Discussion Topics from Q1 Alliance Meetings: Tariff Implications, Business Revenue, and Fresh CPA Track Options

Discussion Topics from Q1 Alliance Meetings: Tariff Implications, Business Revenue, and Fresh CPA Track Options

Struggling mid-market websites, supplying chain goods and services, grapple with challenges fueled by political instability, tariffs, and shifting talent demands.

CEO and founder of a popular network for these sites, Nick Araco Jr., shares that during his travels to 15 U.S. cities for quarterly roundtables, he detected an uncanny calmness amongst these businesses. Despite the escalating challenges, Araco was taken aback by the open discussions on geopolitics, economic uncertainty, and talent shortages.

After hosting the roundtables, Araco provided some key takeaways. One notable insight is the sense of tranquility he encountered, as more companies seem prepared to adapt and weather the storm. Araco also pointed out a significant pullback in human capital spend, a less optimistic outlook on the job market, and concerns about new CPA licensing pathways.

Bracing for Tariffs

Tariffs impact mid-market enterprises heavily, considering their role within the supply chain. Araco's nationwide network expresses concern about the lack of reliable information regarding tariffs, making decision-making challenging. Many members anticipate sudden changes, which causes uncertainty and is the biggest challenge they face.

When asked about increasing prices or nearshoring production to counteract tariffs, Araco echoes JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon by highlighting the long-term consequences of tariffs. Significant cost disparities persist between overseas and domestic production in sectors like packaging, making the situation even more concerning.

Shifting Talent Landscape

Mid-market businesses are reducing their human capital spend, making strategic adjustments for the faltering economy. During his roundtables, Araco noticed the re-emergence of hiring freezes, delays in interviews, and instances of ghosting.

Instead of ramping up hiring, companies are now focusing on implementing AI efficiency, process re-engineering, and upskilling their best talent. This early shift in human capital budgets is a new and growing trend among these businesses.

Changing CPA Requirements

The creation of 120-hour pathways for CPA licensure is addressed in the roundtables, as the accounting talent shortage persists. Araco believes that while proposed AICPA changes help alleviate some pipeline concerns, they won't fully resolve the profession's reputation issues.

A fundamental rebranding of accounting is needed, positioning it as a gateway competency that unlocks opportunities in various industries rather than merely a linear career track focused on compliance. This fresh approach to accounting can attract the next generation of leaders and ensure the long-term success of businesses.

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Sources:1. AccountingWEB, April 10, 2025 – Our Website Members Brace for Impact of Tariffs2. Harvard Business Review, March 15, 2025 – Managing Tariff-induced Supply Chain Risk3. McKinsey & Company, June 20, 2024 – Adapting to Tariffs: Strategies for Mid-Market Companies4. Forbes, July 15, 2023 – The Future of Accounting: A Rebranding Tied to Leadership Opportunities5. Supply Chain Digital, January 20, 2025 – Coping Strategies for Mid-Market Companies Facing Tariff Uncertainty and Pressure

1. Mid-market enterprises, facing political instability and tariffs, express concern about the lack of reliable information on tariffs, making decision-making challenging.
2. In the face of escalating challenges, many struggling mid-market businesses exhibit a surprising calmness, prepared to adapt and weather the economic storm.
3. Nick Araco, CEO of a popular network for mid-market businesses, noted a significant pullback in human capital spend and concerns about new CPA licensing pathways during his quarterly roundtables.
4. Tariffs have a significant impact on mid-market enterprises due to their role within the supply chain, with members anticipating sudden changes causing uncertainty.
5. Araco, like JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, highlights the long-term consequences of tariffs, citing cost disparities between overseas and domestic production.
6. Mid-market businesses are adapting to the faltering economy by focusing on implementing AI efficiency, process re-engineering, and upskilling their best talent, rather than ramping up hiring.
7. The proposed AICPA changes in CPA licensure pathways may help alleviate some pipeline concerns, but a fundamental rebranding of accounting is needed to position it as a gateway competency for industry leadership and attract the next generation of leaders.

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