Earmark Podcast | Earn Free Accounting CPE

Live from Boston on the final stop of the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with James Erving from Fathom and Chris Macksey from Prix Fixe Accounting to explore what advisory services really mean beyond bookkeeping and compliance. Chris shares how his firm requires advisory for all restaurant clients, using industry expertise and operational metrics to guide decisions on everything from menu pricing to expansion timing. The conversation covers the difference between delivering information versus being integral to decision-making, with insights on forecasting, benchmarking, and why visual KPIs help clients with low financial literacy understand their business performance.Chapters(00:22) - Welcome to the Earmark Podcast (01:15) - Prix Fixe Accounting: A Niche in Hospitality (02:25) - Advisory Services in the Restaurant Industry (06:20) - Forecasting and Budgeting for Restaurants (06:59) - Getting Started with Advisory Services (13:40) - Defining Advisory Services (17:35) - The Value of Metrics and Visuals (25:24) - Advice for Firms Starting Advisory Services (27:40) - 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: James ErvingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameserving/Learn more about FathomOfficial website: http://fathomhq.comChris MackseyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmacksey/Learn more about Prix Fixe AccountingOfficial website: https://prixfixe.accountants/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

On the fifth stop of the Advisory Amplified tour in Atlanta, Blake sits down with Lisa Gilreath of Acuity and Valerie Heckman of OnPay to discuss what empathetic leadership actually looks like in an industry notorious for long hours and tight deadlines. The conversation covers everything from recognizing when team members are struggling to handling toxic high performers, with real talk about building slack into capacity planning and why unused PTO is a red flag. Lisa and Valerie share concrete steps for creating a culture where people feel supported enough to lean in when it matters most.Chapters(01:17) - Defining Empathy in Accounting (02:24) - Implementing Processes to Reduce Stress (03:26) - Balancing Workloads and Mental Health (10:15) - Client Relationships and Empathy (16:42) - Adapting to Change and Hiring for the Future (19:07) - Using Data to Spot Problems Early (24:35) - Handling Toxic High Performers (26:22) - Practical Tips for Leading with Empathy (30:55) - 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:Valerie HeckmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieheckman/Learn more about OnPayOfficial website: https://onpay.comLisa GilreathLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-gilreath-2ba506a/Learn more about SorrenOfficial website: https://sorren.com/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Live from Austin on the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with Madeline Reeves of Fearless Foundry and Wesley McDonald of Relay to explore what it truly means to be a renegade in accounting: firms that lead clients to somewhere new rather than settle for "the way things have always been done." The conversation explores why top firms aren't afraid to say no to the wrong clients, how transparency in compensation and career pathways can address the talent crisis, and the hard-won lessons learned about building cultures of collaboration over competition.Chapters(00:37) - Defining a Renegade Firm (02:18) - Innovative Client Experiences (03:56) - Modern Banking and Accounting (08:03) - Aligning Business Values (10:47) - Renegade Firm Values (12:55) - Innovative Leadership and Career Paths (26:57) - Mistakes and Lessons Learned (32:57) - 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.comWesley McDonaldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmcdonald48/?originalSubdomain=ca Learn more about RelayOfficial website: https://relayfi.comConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

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/