Meet Howard Telson

We were lucky to catch up with Howard Telson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Howard, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?

I’ve built my communication skills mostly through practice— a lot of it.

Early on, it was all trial and error: explaining a concept, getting feedback, and adjusting along the way.

I also made it a habit to ask plenty of questions to truly understand issues. In communication, asking the right questions is often more important than having all the answers.

As a CPA in a jargon-heavy industry that often leaves people’s heads spinning, I’ve found that clear, straightforward communication makes all the difference. It’s about breaking down the complex stuff so clients feel comfortable and informed.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

After more than eight years in the traditional, old-school accounting world, I realized it was time for a change—not just for myself, but for the entire industry. While working at KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms, it became clear that the largest companies had the budget for sophisticated tax and accounting support, but small businesses—like your favorite neighborhood coffee shop—were often left behind.

With this gap in mind, my business partner, Alex Pacione, and I launched Scale CPA to bring high-level tax and accounting expertise to small and mid-market businesses. Our goal is simple: help our clients save on taxes, stay compliant, and receive strategic advisory that fuels their growth.

While we serve a broad range of businesses, we’ve developed a niche in the food & beverage and e-commerce industries. We offer the traditional tax and accounting services that small businesses expect—like tax returns and bookkeeping—but what truly sets us apart is our focus on analysis and planning. We act as strategic partners to our clients, providing in-depth tax strategies, industry-specific KPI analysis, and benchmarking that give business owners a deeper understanding of their financials.

At Scale CPA, we’re redefining the role of accounting. Instead of just a compliance task, we help business owners leverage their financial data as a powerful tool for making smarter, more informed decisions.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three key qualities that shaped my journey are adaptability, problem-solving, and communication.

Adaptability – The accounting world is always evolving. Staying curious, embracing change, and continuously learning have been essential. My advice: never settle for “how it’s always been done.”

Problem-Solving – Accounting isn’t just numbers—it’s about finding solutions. Always ask “why” and “how” to understand the bigger picture and add real value.

Communication – Technical skills mean little if you can’t explain them. Learn to simplify complex topics—clear, concise communication sets you apart.

For those starting out, regardless of industry: stay flexible, think critically, and focus on making things understandable. These skills will take you far.

How would you describe your ideal client?

At Scale CPA, our ideal client is a growth-focused business owner—someone passionate about their craft and committed to building something great. They take accounting and taxes seriously but don’t have the time to master every financial detail. That’s where we come in.

We partner with business owners to handle compliance, optimize tax strategies, and provide key financial insights that drive smarter decisions. By equipping them with the right metrics and tax planning strategies, we help extend their runway, maximize savings, and create more opportunities to reinvest in their business and vision.

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