What does it take to become more than your client’s tax preparer?

Joel Lutz and Trevor Myres, CPA/PFS, discuss how accounting firms can position themselves as trusted advisors that clients call when major business and financial decisions arise.

The conversation starts with a real client situation that had almost nothing to do with tax. When the client faced a potential legal issue, Myres CPA was one of the first calls they made. That experience raises a bigger question: What makes a client see their CPA as a true advisor instead of simply a service provider?

Joel and Trevor explore how fixed-fee engagements, proactive communication, professional referral networks, and a broader advisory mindset help create stronger client relationships. They also discuss the growing intersection between tax planning and financial planning, including how an integrated wealth management team can help prevent disconnected advice from undermining a client’s larger strategy.

They also share what CPAs should consider when looking for financial advisors to partner with, from communication and ego to independence, fiduciary responsibility, and keeping the client’s best interests at the center of the relationship.

In this episode of It’s a Write Off, Joel Lutz and Trevor Myres speak with Aaron Sublette of Cloud Accountant Staffing about the evolving accounting talent market and how firms can build stronger teams using onshore, offshore, and remote professionals.

Aaron explains how Cloud Accountant Staffing expanded from offshore staffing into domestic permanent placements and why modern accounting firms should develop a talent pipeline before they urgently need to hire. He also shares what today’s candidates are looking for beyond compensation, including career growth, strong leadership, flexibility, mentorship, meaningful work, and opportunities to build client relationships.

The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence and automation are changing accounting roles. As more routine work becomes automated, firms will need professionals who can think critically, communicate clearly, build trust, and deliver a high-touch advisory experience.

Joel, Trevor, and Aaron also share practical strategies for creating a strong remote culture, including regular one-on-one meetings, public recognition, mentorship, shared team meetings, virtual coworking sessions, and giving remote employees opportunities to communicate directly with clients.

Topics include remote accounting staffing, offshore hiring, domestic recruiting, advisory services, AI in accounting, employee retention, soft skills, customer success, client experience, and building a scalable accounting firm.

In this episode of It’s a Write Off, Joel Lutz and Trevor Myres speak with Aaron Sublette of Cloud Accountant Staffing about the evolving accounting talent market and how firms can build stronger teams using onshore, offshore, and remote professionals.

Aaron explains how Cloud Accountant Staffing expanded from offshore staffing into domestic permanent placements and why modern accounting firms should develop a talent pipeline before they urgently need to hire. He also shares what today’s candidates are looking for beyond compensation, including career growth, strong leadership, flexibility, mentorship, meaningful work, and opportunities to build client relationships.

The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence and automation are changing accounting roles. As more routine work becomes automated, firms will need professionals who can think critically, communicate clearly, build trust, and deliver a high-touch advisory experience.

Joel, Trevor, and Aaron also share practical strategies for creating a strong remote culture, including regular one-on-one meetings, public recognition, mentorship, shared team meetings, virtual coworking sessions, and giving remote employees opportunities to communicate directly with clients.

Topics include remote accounting staffing, offshore hiring, domestic recruiting, advisory services, AI in accounting, employee retention, soft skills, customer success, client experience, and building a scalable accounting firm.