CPA Trendlines Podcasts

"True inclusion isn’t about lowering standards; it’s about removing barriers so talent can rise."MOVE Like ThisWith Bonnie Buol RuszczykFor CPA TrendlinesIn an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become increasingly politicized, the accounting profession faces a defining moment. With a growing talent shortage and increasing client demands, firms cannot afford to lose qualified professionals. Yet, some are scaling back DEI efforts, failing to recognize that inclusion is not just a social initiative – it’s a business necessity.More MOVEIn a recent episode of Move Like This, host Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk spoke with Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CEO of KET Solutions and former chair of the AICPA Board of Directors, about the state of DEI in the accounting profession. Ellison-Taylor, a long-time advocate for inclusion, emphasized that people are the industry’s greatest asset. No matter where she has worked – NASA, KPMG, or Oracle – she has seen firsthand how creating inclusive cultures fosters innovation and drives success.

If visions of the new administration come to fruition, the IRS could also be on the chopping block.  Accounting ARCWith Liz Mason, Byron Patrick, and Donny ShimamotoCenter for Accounting TransformationIn a recent episode of Accounting ARC, hosts Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA; Liz Mason, CPA; and Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP and CGMA explore the provocative question, "What if the IRS was shut down?" This discussion aligns with current political movements considering the downsizing or elimination of various government agencies, including the IRS.MORE Accounting ARC: Is Agentic AI a Game Changer or Game Ender? | Kelly Mann: Thriving Against All Odds | 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 | The Fair Tax Act of 2025, introduced by GOP lawmakers, seeks to abolish the IRS and replace income taxes with a national sales tax. Proponents argue that this would simplify the tax system, while critics contend it could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals.  Patrick emphasizes the critical role of the IRS in funding government operations. He questions the feasibility of maintaining government functions without a tax collection agency, stating, "You need money to operate a government, and if you have no mechanism for collecting revenue... there has to be a mechanism for revenue to do anything to pay people to have services, to care for a population of people."

Unpacks the basics—and the big misses—of capital gains planning.Quick Tax TipWith Art WernerCPE TodayMany accounting professionals may recall the concept of tax loss harvesting from their very first income tax course. But this seemingly elementary strategy can have powerful implications—and far too many practitioners and clients are overlooking it.Click here for more Art Werner“Each year, clients walk into offices with their 1099s in hand, showing large capital gains,” Werner explains. “At that point, there’s not much we can do except report what’s already happened. That’s the role of a historian, not an advisor.”The real value, Werner says, comes from being involved before the end of the tax year. Had clients reached out when those gains occurred, professionals could have explored ways to offset them—namely, by strategically selling loss-generating assets before December 31.Is there a way to do so while the asset remains in the client's portfolio?Yes, but things get tricky with crypto. 

Don't be a vending machine for tax compliance.The DisruptorsWith Liz FarrAshley Francis wants accountants to value their time and expertise. “I want accountants to stop thinking of themselves as just vending machines for tax knowledge and vending machines for tax compliance,” she says. “I'm not the default. You put a quarter in me, and I'm going to spit out an answer.” MORE PODCASTS and VIDEOS: 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 | Jackie Meyer: Earn More with Fewer Clients  On LinkedIn, and formerly on Twitter, Francis is well-known for generously sharing her expertise in trust and estate accounting and taxation, areas in which many accountants lack knowledge. Many firms designate someone as the “trust person” simply because they've done it once before, but this specialized area requires deep expertise."Trust and estate tax law covers an entire area of tax law, and then you have to pull in the state law as well and understand how they interplay," Francis explains. “The challenge is the one person in the organization that’s called the trust person is kind of left on their own to try to figure it all out and help everybody else. So it can be kind of lonely.”This dearth of knowledge is concerning, according to Francis. “We have this huge wave of wealth coming at us, the great wealth transfer that's already actually started,” Francis says. “The number of trusts and estates is going to continue to rise, and we don't have enough tax professionals to work on that work.” With that in mind, Francis is creating the Estate Academy, a set of courses and a community where she shares her deep knowledge in this area. 

Predict future cash flows effortlessly with Microsoft Excel’s Forecast ETS function.Quick Tech TalkWith Steve YossCPE TodayDive into one of Excel’s most powerful yet underutilized tools: the Forecast ETS function. Whether you're an accountant, financial analyst, or business owner, this function can transform the way you approach budgeting and forecasting—making predictions faster, smarter, and more accurate. MORE STEVE YOSS MORE TECH With just a few clicks, Forecast ETS allows you to project future cash flows based on historical data, helping you anticipate upcoming revenue, expenses, or trends. Need an even simpler way to visualize your forecasts? The Forecast Sheet function automates the entire process, generating an easy-to-read graph to give you instant insights.

"Embrace change and keep filling your tool belt with the best technology out there."Accounting Influencerswith Rob BrownJim Bourke, a recognized leader in accounting technology and a partner at Withum, shares his insights on the rapid transformation of the accounting profession in a recent episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast. With decades of experience advising firms on technology adoption, Bourke discusses how artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and regulatory changes are shaping the industry. More Accounting Influencers with Rob Brown here "The excitement around technology today is off the charts," Bourke states, highlighting how innovations like ChatGPT have reignited enthusiasm for AI in accounting. Just a year ago, AI was barely mentioned at major industry conferences. Now, it is at the forefront of discussions as firms evaluate how automation can streamline audits, tax preparation, and client advisory services."AI is not here to take the accountant's job away," he clarifies. "It will allow them to focus on what they were trained to do—interpret results and advise clients—while letting the machines handle repetitive tasks."

Doing great work is no longer enough to ensure client retention.Sponsored by "TurboCharge Your Profits: How to Thrive in the New Economy," by Frank Stitely, CPA, CVA  – See Today’s Special OfferWith Jean CaragherFor CPA TrendlinesIn a rapidly shifting business landscape, professional services firms face increasing pressure to develop new business while maintaining client loyalty. In a recent Gear Up for Growth episode hosted by Jean Caragher of Capstone Marketing, guest Matt Dixon shares insights from his forthcoming book, "Activator Advantage: What Today’s Rainmakers Do Differently." Dixon, a founding partner of DCM Insights and a renowned sales researcher, detailed how top-performing professionals distinguish themselves through proactive engagement and strategic relationship-building. 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 Jean Caragher here | Get her best-selling handbook, The 90-Day Marketing Plan for CPA Firms, here | More CPA Trendlines videos and podcasts here Dixon’s research, based on a study of nearly 3,000 partners in professional services firms—including accountants, lawyers, and consultants—identifies five distinct business development profiles: The Expert – Reluctant sellers who rely on their thought leadership and expertise to attract clients. The Confidant – Traditional trusted advisors who build deep, personal client relationships and expect loyalty in return. The Debater – Provocative and challenging, they push clients to rethink their approach but often struggle in long-term advisory roles. The Realist – Pragmatic and transparent- focuses on managing client expectations but risks being perceived as too negative. The Activator – Proactive and well-connected, they anticipate client needs and introduce strategic insights before clients even realize they have a problem.

“Politics affects tax laws, compliance, and financial decisions. We can’t afford to ignore it."  Transformation TalksWith Donny ShimamotoCenter for Accounting TransformationPolitics and business have always been intertwined, but today’s climate of deep division presents new challenges for accounting professionals. Whether discussing tax policy, compliance, or broader economic issues, accountants often find themselves in conversations that can quickly become contentious. MORE TRANSFORMATION TALKSIn a recent episode of Transformation Talks, host Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA leads a discussion with Brian Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA; Ron Baker, CPA (inactive), and Amy Welch, APR, CAE, on how accountants can navigate political differences while maintaining professionalism, respect, and productive dialogue. Accountants are more than number crunchers—they are trusted advisors. As such, they must address politically charged topics with clients and colleagues while maintaining neutrality and professionalism. However, in an era where ideological divides are deepening, even casual conversations can lead to tension. 

What do tax pros need to know about the uncertainty in Washington?Quick Tax TipWith Art WernerCPE TodayWith tax season in full swing, CPAs and tax professionals are juggling client returns and a rapidly shifting tax landscape. In the latest Quick Tax Tip, Art Werner joins Rick Telberg of CPA Trendlines to dissect the state of tax policy, IRS challenges, and how accountants can turn uncertainty into opportunity.Click here for more Art WernerFrom looming IRS layoffs to the evolving role of technology in compliance and planning, this conversation is packed with insights that every tax practitioner needs to hear. Here are the biggest takeaways...

Find your community; find your people.The DisruptorsWith Liz FarrRichard Roppa-Roberts created Roundtable Labs by accident.He had just started his consulting firm, Quasar Cowboy, “and I had one spot available for a new client, and I had nine prospects, and I didn't know what to do,” Roppa-Roberts explains. “I was new at this whole thing, and I'm like, Well, I'm gonna put them all in a room together and see what shakes out. And what shook out was the first cohort of Roundtable Labs.”MORE PODCASTS and VIDEOS: 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 | Jackie Meyer: Earn More with Fewer Clients | That spontaneous decision evolved into a thriving community of more than 300 members that’s been running for more than 11 years. Roppa-Roberts positions himself not as the expert but as what he calls "the keeper of the circus."Roundtable Labs is a place where accountants and bookkeepers can talk to others and find practical solutions to their problems, where they can discover they’re “not the only one” with a particular problem. “There's a lot of what I call talking heads that are out there espousing this is the way to do it,” Roppa-Roberts notes. Surrounded by often conflicting information and struggling to implement new ideas, Roundtable Labs members share what’s worked for them and collaborate to find workable solutions. Roppa-Roberts observes that “almost all discussions lead to pricing, contracts, and confidence.”