Introducing the New Power Players at Accounting Firms: Non-Accountants

The integration of non-accountants into accounting firms is enhancing their ability to deliver holistic solutions to clients across various industries.

The accounting industry is undergoing a significant transformation. No longer limited to traditional number-crunching roles, accounting firms are expanding into comprehensive business services providers, and non-accountants are surprising contributors to this trend. These professionals, from IT specialists to HR consultants, are playing an increasingly critical role in shaping the future of the accounting profession.

In a recent episode of the Accounting ARC podcast, Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA; Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, CGMA; and Liz Mason, CPA, discussed the integral role non-accountants play in modern accounting firms. “A lot of people don’t realize that there’s quite a bit of non-accountants involved in accounting, even at accounting firms,” Shimamoto noted. The discussion highlights how non-accountants bring a fresh perspective and specialized expertise that complement the traditional skills of CPAs, ultimately benefiting clients in multifaceted ways.

One of the key insights shared by Patrick, vice president of Client Success at the B3 Method Institute, posits that non-accountants often develop for the accounting profession once they begin working within it. “Non-accountants frequently become unbelievable cheerleaders for the profession, despite not being CPAs,” he says. This enthusiasm translates into more effective collaboration, as non-accountants contribute their unique skills and knowledge to help accounting firms provide comprehensive solutions to their clients.

Mason, CEO and founder of High Rock Accounting, expands on this idea, emphasizing the historical evolution of accounting firms. She points out that many major consulting firms either originated in accounting or maintain strong ties to the profession. This deep-rooted connection has paved the way for non-accountants to integrate seamlessly into accounting teams, bringing their expertise in areas such as IT, HR, and management consulting.

Shimamoto, founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC and founder of the Center for Accounting Transformation, underscores the importance of this integration, predicting that the future of accounting firms lies in becoming full-fledged business services firms. He highlights how accounting firms have already incorporated IT consulting, HR consulting, and marketing services into their offerings, a trend that is likely to continue. This expansion of services reflects the growing recognition that accounting firms can provide value beyond traditional financial services, leveraging the diverse expertise of non-accountants to offer holistic business solutions.

However, the integration of non-accountants into accounting firms is not without its challenges, the panel acknowledges. Maintaining the high standards of integrity and trust that the accounting profession is known for is crucial, especially as firms branch out into new areas. The discussion in the podcast touches on the delicate balance required to ensure that non-accountants uphold these values while contributing their specialized knowledge.

The involvement of non-accountants in the accounting industry is not just a trend—it’s a vital evolution. By embracing the diverse expertise of professionals from various fields, accounting firms are better equipped to meet the complex needs of their clients and drive the profession forward. As the industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between accountants and non-accountants will be key to its ongoing success.

Check out the latest episode of the Accounting ARC Podcast on the Center’s YouTube channel. 

Don’t miss an episode. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE below: