Kessler Advisory
  • Services
  • Process
  • Results
  • FAQ
  • About
  • Book a Call
Client Story

Cutting Through the Noise on a Major Tech Decision

When evaluating a complex tech stack feels overwhelming from the inside, an outside perspective can change everything.

Redwitz 90-Person Firm Tax & Accounting Technology Evaluation Engaged July 2026
Redwitz
+
Kessler Advisory
The Situation

Too Much to Evaluate, Too Little Outside Context

Redwitz came in facing a familiar challenge: a tech stack that had grown over time without a unifying framework, and two significant roadmap decisions that needed answers.

Jennifer Riva had already tried leaning on peers, attending conferences, and working through it internally. But without a benchmark outside their own walls, it was hard to know what "good" looked like — or which direction to move.

In Her Words

Why Outside Help Became the Answer

"The problem is lack of efficiency and systems that do not connect to one another. I tried doing this myself and it is overwhelming. I don't have experience outside of our firm — it was too much to take in, bring back, and evaluate on my own."

— Jennifer Riva, Redwitz
The Approach

Organized, Efficient, and Thorough

Joe conducted a focused review of Redwitz's technology environment and key operational areas — going beyond a software list to understand how the firm actually ran. That meant documentation, structured interviews across the team, and a prioritized view of where change would matter most.

Discovery & Documentation

Structured interviews across the firm to capture each team member's perspective — not just leadership's view.

Tech Stack Evaluation

A clear picture of what was working, what wasn't, and what the firm didn't know it didn't know.

1-Year Action Plan

A prioritized roadmap for the tax team — built around economic benefit, efficiency, and long-term technology goals.

The Turning Point

Industry Knowledge That Changed the Decision

Redwitz was evaluating a significant technology investment but wasn't sure which direction to take. When Joe walked Jennifer through how other CPA firms manage engagement letters and billing — and how those changes reduce risk and recover revenue — it reframed the conversation.

Hearing that other firms had already made these moves successfully gave Jennifer the comfort to stop deliberating and move forward.

"Having Joe be a part of the conversation with his knowledge in our industry helped me make the decision to proceed with the investment — and provided comfort that it was the correct choice."

— Jennifer Riva, Redwitz
What Redwitz Walked Away With

More Than Expected

Jennifer described the output as considerably more than anticipated — areas she knew needed attention, and some she hadn't seen coming.

  • Prioritized view of known gaps, sequenced for impact
  • Hidden inefficiencies surfaced that weren't on the radar
  • A one-year action plan for the tax team tied to economic benefit and client experience
  • Confidence to move forward on a major investment that had been stalled
  • A clear line between short-term action and long-term technology goals
“

Joe is extremely knowledgeable of the CPA firm industry and what good looks like. He is also mindful of our long-term objectives and how that fits into short-term action plans. Joe is confident and is a great listener. I'm excited about next steps in working with Joe and the value he will bring to our firm.

Jennifer Riva
Jennifer Riva
Redwitz Redwitz  ·  Chief Operating Officer

Facing a Decision You're Not Sure How to Make?

If you're trying to evaluate your tech stack or move forward on something complex, an outside perspective helps — especially one that knows this industry.

Let's Talk
Kessler Advisory

© 2026 Kessler Advisory  ·  yourfirmadvisor.com  ·  joe@yourfirmadvisor.com

0