a man obstructs a window with a large piece of plywood before a natural disaster, a hurricane
Professional Insights

When disaster strikes: How CPAs help clients prepare and rebuild

Jul 15, 2025 · 2 min read · AICPA & CIMA Insights Blog

The ripple effects of disasters may extend into weeks, months, or even years — disrupting financial stability and creating uncertainty. In challenging times, having trusted allies is critical. Whether it’s family, friends, neighbors, or a professional adviser like a CPA, each plays a vital role in immediate response, long-term recovery, and future preparedness.

You are uniquely positioned to guide individuals and businesses through every stage of disaster management. From planning ahead to navigating the complexities of relief and recovery, CPAs bring clarity, strategy, and peace of mind amid chaos.

Planning for the unexpected

Although disasters are unpredictable, planning for them shouldn’t be an afterthought. Work with clients to identify financial vulnerabilities and build a more resilient plan. Services you can offer include risk management, cash flow planning, and fraud prevention.

  • Risk management: You help evaluate the best ways to protect personal and business finances. Risk management may involve identifying suitable types of insurance (property, life, etc.), determining appropriate coverage levels, and preparing for insurance-related discussions that align with a broader financial plan.

  • Cash flow planning: You can ensure that clients have sufficient and accessible reserves to manage unexpected costs and disruptions in income, alleviating the pressure when disaster strikes.

  • Fraud prevention: Disasters often create openings for fraud. You can help clients detect high-risk areas and educate them on how to safeguard against them, using tools like stress-tested financial plans to anticipate and mitigate long-term impacts.

Navigating disaster relief

When a disaster occurs, understanding the evolving landscape of tax relief can be overwhelming. For instance, in November 2024 alone, the IRS issued more than 100 tax relief announcements in response to various disasters nationwide. You can help clients manage this complexity.

You can assist with:

We will continue to advocate for consistent, permanent disaster tax legislation — support that strengthens your ability to deliver clarity and assurance when it’s needed most.

Rebuilding and recovery

As recovery begins, you play a key role in helping clients assess damage and plan for the future by assisting with the following:

  • Estimating losses of personal and real property

  • Preparing insurance claims and coordinating payments from insurers and government programs

  • Managing debt and addressing medical or estate-related financial concerns

For business owners, you can offer services that are often essential for survival and continuity:

  • Valuing damaged assets or inventory

  • Calculating lost profits and economic damage

  • Investigating potential fraud and uncovering red flags in financial records

  • Evaluating bankruptcy or restructuring options in cases of severe financial distress

By guiding both individuals and businesses through these critical steps, you help clients move forward with confidence.

A trusted partner in times of crisis

In uncertain times, you serve as a reliable guide with the skills, knowledge, and insight to support recovery and resilience. Whether you’re helping clients plan ahead, seek immediate relief, or rebuild after a disaster, you can ensure they’re not facing it alone.

For more tools and guidance on preparing for crisis, visit our Disaster Relief Resource Center.

Hannah Pitstick, B.A.

Hannah Pitstick is a content writer at AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.

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