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Dark Horse CPAs Welcomes Chris Ries as New Principal

Dark Horse CPAs, a leading accounting and tax firm dedicated to serving small businesses nationwide, is excited to announce the promotion of Chris Ries, CPA, to the position of Principal. This advancement follows his successful completion of the firm's Principal Accelerator Program, a unique initiative aimed at developing the next generation of accounting leaders.

Chris Ries's rise from Associate Principal to Principal represents a significant milestone in his career. Within this role, he steps into a new chapter that emphasizes not only his expertise in handling client financial needs but also the responsibilities associated with ownership of an accounting practice. The Principal Accelerator Program has equipped him with crucial tools, training, and support, enabling him to navigate the complexities of practice management effectively. Ries expressed that the journey required introspection and a clearer understanding of his professional objectives, focusing on building a practice that aligns with his values and the services he wishes to provide.

"Running a practice goes beyond just fulfilling clients' requests; it involves strategic decision-making and a deep commitment to serving your target market," Ries shared. His experience during the Accelerator was transformative, as it shifted his focus to understanding who his ideal clients are rather than merely accepting every opportunity that came his way. "It was surprising to realize that my challenge wasn’t a lack of leads but rather identifying the right opportunities that resonated with my professional goals," he added.

Ries's newfound role as Principal also emphasizes the collaborative environment fostered by Dark Horse CPAs. He appreciates the firm's commitment to nurturing its leaders and building a supportive network. Unlike traditional partnership models, where competition may exist, Dark Horse CPAs has created a community where its Principals and Accelerators collaborate and uplift one another. This approach changes the game, as Ries acknowledged: "When Principals receive dedicated support, they can better serve their clients, leading to improved outcomes and experiences."

The shift in Ries’s focus towards intentional practice ownership was also met with unexpected challenges, such as learning to value the importance of saying no to projects that did not align with his vision. This decision-making process, though difficult, provided clarity that ultimately strengthened his practice. He highlighted, "The ability to make choices based on my priorities is fundamentally rewarding; it allows me to create a practice that is not only successful but also fulfilling."

Chris Ries also expressed enthusiasm about the flexibility and autonomy that comes with his new role. He remarked that there is no pressure to reach arbitrary growth targets but to construct a practice that matches his lifestyle and caters to the clients he wishes to serve. This adaptability, combined with Dark Horse's unwavering support, empowers Ries to shape a vision for his practice that can evolve over time. He is committed to continuously refining his approach to best meet the needs of his clients.

Chase Birky, CEO and co-founder of Dark Horse CPAs, reflected positively on Ries's journey, noting unexpected strengths that emerged throughout the recruitment process. He highlighted that Ries’s emotional intelligence and maturity were key components that led to his decision to advocate for Ries despite initial reservations about his readiness for the role. "We discovered quickly that Chris was not only skilled but also possessed the relational understanding necessary for client engagement, which is crucial in our industry," Birky remarked.

As the Principal Accelerator Program seeks to cultivate proficient leaders within the accounting field, Dark Horse CPAs stands firm in its mission to provide the necessary resources and support, ensuring accountability and growth. Interested CPAs can explore participation in the program and learn more about becoming part of the Dark Horse community by visiting their official website.

Dark Horse CPAs is committed to transforming the experience of small business accounting by providing comprehensive services that elevate their clients amid a competitive market. Through their innovative approach to practice development and commitment to fostering capable leaders, the firm continues to exemplify what it means to be a Dark Horse CPA.

For more information about Dark Horse CPAs and the Accelerator Program, visit darkhorse.cpa.