“I want to make sure that whatever we create, it's not only conducive for my lifestyle but for my entire team.” – Jody Grunden

The finer details of this episode:

• Transformation of the accounting profession
• Changing perceptions within the accounting industry
• Importance of personal relationships and communication in professional success
• Experiences and challenges faced in public accounting and corporate roles
• Entrepreneurial journey and founding of Summit CPA Group
• Emphasis on work-life balance and flexible work environments
• Adoption of remote work and its impact on company culture
• Need for adaptability and innovation in accounting practices
• Role of soft skills and interpersonal relationships in future accounting careers
• Encouragement for young professionals to embrace change and seek personal development opportunities

Episode resources:

• Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/
• Email us with questions or if you’d like to be a guest on the show: youngcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com
• We’re hiring! Check out our open positions: https://www.summitcpa.net/career-opportunities
• Connect with Jody here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodygrunden/
• Check out Summit Virtual CFO by Anders here: https://www.summitcpa.net/

Timestamps:

Welcome to the Young CPA Success Show (00:00:00)

Introduction to the podcast aimed at guiding young accounting professionals in their careers.

Changing Perceptions in Accounting (00:00:23)

Discussion about the importance of altering how the world perceives accounting.

Jody's Journey in Accounting (00:01:23)

Jody shares his background, from studying finance to discovering his passion for accounting.

Experiences in Public Accounting (00:02:35)

Jody recounts his challenging experiences in public accounting and the toll it took on him.

Transition to Corporate World (00:04:09)

Jody describes his shift from public accounting to corporate roles and initial enjoyment.

Starting an Entrepreneurial Journey (00:05:38)

Jody discusses leaving corporate life to run a small CPA firm and its challenges.

Creating Summit CFO (00:07:14)

Jody details the founding of Summit CFO, focusing on innovative practices and culture.

Changing the Way Accounting Works (00:08:42)

Jody emphasizes his goal to transform accounting practices for better work-life balance.

Pioneering New Accounting Practices (00:10:14)

Recognition of Jody as a pioneer in innovative accounting practices and culture.

Overcoming Obstacles in Accounting (00:12:01)

Discussion on turning challenges into opportunities and embracing change in the industry.

Building Team Culture (00:14:00)

The importance of intentional team culture and communication in remote work environments.

Risk and Change in Accounting (00:15:02)

Challenges accountants face with risk and change, and the need for adaptable team members.

Here are the extracted timestamps and their corresponding titles from the podcast episode transcription segment:

Going Remote: The Decision (00:15:42)

Discussion on the decision to go fully remote and initial reactions from the team.

Stand-Up Meetings and Culture (00:16:36)

Overview of stand-up meetings, starting with jokes, and fostering a collaborative culture.

Initial Resistance to Remote Work (00:17:14)

Team members express concerns about remote work; only one person agrees to the idea.

Office Renovation and Investment (00:18:32)

Details about the office renovation and the unexpected shift towards remote work.

Lessons from the Transition (00:19:17)

Reflections on the financial implications of the office renovation amidst the remote transition.

Adapting to Remote Work (00:20:03)

Gradual acceptance of remote work by team members and the eventual leasing of the office.

Listening vs. Acting (00:21:02)

Speaker discusses the importance of listening to feedback without feeling obligated to act on it.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit (00:22:16)

Exploration of the entrepreneurial mindset within the company and its impact on employee roles.

Compensation Structure and Flexibility (00:23:50)

Explanation of the compensation model that supports both ambition and security for employees.

Importance of Diverse Roles (00:27:06)

The necessity of having both ambitious and content employees for company success.

Evaluating Potential Hires (00:28:20)

Criteria for assessing candidates, including sports and teamwork experience beyond academics.

Remote Work Dynamics (00:29:46)

Discussion on the effectiveness of remote work and maintaining engagement through video calls.

Remote Work Presentation Tips (00:31:12)

Importance of professional camera presence and background during virtual interviews.

Creating Work-Life Boundaries (00:32:03)

Discussion on the necessity of having a designated workspace to separate work from personal life.

Flexibility in Remote Work (00:32:50)

Benefits of remote work include flexibility for personal emergencies and family commitments.

Task-Oriented vs. Hours-Driven Work (00:34:23)

Emphasis on productivity based on task completion rather than hours worked.

Balancing Career and Family (00:35:18)

Personal experiences of balancing a career in accounting with family responsibilities.

Company Culture and Flexibility (00:36:11)

Summit CFO’s supportive environment allows employees to prioritize family alongside work.

Personal Health Journey (00:37:15)

Speaker shares health improvements and lifestyle changes since joining Summit CFO.

Work-Life Integration (00:38:49)

Discussion on the shift from work-life balance to work-life integration for better fulfillment.

Vision for Accounting's Future (00:40:12)

Changing perceptions about accounting for clients and the industry, aiming for innovation.

AI's Impact on Accounting (00:45:58)

Predictions on how AI will transform traditional accounting roles and emphasize advisory services.

Importance of Soft Skills (00:47:40)

Highlighting the growing need for soft skills in accounting to build client relationships.

The Importance of Client Relationships (00:48:24)

Discusses a challenging client onboarding experience emphasizing the value of personal relationships in client retention.

The Power of Communication (00:48:38)

Highlights the necessity of communication skills for success in any profession, including accounting.

Curiosity in the Workplace (00:49:47)

Encourages questioning established practices to foster innovation and improve job performance.

The Cake Story Analogy (00:50:26)

Shares a humorous story illustrating the importance of understanding the reasons behind actions and practices.

Innovating Through Inquiry (00:51:14)

Explains how being curious and asking "why" can lead to better processes and innovation in the workplace.

Wrapping Up the Podcast (00:51:29)

Concludes the episode, expressing gratitude and excitement for future connections and opportunities.

Connecting with Jody (00:52:10)

Provides information on how listeners can connect with Jody and learn more about his work.

Invitation for Young CPAs (00:52:57)

Encourages young CPAs to explore career development opportunities with Summit CFO and Anders CPAs.