Many accounting firms continue to fall into a critical blind spot of advising without context. According to industry veteran Elizabeth Shwiff, founder of Shwiff, Levy & Polo, this approach creates real risks for businesses of all sizes.
“Accounting is not just about numbers,” says Shwiff. “It is about understanding the unique circumstances of each client. This includes their business model, growth goals, industry dynamics, and long-term plans. When advisors rely on standard solutions or checklists, they fail to address the realities that truly affect financial decisions.”
Shwiff, Levy & Polo has built a reputation for providing guidance that combines regulatory knowledge with strategic insight. For many businesses, especially small and mid-sized companies, the consequences of advice without context can be severe. Misaligned recommendations can lead to missed opportunities, unexpected tax liabilities, and compliance issues.
The Problem With Standardized Advice
Many accounting practices still operate on a “one-size-fits-all” model. They provide clients with standard reports, generic recommendations, and industry benchmarks without deeper analysis. This approach may meet basic regulatory obligations. However, it falls short as companies face cross-border operations, digital transformations, and complex financial rules.
“Financial landscapes are constantly changing,” Shwiff explains. “Companies face new tax laws, cybersecurity risks, and international compliance requirements. Without context, advice can be irrelevant or even harmful. Clients need guidance that accounts for the interaction between regulations, market trends, and their specific goals.”
Contextual Advising as a Strategic Advantage
Shwiff, Levy & Polo emphasizes contextual advising as a key advantage. The firm maintains close engagement with client operations. They learn about long-term objectives and tailor recommendations to each business. This helps clients make informed and practical decisions.
Contextual advising goes beyond traditional accounting. Whether it involves tax strategy, financial reporting, or general advisory services, the firm integrates qualitative insights with quantitative data. This ensures recommendations are technically correct and strategically effective.
Real-World Implications
Consider a growing technology company expanding internationally. Standard accounting advice might focus only on U.S. tax compliance. Contextual advising, however, examines tax obligations in all relevant jurisdictions. It also considers currency risks and the potential effects on cash flow and investment. This type of guidance prevents costly mistakes and can create opportunities for growth.
Family-owned businesses face similar challenges. They deal with succession planning, estate taxes, and intergenerational wealth management. Without context, advice may overlook these strategic concerns and expose families to unnecessary risks.
Shwiff, Levy & Polo’s Approach
Elizabeth Shwiff and her team have developed a structured method to embed context in every engagement. This includes detailed client interviews, industry benchmarking, scenario modeling, and ongoing monitoring of regulatory changes. The firm provides proactive guidance that adapts to each client’s priorities.
“Our goal is to make financial strategy precise and actionable,” Shwiff notes. “We do not just prepare reports. We ask the right questions, understand the full picture, and provide guidance that drives real results.”
A Call to the Accounting Industry
Shwiff believes the industry must adopt contextual advising more widely. Businesses are facing more complex challenges in 2026 and beyond. Accounting firms that provide only generalized advice risk being left behind.
“Context matters more than ever,” she says. “Firms that offer generic guidance may meet minimum compliance standards, but they will not help clients succeed. The firms that thrive will combine deep understanding with technical expertise. They will set a new standard for financial advisory excellence.”