At Donovan CPAs, the Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAS) team does more than crunch numbers. Led by Jay Boughner and Elisa Skees, they’re redefining client service with a personal touch and innovative tech.
This post will take you on a journey through their visionary leadership, unique team culture, innovative use of technology, and their forward-looking strategies that promise to shape the future of accounting.
A Team Driven by Innovation and Client Success
Jay Boughner—CPA, Partner, and Director of Client Accounting and Advisory Services—oversees the team’s strategic alignment with firm goals and client management. He’s focused on aligning the team’s goals with broader firm objectives, ensuring each strategy enhances client outcomes.
“It’s about seeing how our team fits with the rest of the firm and ensuring we are aligning our client delivery in ways that help them reach their goals holistically.”
Elisa Skees—Manager of Client Accounting and Advisory Services—brings a fresh perspective to the CAS team. She’s focused on staff development, innovative processes, and direct client onboarding to set them up for success.
“I often see my role as similar to that of a general practitioner—assessing the client’s overall health, identifying issues, and then coordinating the right specialist to address those needs.”
Her approach is hands-on and client-centered, ensuring that the CAS team addresses immediate accounting needs and builds lasting relationships.
A Unique Culture Built on Connection and Celebration
The CAS team’s structure, spread across various locations, doesn’t dilute their connection; instead, it strengthens their flexibility and responsiveness.
“We are a bit distributed compared to other departments, which gives us a unique strength in flexibility and client service.”
At Donovan, culture is rooted in personal connections, mutual support, and the celebration of each team member’s contributions. This approach doesn’t just help the team endure tough times; it allows them to thrive and grow, fostering deep trust and a resilient spirit.
The Story of the “Win Jar”
A symbolic element of the CAS team’s culture is their “Win Jar”—a simple glass jar filled with red balls, each representing a client success story or a significant achievement. Jay shares the origin of this unique tradition:
“We started this as a fun, visual way to track our successes. Each ball in the jar represents a client we’ve helped or a challenge we’ve overcome. It’s a constant, visual reminder of our impact.”
Elisa adds,
“It’s more than just a jar for us. It’s about recognizing our efforts and celebrating the small wins that often go unnoticed. It keeps us motivated and reminds us why we do what we do.”
Looking Ahead: Strategic Goals and Client Impact
Looking to the future, Jay’s dream for the CAS team is to expand its influence both regionally and nationally, becoming a recognized leader in the accounting services community. The goal is to grow the team significantly while maintaining the high standards that Donovan CPAs are known for.
Elisa’s goals include enhancing client deliverables, such as transforming standard financial reports into interactive, insightful communications that provide real value to business owners.
“Imagine replacing pages of numbers with engaging, insightful video summaries. That’s where we’re headed.”
Jay and Elisa also have goals to integrate advanced technologies to better serve their team and client needs.
“We are exploring how AI can not only streamline our processes but also anticipate and address client challenges proactively.”
The future is being shaped where technology empowers the team to deliver even more personalized and preemptive support.
Not Your Average CAS Team
The CAS team at Donovan CPAs goes beyond traditional accounting. They are pioneers, dedicated to their clients and each other. Through strong leadership, innovation, and a commitment to culture, they are not just keeping up with the future of accounting—they’re leading it.
