AI is helping accounting firms complete work faster, but many are still measuring their value by the number of hours they bill.
In this segment from Episode 9, Mike Maksymiw and Chris discuss why the billable hour remains so deeply ingrained in public accounting and what it would take for firms to move toward value-based pricing.
They explore why fixed-fee audit engagements may be a natural starting point, how firms can reward efficiency instead of hours worked, and why differentiation becomes increasingly important when clients see auditing as a compliance expense.
Episode Highlights:
0:00 – The billable hour problem
1:04 – Rethinking the value of services
1:52 – Breaking free from billable hours
2:35 – Rewarding efficiency, not hours
4:03 – Standing out beyond price
About Chris Vanover
Chris Vanover, CPA, blends expertise in public accounting, auditing, regulation, innovation and education to drive meaningful change in the profession. A two-time Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential People honoree and founder of CPAClub, he is committed to advancing excellence and progress across the accounting profession.
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisvcpa/
About Mike Maksymiw
Mike Max is a Director of Aprio Alliance, which provides CPA firms with exclusive access to the professional connections, advice, and technical resources they need to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities for growth.
The Alliance unites forward-thinking firms to exchange ideas, solutions, and experiences related to managing their businesses. Members enjoy access to invaluable resources, peer group roundtables, and leadership suites to prepare themselves for the future. Among industry professionals, Mike is a recognized thought leader who is spearheading the transformation of the CPA space.
Prior to joining Aprio, Mike made the bold decision to resign from his position of partner at a CPA firm and dedicate his career to revolutionizing the aspects of the profession that don’t make sense. A tireless advocate for the principle of value versus time, Mike is dedicated to helping CPA firms promote family initiatives, foster inclusion and belonging, and advocate for work-life harmony. With relentless determination, he challenges the entrenched norms of the accounting profession, striving for a progressive and inclusive future.
Mike has held various positions in his professional life, including serving as the past Chair of the Connecticut Society of CPAs (CTCPA) Board of Directors. He is also a 2010 alumnus of the AICPA Leadership Academy, and a former member of the AICPA Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee. Mike has participated in several task forces and committees at both the CTCPA and AICPA, all of which have allowed him to make significant contributions to the accounting industry.
Connect with Mike
Website: https://www.aprio.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemaksymiwjr
Connect with CPAClub
More Resources: https://cpaclub.cpa/resources
Website: cpaclub.cpa
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cpaclub
Instagram: instagram.com/cpaclubinc
Facebook: facebook.com/cpaclubinc
