The value of certifications
Plus: Firms that use automation grow 3x faster
Before you dive into client cleanup mode or alphabetize your CPE tracker (again), take five and catch up on what's buzzing in the accounting world.
From one CPA's tech stack reveal to IRS Direct File's not-so-slow demise, this issue has receipts—literal and figurative. We've also got growth hacks, career cred questions and one CPA making the case for accounting as the ultimate freedom-flex career. Let's get into it.
Sneak a peek at this tech stack. Zee Barfoot, CPA, dropped his $12K per year tech stack on LinkedIn, and it's got us equal parts inspired and introspective.
The future's not coming—it's already here. This panel on digital transformation and AI from the Accounting Apps Podcast is the pep talk you didn't know you needed.
Dropping truth bombs on TikTok. The real freedom? It's financial security. In under a minute, @digital_rob makes the case for accounting as a career you own, not one that owns you.
AI-first firm? It's closer than you think. Artificial intelligence is reshaping every facet of the profession, and we need to evolve our workflows now.
Once you have a CPA license, it might feel like the certification buffet is just getting started. But how do you know which ones are worth the time, money and energy?
Gabrielle Juba, CPA, CFE, MBA, clearly knows something about having letters after her name. In addition to offering forensic accounting services through Juba Forensics PLLC, she mentors accountants discovering their path in the profession.
The Net Gains sat down with Juba to discuss how to think strategically about certifications. If you've ever wondered whether that next credential is truly worth it, read on. -Janet Berry-Johnson
With so many certifications available, how can accountants decide which ones are worth pursuing for their career goals or niche?
The number of certifications available can be overwhelming for accountants. It’s tempting to get them all so you “know everything.” To decide which ones you need, be clear about where you are in the accounting industry. Are you in tax, bookkeeping, audit, forensic accounting, etc.? Can you see yourself staying there long-term?
If you love your niche, focus on certifications within that niche. If you want to switch niches at some point, focus on a general certification like the CPA license. When you have enough experience, look at certifications in that new niche.
What factors should practitioners consider when evaluating the return on investment (ROI) of obtaining a specific certification in terms of cost and career advancement?
Start with what that certification will cost. What will it cost to take the test and renew the certification yearly (including required CPE)? What kind of test prep do you need? Once you have that cost, consider whether you can afford to make that investment. Can your current employer help with the costs? Will they give you the time off to take the tests?
After that, look at this certification and ask if it is something your current job will pay you more for. Is this a preferred certification or required for other jobs you want to apply for?
Has the value of certifications shifted in recent years with the growing focus on technology and advisory services?
The value of certifications has shifted in recent years. While employers still love when their employees have a CPA license, there are many roles with a growing focus on technology and advisory services where the CPA is unnecessary.
People in senior or management positions have opportunities to lead without any license or certification. A license or certification helps you network and get your foot in the door at a new job, but it is not required for a great career. Something licenses don’t teach is how to lead and manage people. Sometimes, just growing your skill set is enough.
This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
Streamline your workflow, grow your firm faster
The 2025 "State of Accounting Workflow and Automation" report is out, and it's packed with insights from more than 1,000 accounting pros. Spoiler: Firms that document their processes and use automation grow three times faster. The report digs into what tools firms use, the biggest workflow bottlenecks and how top performers tackle capacity challenges without burning out their teams.
Why this matters: Better workflows mean less chaos, more capacity and happier clients. And that's the kind of growth worth planning for. (FinancialCents)
Niches, vets and CPA collabs—oh my!
Are you knee-deep in advisory work? Or still finding your footing? Either way, you may want to collaborate with another accountant or bookkeeper. In a recent episode of The Successful Bookkeeper podcast, Holly Corcoran shares how she went from running a traditional CPA firm to building a virtual advisory business focused on veterinary practices. Corcoran gets real about niching down (pro: fewer awkward generalist convos), building strong CPA-bookkeeper relationships and how collaboration leads to better outcomes for everyone involved—especially clients.
Why this matters: Strong partnerships between CPAs and bookkeepers mean better service, fewer turf wars and way more confidence navigating advisory work. (The Successful Bookkeeper)
$211 Billion
Total tax refunds issued by the IRS as of the April 15th filing deadline. (CNET)
- Layoffs loom at Deloitte after feds slash government contracts
- IRS reminds ex-pats they have a couple more months to file
- Georgia just made becoming a CPA a bit easier
- State tax laws are shifting—did your state make the list?
- Forbes names 2025's best CPAs by state (bragging rights unlocked)
Well, that didn't last long
Is the IRS Direct File program—a free tool meant to let taxpayers file directly with the IRS—sunsetting after this year?
The platform, launched as a pilot across 12 states and later expanded to 23, was initially positioned as a low-cost, user-friendly alternative to commercial software. But with Elon Musk leading the new Department of Government Efficiency and 18F (the team that built Direct File) now "deleted," insiders say the IRS has quietly pulled staff and halted development for future tax seasons. Add in some cost-reporting drama and pressure from tax prep giants like Intuit and H&R Block, and the writing's pretty much on the wall.
Why this matters: Direct File might have posed some long-term disruption to simple return prep, but its likely demise reinforces the value of professional tax guidance and the complexity of, well... everything. Keep focusing on relationships, strategy and helping clients make sense of it all. Because that's something no software can automate. (CPA Practice Advisor)
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The Net Gains is curated and written by Janet Berry-Johnson and edited by Bianca Prieto.