126 Teaching Tax Therapy and Accounting as Art on #TaxTwitter (feat. Mary McDonald, CPA & Amber Gray-Fenner, EA) | #SocialStudies

Episode 126 | Recorded August 1, 2022

In this episode of Accounting High, Scott hosts Amber Gray-Fenner and Mary McDonald to discuss various topics related to accounting and art. Amber shares her childhood and move to New Mexico, her experience in Albuquerque, and her insights on changes in the accounting industry. Mary discusses her origin story, the size of her firm, and how tax and accounting can be like a puzzle. They also talk about accounting as an art, the importance of authenticity, and finding creative outlets. The guests wrap up the discussion by emphasizing the importance of tax therapy and thanking Scott for his time and insights.

Interview:

• Amber's childhood, moving to New Mexico, and experience in Albuquerque

• Changes in the accounting industry over the last 10 years and why she chose to take on accounting

• Getting an EA versus a CPA

• Tax with "nano-business," pricing, and writing and creative outlets

• Tax therapy and not just focusing on the numbers

• Dealing with good and bad clients, referring out and making mistakes, and retiring from employees

• Automation and workflow management, working with paper, and waiting on clients

• Mary's origin story, the size of her firm, and being a teacher

• Tax and accounting as a puzzle, accounting as art, and getting connected to artists

• Tiara squad, kids, and mother vibes

• Being authentic and salty, sassy, and savory

Closing:

• Wrapping up the discussion on accounting and art

• Emphasizing the importance of authenticity and finding a creative outlet.