CPA Trendlines Podcasts

What once was seen as a tax loophole is now becoming a mainstream strategy for business continuity—if done right.The Concierge CPAWith Jackie MeyerFor CPA TrendlinesThe world of business risk has changed drastically since 1986, and so has the way innovative entrepreneurs protect themselves. In a recent episode of The Concierge CPA, host Dr. Jackie Meyer sits down with Van Carlson, founder and CEO of SRA 831(b) Admin, to demystify one of the most misunderstood tools in modern financial planning: the 831(b) captive.More Jackie MeyerAt its core, the 831(b) tax code allows business owners to form small insurance companies to self-insure specific risks. But as Carlson explains, “It’s not just about taxes—it’s about protecting your business from the risks no one else will cover.”Originally created during the 1986 Tax Reform Act to help farmers and businesses insure against unique or underwritten risks, the 831(b) structure has evolved into a modern enterprise risk solution. And for Carlson, who’s led audits and compliance for hundreds of captives, this is not a loophole—it’s a legitimate strategy. “We embolden business owners through innovative risk management,” he says. “And the risks they face now—cybersecurity, supply chain failure, brand damage—are unlike anything we saw in the 1980s.”

“Diversity is about building bigger tables, not just filling seats.”Accounting Influencerswith Rob BrownAs past chair of AICPA and CIMA, Okorie Ramsey represented nearly 700,000 members worldwide. But in his view, leadership isn’t about wielding power—it’s about partnership, innovation, and service to the public. More Rob BrownIn a wide-ranging conversation on the Accounting Influencers podcast, Ramsey reflects on his tenure, the profession’s most significant challenges, and what excites him most about the future.“It’s a huge role,” Ramsey says, “but it’s also a wonderful opportunity."Ramsey challenges the perception of accounting as static or resistant to change. While he acknowledges that legacy systems and outdated incentive structures persist—particularly in large firms—he sees momentum building. “If organizations are not utilizing technology to advance how they do their work, they will go by the way of the dinosaur,” he warns.

Strategic thinking, curiosity, and innovation can turn traditional marketing roles into firm leadership opportunities.Gear Up for Growth With Jean CaragherFor CPA TrendlinesIn a special episode of Gear Up For Growth, host Jean Caragher hands the mic to guest facilitator Sarah Dobek, president of Inovautus Consulting, to lead an inspiring conversation about career opportunities in accounting marketing.Joining the panel are four powerhouse leaders whose diverse journeys showcase just how far the profession has evolved:Gear Up for Growth spotlights the best strategies for smart and efficient growth in today's competitive landscape. More Gear Up for Growth here | More Jean Caragher here | Get her best-selling handbook, The 90-Day Marketing Plan for CPA Firms, here | More CPA Trendlines videos and podcasts here Julie Tucek, Marketing Director at Legacy Professionals; Eric Majchrzak, CEO of BeachFleischman; Carrie Steffen, Co-founder and President of The Whetstone Group, Recently announced as the next CEO of the Iowa Society of CPAs; and Jamie Thomas, Principal, Growth and Marketing at BDO USA Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at how accounting marketing has transformed from simple communications and event planning to a strategic, growth-driving powerhouse within firms—and where it's heading next.

Technologies like AI and Web3 could eventually unlock blockchain’s full potential. Accounting ARCWith Liz Mason, Byron Patrick, and Donny ShimamotoCenter for Accounting TransformationIs blockchain dead? In a thought-provoking Accounting ARC, hosts Liz Mason, CPA, and Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA; and Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, CGMA; tackle the pressing question and brainstorm other blockchain applications. The short answer is no—but the landscape has changed. MORE Accounting ARC: What Gen Z Wants from Business | Firm Differentiation Depends Upon Client Service | Ron Baker: Surviving Tariff Turmoil | Are We Ready for the Hidden Risks of AI in Accounting? | The Research Imperative: Why Data Drives Accounting Success | How Coaching Can Unlock Professional Success | Demystifying Accounting Governance |  Top 10 Red Flags to Watch for in Accounting Offices | Jeremy Dubow: Private Equity as a Catalyst for Growth | Break the Burnout Cycle in Accounting | Accounting in Transition: 2024 Reflections & the Road Ahead | Ron Baker: Visions for the Accounting Profession | Angie Grissom: Next Gen Inspo for Accountants | Does Accounting Belong in STEM? |When blockchain first entered mainstream conversation, it was hailed as a transformative tool capable of revolutionizing financial reporting, auditing, and recordkeeping. However, according to Mason, CEO of High Rock Accounting, the execution challenges are enormous.

Mental load includes the invisible cognitive effort that goes into even the smallest tasks—and it’s constant.MOVE Like ThisWith Bonnie Buol RuszczykFor CPA TrendlinesIn the latest episode of MOVE Like This, Tricia Bencich, Inclusion and Social Responsibility Associate Director at Moss Adams, returns to the show to tackle a topic that resonated deeply with attendees of the 2024 MOVE Mini Summit: mental load. With more than 1,000 attendees at her session alone, it’s clear that the idea of “invisible labor” is striking a chord, especially with women in the workplace.More MOVEMental load, Bencich explains, isn’t just about the physical tasks we perform but the cognitive effort involved in managing them. It's not driving to the soccer game; it's remembering the cleats, checking the weather, packing snacks, ensuring the uniforms are clean, and being an emotionally available parent – all before the car leaves the driveway. It’s this invisible, persistent, often unnoticed thinking and planning that women disproportionately carry. And, as she emphasizes, “Mental load affects everyone, but research shows women continue to shoulder more of it, even if their partners work less or not at all.”

Despite uncertainties, accountants have an opportunity to lead clients with confidence, expertise, and a forward-looking strategy.Quick Tax TipWith Art WernerCPE TodayIn the latest episode of Quick Tax Tip, seasoned tax expert Art Werner brings a refreshing perspective: optimism.Click here for more Art WernerEven amid constant regulatory changes, economic fluctuations, and the looming possibility of new tax legislation, Werner argues that tax professionals have never been better positioned to help clients navigate complexity—and thrive.“I’m inherently an optimist, so I hope it’s contagious,” Werner says. His optimism is grounded not in wishful thinking but in the growing role accountants, CPAs, enrolled agents, and attorneys play in guiding clients through an increasingly complicated financial landscape. “Clients are looking toward their professionals to guide them down a path,” Werner explains, emphasizing that individuals and business owners need experts more than ever to make informed decisions.

"If you can’t afford fair salaries, it’s time to fix your machine—not squeeze your people."The DisruptorsWith Liz FarrLike many accountants, Dominic Piscopo, the founder of Big4Transparency.com, was frustrated by the lack of transparency in salary data. “I’d found it really, really frustrating trying to get good quality data on what to expect, looking ahead for my salary,” Piscopo explains. Before creating the platform, Piscopo discovered his firm offered the lowest starting salaries in his city. By gathering compensation data from peers and presenting it to leadership, he secured “a little bit under a 10% pay bump” for his entire cohort. MORE PODCASTS and VIDEOS: Debbie Kilsheimer: Stop Thinking Small | Dave Kersting: Collaborate with Co-Firming | Ashley Francis: AI's a Partner, Not a Replacement | Richard Roppa-Roberts: Collaboration Over Competition | Ira Rosenbloom: M&A Numbers Are Easy - Culture Fit Is Hard | Roman Villard: Ditch the Suit & Shine | Monique Swansen: Align Firm Values with Services | 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 “Data is so powerful,” he says. “If you can advocate for yourself and show real objective numbers, then it becomes a real conversation, versus just like, ‘Oh, my employee is throwing a fit.’”What began as a simple spreadsheet shared on Reddit “went really, really viral, kind of right away,” confirming a significant need in the accounting community.

Pivotal incentives, like cost segregation studies and energy credits, can revolutionize accounting firm service models.The Concierge CPAWith Jackie MeyerFor CPA TrendlinesIn the latest episode of The Concierge CPA, host Dr. Jackie Meyer sits down with Heidi Henderson, executive vice president of Engineered Tax Services (ETS), to discuss elevating accounting practices through specialty tax incentives and advisory partnerships.More Jackie MeyerHenderson, a self-proclaimed “reformed accountant,” shares her journey from traditional accounting roles into strategic consulting, where she now helps CPAs and their clients unlock substantial tax savings through advanced planning techniques. From leveraging cost segregation studies for real estate owners to navigating lucrative energy credits like 45L and 179D, Henderson explains how accountants can tap into specialized knowledge to deliver high-value results—and why firms must shift beyond compliance work. 

Join Angie Grissom, a growth strategist for accounting firms, James Hickey, UK-based operations consultant, Todd Robinson, who enhances efficiency at Woodard, and Itamar Jobani, CEO of Payem, as they explore the future of the accounting profession. They tackle the crucial need for firms to adapt to rapid technological changes and embrace AI, shifting from compliance to advisory roles. They also discuss the importance of cultural shifts and strong client relationships, underscoring the need for strategic mindsets in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Wade Clark, an Associate Director of Sales Programs at Moss Adams and author with over three decades in sales for professional services, shares invaluable insights. He emphasizes the significance of consistent outreach in account development to spark growth. Clark introduces the idea of 'catalysts' that shift clients toward new solutions, while also discussing the impact of niche marketing in strengthening client relationships. He champions the importance of trust and genuine engagement, unlike immediate gains, as key drivers for long-term success.