[10keyLeah]

Does anyone have any idea if it is normal at all for a person that is the single owner of small CPA practice in a rural area to ask a potential new hire to bring in business and to think about how to get new business over the first year?

I can understand you have to have clients to run a business. However, I live in a rural area, have no ‘big’ connections, and only have 3 months of experience and I’m not even licensed yet.

I’m not sure if I should just say ‘no thanks’ or if it is actually a normal question. In all honesty, I can’t say I could bring in even 1 client, but I do want to learn all I can and be a good accountant. I don’t know what else to say.

Does anyone have input?

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[005]

It is, but more so at the partner level

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[Anonymous]

I am in a similar situation. I just started at a firm four weeks ago. There is only one cpa and we discussed the need to bring in more clients over time. I wasn't too worried because our community is growing and there is potential. Also, she is not expecting me to do it alone and understands that I am new. Right now we are focusing on getting me involved in the community through the chamber, entrepreneur socials and any other networking events. That was I can familiarize myself with current clients and build relationships in our town of about 20k.

I would just be honest with the potential employer and make sure they know that you will do your best but would like some guidance along the way. after all, this is their business and I'm sure they have opinions about the type of clients they want and the way they want you to go about it. Just keep the communication open 🙂 and remember, some new business can also come from offering additional services to already existing clients. Good potential there!

Good luck!

[tomq04]

A great way to learn new skills!

Always say Yes! and then learn along the way!!

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[10keyLeah]

Great… so it is apparently a normal type of question.

I didn't mention it, but yes this person is wanting to find a successor and train them although I doubt they would offer partnership right off the bat. It was brought up that over the next year we would need to add new clients.

Our population is around 10K depending on which little subsections of areas you include. It sounds like honest and open communication about expectations is the way to go. Amanda, the idea of offering new services to existing clients is great.

Anyone else out there have to deal with this sort of thing anytime in your career?

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[Anonymous]

Oh yes! This is something that I am intimately acquainted with!!! When I first went to work for my former boss/current partner, I was told that I needed to learn how to bring in clients on my own, so that when the day came for him to retire, I could continue to grow the business. He didn't expect me to bring in a certain number of clients or certain amount of billable hours. Little did he know that loud mouth me was a better salesman then he thought. Right now, I have enough work to keep about 3 CPA's busy full time but I don't have room for another body in that cramped, hole in the ground, we call an office. When we get moved to the new building, hopefully by 12/31, I can add one more person, preferably someone who is taking the exam, wants to stay in the area and will one day want to buy into the firm.

[Anonymous]

You should be happy. Obviously the owner wants you to be an integral part of the business and not just a paid lackey (like most Big 4 firms expect).

You will learn what it takes to be an independent CPA from the sounds of it. Being a CPA is so much more than debits and credits. You also have to be a businessperson. Great experience early on in your career. Go for it.

[Anonymous]

You should be happy. Obviously the owner wants you to be an integral part of the business and not just a paid lackey (like most Big 4 firms expect).

You will learn what it takes to be an independent CPA from the sounds of it. Being a CPA is so much more than debits and credits. You also have to be a businessperson. Great experience early on in your career. Go for it.

[10keyLeah]

Awesome! The comments are much appreciate guys! I am pretty relieved because I know this would be a good opportunity. We are taking it slow and going to talk over some things. It's a delicate sort of situation to move from one office to another in a small area where all the CPA's know each other!

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[Author]

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