Earmark Podcast | Earn Free Accounting CPE

Blake sits down with Mary Delaney, CEO of Karbon, and Kenji Kuramoto, co-founder of Acuity, to explore how standardizing workflows can unlock growth without sacrificing the artistry of advisory work. They discuss Karbon's acquisition of Aider, the power of time studies to identify automation opportunities, and why getting senior advisors to embrace process requires framing workflow as empowerment rather than micromanagement. Kenji shares lessons from building Acuity's advisory practice and why workflow due diligence became critical during their 14-firm merger with Sorren.Chapters(01:14) - Introducing the Guests: Mary Delaney and Kenji Kuramoto (01:31) - Big News: Carbon's Acquisition of ER (02:41) - Defining Workflow Revolution in Small Firms (04:35) - Kenji's Journey: From Big Four to Acuity (07:03) - Challenges in Building Advisory Workflows (08:59) - Empowering Teams Through Workflow (17:46) - The Importance of Time Studies (19:14) - Kenji's Hands-On Approach to Workflow (25:16) - The Role of Workflow in Mergers and Acquisitions (28:08) - AI and the Future of Workflow in Accounting (30:39) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guests:Mary DelaneyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marywdelaney/Learn more about KarbonOfficial website: http://karbonhq.comKenji KuramotoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenjikuramoto/Learn more about AcuityOfficial website: https://acuity.coConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Most accounting firms are dramatically underpricing their services, but the fear of losing clients keeps them stuck. Marie Greene and Ryan Embry join Blake for a live conversation in LA about spotting underpricing, having the repricing conversation, and why your worst clients are often the most price-insensitive. Plus, a live role-play demonstration of how to navigate a difficult pricing conversation.ChaptersSign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guests:Ryan EmbreeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-embree-9463b286/Learn more about Ignitionhttp://ignitionapp.comMarie Greene, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariegreene/Learn more about Connected Accountinghttp://connectedaccounting.coConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Recorded live in Seattle at the first stop of the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with Madeline Reeves (Fearless Foundry) and Lynette O'Connell (Burnout Bestie) to discuss the hard truths about burnout in accounting. Madeline shares how losing half her agency's revenue in 30 days forced her to stop trying to be likable and start building the business she actually wanted, while Lynette explains why nobody was coming to save her after scheduling overnight work shifts to keep up. They break down the three categories of burnout symptoms most accountants miss, why this profession attracts people whose love language is acts of service, and how to stop being the glue holding everything together.Chapters(00:55) - Meet the Guests: Madeleine Reeves and Lynette Oss Connell (01:27) - Madeline's Burnout Story (04:36) - Lynette's Burnout Journey (17:24) - Recognizing Burnout Symptoms (20:00) - Strategies to Combat Burnout (24:04) - Building a Supportive Community (30:37) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guests: Madeline ReevesLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinefearless/Learn more about Fearless FoundryOfficial website: http://www.fearlessfoundry.comLynette Oss ConnellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnette-oss-connell-cpa/Learn more about Burnout Bestie Official website: https://www.burnoutbestie.com/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Can an AI‑native general ledger really automate the monthly close without losing control? Blake talks with Digits CEO Jeff Seibert about an “autonomous GL” built on a vector graph model, AI agents that research unknown transactions and auto‑reconcile to pixel‑matched statements, and human‑in‑the‑loop safeguards. Learn where Digits fits best today, how to pilot it with clients, price AI‑powered CAS, and keep trust with audit trails, object‑level permissions, and deterministic reporting.Chapters(01:20) - Understanding Autonomous General Ledgers (02:13) - Technical Architecture of Digits (05:29) - Real-World Application of Digits (10:10) - Advanced Features and Accuracy (16:09) - Automated Reconciliation (19:11) - Innovative Reporting Capabilities (24:19) - AI Agents in Accounting (28:40) - Automating Collections and Approvals (29:59) - Customizing Agent Instructions (30:46) - Balancing Simplicity and Complexity in Product Design (46:42) - Impact of AI on Accounting Roles (48:26) - Learning and Adapting to AI in Accounting (52:45) - Conclusion and Next Steps Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guest, Jeff SeibertWebsite: https://jeffseibert.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jseibert/Learn more about DigitsWebsite: https://digits.com/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Chase Damiano, Founder and CEO of Human at Scale, dives into the pitfalls of founder bottlenecks in accounting firms. He reveals a six-part delegation framework to help leaders pass off responsibilities and reclaim time for strategic growth. Learn how to transform one-on-ones into leadership labs, manage team meetings more effectively, and encourage autonomy among team members. Chase shares insights on navigating rapid growth, addressing delegation failures, and the importance of a delegation roadmap, making it easier for firms to thrive.

Why do so many accounting firms struggle to bridge the gap between their stated values and actual workplace culture? In this episode, Blake Oliver sits down with Erin Daiber, founder of Well Balanced Accountants, to explore how firms can move beyond culture theory to real operational change. You'll discover why "we've always done it this way" thinking kills retention, learn specific strategies for showing appreciation without micromanaging, and understand how being too busy prevents the culture improvements you need most. Erin shares her framework for defining your current culture honestly, creating accountability structures that stick, and making small changes that build significant cultural shifts over time.Chapters(01:06) - Erin's Journey into Accounting (09:06) - Transition to Coaching (28:52) - Operationalizing Culture Change (30:55) - Defining Firm Values and Goals (33:12) - Balancing Client Service and Employee Well-being (35:10) - Aligning Personal and Professional Goals (38:09) - Overcoming Scarcity Mindset (46:12) - Showing Appreciation and Respect (53:21) - Strategies for Reducing Micromanagement (55:53) - Implementing and Sustaining Culture Change (57:46) - Conclusion and Contact Information Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guest, Erin DaiberLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpacoacherin/Learn more about Well Balanced AccountantsWebsite: https://www.wellbalancedaccountants.com/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What should you tell clients when tariffs increase and hiring slows? Blake Oliver discusses with Gusto senior economist Nicholas Tremper the effects on small businesses of high tariffs, reduced job growth, and a tighter labor market influenced by immigration policy. Find out how advising on cash flow and employee benefits can help your clients identify opportunities in a post-pandemic startup boom driven by artificial intelligence.Learn more about Gustohttps://earmarkcpe.promo/gustoChapters(01:09) - Meet the Guest: Nich Tremper, Senior Economist (02:36) - Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses (11:12) - Labor Market Trends and Challenges (20:37) - Strategies for Small Business Success (22:37) - Impact of AI (30:00) - Trends in Offshore Hiring (32:36) - Impact of Inflation on Small Businesses (39:47) - The Role of Accountants in Business Strategy (42:48) - Rise of New Business Formations (48:39) - Optimism for Small Businesses in 2026 Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guest, Nich TremperLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichtremperConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Please note: This episode was recorded before changes were made to the Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminated the removal of the PCAOB.What happens when AI agents start doing your journal entries and reconciliations? Mike Whitmire, founder and CEO of Floqast, explains why accounting AI is fundamentally different from other business applications—and why auditability creates unique challenges that many companies will struggle to overcome. In this conversation, you'll learn how Floqast Transform enables accountants to build AI agents using simple narrative descriptions, thereby creating comprehensive audit trails while automating repetitive tasks. Mike walks through real-world examples, from benefit allocation journal entries to variance analysis, demonstrating how the "human-in-the-loop" approach handles exceptions and ensures compliance. Plus, hear his vision for the future accounting professional as an "accounting cyborg" who manages AI agents rather than junior staff.Chapters(00:43) - Agents in Accounting (01:22) - Flow Cast's AI Implementation (02:29) - Starting Points and Use Cases (04:14) - Flow Cast Transform and Integration (06:58) - Workflow Automation and Human Review (16:03) - Future of AI in Auditing (29:11) - Materiality Thresholds and Budget Analysis (30:29) - Financial Statement Narratives with AI (32:35) - AI in Financial Analysis and Risk Detection (36:02) - The Role of AI in Legislative Analysis (37:46) - AI Tools and Automation in Accounting (42:40) - The Future of Accounting with AI Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guest, Mike WhitmireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcwhitmire/Learn more about FloQasthttp://www.floqast.comConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What happens when a homeless 21-year-old musician transforms into a financial leader negotiating $20 billion deals at Google? Devon Coombs shares his remarkable journey from living in his car after his recording studio failed to becoming an ASC 606 revenue recognition expert who helped shape multibillion-dollar cloud contracts. You'll discover how he leveraged technical accounting expertise to leapfrog traditional career paths, why he cold-called a thousand controllers as a first-year auditor, and his predictions for how AI will transform accountants into "orchestrators" rather than individual contributors. Plus, learn why he's leaving Google to build a consulting practice focused on helping the profession adapt to an AI-driven future.Chapters(00:54) - Devon's Early Struggles and Music Industry Journey (02:59) - Transition to Accounting and Education (04:52) - Challenges and Lessons from the Recording Studio (06:58) - Impact of Automation and AI on Careers (12:59) - Devon's Path to Success in Accounting (17:59) - Early Career at Deloitte and Winning Business (22:45) - Transition to Smaller Firm and ASC 606 Insights (25:36) - Deep Dive into ASC 606 (28:06) - Becoming an Expert in ASC 606 (31:13) - Transition to Google and Work-Life Balance (34:18) - Negotiating Billion-Dollar Deals at Google (37:45) - The Role of AI in Accounting (48:20) - Leaving Google for Principal Consulting Group (51:49) - Conclusion and Future Collaborations Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guest, Devon CoombsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs/Website: https://www.devoncoombs.com/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Small businesses offering 401(k) plans see 40% lower employee turnover in the first year, yet only 10% receive benefits guidance from their accountants. Justin Kurn explains how Dark Horse CPAs identifies the right triggers, such as growing staff or high turnover, to initiate benefits conversations. Meanwhile, Julia Miller from Gusto breaks down how accountants can help clients navigate the cost and complexity of offering health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits. The conversation reveals how positioning yourself as a benefits advisor can double or triple your fees while helping clients attract better talent and reduce costly employee churn.Learn more about Gusto https://earmarkcpe.promo/gustoChapters(00:56) - Meet Our Guests (01:26) - The Growth Story: Dark Horse CPAs' Success (02:04) - Advisory First Approach: Transforming Client Relationships (03:38) - Gusto's Role in Benefits: An Overview (07:37) - Challenges and Solutions: Small Businesses Offering Benefits (10:25) - The Cost and Complexity of Benefits: Breaking It Down (15:00) - Advisory Conversations: Identifying Client Needs (19:23) - Gusto's Support for Accountants: Tools and Resources (25:43) - Affordability and Competitive Advantage (26:40) - Partnering with Gusto for Benefits (28:19) - Gusto's Software Solutions (29:12) - Client Experiences with Gusto (29:52) - Gusto's User-Friendly Platform (39:10) - Implementation and Timeline (47:42) - Increasing Revenue through Advisory Services (49:52) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guests:Julia MillerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-g-millerJustin KurnLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinkurnWebsite: https://darkhorse.cpa/justin-kurn-cro/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/