WHERE ARE YOUR CPAS GOING, EXACTLY? IT’S TIME FOR CPA FIRMS TO MAKE BECOMING PARTNER LESS OF A MYSTERY AND UNVEIL CLEAR CAREER PATHS FOR THEIR STAFF. BY ART KUESEL, KUESEL CONSULTING IN MY YEARS OF WORKING WITH CPA FIRMS ON TALENT development, few topics are as cloaked in mystery as “the path to partner.” Now, that’s not to say that some firms haven’t mapped the path out and shared it with their high potential staff. But, even then, the “map” itself has often been protected. The reasons for keeping the path to partner so secretive (or not having one mapped out at all) vary, but one thing is for sure: It’s a problem for firms, particularly those facing talent shortages. Let me repeat that: It’s a problem for you. Your people want to know what their career potential is and how they’ll develop and grow with you. That’s not to say that everyone who goes into public accounting wants to make partner. We know that’s not the case. However, we also know that most people want to at least know what’s expected of them to advance in their careers, roles, or firms. They also typically want to be seen as valued contributors and be PRACTICE PERSPECTIVES 26 Nebraska CPA
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