CPA Trendlines Podcasts

Michael King, a former nuclear submarine engineer and founder of The Connected Accountant, discusses his inspiring journey to becoming a fractional CFO. He addresses how this role transforms the accounting landscape by focusing on strategic advisory rather than just compliance. King emphasizes the importance of helping businesses with financial forecasts and insights. He also shares the challenges accountants face in adapting to this new landscape and the necessity of relationship-based marketing in building trust with clients.

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing data entry reconciliations in accounting. Learn about automated transaction mapping that saves time and minimizes errors. AI not only matches transactions effortlessly but also intelligently categorizes expenses. This technology enables accountants to shift their focus to more strategic tasks, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in their workflows.

Ron Baker, founder of the VeraSage Institute and a trailblazer in value pricing, discusses his transformative journey in the accounting profession. He challenges traditional practices like the billable hour, advocating for deeper client relationships and innovative business models. Baker compares accountants to superheroes, highlighting their unique capabilities to drive change. He emphasizes the need for continuous learning and awareness of global trends, urging professionals to rethink their roles beyond basic accounting.

Create a win-win with "The ROI Method of Value Pricing."The DisruptorsWith Liz FarrIn 2016, Jackie Meyers needed a change. Long hours, health issues, and missing out on her kids’ activities forced her to make a radical change. She leaned into tax advisory and tried a new value pricing methodology, which “tripled to quadrupled revenue for our clientele,” even after selling 60 percent of her clients. FULL show notes here | MORE PODCASTS and VIDEOS: Jack Flaherty: 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 | Rebecca Driscoll: Amplify Reach By Helping Other Firm Owners | Rory Henry: Create the Return on Relationships | “But the clients were equally happy to pay more, which is crazy.”  Her pricing methodology revolves around a calculator she calls “The ROI Method of Value Pricing.” The AICPA will be sharing her pricing method with members, which Meyers calls “a huge win for the profession.” 

Firms that embrace marketing as a strategic priority unlock opportunities for growth and differentiation.Capstone ConversationsBy Jean CaragherFor CPA TrendlinesThe world of accounting marketing is one of transformation, resilience, and adaptability. Few individuals embody these qualities as profoundly as Lauren Clemmer, the former Executive Director of the Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM) and one of its most recent Hall of Fame inductees. In a recent Capstone Conversation, Clemmer shared her journey, insights, and advice for navigating the challenges and opportunities in accounting marketing. Follow Jean Caragher on CPA Trendlines here. | Get her best-selling handbook, The 90-Day Marketing Plan for CPA Firms, here | Catch Jean Caragher's other show, Gear Up for Growth, on Fridays here. | And browse all the shows in the CPA Trendlines broadcast network hereClemmer’s career began outside the accounting industry, which initially presented challenges. She emphasized the importance of understanding accounting firm dynamics and building relationships with firm partners. “I had to learn how to communicate in a way that resonated with accountants,” she explains, citing her decision to invest in executive coaching to bridge communication gaps.Her efforts paid off, helping her thrive as the marketing manager at Ciuni & Panichi for eight years. “AAM was instrumental in my success,” Clemmer notes, crediting the association’s supportive community for providing resources and camaraderie that helped her persevere through challenges.

Accountants who stay silent risk disappointing--and probably losing--clients.Accounting Influencerswith Rob BrownAccountants, take charge of your client relationships—that was the call to action from Susan Bryant, CPA, on a recent episode of Accounting Influencers. The episode, hosted by Rob Brown, highlights Bryant’s mission to empower accountants to refine their client base, set professional boundaries, and elevate client interactions to meet today’s high expectations.Full Show Notes Here | More Accounting Influencers with Rob Brown hereBryant, a CPA and co-owner of a firm in Plano, Texas, has built her career on driving excellence in accounting. Known for her expertise in advisory services, she’s passionate about transforming the way accountants view client relationships and service delivery. "Accountants today must redefine what a good client looks like," Bryant stated. "In this industry, it’s time to align with clients who truly value and respect the work we do and are ready to invest in that relationship."

Angie Grissom, owner of The Rainmaker Companies, discusses her impressive journey in the accounting world. She highlights the crucial shift toward a holistic approach in accounting, emphasizing business development and leadership. Grissom views accountants as trusted advisors who can significantly impact their clients’ success. She stresses the importance of relationship-building and mentorship, encouraging aspiring professionals to explore diverse opportunities in the field. Her insights encourage innovative thinking and collaboration within the accounting community.

The next generation is purpose-driven, and the firms that lean into this will retain scarce talent.  The DisruptorsWith Liz FarrJack Flaherty believes that one of the most important business skills is on the wane: the art of decision-making. “We're all becoming ‘Yes’ people. We don't want to have an objective discussion, bringing out different ideas,” Flaherty says. The unfortunate result is that “it's causing us to make decisions that don't allow us to achieve our goals.”  FULL show notes here | MORE PODCASTS and VIDEOS: Greg Adams: From Finance to Storytelling | The Disruptors | Jody Padar: Make Radical Changes Now If You Want to Be Relevant in 2030 | Rebecca Driscoll: Amplify Reach By Helping Other Firm Owners | Rory Henry: Create the Return on Relationships | Mike Maksymiw: Be the Leader You Wish You Had | To help individuals master this vital skill, Flaherty wrote his book, The Decision Switch, and created a platform of the same name. Flaherty explains, “The Decision Switch is to define your goals in clear and simple terms and build a clear path forward that allows you to consistently get those results.”  

The Hall of Famer explains why understanding buyer behavior is the toughest—and most rewarding—part of the job.Capstone ConversationsBy Jean CaragherFor CPA TrendlinesA trailblazer in the field, Sarah Dobek was recently inducted into the Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM) Hall of Fame, cementing her status as a Bruce W. Marcus Lifetime Fellowship Member. With over two decades of experience in accounting and professional services marketing, Sarah shares her insights, challenges, and strategies that have shaped her remarkable career. Follow Jean Caragher on CPA Trendlines here. | Get her best-selling handbook, The 90-Day Marketing Plan for CPA Firms, here | Catch Jean Caragher's other show, Gear Up for Growth, on Fridays here. | And browse all the shows in the CPA Trendlines broadcast network here Dobek reflects on her unexpected journey into the accounting marketing profession, which began as an internship at an accounting firm in 2002. Since then, she has been at the forefront of shaping marketing strategies for public accounting firms, serving on the AAM Board of Directors, and being recognized multiple times as one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting.“I never imagined that I’d still be working in this field 20 years later,” Dobek admits. Her enduring passion for solving problems and creating growth opportunities has fueled her rise as a trusted advisor and thought leader.

Quick Tax TipWith Art WernerCPE TodayEvery CPA, EA, and tax professional should attend at least one federal tax update program annually. It’s like stretching or warming up before intense exercise.Show notes here | More Art WernerA tax update serves two main purposes and demonstrates your value: prep for tax and expand client value.