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TAX PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

natural connection that comes with impact. In the 2022 survey, 49% of re- Technologically, more tools and
in-person meetings is not always easily spondents said tax technology provided resources are at your disposal than even
replicated. It is important to deliberately more accurate reporting capabilities, and a few years ago. When used properly
schedule events, trainings, and check-ins 45% said it provided increased visibility and effectively, they will enhance the
for your teams at critical junctures in into total tax liability. quality of your work. When you master
virtual settings. Thoughtfully consider- Tax leaders are on the right track the flexible, virtual approach, your cli-
ing your team’s professional develop- with their investments. They are opti- ents will thank you. You will get more
ment and personal well-being will make mizing productivity, addressing capacity done in less time, and you will have
all the difference in the adoption of a constraints, and freeing up talented more capacity for strategic thinking and
remote model. professionals for higher-level analysis advice. As you push forward, however,
and thinking. As part of that planning remember that this is much more than
Innovate, innovate, innovate and investment, if your organization or a digital transformation. It is a cultural
Prioritizing innovation is our second department plans to embrace remote transformation, with opportunities to
recommendation for leaders looking to work, make sure that the tools you build an organization that fosters in-
optimize a remote work experience. The choose can operate outside the office clusivity and personal and professional
truth is that you are unlikely to solve for more efficiency and flexibility, and growth. When you get that right, your
new challenges with old solutions. Great to ensure business continuity during people will thank you. More than that,
organizations — those that outperform disruptive moments. you will continue to build a cultural
and outlast their peers — encourage While selecting the right tools is foundation that can adapt and thrive as
their people to experiment and find bet- important, prioritizing the combination new advancements are introduced.
ter ways to accomplish their goals. These of culture and innovation will further As you engage and plan with your
organizations are also good at harness- bolster your strategy. Although 97% leadership teams in the upcoming year,
ing those ideas and bringing them into a of tax executives plan to invest in tax boldly knock down barriers to innova-
testing environment. Once they validate technology this year, these same execu- tion while promoting a culture of shared
their innovations, these companies know tives recognize that training is not only ownership and trust among everyone in
how to scale them for maximum benefit. a priority but also a challenge. As they the organization. These two drivers will
Our tax department has benefited said in the survey, training their teams be foundational for companies success-
because innovation has long been a stra- to use available technology tools and fully navigating the new world of work,
tegic priority of the firm, and leadership processes is the No. 1 challenge for the especially for those embracing a remote
has consistently maintained a high level tax department. Cultivating a culture workplace model. ■
of investment in technology and train- of change is necessary for a successful
ing for our own digital transformation. remote environment in which both your
The key is being thoughtful about people and clients thrive.
the adoption and deployment of the As we seek to operate more effi- Contributors
tools enabling transformation. In recent ciently and effectively in every environ-
years, we have established a strategic ment, the interplay between culture and Matthew K. Becker, CPA, is national
framework to drive our efforts in tax innovation becomes ever more critical. managing partner of tax with BDO
technology. The linchpin is the holistic As leaders, we need to make the invest- USA in Grand Rapids, Mich., and a
approach we have taken to adopt tech- ment to understand what tools will most member of the AICPA Tax Practice
nologies that align with our department align with our organizational culture Management Committee. Catherine
goals: a commitment to quality and the and goals and invest the time, resources, Moy, CPA, is chief people officer
needs of our clients, and an assurance and human capital to ensure that adop- with BDO USA in Boston. Brandon
that these tools will perform in a virtual tion occurs in a way that maximizes the Lagarde, CPA, J.D., LL.M., is director
environment to allow for more real-time return on the investment. of the Tax Services Group at Postle-
interaction and delivery around the thwaite & Netterville in Baton Rouge,
work product. The future is bright when La., and chair of the Tax Practice Man-
In BDO’s 2021 Tax Outlook survey, culture and innovation align agement Committee. For more infor-
tax leaders said their top priority was to Our advice to fellow leaders in the tax mation about this column, contact
transform the tax function for greater profession is this: Do not just accept the thetaxadviser@aicpa.org.
efficiency and better insights. Those changes happening in our world — em-
investments appear to be having an brace them. There is much to gain.

52 December 2022 The Tax Adviser