3 ways to build your accounting team and navigate change management

What does it take for accounting firms to adapt and thrive in today’s rapidly changing environment? The short answer: building a resilient, future-ready accounting team and implementing intentional, strategic change management.

In this guide, you’ll learn from top industry influencers how to: 

• Structure your accounting team
• Develop modern leadership strategies
• Drive meaningful change that sticks

Meet the influencers

• Jason Blumer, CPA, Partner, Blumer & Associates CPAs and CEO & Founder of Thriveal
• Jeff Phillips, CEO, Padgett Business Services & Co-founder, Accountingfly
• Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA, CDE, CEO, Etienne Consulting
• Misty Schachtell, CEO, Theatre of Public Speaking
• Amy Franko, Founder & CEO, Amy Franko Associates

Insight 1: Apply key leadership principles

Jason Blumer, CPA, CEO & Founder of Thriveal, offers insight on the five leadership principles required to build and thrive as a modern firm—the Five Ps. 

1. ‍Positioning: Redefine your firm with a clear vision: what you offer, who you serve, and where you're going. ‍
2. Pricing: Price intentionally. Services like KPI analysis and cash flow forecasting offer high strategic value and should be priced accordingly.‍
3. People: Your accounting team is your most valuable asset. Invest in training, tools, and a culture of empowerment. ‍
4. Processes: Standardize firm-wide processes so your team can deliver consistently and efficiently. ‍
5. Planning: Use strategic planning to guide decisions and stay aligned with your long-term goals.

"Processes are the rails on which your company runs, so make sure your team understands the processes on which you operate." - Jason Blumer, CPA, CEO & Founder Thriveal‍

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Insight 2: Building a modern staff 

Progressive firms are built on real-time advisory, cloud-based tools, and standardized processes. According to Jeff Phillips, success starts with the right talent stack:

• Visionary/Integrator – Steers the firm with strategic direction
• Production Team – Handles compliance, systems, and delivery
• Support Team – Manages internal operations and client care
  
  

A simplified schematic looks like this:

This structure accomplishes two main goals:

1. It allows leaders to keep their focus on strategy and vision fulfillment by pulling them out of compliance and day-to-day admin work. 
2. It allows the team to focus on compliance work, systems and office management, and client service. It also empowers staff to lead the day-to-day while partners focus on strategy.

In addition to creating a team structure, it’s also important to train staff for success in their given roles. High-performers are those who have been properly trained and receive ongoing training over the course of their career.

“One of the main reasons top talent leave firms early is because they weren’t trained properly.” -Jeff Phillips, CEO of Padgett Business Services

Insight 3: Implement change management that supports a strong accounting team

Change management isn’t just about introducing new tools—it’s about getting your team fully bought into the process.

Here’s how to make change stick:

• Repeat leadership: Reinforce the mission daily to keep energy and accountability high.
• Start with your “why”/vision: Help your accounting team understand the purpose behind every change.
• Access your leadership qualities: Ask for feedback, self-reflect, and prepare to lead with clarity.
• Get agreement: Invite feedback, address objections, and build consensus.
• Implement change with confidence: Over-communicate your process and timeline to maintain alignment.

"Be willing to listen to others on your team. You want to foster inclusion when it comes to major change to get full buy-in and to make it even stickier." - Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA Principal Consultant, Etienne Consulting

Check out our full change management checklist

Accounting team development and change management checklist

Key takeaways for building a future-ready accounting team

• Establish a clear firm vision that aligns your accounting team with long-term goals
• Adopt a modern staffing mindset to attract and retain high-performing team members
• Standardize processes across all departments to ensure consistent performance in your accounting team 
  

Actionable steps to strengthen your accounting team during change

• Define and communicate your firm’s vision
• Identify your ideal clients and industries
• Modernize your recruitment strategy
• Empower your accounting team to co-create the vision
• Over-communicate during change initiative

Read more on how to prepare your team for change

Ready to future-proof your accounting team? 

Building a modern accounting firm takes time, but with the right vision, people, and processes in place, your team can thrive through any change. 

If you’re interested in learning more about BILL AP/AR and Spend & Expense, reach out to your account manager or request a demo.