December 11, 2024

Look Back, Look Forward, Look Up

December 11, 2024

A KSCPA Ignite Blog by:   

Norman Hope, Ph.D., CPA, CGMA, Immediate Past Chair KSCPA & Professor at McPherson College

A Look Back

A year ago, I was privileged to be installed as the 91st Chair of the KSCPA. At our first board meeting I shared six leadership lessons from John Maxwell found in the Maxwell Leadership Bible.  

1. Difficult times demand a different style of leadership.
2. Good leaders help their people remember past blessings.
3. Leaders must be willing to take risks and pay the price, courage elicits commitment.
4. Compromise on your methods but never on your convictions.
5. Leaders cannot afford to be indecisive they must give clear and specific directions.
6. Good leaders do whatever it takes to get the job done.

During the past year, I have seen these characteristics demonstrated by the executive committee, board, membership, and staff of the society.  

1. Thanks to the members who take time out of their schedules to be involved in society events and conferences.
2. Thanks to the chapter leaders who take the time to organize events providing members with the opportunity to get together, fellowship and learn from each other. Keep up the excellent work.  
3. Thanks to the board who volunteer for society events, take time to attend board meetings and retreats, are willing to risk input into making decisions and provide a supportive environment for all of us to work together.  
4. A special thanks to those who served on the executive committee this past year. Amber Goering, thanks for your commitment to serve the profession in countless ways. Joe Ronnebaum, for your example of being a leader who was willing to have us look at challenging issues, lead hard discussions, and gain commitment once the decisions were made. Amanda Walker for being willing to represent the KSCPA at the statehouse, for being willing to listen to a variety of points of view and the ability to remind us of our past success. Meagan Wellbrock for an ability to look at issues from a variety of perspectives and the courage to challenge ideas to get the job done. Thank you all for your support and insights during this past year.
5. Thanks to the dedicated staff of the society who work to accomplish the mission and vision of the organization. Liz for her hard work organizing events providing an engaging and professional environment for members. Rita for her engagement with the board of accountancy, the state legislature keeping us abreast of issues we face at the state level and a willingness to serve where needed. Karen for her organizational skills and her attention to detail. The accuracy and ability to keep the KSCPA society and foundation’s finances in order are truly a blessing.
6. Thank you, Danielle. Three years ago, when we hired you, the search committee and the board believed it was the right decision. Little did we know then just how right it was. I started this blog with six leadership characteristics. During these past three years, I can honestly say I have seen them represented in your work and character. Thank you for all you do for us in the organization. Thank you also for the kindness you showed me this past year. The KSCPA benefits from your leadership.

A Look Forward

A year ago, I mentioned in a blog that leaders needed to be humble, hungry, and smart. I need to add another concept to this idea, be adaptable. The externalities surrounding the CPA profession are innumerable, sometimes it seems like the profession exists in a blender. Here are some of the challenges and opportunities we currently encounter.

1. Increasing enthusiasm for the profession in a way that helps the “pipeline.”
2. Working with the Kansas Board of Accountancy and the state legislature to make the CPA profession in Kansas competitive with surrounding states.
3. Helping firms adopt practice structures and business models that make their lives more efficient and fulfilling.
4. Educating CPAs on the ethical use of AI and its ability to help CPAs become more efficient.
5. Having the ability to influence the changing regulatory environment in all areas of practice.

A profession that is humble, hungry, smart, and adaptable will meet these and other challenges. I encourage you to stay engaged and be willing to volunteer your expertise when asked.

A Look Up

Lastly, may God bless you this Christmas season with laughter, friends, family, and thankfulness for the gift of grace provided in the manger 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Norman Hope, Ph.D., CPA, CGMA,  Immediate Past Chair KSCPA Professor, McPherson College

The Ignite blog is an official publication of the Kansas Society of CPAs, Copyright 2024.

 

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