Cindy Halbert, CPA

Surviving the Shift: How Accountants Navigate Rapid Tech Change

September 28, 20254 min read

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When Cindy Halbert started her accounting career, she was balancing accounts on paper, using ledger cards by hand, and keeping client data in physical files. Fast forward to today, and her thriving CPA firm relies on client portals, cloud storage, and video conferencing to keep things moving. The shift hasn’t been easy, but Cindy's story offers a roadmap for how accountants can survive, and thrive, through rapid technological change.

From Ledgers to Logins: Embracing the Digital World

For many accountants, especially those who began their careers before the digital boom, the transition to tech-first systems can feel overwhelming. Cindy admits that technology has been her biggest learning curve. The shift from manual systems to remote work, Zoom meetings, and secure client portals was jarring at first. But it was also necessary.

"I’m old school," she says. "But I knew I had to change if I wanted to keep up."

Whether it was navigating PPP loan applications during the pandemic or learning to set up secure document sharing, Cindy leaned into discomfort and kept going. With support from her tech-savvy son and a willingness to figure things out, she slowly adapted. The lesson? You don’t need to be perfect with technology. You just need to be open.

The Real Challenge: Mindset Over Mechanics

Interestingly, the hardest part of keeping up with technology wasn’t just the tools, it was the mindset. Like many seasoned professionals, Cindy had to confront her own self-doubt. It wasn’t just about learning new software, but about shifting how she saw her role, her time, and her boundaries.

"It was hard not to feel behind all the time," she shared. "But I realized I didn’t have to know everything, I just had to be willing to learn."

She also had to get her family on board. Working from home brought new distractions and expectations, and Cindy had to set clear boundaries about her time and availability. Just because she was home didn’t mean she was "free."

The transformation wasn't overnight. It took setting small goals, sticking with them, and redefining what success looked like.

From Chaos to Systems: Building a Firm That Works for You

One of Cindy’s most powerful lessons is this: you don’t need perfect systems to make progress. While she admits she’s still figuring out how to centralize her workflows and hire trustworthy help, she’s no longer letting uncertainty hold her back.

Her goal is to implement one central system for managing client communication, document uploads, and task assignments. She knows it's not just about efficiency. It's about protecting client data, managing growth, and maintaining her sanity as a solo firm owner.

She's honest about her struggles with trust, especially when considering hiring help. Like many firm owners, Cindy worries about data security and client confidentiality. But she's also committed to growth and knows that the right systems and team members can make it all possible.

What You Can Learn from Cindy

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace of change in accounting, you're not alone. Cindy's journey is proof that you don’t have to be tech-savvy to succeed. You just need to be adaptable.

Here are a few takeaways to help you navigate your own tech shift:

  • Start small: Focus on one system or process at a time.

  • Ask for help: Lean on others who understand tech better, whether it’s a colleague, family member, or IT professional.

  • Invest in secure solutions: Especially when handling sensitive data, security isn't optional.

  • Give yourself grace: You don’t have to be perfect, just persistent.

  • Know your value: Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back from charging fairly or growing confidently.

As Cindy reminds us, "You're not the only one out there who can help people, but you are the only one who can build your practice your way."

Want support while navigating your next big shift? Join a community that gets it: https://cpamoms.com/start

Cindy Halbert & family

Cindy discovered a passion for accounting early on, taking her first Accounting course in high school and immediately knowing she was destined to become a CPA. She began preparing tax returns during her final year of college while working for a local CPA, and after graduation, she gained valuable experience across several industries, including many years in manufacturing and later in nonprofit healthcare.

Throughout her career, she continued to prepare tax returns on the side for friends, family, and colleagues—building a strong reputation and a steady stream of referrals. In 2020, with a growing client base and a clear vision for her future, she made the leap to full-time entrepreneurship and launched her own CPA firm.

Now a successful solopreneur, she continues to grow her practice year over year, consistently adding over 100 new clients annually. She is supported by a small team, including trusted former colleagues handling administrative tasks, and is currently planning to expand by hiring a part-time tax preparer. With a solid foundation, loyal clientele, and a deep commitment to quality service, she is confident in the continued growth and success of her firm.

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