Earmark Podcast | Earn Free Accounting CPE

What if private equity could transform accounting firms without sacrificing their independence? David Wurtzbacher, founder of Ascend, shares how his "anti-rollup" model allows firms to maintain their identities while accessing enterprise-level resources. Discover why transitioning firm leaders from client work to true CEO roles unlocks explosive growth, and how employee equity ownership creates alignment across organizations. With CPAs needing to be 2.7 times more productive by 2035, David reveals practical strategies for talent acquisition, business development, and technology that are helping mid-sized firms not just survive but thrive in an increasingly complex profession.Chapters(01:07) - Understanding Ascend's Vision (01:59) - Challenges in Public Accounting (08:24) - Lessons from the Dental Industry (17:13) - Ascend's Approach to Firm Integration (17:53) - Leadership and Culture in Accounting Firms (24:02) - Case Study: Transforming Firm Leadership (27:45) - Overcoming Overwhelm: Delegating Client Relationships (28:36) - The Importance of Carving Out Thinking Time (29:20) - Focusing on One Thing at a Time (29:53) - Talent Strategy and Acquisition Challenges (31:10) - Building an Irresistible Offer for Candidates (34:13) - Equity and Ownership in Ascend (37:17) - Business Development and Marketing Strategies (45:13) - The Role of Technology and AI in Accounting (50:36) - 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, David WurtzbacherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwurtzbacher/Learn more about AscendWebsite: https://www.ascendtogether.com/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What happens after the ink dries on an accounting firm acquisition? Michael Ly and Ashley Rhoden reveal why many buyers overinvest in the purchase but underinvest in the crucial integration phase. Drawing from their hard-won experiences—both successful and unsuccessful—they walk through how to develop a comprehensive 100-day integration plan that begins during due diligence. You'll learn why keeping key employees is the difference between retaining and losing clients, how to effectively communicate changes to minimize disruption, and when to choose between a full roll-up versus platform approach. Whether you're considering an acquisition or have one in progress, this practical roadmap helps you navigate the complexities of merging firms.Chapters(00:51) - Meet the Guests: Michael and Ashley (02:41) - Michael's Integration Experiences (07:16) - Ashley's Integration Insights (09:39) - The Importance of Due Diligence (17:49) - Managing Change and Communication (20:47) - Employee Integration Strategies (23:33) - Key Employees and Leadership Buy-In (24:52) - HR and Payroll Integration (26:18) - Communication Plans and Financial Operations (29:30) - Access to Financial Systems and IT Considerations (34:37) - Communication Strategies (37:54) - Seller Involvement Post-Acquisition (41:33) - Integration Approaches: Full Rollup vs. Platform (47:10) - 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: Michael LyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelly/ Website: https://www.reconciled.com/Ashley RhodenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyrhodenmba/Website: https://highrock.coConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What if the solution to accounting's talent shortage has been hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Navy veteran Mark Steinhoff reveals how the precision required to maintain life support systems on submarines directly translates to accounting excellence. Having managed critical oxygen systems hundreds of feet underwater, Mark now applies that same meticulous attention to detail as an accountant for a water utility. With the profession facing a 70,000-person annual deficit while 200,000 service members transition to civilian life each year, discover how military experience with procedures, documentation, and quality assurance creates natural accounting professionals—and why veterans might be the untapped talent pool accounting desperately needs.Chapters(01:09) - Transitioning from Military to Accounting (02:37) - Similarities Between Military and Accounting (05:46) - Life on a Submarine (11:31) - How Did Working On a Sub Translate to Accounting (16:43) - The Procedure is Not Optional (20:50) - Current Role and Future Aspirations (24:30) - Exploring Career Paths in Accounting (24:53) - Transitioning from Military to Accounting (26:31) - Leveraging the GI Bill for Education (26:44) - Navigating the Pandemic and Career Decisions (28:36) - The Value of a Business Degree (29:08) - Balancing Education and Personal Life (30:53) - Gaining Practical Experience in Accounting (32:23) - Pursuing an MBA and CPA (45:24) - The Evolving Role of Accountants (47:01) - Closing Thoughts and Encouragement 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, Mark SteinhoffLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marknsteinhoff/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What if the numbers we use to measure audit quality are fundamentally flawed? PCAOB Board Member Christina Ho reveals why the headline-grabbing 46% deficiency rate in public company audits deserves serious scrutiny. In this candid conversation, Ho explains why smaller audit firms face disproportionate regulatory burdens, how the PCAOB's inspection approach may distort quality metrics, and why less than 5% of "deficient" audits result in incorrect opinions. She also shares her experience of being publicly criticized by Senator Elizabeth Warren for challenging the status quo. Whether you're an auditor, investor, or financial professional, this insider perspective will transform how you interpret future audit quality statistics.Chapters(00:58) - Explaining the PCAOB (01:59) - Inspection and Enforcement Programs (03:53) - Sampling and Inspection Frequency (05:58) - Challenges for Smaller Audit Firms (10:50) - State of Audit Quality (14:03) - Deficiency Rates and Their Implications (31:34) - PCAOB's Role and Accountability (37:11) - Has the PCAOB Improved Audit Quality? (49:23) - Public Dispute with Senators (54:32) - 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 Guest, Christina Hohttps://pcaobus.org/about/the-board/board-bios/christina-hoConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

In this episode, Blake Oliver interviews Nicolas Boucher, one of LinkedIn's top finance thought leaders, who demonstrates how AI tools like ChatGPT and Python can dramatically accelerate financial data analysis and reporting while maintaining confidentiality. Nicolas shows how finance professionals can create instant analyses and dashboards, integrate AI with existing systems, and automate repetitive tasks to save time and advance their careers.Chapters(00:00) - Nicolas Boucher's Journey and AI in Accounting (03:11) - Practical Applications of AI in Accounting (04:07) - Demonstration: Cohort Analysis with ChatGPT (08:56) - Challenges and Solutions with AI Tools (15:50) - Advanced Data Visualization with AI (22:52) - AI's Surprising Insight with Box Plots (25:48) - Integrating AI with Excel for Confidential Analysis (27:38) - Exploring AI Tools for Finance (28:46) - Concourse.io: Automating Monthly Financial Reports (33:04) - The Future of Finance Jobs with AI (45:02) - Nicolas Boucher's AI Resources and Community Connect with Our Guest, Nicolas Boucherhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bouchernicolas/https://nicolasboucher.online/https://www.youtube.com/@nicolasboucherfinanceSign 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 Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Join leaders from the Illinois, New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania state CPA societies as they explore recent and proposed CPA licensure changes. Discover the latest state-by-state updates, timelines, and resources you need to stay on track. We address the 150-hour rule, potential alternative pathways, and practical mobility and reciprocity concerns. Whether you’re a student or a candidate, gain real-world guidance to confidently navigate your journey toward the CPA license.(Originally recorded on March 4, 2025, on Earmark Webinars+)Chapters(00:00) - Introduction and Earning CPE Credit (00:17) - Welcome and Overview of CPA Licensure Discussion (00:41) - The Talent Shortage in Accounting (01:04) - State Actions on CPA Licensure (01:26) - Introduction of Guest Speakers (01:59) - Overview of Changing Licensure Pathways (03:14) - Detailed Discussion on New Pathways (05:17) - State-Specific Updates on Legislation (17:57) - Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions (26:10) - Flexibility in Accounting Education (26:41) - Second Career Opportunities in Accounting (27:15) - Adapting to Future CPA Skills (27:53) - Challenges in Implementing Changes (28:36) - State-Based Licensing Complexities (32:21) - Efforts to Address Talent Shortage (38:14) - Unintended Consequences of Deregulation (44:10) - The Importance of State Coordination (46:42) - Future of the CPA Profession (49:02) - Improving Working Conditions in Accounting (56:11) - Next Steps for Aspiring CPAs (57:43) - Conclusion and CPE Credit Information CPE for this episode https://earmark.app/c/2268Sign 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 GuestsGeoffrey Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-brown-cae-9039484Jen Cryder - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencryderDenise Froemming - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-leduc-froemming-Calvin Harris Jr. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinhjrJodi Ann LaFreniere Ray - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiannlafreniererayShelly Weir - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellysiceloffConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Ever wondered why there's so much questionable tax advice circulating on social media? In this eye-opening episode, Blake Oliver sits down with Jasmine DiLucci, a rare triple-threat professional - attorney, CPA, and enrolled agent with nearly 500,000 YouTube subscribers.Jasmine pulls back the curtain on why tax misinformation spreads like wildfire online and reveals the number one reason tax strategies fail (even legitimate ones): poor implementation and documentation. Through her journey from taking over her parents' small practice to building a multi-million dollar firm, she shares hard-earned wisdom about scaling a tax practice and finding team members who can uphold your standards.You'll discover how Jasmine unexpectedly found that her social media presence attracted not just clients, but exceptional talent to her firm. She also provides practical insights on tax resolution work, dealing with the IRS, and resources that can help tax professionals level up their expertise. Whether you're a tax practitioner looking to grow or a business owner wanting to avoid tax pitfalls, this conversation delivers valuable takeaways that could save you thousands in an audit.SponsorMakersHub - https://earmarkcpe.promo/makershubChapters(00:00) - Introduction to Jasmine DiLucci (01:25) - The Rise of Tax Misinformation (05:34) - Challenges in Tax Law and IRS Audits (08:38) - Jasmine's Practice and Clientele (12:22) - The Importance of Proper Tax Documentation (29:11) - Leveraging Social Media for Tax Education (31:38) - Inspiration from Family (32:28) - Early Exposure to Tax Profession (34:15) - Taking Over the Family Business (35:49) - Scaling the Firm & the Power of Social Media (42:32) - Building a Strong Team (50:33) - Technology Stack (51:48) - Conclusion and Community 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, Jasmine DiLucciLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminedilucci/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DiLucciCPAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/diluccicpasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/diluccicpaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diluccicpaLearn more about DiLucci CPA Firmhttps://dilucci.com/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Noah Buxton, CEO of The Network Firm, returns to continue the conversation on the evolving world of digital assets. Blake and Noah examine how digital assets have expanded beyond cryptocurrencies to include tokenized real-world assets like real estate and commodities. Noah explains how blockchain technology could revolutionize asset trading and ownership verification and dives into "proof of reserves" reports, highlighting both the importance and current limitations of these reports in protecting investors. He also shares some insights into the growing opportunities for CPAs in the digital asset space, including how firms can develop expertise in blockchain attestation services.Chapters(01:12) - Exploring the Digital Assets Space (03:47) - Tokenization of Real-World Assets (06:21) - Benefits and Challenges of Tokenization (12:37) - Real-World Examples and Case Studies (17:30) - The Role of CPA Firms in Digital Assets (20:24) - Regulatory Landscape and Proof of Reserves (27:58) - Explaining Proof of Reserves (32:34) - Comparing Proof of Reserves and Traditional Audits (36:25) - The Importance of Proof of Reserves (42:34) - Regulatory Landscape and Proof of Reserves (47:20) - Opportunities for CPAs in Crypto Auditing (50:38) - Introducing Ledger Lens for CPAs (53:01) - 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, Noah BuxtonLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/noahbuxtonLearn more about The Network FirmWebsite: https://www.thenetworkfirm.com/about-usConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Blake challenges guest Noah D. Buxton, Co-Founder and CEO of The Network Firm, to make the case for Bitcoin’s lasting value. They explore the nature of money, the complexities of digital scarcity, the inevitability of tokenized real-world assets, and the forces driving institutional interest in cryptocurrency. This candid exchange offers insights into what truly underpins Bitcoin’s worth, how regulators and investors view it, and why blockchain technology is poised to reshape finance as we know it. Whether you’re a skeptic or believer, this discussion reveals the evolving landscape of digital assets.(Originally recorded on December 12, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+)SponsorMakersHub - https://earmarkcpe.promo/makershubChapters(00:52) - Bitcoin's Current Market Status (02:09) - Understanding Bitcoin's Value (05:26) - The Functions and Qualities of Money (06:39) - Bitcoin as a Store of Value (22:37) - Bitcoin vs. Other Cryptocurrencies (30:19) - Debating Bitcoin's True Value (31:21) - Real Estate vs. Bitcoin (31:48) - The Greater Fool Theory (33:18) - Bitcoin's Use Cases and Misconceptions (34:04) - Government Involvement in Bitcoin (38:27) - Decentralization and Wealth Distribution (43:57) - The Future of Digital Assets (50:56) - Conclusion and Future Discussions 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, Noah BuxtonLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/noahbuxtonLearn more about The Network FirmWebsite: https://www.thenetworkfirm.com/about-usConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Yuri Kapilovich, dubbed 'The Fun CPA,' has mastered the art of enjoying accounting while working just 10-15 hours weekly outside tax season. He shares how to strike a work-life balance and emphasizes the importance of setting the right fees and client selection. Yuri discusses building a brand that focuses on fun and relationships, transforming a demanding profession into a rewarding career. With insights on optimizing workflows and enhancing client interactions, he provides actionable tips to redefine success in accounting.