by: Alysha Pruitt Harvey, MAcc, EA, CTS, CTC, CTP, People Advisor

As someone who has been steering the ship of a successful tax planning and accounting firm for over 10 years, I understand the profound importance of hiring competent, skilled, and experienced professionals. These professionals are critical in helping our clients navigate through the murky waters of tax planning, compliance, and maintenance.

On paper, the qualifications required to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are rigorous and exacting. But as I've discovered, there is a jarring disparity between holding a CPA license and truly mastering the art of tax planning aka Certified Tax Strategist.

Over the past 10 years, I've had the unfortunate task of letting go of five CPAs. They were fully licensed, and they had their degrees and certifications, but when it came down to the practical execution of their skills - they fell short. It was not due to a lack of effort, but a lack of fundamental knowledge, a lack of people skills, and a deficit in understanding the vision of our clients.

As a firm, our mission is not just to ensure our clients' tax compliance, but also to enable them to pay the least amount in tax within the confines of the law. But what happens when those who are hired to carry out this mission don't understand how to execute it?

I am tired of hiring "CPAs" who can talk the talk but struggle to walk the walk. It is not enough to hold a CPA license; it is the practical application of this knowledge that truly counts. The ability to interpret complex tax legislation, strategize based on a client's unique circumstances, and build a rapport with clients to understand their goals and fears - these are not just additional skills; they are necessary to excel as a Certified Tax Strategist.

This phenomenon is not exclusive to our firm. It is a troubling trend across the industry. Our clients trust us with their finances and expect us to act as their guides in the financial maze. This trust and expectation necessitate that we, as professionals, go above and beyond the minimum criteria of holding a license.

When it comes to being a trusted advisor in the tax and accounting industry, I refuse to accept mediocrity. The numerous hours spent cleaning up after these 'licensed professionals' have left me with a burning determination - a resolve that our firm will stand as a beacon of true expertise, unwavering diligence, and uncompromised care for our clients. As I look at the aftermath left by those who have merely skated by on their licenses to collect paychecks, I feel an overpowering sense of frustration, yet an equally strong drive to rectify the situation.

Each scattered paper, every misfiled report, and the countless client inquiries arising from their mistakes - all fuel my resolve to fight this ongoing battle against incompetence. This is not just about upholding industry standards; it's about preserving trust, and ensuring that our clients never have to doubt our commitment to their success. Their financial well-being, their peace of mind, their dreams for the future - these aren't trivial matters. They are profoundly important, and they deserve more than a half-hearted, 'good enough' effort from those holding an EA or CPA license.

So let me be crystal clear - I am here to change the game. I am here to demand more from our industry, from the EAs and CPAs who don the title, and from myself. We need to strive for excellence, demand integrity, and champion the kind of skill and expertise that turns a simple license into a testament of trust. I am tired, yes. But more than that, I am ready. Ready to roll up my sleeves, raise the bar, and fight for the quality of service that every client rightfully deserves.

To prospective EAs and CPAs and those fresh out of college, I urge you to realize that your journey has just begun when you get your EA or CPA license. To be successful, you need to constantly learn, understand, and adapt. Tax law is ever-changing; if you're not ready to grow with it, you'll be left behind.

In closing, I call for a shift in the industry. Let us focus not just on the number of EAs and CPAs we churn out but also on the quality of professionals we produce. Let's champion continuous learning, real-world experience, and a strong grasp of soft skills alongside hard credentials. Only then can we truly serve our clients in the manner they deserve.

Talk to us here https://calendly.com/alyshaharvey/strategy

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