- Expectations of the supervisor
- Participants develop an understanding of the criteria for performance of
supervisory personnel in CPA firms and learn why supervisors must perform
significantly different functions than less experienced staff. Participants’
attitudes about their changing role in the firm are discussed, leading to an
analysis of the supervisory function.
- Managing Self and Priorities
- Participants are introduced to techniques that are designed to help them
function better as supervisors. Self-tests are used so that participants can
determine how they currently use their time, how effectively they delegate,
and their ability to achieve work/life balance. Exercises and cases
illustrate and provide hands-on application for such activities as goal
setting, prioritizing, organizing the work space, limiting interruptions,
learning to delegate, and utilizing assistants’ time efficiently.
- Improving Communication Skills
- Cases and exercises are used to help participants learn the different
ways supervisors communicate and how to be more effective communicators. For
example, two-way communication, developing good listening habits, non-verbal
communication, and acting as a role model are all explored.
- Human Motivation
- The purpose of this session is to help participants understand their own
and other people’s needs to accomplish their goals and those of the firm.
Participants learn about and obtain practice in applying basic motivational
techniques.
- Significant time is spent discussing motivating younger staff and the
supervisor’s role in helping their firms retain higher-quality staff.
Self-assessments are included so that participants can identify managerial
styles as well as potential for change. Cases are used to relate skills to
practical situations including supervising assistants, dealing with partners
and clients, and resolving conflicts.
- Supervising, Evaluating and Coaching Staff
- This session focuses on the supervisory skills needed for proper
delegation to assistants, effective on-the-job training, meaningful
performance appraisals, and effective staff coaching. This section addresses
the reasons for the many differences in assistants and how to deal
effectively with staff with different needs. Skills are practiced during
in-class exercises using case studies and role plays that emphasize
difficulties public accountants face in supervising assistants.
- Helping Your CPA Firm Grow
- This session begins by discussing how CPA firms grow with emphasis on
three ways: keeping existing clients satisfied, expanding services to
existing clients, and new business development through referrals from
clients and contacts. Cases and discussion are used to show participants
ways to help their firms grow. Primary emphasis is put on bridging the gap
between present and future roles. Participants develop significant knowledge
of the types of business advice that clients expect from career
professionals in public accounting and are encouraged how to effectively
market these services to existing and prospective clients.
Note: Be prepared with a calculator.