Trusting Your Team: Mastering Delegation for Firm Leaders
By: Amy Vetter, The B 3 Method Institute
► Trusting Your Team: Mastering Delegation for Firm Leaders ► Preferred Provider Spotlight - Align Global Consulting ► International Meeting ► Member News
As firm leaders, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities, simultaneously juggling client needs, team management, and business growth. It’s a scenario many of us know all too well: we work longer hours, take on more tasks, and push ourselves to the limit to maintain control and ensure quality. But more often than not, this causes more harm than good. The key to achieving true success and work-life harmony® lies not in doing more but in learning to let go— learning to trust and delegate.
Delegation is more than just a timemanagement technique; it’s a fundamental leadership skill that can transform our firm’s culture, boost productivity, and nurture the next generation of leaders. However, for many of us, delegation can feel daunting. We worry about maintaining quality, fear losing control, or simply believe that no one can do the job as well as we can.
These concerns are valid but often stem from a lack of trust—in our team members and ourselves as connected leaders. Today, let’s explore how we can overcome these barriers and harness the power of trust to become more effective delegators.
The Trust-Delegation Connection
At its core, delegation is an act of trust. When we delegate, we’re entrusting our team members with a piece of our responsibility and, by extension, our reputation. This can feel risky, especially in a profession where precision and
reliability are paramount.
However, building a culture of trust within your firm is essential for sustainable growth and success. When team members feel trusted, they’re more engaged, motivated, and likely to go above and beyond in their roles. They develop a sense of ownership and pride in their work, naturally leading to higher-quality outcomes.
As leaders, our job is to create an environment where trust can flourish. This means being transparent about expectations, providing clear guidance, and offering support when needed. It also means letting go of perfectionism and accepting that there may be different—but equally valid—ways to accomplish a task.
Effective Delegation
Mastering delegation is a journey that requires practice, patience, and persistence. It’s not just about assigning tasks; it’s about empowering your team and fostering growth. By implementing the following strategies, you can transform delegation from a daunting challenge into a powerful tool for leadership and firm success:
1. Start with self-reflection: Before effectively delegating, you need to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and priorities. Where could you benefit from leveraging your team’s diverse skills and perspectives? Consider keeping a task log for a week to identify patterns in how you spend your time.
2. Know your team: Take the time to understand each team member’s skills, interests, and career goals. Regular one-on-one meetings can be invaluable
for understanding your team members’ evolving capabilities and aspirations.
3. Delegate authority, not just tasks: Give your team members the authority they need to complete the task effectively. This might include decision-making power or access to necessary resources.
4. Provide support without micromanaging: Make yourself available for questions and guidance, but resist the urge to hover or constantly check in. Trust your team members to come to you if they need help.
5. Focus on outcomes, not methods: As long as the end result meets your quality standards, be open to different approaches. Your team members might surprise you with innovative and creative solutions.
6. Offer feedback and recognition: Provide constructive feedback on completed tasks and publicly recognize good work. This reinforces trust and encourages continued growth.
Overcoming Delegation Challenges
As we learn to delegate more effectively, we may encounter challenges. Here are some common hurdles you might face and how to overcome them:
• Fear of losing control: Delegation doesn’t mean abdicating responsibility. You’re still overseeing the process, just from a higher level.
• Guilt about “burdening” others: Reframe delegation as an opportunity for growth and development. It is a form of mentorship that contributes to your team’s professional development, and
► CPAmerica Insights –Sophy Mott See Trust, continued on page 2
Amy Vetter
Preferred Provider Spotlight AICPA
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) serves 597,000 members, candidates, and registrants in 188 countries and territories. Their mission is to drive accounting and finance into the future by providing support, skills, and insights to meet the demands of a constantly changing world. They are dedicated to empowering change in individuals and organizations, helping finance professionals adapt, grow, and lead. Created for finance and accounting professionals, AICPA & CIMA’s extensive lineup of conferences, courses, and guides
Continued from Trust, on page 1
most team members appreciate the chance to take on new responsibilities.
• Lack of time to train others: While it may take more time upfront, effective delegation will save you time in the long run. Consider it an investment in your firm’s future.
• Perfectionism: Accept that there may be multiple ways to achieve a high-quality result. Use any differences as learning opportunities for both you and your team.
Embracing Work-Life Harmony Through Delegation
One of the most significant benefits of effective delegation is its impact on work-life harmony. When you learn to trust your teams and delegate appropriately, you free yourself from the burden of trying to do it all. You can confidently step away from work, knowing that your firm is in capable hands.
This newfound balance allows you to recharge, pursue personal interests, and bring fresh energy and perspectives back to your work. You become more than an effective leader but a more fulfilled individual—embodying the principles of Business, Balance, and Bliss that I’ve long advocated for.
Your Journey to Becoming a
take you from comprehension to confident implementation.
AICPA learning programs can help you stay up to date with changing regulations. Build your competencies with high-quality programs and earn valuable CPE credits. Differentiate yourself from your peers.
CPAmerica and AICPA have partnered to offer a 20% discount on private on-site or virtual training, self-study courses, publications, CPExpress, and the Annual Webcast Pass, as well as a 15% discount on on-site AICPA conferences.
Connected Leader
Mastering the art of delegation is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a truly connected leader. It’s about creating an ecosystem where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work.
As you begin, remember where we started – caught in that whirlwind of responsibilities. Now, imagine breaking free from overwhelm through the power of delegation. Start small, delegating a single task or project, and build from there. With practice, you’ll find delegation isn’t just a skill—it’s a catalyst for transformation.
Trust in your team, the process, and yourself. The path to authentic leadership excellence lies in empowering others to shine alongside you. When you embrace delegation, watch as your firm—and your life—transforms, moving you from constant juggling to strategic leadership and that perfect balance of Business, Balance, and Bliss®.
For more information, visit www.aicpa.org or email Tina Sanford at Tina.Sanford@ aicpa-cima.com.
Thank you to our annual partner!
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Through the Miles STEM Pathway and Miles CPA Pathway, they help firms get the help they need without outsourcing and help to bridge the 30 credit gap!
For more information, please contact shrey@milestalenthub.com or visit www.milestalenthub.com/accounting.
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DMJPS PLLC welcomes two new partners
Wealth Advisors. Excellent client service is at the core of everything we do,” said Gerry Kassouf. He is a Certified Financial Planner practitioner, Certified Public Accountant, Personal Financial Specialist, Chartered Global Management Accountant, and Accredited Estate Planner. “This award is a testament to my father’s attentive service to his clients and expansive knowledge of financial planning. It is amazing to see how he has served clients for multiple generations. They not only trust him with their own finances, but they trust him with their children’s and grandchildren’s finances. There is no better example of trust,” said Kassouf managing director, Jonathan Kassouf.
Mathieson, Moyski, Austin & Co. announces staff promotions
workflows, ensuring the firm delivers timely, accurate, and compliant services to its clients. As CAAS Department Head, Cassiday will lead the CAAS team by providing strategic leadership, team development and operational management. She will also lead business development initiatives to expand and support the client base within the CAAS department.
415 Group expands 415 Access team with new director
DMJPS PLLC, a U.S. Top 200 North Carolina CPA and accounting firm, proudly announces the promotion of Mason Barringer, CPA, CFE, and David Mize, CPA, to partners. The promotion of Barringer and Mize further strengthens the firm’s expertise in tax, assurance, and advisory services. As leaders, they have consistently delivered outstanding client service, spearheaded numerous internal committees and initiatives, and maintained active professional memberships with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA). Drew Haddock, CPA, co-CEO of DMJPS, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Mason and David as partners. Their contributions are pivotal to our firm’s growth and our commitment to serving our exceptional clients, embodying our mission to ‘Be Greater.’ We are excited for the future.” Barringer will also serve as the firmwide director of assurance. In this capacity, he will be responsible for overseeing quality control, developing strategic processes, and fostering team development. Mize, with more than fifteen years of experience in public accounting, specializes in flow-through taxation. His expertise lies in tax planning and compliance for closely-held businesses, focusing on sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, and trucking.
Kassouf director named one of the nation’s best financial planners
KaSSouf & Co., InC and KaSSouf WeaLth aDvISorS Director, Gerard (Gerry) Kassouf was recently named one of Money’s Best Financial Planners in their 2024 list. In partnership with the Financial Planning Association, Money compiled the 80 best financial planners in the United States. “It is an honor to be recognized among this group of dedicated advisors. This recognition is a testament to how we help clients through every life stage at Kassouf and Kassouf
MathIeSon, MoySKI, auStIn & Co, LLP (MMa), located in Lisle and Deerfield, IL is happy to announce the promotions for six of its staff members. Ronak Desai, CPA, has been promoted to senior tax accountant. Desai joined MMA in 2021 and has since taken on more complex engagements and is now part of the 990 Tax-exempt team. Chris Knapp has been promoted to senior tax accountant. Knapp interned with MMA in 2021-2022 and joined MMA full-time in June 2022. Jakub Ksiazek, MAS, has been promoted to senior accountant. Ksiazek joined MMA in 2022 after working in industry for several years. Jackie Scroggs has been promoted from administrative assistant to IT coordinator. Karen Oetjens has been promoted to CAAS manager. Oetjens joined MMA in 2020 and is also a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Becky Howell, CMA, has been promoted to director of CAAS. Howell joined MMA in 2016 with 25 years of accounting experience, primarily in the areas of construction and non-profit associations. The firm congratulates all six on their promotions and thank them for their hard work and dedication to Mathieson, Moyski, Austin & Co.
Anglin Reichmann Armstrong announces two promotions
angLIn reIChMann arMStrong is pleased to announce that Martina Langford has been promoted to director of workflow, and Jessica Cassiday has been promoted to Department Head of the Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS) department. Langford leads workflow management, focusing on tax operations and overseeing the administrative department. She brings a strategic approach to managing complex
415 grouP, a leading Ohio public accounting and IT consulting firm, has hired Angie Rogers as the new Director of 415 Access, the firm’s outsourced accounting division. Angie Rogers, a native of Copley, Ohio, began her new role as Director of 415 Access in September 2024. Angie has public accounting experience in both audit and client accounting services (CAS). In addition to her previous roles at large regional public accounting firms, Angie was also the Director of Finance for a large private, 30-doctor physician practice. “We are excited to have someone with Angie’s significant background in both public and private accounting lead 415 Access. With Barb Karch’s pending retirement at the end of 2024, I don’t think we could have found a better fit to help lead this division of the firm into the future.” Rich Craig, managing partner at 415 Group.
Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs announces promotions within their Tax Services Department
thoMaS hoWeLL ferguSon P.a. CPaS (THF), is proud to announce the promotion of several team members within its Tax Services Department. The newly promoted individuals and their respective titles are as follows: Nicholas (Nick) R. Gilpin, CPA, has been promoted to director. Victoria Cronin, Peter Fleck, and Becky Register, CPA, have all been promoted to manager. Finally, Jay Cumbie, Erin Dupont, and Arianna Neely have all been promoted to senior. All the team members above have demonstrated their technical abilities and advanced understanding of the profession. They will continue to expand their responsibilities in the Firm and will continue to provide Superior Client Services to their industry and clientele.
Mason Barringer
Angie Rogers
David Mize
Gerard Kassouf
Martina Langford
Jessica Cassiday
Connections to Help Smooth the New Partner Transition
The pursuit of and eventual transition to firm partnership could arguably be the biggest milestone in an accounting career. Any career move –lateral, advancement, new industry – is likely accompanied by equal parts excitement and trepidation, and being named a partner is no exception.
Sophy Mott, Senior Member Services Manager
Despite informal and formalized path-topartner tracks and new partner onboarding at the firm level, once the papers are signed, the press release is sent, and the LinkedIn profile is updated, there will still be unknowns, as the true day-to-day of this new role begins.
The CPAmerica New Partner Meeting was developed with the goal of filling in those gaps that may exist for new partners and anticipating new ones. Drawing on the breadth and depth of our more than 90 CPAmerica firms, and our cadre of seasoned industry experts, the meeting content is focused on making the transition to partner as smooth – and impactful – as possible. The meeting’s size (35 - 40 participants, on average) supports the interactive format and ensures personal connections are fostered, both in the presenter-led sessions and during the evening activity.
Shannon Adams, director at Mississippi’s
Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, P.A., is an alum of CPAI’s Next Generation (NextGen) Conference and was a first-time attendee at the New Partner Meeting in Kansas City this summer, facilitated by Jeremy Clopton of Upstream Academy: “As a new director in my firm, I was so excited at the opportunity to meet other CPAs at the same point of their career. The sessions were excellent, but what I enjoyed most were the engaging conversations we had during the sessions, over dinner, and in the evenings. I came away with not only new contacts for future questions, but also with valuable discussions to share with my firm.”
The summer meeting’s agenda covered conflict resolution, what one needs to keep growing as a leader and what role you as a new partner needs to play in developing team members, among other topics. Another mainstay in the New Partner Meeting is the Partner Panel session, when a panel of more experienced partners from different specialties and firm sizes answer questions ranging from firm dynamics and culture to partner compensation models and partner goal setting. CPAI’s collaborative model drives this dialogue, making the panel session impactful for all involved.
Todd Ruggles with 415 Group in Ohio likewise appreciated the opportunity to learn alongside others new to the role. “The New Partner Meeting was an outstanding opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate with fellow CPAmerica members who are also entering this pivotal point in their career ... I look forward to sharing what
I learned with others and attending the meeting again in 2025.”
CPAI recommends this meeting for those in their first three years of the role, and while some may attend only one year, the content is unique enough to participate all three years, shared Rebecca Zappone, a partner with HarperWhitfield PC, in Connecticut. “Over the past three years, the keynote speakers at the conference have been outstanding leaders in our field. In 2022, we heard from Jennifer Wilson; in 2023, Kristen Rampe; and in 2024, Jeremy Clopton. Each of them demonstrated a genuine passion for our profession, and their insights continue to resonate with me. I often find myself revisiting the notes I took from their talks. Another highlight each year was connecting with fellow new partners. It was reassuring to learn that many firms face similar challenges, and sharing strategies for success was invaluable. Bringing those ideas back to my own firm has been incredibly rewarding.”
Our 2025 New Partner Meeting is scheduled for August 20-21 in Atlanta, GA, and we’re excited to welcome new and familiar faces to this cohort of New Partners!
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Featuring these influential speakers and more: Kamel Abouchacra, Crowe Global | Sean King, Align Global Consulting Kristen Rampe, Rosenberg Associates | Anirban Basu, Sage Policy Group Juan Carlos Lara, Crowe Global | Harrison Schofill, CPAmerica
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