Do the work that fulfills you.The DisruptorsWith Liz FarrCannabis accounting is not for the faint of heart, says Monique Swansen, owner of Accounting for Green, which provides accounting services to cannabis businesses. First, there’s a big inventory component, so “if you're an accounting professional that does not want to deal in inventory, cannabis is not your space,” Swansen says. Cannabis inventory is further complicated by Federal law, which disallows tax deductions for anything but the cost of goods sold. This means meticulous tracking of all direct costs to get the maximum possible tax deduction. Compliance with state laws also requires “documentation for every single movement of inventory or money,” says Swansen. Banking is also challenging because “no Federal banks will bank cannabis.”  MORE PODCASTS and VIDEOS: Tina McGill: How to Create Lasting Client Impact | Stefan van Duyvendijk: Develop Operational Mindset | Steve Evans: Why Traditional Hiring Methods Fail | Roger Knecht: Can You Be an Accountrepreneur? | Beth Whitworth: Focus on Outcomes Not Hours | Mike Sylvester: Learn to Say No | Salim Omar: Identify Your Client's $100,000 Problem | Jackie Meyer: Earn More with Fewer Clients | Jack Fleherty: Don't Be a 'Yes' Person | Greg Adams: From Finance to Storytelling | The Disruptors | Jody Padar: Make Radical Changes Now If You Want to Be Relevant in 2030 | Cannabis business owners tend to know less about running a business than many other types of businesses. “So you really have to start that relationship early and try to talk with those people and understand those people where they're at so that you can really help them,” Swansen recommends. Her personal sweet spot is starting to work with cannabis businesses three to six months before they become operational.

Empowering employees is crucial in the fight against fraud. Training staff to recognize red flags like transaction discrepancies can enhance a firm's defenses. Sharing potential fraud scenarios encourages vigilance and teamwork. Employees are often the first line of defense, effectively serving as the organization's eyes and ears. A proactive approach not only protects the firm but also benefits clients by mitigating risks before they escalate.

Nick Huber, a seasoned journalist and content strategist from the Financial Times, reveals how accounting firms can leverage content for growth. He stresses that effective content goes beyond marketing—it's a chance to showcase authority and build trust. Huber encourages firms to produce engaging material, like blogs and white papers, while advocating for a more conversational approach to thought leadership. He also emphasizes the need for bold opinions in content creation to ignite dialogue and enhance audience engagement.

In this discussion, Amy Vetter, CEO of the B3 Method Institute, shares her expertise in transforming workplace culture in accounting firms. She highlights how strong leadership and clear communication can create a thriving work environment. Vetter emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to reduce stress and encourages employees to prioritize self-care. A unique touch includes her musical insights, showcasing how music can serve as a stress reliever. Overall, her strategies aim to empower employees and cultivate a supportive, engaged culture.

Dive into the fascinating realm of accounting transformation as thought leaders discuss the crucial role of research and data. Discover how data shapes industry trends and influences informed decision-making, helping accountants navigate complexities. Explore the challenges of confirmation bias and the need for objective analysis. Learn about evolving methodologies in accounting research and the importance of continuous learning. With playful analogies and insightful discussions, this is a must-listen for future-focused accounting professionals.

Tax season brings challenges, but there are still silver linings. Art Werner reveals that even in February and March, accountants can find ways to help clients minimize tax burdens. Proactive tax planning shines as a key strategy, especially with Form 1040. He emphasizes maneuvering through unexpected client scenarios—like financial losses or shifts in income—to optimize tax situations. It's a reminder that timely advice can lighten financial loads, proving it's never too late to strategize.

Tina McGill, founder of MMAS CPA, shares her insights from transitioning into public accounting, focusing on delivering true value to clients. She discusses the importance of understanding client needs beyond mere data delivery. Tina emphasizes the role of technology in improving client communication and highlights innovative strategies for building lasting relationships. Additionally, she talks about the significance of flexibility in employee practices and the advantages of listening to clients to navigate advisory success.

Level up your skills with powerful lookup formulas.Quick Tech TalkWith Steve YossCPE TodayFor professionals wrestling with massive datasets, finding specific information in Excel can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether it’s a customer ID, transaction number, or check number, pinpointing related details like totals, names, or dates can be daunting without the right tools. Enter Excel's powerful lookup formulas.MORE STEVE YOSSMORE TECHExclusively for PRO Members. Log in here or upgrade to PRO today.Among the trio of essential lookup functions—VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, and the modern XLOOKUP—the latter emerges as the star. While VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH have long been staples for data retrieval, XLOOKUP combines their strengths with enhanced features, offering users a faster, more versatile solution.

"You don’t get to choose the leader you need to be. Your people tell you who you need to be to get the best out of them."Accounting Influencerswith Rob BrownLeadership is in the spotlight like never before. In a recent episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, global leadership expert Mark Fritz shares his insights on how leaders can navigate today’s complex environment. Fritz emphasizes that the core principles of leadership remain timeless, but their application must adapt to the rapidly changing demands of the modern world.More Accounting Influencers with Rob Brown hereDrawing from his early career implementing enterprise systems globally, Fritz highlights how his international experience shaped his understanding of business operations and leadership dynamics. “The principles of leadership are universal,” he explains. “But the key is adapting them to the specific needs of your people.”Fritz underscores that effective leaders must evolve based on the situation. “Your people tell you who you need to be to get the best out of them,” he notes, stressing the importance of flexibility and understanding diverse team dynamics.

Full commitment is critical in niche accounting.Gear Up for GrowthWith Jean CaragherFor CPA TrendlinesIn the world of accounting, niche specialization is often a deliberate strategy. For Tim Allen, CPA, however, his journey into winery finance was more serendipitous than strategic. With over 30 years of experience—including time at a Big 4 firm, leadership roles at multiple wineries, and now managing a successful boutique firm exclusively dedicated to the wine industry—Allen has carved out a unique space for himself and his team.Gear Up for Growth spotlights the best strategies for smart and efficient growth in today's competitive landscape. More Gear Up for Growth every Friday here | More Capstone Conversations with Jean Caragher every Monday | More Jean Caragher here | Get her best-selling handbook, The 90-Day Marketing Plan for CPA Firms, here | More CPA Trendlines videos and podcasts hereAllen's accounting came unexpectedly during his tenure at Deloitte’s San Francisco office. While his colleagues gravitated toward high-profile clients, Tim found himself drawn to wineries—clients that others overlooked. The opportunity allowed him to work closer to his family in Santa Rosa while developing a deep understanding of the industry’s financial intricacies.