What if the future success of CPA firms depends not just on financial expertise but on building a supportive, purpose-driven community? Rachel and Marcus Dillon, owners of Dillon Business Advisors and co-hosts of the Who’s Really the BOSS? podcast, believe community is the key. With their innovative platform, newly rebranded as Collective by DBA, they’re transforming how accounting firms operate by fostering a community that empowers entire teams—not just the owners.
Addressing Gaps in Accounting Firm Support
Accounting firms today face numerous challenges—from managing remote teams to staying updated with ever-changing regulations. Rachel highlights the struggle:
“We were looking for a community that could serve our team. We wanted accountability and ongoing support solution for the real-life, day-in and day-out challenges our team members were facing—not just the owner but the entire team.”
Existing peer communities in the accounting profession fell short, often focusing solely on firm owners or offering fragmented support. Marcus adds:
“We wanted to support the whole team, from leadership to admin. We wanted to ensure everyone was supported in one place with similar teams.”
Recognizing a gap in comprehensive, team-wide support, Rachel and Marcus, along with Amy McCarty, created Collective by DBA. Their goal was to address the technical aspects of running an accounting firm and the human element—fostering collaboration, facilitating professional development, and cultivating a sense of community across all levels.
Creating a Holistic Support Ecosystem
Collective by DBA is more than a professional network; it’s a carefully crafted ecosystem designed to support accounting firms at every level. At its core, it is a community platform where members, called “Insiders,” can share resources, communicate, and collaborate on topics ranging from client management strategies to the latest tax regulations.
Rachel explains:
“When you join the Collective, you become an Insider. It’s for the firm—not just one person or the owner or a partner. It’s for the whole team.”
The platform offers:
- Webinars on current topics: Providing insights into industry trends and challenges.
- Live streams for real-time problem solving: Allowing members to tackle issues collaboratively as they arise.
- In-person events: Facilitating deeper networking and learning opportunities.
- Discussion boards: Providing a place for members to share and receive feedback on potential initiatives and current challenges.
- Resources: Offering guides and templates related to accounting firm operations and management.
The community is structured around three main pillars:
- Strategy: Helping firms define their vision, target the right clients, and plan for growth.
- Structure: Guiding firms in organizing their teams, roles, and workflows for maximum efficiency.
- Systems: Assisting in selecting and implementing tools and processes to streamline operations.
A standout feature of Collective by DBA is its vendor-free environment. Marcus emphasizes:
“There are no vendors in this group. Behind the paywall are other firm owners. There’s nobody with a vested interest in a software company trying to sell you something.”
This approach fosters open, honest discussions about software, best practices, and industry challenges without the pressure of sales pitches. Members can freely share their experiences with different tools or strategies, ensuring the focus remains on practical, peer-tested solutions.
Embedding Core Values into Operations
At the heart of Collective by DBA is a clear vision and core values guiding every operation. Rachel articulates this vision:
“We are creating a future where success is measured by the positive impact we make on individuals, businesses, and our communities by connecting and inspiring professionals focused on continual learning and leaving a legacy.”
Their core values, encapsulated in the acronym IMPACT, are:
- Integrity. “When we say yes or no to the size of an event or the location of an event, we’re doing back to those values,” Rachel notes. “Does it align? If it doesn’t, then it’s an easy no.”
- Meaningful work. “We want our Insiders to continually get better. So we want to see a change—a noticeable difference, a positive impact,” Rachel says.
- People first. This value is evident in their commitment to supporting entire accounting teams, not just firm owners.
- Appreciation. “This has always been on our heart and, really, a calling to serve others, to serve our peers in the industry,” Rachel explains.
- Collaboration. Central to their community platform, encouraging knowledge sharing among peers.
- Transparency. This influences their approach to events and vendor relationships. Marcus notes, “We’ve turned down some people for various reasons. These are hand-selected people that DBA uses, and they’re not there to sell.”
Looking ahead, Collective by DBA plans to expand its offerings. Marcus outlines:
“We will build out different types of accountability at different levels, all the way through to one-on-one support. At the end of the day, you’re either going to spend money or spend time.”
This tiered approach ensures firms of all sizes can find the right level of support to meet their needs and drive growth.
Conclusion
By addressing the need for comprehensive, team-wide support, creating a vendor-free community focused on practical solutions, and embedding core values into every aspect of their operations, the Collective by DBA community meets the holistic needs of high-achieving accounting firms.
Imagine an accounting profession where firms collaborate, share best practices freely, and support and value every team member. Collective by DBA is working to realize this vision.
This community offers an exciting opportunity for CPA firm owners and accounting professionals to transform how they operate, collaborate, and grow. Whether you’re grappling with team management, seeking innovative ways to serve clients, or looking for a supportive community of like-minded professionals, Collective by DBA provides a new path forward.
Ready to transform your accounting firm? Listen to the full Who’s Really the BOSS? podcast episode to learn more about how Collective by DBA can benefit your practice.
Rachel and Marcus Dillon, CPA, own a Texas-based, remote client accounting and advisory services firm, Dillon Business Advisors, with a team of 15 professionals. Their latest organization, Collective by DBA, supports and guides accounting firm owners and leaders with firm resources, education, and operational strategy through community, groups, and one-on-one advisory.