ASCPA CONNECTIONS - Mar/Apr 2024

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ALABAMA SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

RETHINK...

your approach to ERTC with FREE resources to help CPAs assess the advantages and potential risks for their clients regarding the Employee Retention Tax Credit

MANDATES

Resources

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Access Our Free Resources
REMEDIATION

Sarah

Mandy

Cathy

Bruce

Matthew Hilburn

Kendra

Michael Kassouf

Jeremy Mosteller

Amanda Paul

Paul Perry

Joseph Wynn

Dennis Sherrin,

Jamey Carroll,

S.

2023-24 ASCPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
White, Jr., Chair
James
Propper, Chair Elect
Barksdale
Dover
Fryer
James
AICPA Council
Rep
AICPA Council
Rep
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jeannine Birmingham, CPA, CAE, CGMA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bruce Fryer, CPA Marc Hamilton, CPA, CGMA Eric Tuthill EDITOR Megan G. Hughes, APR 8 It’s All Relative Celebrate International Women’s Month as we profile mother-daughter CPA duo Rita Prince and Mandy Barksdale. TABLE OF CONTENTS F E A T U R E S Inside the ASCPA Message from ASCPA CEO, Jeannine Birmingham ......... 4 Message from ASCPA Chair, Jon Heath ...................................... 5 Member News .......................................................................................................... 24 Classifieds .................................................................................................................... 26 Being a Better Business Partner in 2024 By Bruce Fryer, CPA 6 @ALsocietyofCPAs Advertisers in this issue Silicon Ledger ...................................................... 2 BMSS ............................................................................. 19 Vindex Financial Partners ..................... 26 Accounting Practice Sales ................. 28 Welcome Aboard Meet the new class of ASCPA Board Members 13 Meet Christy Taylor ASCPA Business & Industry Member and Chief Operation Officer of Transformation, Austal USA 10 Legislative Tax Updates – HR 7024 Update provided by Corporate Tax Advisors 20 On the Cover Meet Bruce Fryer and Kendra James, ASCPA Board of Directors and Business & Industry Members. Flip to page 6 to read more from Bruce. March / April 3
Jon Heath, Past Chair

I sometimes feel stuck, like I am on a hamster wheel I cannot get off. This January was challenging and hectic as usual, making me feel that way. However, I drew inspiration from leaders, volunteers, and students I have worked with, like Jeannine K. Brown, a speaker at our 2024 Balance Sheet Bash conferences. In her book, she encourages planning for the unexpected by acknowledging that the future holds many unforeseeables.

Two unforeseeable issues on our radar are potential tax law changes and FinCEN guidance on business ownership reporting. Congressional leaders hoped to pass a $78 billion tax bill before the January 29 filing season but disagreed on lifting the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions (from the 2017 TCJA) and enhancing the Child Tax Credit with monthly payments to families. Both were voted down in committee. Ironically, the tax bill is largely funded by ending the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and increasing penalties for fraudulent claims. Please ensure

you are up to date on ERC details and the IRS’s new voluntary disclosure program. As of this writing, the House has passed a tax bill with extraordinary bipartisan support, 357-70. The bill now awaits Senate action.

Beneficial ownership reporting presents another current challenge. On December 23, FinCEN issued a final rule establishing a framework for accessing and protecting beneficial ownership information (BOI). However, there is no guidance yet regarding CPAs preparing these reports. Despite having the data, many CPAs are hesitant to file reports without guidance. Per member feedback, the decision to do BOI reporting is about evenly split. Likely you saw the AICPA Member Insurance Program’s risk alert on potential liability with the Corporate Transparency Act. Fortunately, on January 31, CNA updated policyholders that professional liability coverage generally applies to CTA services. AICPA leadership reinforces that CPAs should receive guidance soon, including a template engagement letter. In the meantime, AICPA and ASCPA have published BOI resources.

Alabama’s 2024 legislative session will likely see unpredictable developments with gambling legislation resurfacing as a top priority. Governor Ivey’s agenda will focus on school choice and Alabama budgets which should be in solid shape again this fiscal year. Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth notes record population growth in the state. With that in mind, his agenda includes workforce development, property tax increase

caps, affordable housing, and aerospace and military programs.

I do hope that everyone will save the date for our Annual Member’s Meeting. We’ll be at The Club in Birmingham again this year on Tuesday, June 11. ASCPA Chair James White will manage the meeting, which is certain to be engaging and entertaining. The night before we will introduce a new, one-of-a-kind networking dinner at Hot & Hot Fish Club with renowned chef Chris Hastings. This event has limited spots. We encourage you to follow our posts about June 10-11 and make plans early to attend both.

As our ASCPA Board approaches our annual strategic planning, hearing from you will help leadership stay atop issues and changes affecting your organization, better positioning us to serve you in 2024 and beyond. Please email me (jbirmingham@alabama.cpa) with any ideas or concerns, as ASCPA seeks your perspective on issues where we can create member value.

FROM THE
CEO
Read more about the 2024 Balance Sheet Bash on page 7. 4 ASCPA Connections

Happy Spring to you all! I know many of you are licking wounds as you continue to push forward for the coming months with the busy season. I know for some of you, that “season” feels as though it is a year-round affair. It makes it difficult to pause and reflect on what is next when dealing with the “right now.”

I wanted to take this moment to pass along how optimistic I am regarding the future of this profession. We are taking significant steps to change the accounting brand at the national level and locally. Historically we have had to overcome the preconceived notions when the word CPA or accountant is mentioned. We’ve come a long way, and the future is very bright. Our ability to maneuver across all industries and business types has been the feather in our cap. We braved the winter storm and managed to still have excellent attendance during our Balance Sheet Bash event in January. I take great pride in the opportunity to spend time with so many bright and eager students looking to enter the profession and share with them the many paths that accounting can provide.

I am encouraged that this profession is recession-proof and will be left in good hands as we work diligently to remain dynamic in the face of an ever-changing economy. We must endeavor to keep pace with technological changes and the amount of data available to serve our stakeholders effectively and efficiently, whether in the public capacity or within the industry. I am so excited about

the continually developing tools to help us achieve that goal. I encourage you to stay as close to the development as possible and seek to include them in your daily workflow so we can focus on providing quality and efficient service at all levels. My predecessor, Jon Heath, always highlighted that the value proposition as a CPA was simple – being a CPA provided unlimited opportunities in business. I could not agree with that sentiment more.

The ASCPA Board and Staff are constantly looking for ways to help you expand those opportunities for your organizations, owners, and teams today and in the future. We want to position you to maximize those opportunities. You will see examples included in this issue.

We are excited about the 105th Annual Meeting, scheduled for June 11, 2024, at The Club in Birmingham. We will have a very anticipated session from John Garrett covering the question “What’s your “And?”. We will have sessions covering A&A (Mike Brand) and Tax (Lisa McKinney). Additionally, we will have a panel discussing Pipeline, hosted by John Garrett and myself.

I will leave you to the rest of this issue and to return to busy season. I did want to express my gratitude and appreciation to serve you all in this role. The ASCPA Board and I thank you for representing the profession with honor, integrity, respect, compassion, and commitment. We thank you for your trust in and support of the ASCPA and for the opportunity to con-

nect, protect, and educate you – our members.

FROM THE CHAIR March / April 5

Being a Better Business Partner in 2024

“The best competition I have is against myself, to become better.” – John Wooden

With March Madness around the corner what better way to contemplate today’s issues as a business and industry accountant than with an introspective quote from the Wizard of Westwood. From the onset of our profession, the work of the CPA has always been meeting client needs. In the “old days”, this meant presenting financial statements, looking through detail transactions for cost cutting measures or analyzing productivity improvements. We still do that, but today’s business environment demands that we spend more time on work culture, team development and relationships. With these topics the concept of “better” is more ambiguous.

Unfortunately for some of us, understanding team dynamics and people development were not emphasized in accounting curriculums in the 1980s and 90s. A quick online scan reveals a plethora of media offering lists of “hot topics” or emerging trends that have engaged our profession in 2024. Sifting through these lists, the number of “soft skill” topics is overwhelming. There are recurring themes such as: supporting my team’s mental health, meeting work life balance needs, developing team leaders and expertise, and integrating our team in non-financial areas like ESG. These are subjects that are foreign to many of us and take valuable investments in time and resources to understand.

Coach Wooden’s success is unparalleled. Over a 12-year period, he won 10 NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball titles including 88 consecutive wins and 7 national coach of the year titles. For those of us of a certain age, Coach Wooden represents excellence in sports and later as a developer of people. Books and books have been written about his “Pyramid of Success”. His homespun Indiana wisdom brings about nostalgia and charm, but it is certainly relevant to today. Here are a few quotes and ways we have implemented them in our office.

“Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who will argue with you.”

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

Hall of Fame basketball player Bill Walton won 3 NCAA titles in 4 years with Coach Wooden at UCLA. By the time Walton arrived as a freshman, Coach Wooden had already won 6 national championships including 4 in a row. In an interview about his first practice at UCLA, Walton describes unbelievably how Coach met the freshmen in the locker room before the first practice and proceeded to explain to his prized recruits how to dress in their uniform and how to properly put on their socks. A little preparation goes a long way to understanding the bigger picture.

Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who will argue with you.

A few years ago, our company implemented a financial training class for non-financial managers. The goal was to raise the overall financial awareness within the organization. We had engineers with MBAs and managers who had business degrees, but it had been years since they were asked to focus on their jobs specifically from a financial perspective. The training was developed in house and is led by our own employees. I have my financial team in the class just to hear and participate in the discussions. The training is not elaborate or overly complex, but the selected topics are presented in a way to generate conversation in the class. The material covers the purpose and relationships of the basic financial statements, the importance of cash flow, the impact of production waste on product cost, and our company’s business philosophy. A little financial knowledge especially when you relate it to the operations of your business can make a big impact on awareness within your organization.

“We can have no progress without change, whether it be basketball or anything else.”

In our three-person department, where none of us work out of the same office, communication about constraints in time, resources, work life balance are vitally important. We meet to discuss opportunities, priorities, and objectives as a team frequently. We have an open “chat” that we are all connected to, but COVID taught us that we need more than that. We have one on one check in sessions regularly to talk about all aspects of our business. We debate. We contest. We discuss our impact on the business. Often through the most obscure of conversations we generate a spark of an idea that turns into a new way for our team to improve our support of the business or to help each other with life balance. You only find out what is important to the team by communicating with them.

As generational changes impact the workforce, the challenge once again is our adaptability and willingness to change. CPAs have a long history of raising awareness of current issues, looking past the issues to determine causal factors, and developing solutions. This is how we create value for our customers. This is how we create value for our own teams.

6 ASCPA Connections

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When you ask Rita Prince about her journey to CPA, she’ll tell you it all began with a teacher

“I had a wonderful high school business education teacher – Billy Suposs,” said Prince. “She’s still so precious today.”

“I started working for a real estate management company and the CPA firm that did the audits for that company was my path into public accounting,” said Prince. “The management company was located here, in the Shoals, and I worked there about three or four years before all the management moved to

Dallas. I had a relationship with the {CPA} firm, it was Robins&Cruz at the time, and that was how I got into public accounting.”

When you ask Rita’s daughter, Mandy Barksdale, about her journey to CPA, the story sounds very familiar.

“Growing up with a parent who did accounting,” said Barksdale, “I had always said I was not going to do accounting. That was not my path.”

Barksdale began her college career in pre-pharmacy,

celebrate with Rita Prince & Mandy Barksdale 8 ASCPA Connections

and it only took three semesters to figure out it wasn’t exactly the right fit. “I struggled more than I thought I should, and was never really comfortable with that,” said Barksdale. “But I didn’t really know what else to do. That had been my plan.”

Enter, Mom.

“My mom suggested taking an accounting coursethat regardless of which direction I ended up going, having a little bit of accounting knowledge would be helpful,” said Barksdale. And so, she did.

Barksdale can still remember the large class size, the expansive auditorium classroom, and the large expectations of Norman Godwin’s Accounting Principals class. Would this be a good fit?

“At the end of the semester,” recalls Barksdale, “he invited anyone with an A average to dinner. It was such a big deal to me.”

And so, again, it all began with a teacher. Barksdale changed her major and never looked back. After interning, she ended up doing tax, but says she knew that wasn’t the direction she wanted to go. She went through the recruiting process again for a full-time position and accepted a position in audit with EY.

After getting married and relocating home to the Shoals, Barksdale joined her mother’s firm. Prince reflected on the lessons she learned from her daughter as she watched her blossom into the new age of accounting. “I was just blown away at how she could help us move forward and into a more electronic world.”

Barksdale’s focus began shifting in this new workplace, and she began thinking of different routes she could take with her degree.

“As I progressed in my career, I was doing less audit work and more teaching my staff and seniors how to do audit work,” says Barksdale. “I really liked teaching, and when I graduated college it was not on my radar at all. I would’ve never thought this would be where I would end up.”

UNA had an adjunct position in the accounting department. “Again - relationships - I knew the department chair Sharon Campbell,” said Barksdale. “I did that for a couple semesters, then when they had a full-time position come up I applied for that and have been here ever since.”

At UNA, Barksdale serves as a senior lecturer. She is also the faculty advisor for their Beta Alpha Psi and Accounting Scholars groups. She currently

teaches a course centered around communication and collaboration. She built the curriculum for the course where students talk about resumes, LinkedIn, leadership skills, and networking.

“We introduce them to different career options,” said Barksdale. “Usually, I’ll have speakers come in and talk about public accounting, tax, audit, industry, government - giving them some options that I wasn’t aware of.”

The profession looks very different today from what Prince remembers when she began her accounting journey.

“I would say that at that time, probably 80% of the room was male,” recalled Prince. “When I first started my career, I was working for male partners, but most of my working career, my business partner was a female.”

While Prince described a profession where she was the minority, Barksdale recalls seeing her mother in the profession and always knowing that there was a place for women and accounting.

”I have a lot of female accountants that either I grew up with through my mom or through people that she was related to in her work or through people that I met in college when I was working.” As she made her way into the profession, Barksdale met numerous women in the field that supported her.

“I had great female mentors,” said Barksdale, “When I transferred into academia, my department chair at the time was another one of those incredible mentors. I’ve had great female accounting role models all throughout, and so, I’ve never really known any different.”

The relationships between women in accounting have encouraged others to join the profession. The support systems that Prince’s generation created ensured that Barksdale’s generation would have the means to not only survive, but flourish as women in accounting.

Today, this profession is one of the most diverse. Success in accounting can mean many different things. While Prince exemplifies the classic idea of an accountant, her daughter represents the new and modern approach. Both women relied on relationships with others to help them find their passion.

March / April 9

Meet Christy Taylor

In June Mobile native and ASCPA member Christy Taylor was promoted to a newly established position with Austal USA and became Chief Operation Officer of Transformation.

“I had been in Finance for the last 15 and a half years, filling the CFO role for the last two years, along with the Controller responsibilities,” said Taylor. “Leaving Finance was never really where I saw myself going. It became a decision that my head and my heart battled over for weeks.”

She had lots of coaching and support from an individual for whom she has great respect and when she finally accepted the COO role she says it was because she recognized it was who she had already become.

“My new role is designed to focus on people and processes,” said Taylor. “Our people are the foundation of who we are and ensuring they have the proper processes and tools drives our customer satisfaction, and in turn our financial performance. This role allows me to leverage my financial background to grow the business in other ways. Ensuring the proper structure of the business allows for execution of the overall strategy which produces the need economic results.”

opportunity to show that version to others, was at the top of her list.

“It is never about me,” said Taylor. “We can achieve more than even we recognize yet. It’s what the team can achieve together. Austal USA has a tremendous future in front of us. The volume of work we have will have impacts on the individuals who currently work here, those who want to work here and those who haven’t even entered the workforce yet. Impacts on the community and the State. Impacts on the men and women who serve our Nation. It is those life changing impacts that inspired me to take this new role and that will continue to challenge me.”

“Itisnever aboutme.It’s whattheteam canachieve together.”

Q: Tell us about your pathway to CPA –how did it all begin? And how did you end up in business and industry sector?

A: Once I decided accounting was the path I wanted, there was no option but to become a CPA. I worked full time, finished my Master’s Degree at night, studied for the exam in my spare time and accomplished the goal. Industry is where I always wanted to be. The constant change and new challenges everyday push me to want to learn more about the industry I was in and led me to the industry I am in today.

Q: What prompted you to become a member of ASCPA?

A: The association with other accountants and the ability to build relationships that can continue to grow my knowledge but also support the growth of others. The society provides a valuable resource toolkit. The ability to reach out to others when you need support on matters you are not familiar with is a huge benefit of being a member.

Q: What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments of time, money or energy you’ve ever made?

Taylor says she loves to analyze the needs of the business, its current position and its future goals to create a plan to reach those goals as well as analyze employee sentiment, financial information and market data to create a concise idea of what actions the company might take to improve operations.

“The last five years have changed a lot for me,” said Taylor. “I thought I was just a financial leader, but was shown that through my career I actually had evolved into more than that financial leader I was comfortable being.” She credits that growth to building business partners and allowing herself to be inspired and challenged by them - to recognize her true potential.

When asked what she hoped to achieve in her new role it was clear that making sure others find the best version of themselves, and have the

Q: When or how did you decide on accounting as a career?

A: I don’t know that I decided. It really just found me. I started out wanting to go into more of a journalism role and ended up in an accounting class and from that point, it just became who I was. I love to write but accounting is just intuitive.

Q: What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the “real world”

A: Challenge yourself to be the best version of you. As you begin your journey in the “real world”, you write your own story and you are the only person who can limit yourself. Never compromise who you are and use the roadblocks that you will enviably face as stepping stones to uncover who you really are. It is those moments of struggle that will define you.

A: That is an easy one for me. The most worthwhile investment for me is the time and energy I have put into Austal USA. I have an extremely supportive family at home that has allowed me to grow my Austal USA family. For me those individuals that I work alongside each day are the best investments I can make. I have watched them grow in their careers, in their personal lives and even better watched them support and inspire each other. The impact they have on the community changes the lives of individuals they haven’t even met yet. This investment allows me to know that my daughter understands the importance of ensuring others are first.

Q: What’s something no one knows about you when they first meet you? Maybe a hidden talent? A pet-peeve? Or an enormous fear?

A: I am first and foremost a numbers person and would much rather stay behind the scenes of my computer so being in front of a group or in public speaking is way outside my comfort zone. I always tell myself to speak from the heart and nothing else matters.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT March / April 11
12 ASCPA Connections

MEET THE NEW CLASS OF ASCPA BOARD MEMBERS

Each year members of the Nominating Committee select individuals nominated by their peers from across the state and various segments of the CPA profession to join the ASCPA Board of Directors. We are excited to work with the newest incoming board members to gain their insights on how to make the Society stronger and stay relevant for our members.

Sarah Propper, CPA

Sarah is a member of the Board of Directors of Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore P.C. She is a native of Huntsville, Alabama and a 1998 graduate of Birmingham Southern College with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She has over 15 years of experience in public accounting and joined the firm in 1999. Sarah focuses her practice on tax planning for businesses and individuals. Her concentration is in business consulting, including the preparation of financial statements, business tax preparation, and other business consulting for a variety of industries including real estate, retail, manufacturing, and professional services including both legal and medical practices.

Paul Perry, FHFMA, CISM, CITP, CPA, CDPSE Paul has been with Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors since 2004. He is a Member and the practice leader of the Risk Advisory & Assurance Services Group. Paul and his team focus on cybersecurity, information technology-related projects, risk assessments, internal controls, internal audit and controlrelated projects, including SOC engagements. Paul is also the leader of the firm’s Data Analysis Group, a team of individuals within the firm who provide data analysis solutions to both internal and external clients. For more than 11 years he specialized in auditing and assurance services, serving clients in the nonprofit, governmental, financial, insurance and healthcare facilities/hospital industries. Paul holds the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) certification, awarded to CPAs who possess both information technology and business expertise. Paul is a thought leader, published columnist and performs 20+ presentations a year on a wide variety of technology and control-related topics to groups including corporate clients, ASCPA, HFMA, IIA and ISACA. He also offers insight to business leaders as a co-host of Warren Averett’s podcast, The Wrap.

Jennifer Forrester, CPA Jennifer is a shareholder at MDA Profssional Group, P.C. Having grown up local to Gainesville, Forrester attended the University of Florida for two degrees – her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, received in May 1998, followed by her Master of Accounting,earned in December 2002. According to Jennifer, she was drawn to accounting because of the flexibility and opportunity it could offer her, as there is always a need for accountants, even in economic downturns. Forrester specializes in non-profit, governmental, and corporate accounting, auditing and attest services. Jennifer has a passion for developing accountants and CPAs that will be the leaders of tomorrow’s CPA firms. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA).

Brian McLeod, CPA, CGMA has been a shareholder of Brunson, Wilkerson, Bowden & Associates, PC since 2023. Prior to his return to public accounting, Brian served in various financial, investment management and operational roles with The National Security Group, Inc., a NASDAQ listed insurance holding company, for over 30 years, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He also worked in similar financial and operational roles for a private equity group following their acquisition of NSG. In his return to public accounting Brian’s primary focus is on corporate accounting and consulting in industries ranging from manufacturing to insurance, along with individual and business tax and financial planning. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Troy University, along with a Master of Science in financial analysis from The College for Financial Planning, a Series 65 License, and a Master of Science in risk management from Florida State University. In addition to being involved with various community service organizations, Brian

serves as a director of River Financial Corporation, Wiregrass Economic Development Corporation and serves on the Coffee County Board of Education.

Rob Pearson, CPA

Rob has been a Partner at Mason and Gardner CPAs LLC since 2002. His specialties include profitability analysis, cash flow projections, forensic investigations, and business and government advisory services. He is a graduate of Samford University. In his spare time, Rob enjoys golf, fishing, and watching most all things sports. His passion for his hometown of Demopolis shows in as many ways as his wife, Traci, will allow; including serving as the Chairman of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation, a Deacon at First Baptist Church and the radio voice of Demopolis High School Football and the Blue Heat Nation Podcast. When given the slightest opportunity, Rob would love to tell you about his grandson, Frank.

March / April 13

Also hear from:

John Garrett is a nationally recognized speaker and emcee who draws on his condition as a recovering Big Four CPA to deliver messages that hit home with corporate audiences. This professional member of the National Speakers Association is on a mission to shatter the definition of “stereotypical professional” and in the meantime, show organizations how to create a stronger culture that increases engagement and reduces turnover. John has performed for leading companies ranging from “Big Four” accounting firms to banks and technology companies to professional associations seeking an outside-of-the-box way to engage their audiences.

Interested in being a sponsor? Or securing a table for your organization?

Now’s the time! Contact Zack Camerio for more information at zcamerio@alabama.cpa.

Annual Meeting Register today! 2024 Alabama Society of CPAs alabama.cpa/AM2024 June 11 The Club, Birmingham Register at alabama.cpa/AnnualMeeting
Mike Brand Danny Garrett
14 ASCPA Connections
Lisa McKinney Kerry Underwood

ALABAMA SOCIETY OF CPAS

105TH ANNUAL MEETING

June 11, 2024

The Club, Birmingham

8:20 a.m. Opening Remarks, James White, Jr., Banks Finley, White & Co.

8:20 – 9:10 a.m. What’s Your “And”?

John Garrett, John Garrett, LLC

9:25 – 11:05 a.m. 2024 A&A Update

Mike Brand, Member at BMSS, LLC

11:05 – 11:55 a.m. Pipeline Panel

moderated by James White, Jr. and John Garrett

11:55 – 1:05 p.m. Lunch & Recognitions

1:05 – 1:35 p.m. Coffee Talk with Alabama Legislators

Reps. Danny Garrett, CPA (Retired) and Kerry Underwood, CPA

1:35 – 2:25 p.m. Understanding the AI Landscape and Potential Impacts to CPA’s and the Finance Profession

Richard Jackson, Member at EY

2:35 – 3:30 p.m. Tax Update

Lisa McKinney, Culverhouse School of Accountancy

3:30 p.m. Closing Comments

Sarah Propper, Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C. CPE 6.6 Hours

March / April 15

CPE @ Sea: Navigating The Future Of Accounting Embarking On A Unique Educational Odyssey

Picture yourself embarking on an educational journey like no other—a voyage that sails you towards professional excellence while you bask in the grandeur of the open seas. Learn Voyage presents this rare opportunity, masterfully blending the indulgence of a Carnival Cruise with a continuing education program tailored for the modern CPA. As we navigate through an era where technology reshapes our profession, this innovative program is poised to redefine the pathways of CPA career growth of both public accountants and financial professionals.

Setting Sail: A Journey of Innovation and Learning

Your adventure commences at the port of Galveston, where the new Carnival Jubilee, a marvel of maritime splendor, awaits. Step aboard and leave the familiar behind as you transition into a lap of luxury, equipped with a multitude of dining, entertainment, and relaxation choices as well as a conference center ready to facilitate a deep dive into the most pressing technological topics of our times. Over the 7-day Western Caribbean Cruise, you have the chance to earn up to 20 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credit. The itinerary is carefully crafted to balance professional learning and relaxation. Our ‘sea days’ are dedicated to exploring pertinent accounting topics, networking, and enjoying the ship’s amenities. Ports of call like Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya, and Cozumel offer cultural and scenic experiences and a variety of local cuisines and excursions.

A Curriculum Crafted for the CPA of Tomorrow

At the heart of Learn Voyage is a carefully curated educational experience, aligned with the technological advancements and challenges that are currently transforming the accounting profession. Interactive sessions will immerse you in the practical

applications of Big Data, Analytics Software, and Blockchain, enabling you to add these vital tools to your professional arsenal. Through a handson approach, you’ll gain insights that are not just theoretical musings but practical competencies that will give you an edge in the dynamic changing accounting profession.

Delving Into NLP and AI: The New Frontier For CPAs

In an era where Natural Language Processing (NLP) and AI are becoming cornerstones of financial analysis and strategy, Learn Voyage provides an indispensable primer on these technologies. From understanding the basics of NLP to exploring the intricacies of AI prompt engineering, you’ll be well-equipped to harness these technologies for financial forecasting, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making.

Innovating with ‘Building A Better Mouse Trap’ Case Study

Our unique ‘Building a Better Mouse Trap’ brainstorming exercise will challenge you to apply your newfound knowledge in a case study format. This practical application solidifies the learning process, ensuring that the theoretical knowledge gained from our sessions translates into real-world skills.

Beyond the Classroom: A Network of Peers and Possibilities

The Learn Voyage program is about more than just accruing credits; it’s about building a community. Connect with like-minded professionals from across the Southeastern & Southwestern USA, fostering a network that will support and enrich your career long after the cruise has docked. In this relaxed setting, the seeds of future collaboration, mentorship, and professional opportunities are sown.

A Voyage Tailored to Your Needs

From practical advice on cruise logistics to personalized

recommendations for making the most of your time at sea, Learn Voyage caters to every aspect of your cruising experience. Our team, led by a Carnival Diamond cruiser with unparalleled expertise, ensures that every question you have—from dining to excursions—is answered with the insight of a seasoned traveler.

Embarking on Your Learning Journey

Securing your passage on this educational odyssey is a seamless process. Registration is open through the Alabama Society of CPAs and participating state societies, with comprehensive details available on our dedicated website, www. learnvoyage.com. With early bird discounts and limited spots, a prompt decision is essential to ensure you don’t miss the boat on this one-of-akind learning adventure.

Conclusion: Charting a New Course In Professional Development

As you return to shore, you’ll bring with you not only the memories of a breathtaking cruise but also a treasure trove of knowledge and new professional contacts. The Learn Voyage experience is a testament to the transformative power of learning in an unconventional setting, promising both professional growth and personal enjoyment. It’s an investment in your career that will pay dividends in the form of fresh perspectives, refined skills, and an expanded professional network. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard! Learn more at alabama.cpa/CPESEA.

Setting sail 8.17.24

Marc Hamilton, CPA, CGMA
16 ASCPA Connections

Featured Presenters:

Create a customized CPE experience by attending only the sessions that interest you. You can attend just one session, or choose up to two sessions each day and earn up to 20.0 CPE.

Make plans to join us in Gulf Shores in July!

We are partnering with the Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana and Oklahoma CPA societies for a fun-filled week of learning and lounging. 2024’s conference will include 20 hours of CPE, scheduled to allow plenty of time to explore the park, kayak the Gulf, or relax on the beach. Make your reservations to join us in July!

JULY 21-26 THE LODGE AT GULF STATE PARK GULF SHORES, AL
2024 SUMMER EDUCATION CONFERENCE
Register at alabama.cpa/SEC
Marc Hamilton
Jim
Martin
T W I C E

Congratulations to Alabama’s newest CPA Licensees

The following individuals have successfully passed all four parts of the CPA exam - Congratulations !

Matthew Wayne Baggett, Miramar, FL

Brady Landon Balkcom, Prattville

John S. Ball, Northport

Rebecca Lynn Barnes, Athens

Joel Charles Bostrom, Pinson

Stacey Akemi Sakai Brooks, Nashville, TN

Haleigh Lexa Byrd, Northport

Britney Michelle Carden, Huntsville

Ellen Cates, Chelsea

Susan Marie Colditz, Greer, SC

John David Cox, Troy

Rachel Erin Curry, Thorsby

Courtney Collier Davidson, Opelika

Thomas Patrick Demler, Birmingham

Lekisha Moore Doyle, Pleasant Grove

Annamaria Leona Feist, Vestavia

Molly Evelyn Fendley, Hoover

John Donald Freeman, Mountain Brook

Charles Jay Goldberg, Birmingham

Joseph Allen Hall, Homewood

Kirsten Nicole Halverson, Worden, IL

Brooke Morgan Houston, Birmingham

Cameron Jordan Jackson, Shelby

Taelor Keefe Jahnke, Fairhope

Jay Henry Jarrett, Birmingham

Erin Meador Johnson, Florence

Tristan Brooks Johnson, Mobile

Kaitlin Rose Jones, Mobile

Zachary Neil Jordan, Sylacauga

Jeewon Kim, Opelika

Piljoo Kim, Auburn

Ty James Kimberlin, Birmingham

Christophia Ladnry, Montgomery

Walton John Lake, Tanner

Matthew Benjamin Lovell, Birmingham

Hali Brooke Lyle, Mobile

Benjamin Andrew Mann, Las Vegas, NV

Brandon Michael Martin, Glencoe

Lindsey Michelle Masterson, Helena

Miles Louis McLindon, St. Gabriel, LA

Matthew David Miller, Avon, CO

Adelyne Adams Mitchell, Huntsville

Paige L. Moore, Auburn

Matthew Burton Murray, Birmingham

Lillian Stewart Myers, Charleston, SC

Rebecca Helen Parrish, Russellville

Carmen Sando Patrick, Mountain Brook

Christopher Andrew Pitts, Brentwood, TN

Koleman Lee Powell, Pinson

Carson Matthew Presley, Birmingham

Allison Marie Preston, Birmingham

Abigail Virginia Renteria, Montgomery

Deborah Loraine Riese, Madison

Brittany Ann Roberts, Mobile

Kirsten Leigh Robertson, Daphne

Ronald Tyler Russell, Birmingham

Spencer Layton Russell, Birmingham

Caylee Elizabeth Rutland, Tuscumbia

Rachel Victoria Rysedorph, Birmingham

Sydney Hamilton Sledge, Franklin, TN

John Patrick Sloan, Houston, TX

Khialee Dlene Sloan, Houston, TX

Julie Suzanne Smith, Jacksons Gap

Penny Denise Smith, Double Springs

Deanna Denae Sproles, Birmingham

Maizie Caatherine Summersell, Mobile

Charles David Tatum, Vestavia

Cheyenne Leigh Teems, Birmingham

Janet Ashley Thomas, Vestavia

Kimberly Ukenholz Tiller, Hoover

Jill Todd, Mobile

Christopher James Tompkins, Mobile

Ellen Kathleen Walton, Vestavia Hills

Brody Alexander White, Huntsville

Douglas Collier Wright, Daphne

Lee Gayle Yelverton, Birmingham

Kelley Crews Yenias, Madison

These individuals completed all four parts of the CPA exam between Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023.

NEW CPAS

Legislative Tax Updates – HR 7024

The House Ways and Means committee recently put together a proposed tax package that has managed to clear the House. While the bill becoming rule of law (as of the writing of this article) is still subject to the increasingly election-aware Senate and the pen of Joe Biden, many of the components of the bill are likely to eventually become law. As CPAs and advisors to our clients, it is crucial to understand how these changes will affect taxpayers. While the legislation includes some favorable individual credits, notably an increase to the child tax credit, the focus of this article will be on a few unique business provisions.

Addressing the Tax Implications of Forced Capitalization under IRC 174

In 2018, part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) legislation included a provision to eliminate a particular statement under code section 174 that allowed a full and immediate deduction of code section 174 capitalized assets. It’s important to also note that taxpayers were always obligated to follow Section 174, what changed specifically was that the election to automatically expense these costs under section 174 was removed. The change decision was made to counteract the longer-term effects of the tax cuts inherent in the bill, as an attempt to demonstrate that legislation was balanced, and that the tax cuts were paid for. Legislative understanding at the time was that the provision was needed to show balance, however they delayed the implementation of the law until the 2022 tax year, assuming that they would be able to rectify the situation in subsequent bills. However, due to congressional inaction, this update to the code section was delayed and the code was allowed to come into effect for taxpayers beginning in 2022.

Code section 174, originally legislated in the 1950’s, was created by congress to allow startup companies that

were heavily invested in R&D to capitalize those investments and therefore demonstrate higher levels of profitability on their tax returns.

Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 174 identifies costs that are allocable to R&D credits, including portions of overhead such as rent and insurance, and reduces what would have been a deduction in the current year in favor of an asset that is recoverable over a 5-year period, beginning at the midpoint of the associated tax year.

Because section 174 includes not only research expenses, but other allocated overhead amounts, the effect of the delay in rectifying the issue was incredibly dramatic for many taxpayers. Although a taxpayer “reclaims” these deductions over 5 years, the result of the timing difference created by allowing this change in code to come into effect was a heavily increased tax liability for the first few years of its implementation. This led to unreasonably large, upfront tax bills. For many, the result of this legislation taking affect was an attack on the innovation component of American business.

It’s also important to note that IRC 174 is required, whereas IRC 41, the code section which governs the ability for a taxpayer to take a research and development credit, is not. Companies engaging in properly classified research expenditures were forced to follow these methodologies, regardless of any pursuit of the credit in section 41. The pending legislation currently removes the forced capitalization aspect and makes it retroactive to the date it became active until tax years beginning after Jan 1, 2026. While this unfortunately represents another “kick the can down the road” approach, it will offer effective relief while legislators work to identify reasonable offsets.

Section 174 notably offered very little

guidance associated with the code, as the code was never intended to generate revenue and most taxpayers simply did not know of its existence until the “automatic deductibility” clause was removed. This left many preparers scrambling to understand the financial implications and take appropriate action on their client’s tax returns. In addition, congress had intentions to pass legislation rectifying the situation, however all the bills that cleared the House Ways and Means committee eventually went dead. This led to the IRS failing to issue guidance until near the extended return deadline in 2023.

The transition to this capitalization component required an accounting method change. The IRS granted an automatic method change in the 2022 tax year with an associated election on the return to make this transition. As the transition was an accounting method change, it would make sense that any retroactive adjustment activated in legislation would also induce a method change to reverse the capitalized expenses and again allow for expensing 174 expenses in the current year.

The legislation’s intent was to avoid piling paperwork with the IRS. The legislation, as it currently is written, will induce a method change if section 174 was appropriately elected in 2022. The mechanism for receiving overpaid liability due to this method change will be an automatic method change granted in 2023 with an appropriate 481(a) adjustment.

The Ending of the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)

The Employee Retention Credit has gone from an actively promoted credit with the IRS (See IR 2020-62 for a reminder) to cries of excessive abuse and fraudulent activity. The IRS has actively delayed processing of ERC by implementing a moratorium on

This update provided by Corporate Tax Advisors. 20 ASCPA Connections

processing claims from September 13th of 2023 and referring the credit to the Senate Finance Committee in September, claiming excessive fraud and abuse.

However the details have been laid bare before the halls of Congress, it appears that Congress agrees with their assessment and has identified and integrated methodologies to uncover fraudulent activities regarding the credit, as well as agreeing to end new claims for the credit.

Given that the credit is currently three times over budget, and the rule of law obliges the government to pay out funds that have the force of law behind them, Congress had to eliminate additional amended filings for the credit. Retroactive adjustments to those waiting in process would be impossible; therefore, the only reasonable course of action would be for legislators to adjust the statute of limitations for refunds to a closer date specifically for this credit.

A taxpayer, in general, has three years from a timely filed return to amend their returns and claim a credit or a refund of tax. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is based on payroll tax filings that were made quarterly throughout the 2020 and 2021 tax seasons. Payroll filings, for amended purposes, are considered timely filed as of the 15th day of the fourth month following the applicable tax year. In this case, that would mean an essential deadline of 4/15/2024 for amended 2020 filings, and 4/15/2025 for amended 2021 filings.

HR 7024 had an initial ending date of January 31st, 2024. It is likely that this date will be altered to the date when the bill could be theoretically passed, but a taxpayer is unlikely to receive much forewarning. A taxpayer that has not yet investigated the ERC, believing it had additional time to evaluate the credit, will miss the opportunity to apply for the credit if the bill passes as expected.

In addition, the legislation includes a component allowing taxpayers to amend their income tax returns and reclaim deductions if the credit is

subsequently denied in an exam, as well as an increase in the assessment window and reporting requirements for ERC consultants. The assessment window was originally open to a longer duration of 5 years (instead of the normal 3) in IRC 3134 (pertaining to Q3, 2021 primarily), and it appears that the new legislation will now span 6 years on all ERC filings. The reporting requirements for ERC appear to be a helpful apparatus for the IRS in pursuing harmful, unqualified promoters of the ERC credit.

While the underlying law governing the ERC is extremely favorable to taxpayers, it is possible that the IRS could attempt to claw back some of the funds paid through exams levied over the next six years. We urge taxpayers to substantiate and shore up their claims to ensure robust defense. This is especially important for partial suspension qualifications, which require a restrictive government order and an argument that the taxpayer met the threshold of “more than nominal” suspension due to said orders. As a firm, we’ve already compiled the documentation to substantiate claims in anticipation of such a move by the IRS. The ERC has become particularly complex, and appropriate defense will become paramount to taxpayers.

100% Bonus Depreciation is Back!

One of the best aspects of the TCJA was increasing the bonus depreciation provisions from IRC 168(k) to 100%. Asset management was a whole lot easier for CPAs, and the taxpayer was able to take advantage of increased deductions in the same period as the product they purchased. Under the TCJA, bonus depreciation was set to phase out beginning in 2023, going from 100% to 80%. This means that certain methodologies for tax incentives, such as cost segregation, will have an extra added effect if the study is done for the 2023 tax year. CTA is available to complete Cost Segregation studies to maximize the tax benefits for your organization.

Don’t miss hearing more on this topic! Join ASCPA and CTA for a free webinar Tuesday, Apr. 2 (12-12:50 p.m.) Reigster at alabama.cpa.

The Legislators’ Tax Guide is provided on a complimentary basis by the ASCPA to help answer our Alabama Legislators tax questions and those of you who assist legislators with their tax preparation.

The purpose of this tax guide is to examine federal and Alabama tax aspects of payments received from the state by Alabama legislators. Conclusions reached for federal taxation purposes usually will apply for State of Alabama taxes on income. By virtue of the provisions of Sec. 29-1-8.1, Code of Alabama 1975, the State Department of Revenue must accept and follow the travel expense provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code as amended by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 for state legislators.

This guide is intended to deal only with the tax consequences under federal and Alabama tax laws of legislators’ per diem, expense, and mileage receipts as elected officials, and does not cover any personal tax matters (such as capital gains or losses, rental income and expenses, salary from private employment, or business income and expenses).

A copy of the latest edition of the 2023 Legislators’ Tax Guide can be found online by visiting alabama.cpa/tax-guide.

DUES COMMITTEE REPORT

The committee also recommended a $10 increase to annual membership dues for FYE April 30, 2025.

FYE April 30, 2025, dues will be sent to members May 1, 2024.

The Alabama Society of CPAs Dues Committee met in January and reviewed several reports, including state dues comparisons, a multi-year comparative dues report of ASCPA, and the current membership profile.

Much discussion was had by the committee, including late fees and reinstatement fees. Ultimately the committee voted to increase both fees. These fees are now:

ASCPA would like to thank the Dues Committee for their diligenance and dedication to ensuring the continued success of our state society. For more information, or for questions about membership dues, contact Bethany Booth at (334) 386-5751 or bbooth@alabama.cpa.

Fee Increase Schedule Late fee $50 Reinstatement fee $75
Public Accounting $275 Industry $275 Government $275 Educators $235 Associate members $180 Out-of-state members $180 Retired/Unemployed $50
22 ASCPA Connections

Alabama CPA PAC

The Alabama CPA PAC is a non-partisan political action committee (PAC) comprised of CPAs who uphold the political voice of the CPA profession. Formed in 1990, the CPA/PAC pools members contributions and contributes funds to friendly state legislators and candidates who support CPA and business interests and encourages and supports our own CPAs as political candidates.

Your contribution to the PAC benefits the future of the profession:

• It ensures that your profession’s best interest are represented

• It supports state legislators and candidates who support CPAs and business interests

• It allows us direct access to decision makers

ASCPA political action committee works to create positive legislative and regulatory environments for accounting professionals and those you serve. By combining financial resources, the PAC is able to leverage its impact for positive results.

To make a contribution visit alabama.cpa/legislative-advocacy.

March / April 23

Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore P.C. (PBLM) is pleased to welcome Bill P. Bach as a new Director for the Firm’s Audit and Assurance Services.

Bill P. Bach received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Accounting from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB.) Bill has worked twenty plus years in accounting and auditing. He has built a strong base of related knowledge to assist clients in solving real world financial and accounting issues. Bill is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA.) He is a member of both the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA.) Bill also serves on the Advisory Board for Our Lady of the Valley School in Birmingham, Alabama.

“We are excited about Bill joining our exceptional audit team” said PBLM Managing Director, Carlos McDonald. “Bill brings with him over 24 years of industry experience. With our combined efforts, existing talents, and expertise, we anticipate continued growth and success of our audit and assurance client services.”

Effective January 1, 2024, BMSS Advisors & CPAs proudly added Brad Brown, CPA as a Member, bringing the total number to 34. This announcement follows an eventful close to 2023 with the merging in of Ridgeland, MS firm, Haddox Reid, and the rise to become a Top 100 CPA firm in the United States. The promotion further strengthens the firm’s leadership, focusing on providing exceptional client service and expanding the range of expertise within the organization.

Brad Brown, CPA has been an integral part of BMSS since 2014, serving as a senior manager in the tax department with a focus in the consumer business, manufacturing and distribution and real estate industries. Specializing in tax and consulting work for closely held businesses, Brad’s diligence and detail-oriented approach have contributed to his success. As a graduate of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration (Accounting) in 2009 and a Masters of Tax Accounting in 2010, Brad brings a wealth of knowledge to the firm. Beyond his professional achievements, Brad enjoys outdoor activities, including golf and various sports, and resides in Hoover, AL with his wife, Cara, and their two children.

Brunson, Wilkerson, Bowden & Associates, P.C. is please to accounce that Brian R. McLeod, CPA, CGMA, has joined their firm as partner. Enhancing their lineup of services, Brian brings experience in accounting, financial and tax

planning, financial reporting, insurance regulatory and M&A, along with treasury, capital, investment, risk, and operations management. Brian is a graduate of Troy University and holds master’s degrees from The College for Financial Planning (Financial Analysis) and Florida State University (Risk Management). Brian most recently wrapped up a long tenure with The National Security Group, Inc. in Elba where he served as chief financial and operations officer.

Crow Shields Bailey is proud to announce Allie Pipkins, CPA has been promoted to Audit Manager. Allie specializes in audits of construction contractors, manufacturing and distribution companies, and employee benefit plans.

Kassouf promoted four team members, naming two new managers. Kassouf’s promoted managers include Ashley Hudson and Bridget O’Neal. Both are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) specializing in accounting and advisory.

Hudson graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration and a Master of Accountancy. Following graduation, Hudson joined Kassouf’s Healthcare Group full time in 2017. Hudson assists clients with accounting, tax, and advisory services, and her experience spans a range of industries: healthcare, real estate, and professional service firms. She actively participates on Kassouf’s recruiting committee. Hudson is a member of the Mike Slive Foundation Young Advisory Board, Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA), and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

O’Neal double-majored in accounting and music at Birmingham-Southern College and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Following her internship at the firm, she joined Kassouf’s Business Services Group full time in 2018. The group serves a variety of businesses, with O’Neal focusing on tax and advisory services for the real estate and nonprofit industries. She chairs the firm’s Employee Engagement Committee and is a member of Kassouf’s recruiting team. She is a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA) and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Kassouf also announced Anna Mooney’s return to the firm as a manager in Kassouf’s Estate Planning and Administration Group. Mooney is a two-time graduate of The University of Alabama, holding a Bachelor of Science in

O’Neal Brown McLeod Hudson Pipkins
MEMBER NEWS
24 ASCPA Connections
Bach Mooney

Commerce and Business Administration and a Master of Accountancy. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), she specializes in trust and estate administration, accounting, tax compliance, and payroll tax compliance. She primarily works with high-net-worth clients seeking tailored estate planning solutions. Mooney is a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA) and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The firm also announced Mike Payne is Kassouf’s first business advisor. Kassouf has employed healthcare advisors for over 20 years, providing consulting services to the healthcare industry. While all accountants provide advisory services, Payne is the first professional solely devoted to advisory services for industries outside of healthcare. He earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Montevallo and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Before joining Kassouf, he served in leadership roles for a variety of organizations, including Mid State Corporation, Red Diamond Coffee & Tea, and Brownell Travel.

Other 2024 promotions include Margaret Novak, CPA to Supervising Senior, and Max Archer, CPA to Senior.

Send news to ASCPA Communications Director Megan Hughes at mhughes@alabama.cpa.

Place for Working Parents®” for 2024! As a firm, our goal is to provide excellent work to our clients, while emphasizing life/work balance for our team members.

Machen McChesney announced they have won the Best of Accounting Award for providing superior service to their clients. ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. On average, clients of 2024 Best of Accounting winners are above 50% more likely to be satisfied than those who work with non-winning firms. Machen McChesney had an 84.4% NPS score on an accounting industry average of 41% in 2023. That rating recognizes the firm as world-class.

• Machen McChesney received a satisfaction score of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 88.4% of their clients, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 56% in 2023.

• Machen McChesney received a 97.8% effective communication score for informing clients about relevant financial matters.

• Machen McChesney received a 94.6% in high-quality, error-free work.

“Our core values are integrated into our decision-making process daily. Quality & Client Satisfaction are two of our core values. We deliver value to our clients by ensuring our product’s accuracy, relevance, and timeliness with proactive and responsive service. To see our clients provide feedback that we are meeting or exceeding their expectations makes me proud that our efforts are recognized and speaks to the caliber of our staff.” Mike Machen, Managing Partner.

Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors has relocated downtown to Montgomery’s Central Business District. As of January 2, 2024, the Montgomery team is operating out of a new workspace at 105 Tallapoosa Street, Suite 300, Montgomery, Alabama 36104.

The new Montgomery office location is in the historic Winter Loeb Building, which was built in 1903 and features many original and historic features, as well as modern updates. Tallapoosa Street is in Montgomery’s business hub and one of the most visited downtown areas.

“We are so excited to be moving to downtown Montgomery,” said Sandy Coaker, CPA, Managing Member of the Montgomery office. “Once we saw the historic Winter-Loeb Building, we knew that our team would love the location and the beauty of our new space. Our newly renovated office combines modern technology and design while also honoring the building’s history and architecture, and it is the perfect place for Warren Averett to continue to grow and thrive. Every day, our team will take in beautiful views and be surrounded by the vibrant community that we serve, and I cannot wait for our clients to share the space with us.”

BMSS is honored to be named one of Huntsville’s “Best

FIRM NEWS
Payne Archer
March / April 25
Novack

YOUR PRACTICE WANTED

Thinking about selling your practice? Accounting Practice Sales delivers results, bringing you the best price, optimal terms, and a buyer who represents an ideal fit for your clientele. Contact us today for a confidential discussion.

PRACTICES FOR SALE:

• Montgomery, AL area CPA grossing $200K *Available*

• Tuscaloosa, AL CPA grossing $175K *Available*

• Auburn – Opelika CPA grossing $330K *Sold*

• Pascagoula, MS area practice grossing $185K *Available*

• Dyersburg, TN area CPA grossing $320K *Available*

• South of Knoxville, TN CPA grossing $425K *Available*

• Upper Cumberland, TN CPA grossing $960K *New*

• Panama City Beach, FL CPA grossing $205K *Available*

• Western FL Panhandle CPA grossing $365K *Available*

For more information regarding these listings or to sell your practice, contact Lori Newcomer, CPA and Tim Price, CPA at 888-553-1040 or PNgroup@aps.net, or visit www.APS.net.

CLASSIFIEDS
Alabama Society of CPAs (ASCPA) is excited to launch a Multiple Employer Plan (MEP) in conjunction with Ameritas and Vindex Financial Partners. Easy to administer Announcing an exciting new relationship to provide retirement plan services to ASCPA members! Plan compliance Support for your fiduciary responsibility Cost competitive Actionable technology Established data integrations with dozens of payroll providers Want to find out more about the ASCPA MEP? Michael LaHurd at (205) 313-6705 or michael.lahurd@vindexfinancialpartners.com Michael LaHurd is the referral contact for this product only. This retirement product is established by Ameritas and offered through the ASPCA. Michael LaHurd, Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC (PAS), 5040 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, 800-366-0839. Financial Representative, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Vindex Financial Partners, LLC is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. PAS is a member FINRA, SIPC. California Insurance License #OL24271 2023-159095 (Exp. 8/25). Unless otherwise specified, any entity referenced in this material is not an affiliate of Ameritas or any of its affiliates. Fulfilling life® is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company. © 2023 Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. AD 715 8-23 ASCPA MEP Why consider the ASCPA Multiple Employer Plan?

WELCOME BACK TO PRINT

BUT OUR OFFER STILL STANDS

You can ALWAYS use the QR code in the bottom right-hand corner to access this issue, as well as any issue we’ve printed in the last ten years.

Want to keep getting the printed version of CONNECTIONS Magazine? Then you’re all set!

For those members who do not actively change their Physical Mailing Preference on their account, a printed magazine will continue to be mailed via USPS and arrive in their mailbox the first of each publication month.

We plan to print ALL remaining issues for 2023 as scheduled, so look for those in your mailbox!

Do you questions or recommendations for CONNECTIONS Magazine? We would love to hear them! Contact Communications Director Megan Hughes at your convenience.

(334) 386-5755 | mhughes@alabama.cpa

WANT TO GET AN ELECTRONIC VERSION OF CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE? Scan and update your physical mail preferences! Look for the Members-Only Publications section, then find Connections Print Magazine and select “Unsubscribe.”

USE YOUR PHONE’S CAMERA TO OPEN SEE THIS ISSUE, PLUS SO MUCH MORE!

The Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants 1041 Longfield Court P.O. Box 242987 Montgomery, AL 36124 Presort Std US Postage PAID Permit No 131 Montgomery, AL Delivering Results -One Practice At a time PNgroup@APS.net www.APS.net (888) 553-1040 Lori Newcomer, CPA & Tim Price, CPA Experiencing March Madness? Make This Your FINAL SEASON!

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