IMTA's February CITP Spotlight

Member: Jim Gilbert, CPA, CITP, CGMA
Organization: Jim Gilbert, CPA
Hometown: Denver, CO 

Jim Gilbert, CPA, CITP, CGMA, currently serves as a member of the AICPA CITP Champion Group. He is principal at Jim Gilbert, CPA. His firm provides services in the areas of business, technology and accounting. In the last decade, he has taken a special interest in cloud based solutions, integration and data analytics. 

IMTA: How have you used technology to assist you in completing your day-to-day responsibilities more efficiently? 

Jim: For the last 20 years I have applied technology to my personal and professional life. In the beginning of my accounting career I worked as a controller in a technology company that provided document imaging and data collection solutions.  As part of our company values, we were required to service our own computers and not have any visible paper in the building.  With both changes I was convinced that I had to adapt to a paperless environment and advances in technology overall.  In the last decade, cloud based solutions, integration, and data analytics have been my passion.  Technology has allowed my business teams to achieve greater results with more efficiency and overall time savings.  During conversations with my team and with my clients, I often think about ways to streamline processes and gain a competitive edge by leveraging technology.  

IMTA: What role do you see technology playing in accounting services in the next 10 years?

Jim: Accounting professionals will certainly be one of the groups most impacted by technology.  Both public and private member accounting professionals alike will have to embrace current and projected technology trends.  We live in a global economy with a nimble workforce that competes through technology and systems that allow for continuous connectivity.  Technology (i.e. automation, systemization and mobile devices, etc.) will eliminate some of the work that CPAs are doing today and in the next 10 years. With advanced computing power, mobile devices will replace larger personal computers and will be customary for all CPAs.  CPAs need to be careful to not become a commodity. We want to be nimble and advance with ever-changing business practices.     

IMTA: How do you think possessing the skills of a CITP credential holder will better equip you to handle the ever-changing world of technology and accounting as the two begin to collide? 

Jim: In my firm, I specialize in three service areas: business, technology, and accounting. Technology is a very significant part of my value proposition. People, processes, and systems are the focus of discussion when reviewing alternative business practices with my clients.  Being a CITP credential holder makes me accountable to technology best practices and solutions that are cost competitive and create sustainable value.  I cannot rely on outdated technology and ways of processing transactions. This creates a flexible and creative work style that my clients appreciate.  Integration of business, technology, and accounting into a single delivery to clients and shareholders is what is expected today and certainly over the next decade.  Thus, as a CITP credential holder I provide an integrated solution without burdening my clients with separate details of any of the three areas.  

IMTA: Who would you recommend to get the CITP credential and why? 

Jim: As the Colorado CITP Champion, I would recommend that all CPAs should consider the CITP credential.  Any CPA that has a passion for technology should pursue this credential and apply this to their daily job performance.  This is a differentiator and shows the commitment to knowledge beyond the perceived skillset of a traditional CPA. This credential puts the CPA into a different level of thinking overall. Obtaining the CITP credential transformed my professional outlook and created a whole new direction for me professionally.  CITP credential holders are leaders in technology and innovation.  I am currently working with the Colorado Society of CPAs and two partners from EKS&H to form a technology group to help attract more CITP credential holders and promote technology best practices to the 8,500 private and public society members.    

For more information about the CITP credential, please visit the CITP Credential Overview page.