmJPs cPAs + AdVisors is thrilled to announce that Sara Maddox, ABV, AM, CVA, EA, a key member of the DMJPS Business Valuation Team, has been recognized with the prestigious Standing Ovation Award by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). The Standing Ovation Award celebrates finance professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate exceptional commitment and contributions in their field. Maddox’s dedication, skill, and client-centered approach have consistently distinguished her work at DMJPS. Her achievements reflect both her deep technical skills and a commitment to advancing the forensic accounting and valuation profession. “Sara’s recognition is a testament to her hard work, professionalism, and leadership in the field,” said Ben Hamrick, partner and director of Valuation Services at DMJPS. “This award highlights her impact and her dedication to both her clients and colleagues.”

AI Collaboration Program Coming in January

Grace Horvath, President & CEO

of Directors met last month for our annual strategic plan progress assessment and goal setting for the coming year, we decided we had fulfilled the goal to “develop AI resources” to the extent that it is now a regular consideration and not something exceptional. AI is an established category of support for our member firms with a prominent position in programs.

Keeping this momentum going, I am excited to announce this January we are launching an AI Collaboration Program working with the technology experts from boutique strategy firm, Future Point of View (FPOV). CEO and Founder, Scott Klososky, an AI expert and

the proficiency in AI among its members.” The aim is to leverage the power of collaboration for faster, more efficient innovation at a lower cost.

The AI Collaboration Program will kick off in early January with a one-hour town-hall-style virtual meeting. This meeting will explain the program and the expected outcome of the initiative to the firms. Two dates will be offered so firms who would like to learn more about this won’t miss out. Following this will be a brief survey of five questions or so designed by FPOV to gauge the experience level in AI and the interest from firms looking to collaborate. Following tax season, a two-hour roundtable collaboration session of member firms will take place. This ideation workshop will generate the information needed to develop a goforward strategy and plan for firms who wish to

What’s Ahead for 2025 - Your CPAmerica Benefits & Resources

Sharing Call

January 15, 2025 | 2-3pm ET

Start your year off right with CPAmerica! Join our 2025 CPAmerica Sharing Call to learn about upcoming events, webinars, Preferred Provider benefits and much more. You’ll hear from the CPAmerica team along with fellow members on these various CPAmerica resources.

Sharing Call Highlights Include:

• 2025 Conferences & Meetings

• Webinars

• LMS powered by LCvista

• Center of

• And more!

investment for the consultation workshop with FPOV. This gives all member firms the opportunity to expand their knowledge and figure out if they would like to explore the potential for working together on a shared solution. Firms that decide to proceed will collaborate with FPOV experts to advance the project, agreeing on the plans and costs to develop a shared solution.

One thing to consider is who should attend and take part in this program. It is not necessarily managing partners nor the IT professionals in the firm, although it could be. All partners, as well as managers, should be given consideration based on their inclination towards creating more efficient processes, improving client and staff experience, and their embrace of technology as an integral part of the firm’s future. I would bet there are a few superstar managers out there on the path to partner where something like this could truly show their potential as a partner and owner in the firm.

True to the spirit of CPAmerica, where collaboration means business, we are excited this program may provide the vision and inspiration needed to jump in and get started alongside your like-minded peers. More information will be on the way in the coming weeks. In the meantime, happy holidays and we are looking forward to serving you in the coming new year!

advantage@cpamerica.org