CPA Trendlines Podcasts

Steve Evans, co-founder of Accountests and an expert in psychometric testing, sheds light on the pitfalls of traditional hiring methods in the accounting field. He reveals how current assessment tools fail to evaluate candidates' technical skills effectively. The conversation dives into the importance of emotional intelligence and strategic thinking for accountants in today’s workplace. Evans discusses the need for tailored assessments that bridge personality traits and skills to cultivate leadership, emphasizing the transformative potential of innovative hiring practices.

Unlock insights quickly, from QuickBooks to custom systems.Quick Tech TalkWith Steve YossCPE TodayMicrosoft’s Power BI revolutionizes how professionals and businesses interact with their data. This cutting-edge tool, designed for business intelligence and dashboarding, is user-friendly, highly versatile, and incredibly powerful. Whether you’re working with sales, marketing, accounting, inventory, payroll, or other datasets, Power BI seamlessly connects to nearly 100 native cloud resources—including QuickBooks Online—bringing your data to life through interactive dashboards, charts, maps, and graphs.MORE STEVE YOSSMORE TECHExclusively for PRO Members. Log in here or upgrade to PRO today.One of Power BI’s standout features is its ease of use. By simply entering your username and password, you can connect directly to QuickBooks Online without the need for third-party integrations or extra fees. Moreover, its support for ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) makes it possible to integrate virtually any system, from inventory management to payroll and HR, or even external web data requiring login credentials.

Dr. Anton Lewis, an Associate Professor specializing in race and DEI in accounting, leads a panel that digs deep into the intersections of diversity and technology. Kelly Mann shares her insights on streamlining audits with innovative tech. Sabby Gill highlights the role of automation in bookkeeping, while Eriona Bajrakurtaj discusses global digital practices. The group examines the urgent need for the profession to adapt to technological changes, foster diversity, and bridge the gap between academia and real-world application, ensuring a robust future for accounting.

“Compensation is one tool, not the tool, to change behaviors and outcomes."Gear Up for GrowthWith Jean CaragherFor CPA TrendlinesKristen Rampe, managing partner of Rosenberg Associates, spotlights two key drivers for CPA firm success: accountability and simplicity in partner compensation systems. 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 hereRampe shares insights from Rosenberg Associates' recent report, "Partner Compensation: Why Accountability Matters," revealing a strong correlation between accountability and firm profitability. According to the report, firms with high accountability systems reported an average income per partner of $617,000, compared to $411,000 in firms with low accountability.  

From State Societies to the AICPA, the hosts shed light on the collaborative ecosystem guiding CPAs. Accounting ARCWith Liz Mason, Byron Patrick, and Donny Shimamoto.Center for Accounting TransformationThe accounting profession operates within a complex framework of governance, where state and national organizations play critical roles in shaping standards, supporting professionals, and maintaining public trust. In a recent episode of Accounting ARC, Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA; Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, CGMA; and Liz Mason, CPA, dive deep into the often misunderstood relationships between state societies, boards of accountancy, and national entities like the AICPA and NASBA. Their discussion offers a candid look at how these organizations work together to regulate, educate, and advocate for CPAs, while highlighting the importance of participation at every level. MORE Accounting ARC: 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? | Rose Wang: Where Numbers Meet Strategy and Creativity | TikTok Fraud Exposes Gaps in Financial Literacy | How Accounting Pros Own the Stage in Public Speaking | Greg Kyte: Being a CPA Is Like Being the Marie Kondo of Numbers"Many see state societies as just CPE organizers, but they're also advocacy powerhouses," explains Patrick, CEO of VERIFYiQ and co-founder of TB Academy, who details Maryland's proactive society. State societies also facilitate specialized communities and foster advocacy efforts on behalf of CPAs. State boards handle licensing and compliance. Mason, CEO of High Rock Accounting, recounts her experiences in Nevada, where a creative approach to meeting credit-hour requirements sparked changes in legislation. "The board enforces laws, but change requires legislation—a critical distinction," she notes. 

Learn how a 1% owner can wield more power than a 99% shareholder under specific agreements.Quick Tax TipWith Art WernerCPE TodayIn today’s complex regulatory environment, the term "beneficial ownership" might sound straightforward, but it encompasses far more than simply owning shares in a company. A beneficial owner holds a controlling interest in a business entity. This control might be linked to shared ownership, but it can also extend to individuals who influence decisions in other ways.Click here for more Art WernerFor example, under the Corporate Transparency Act, anyone owning 25% or more of a company is generally considered a beneficial owner. However, there are important exceptions that expand this definition.

You don’t need all the answers, but you do need to ask the right questions.The DisruptorsWith Liz FarrAbout ten years ago, Roger Knecht, President of Universal Accounting, noticed that while accountants wanted to move into the advisory space, few had any idea how to make that transition. So he talked to business owners about what they’d like to see and developed a curriculum to help accountants develop those skills. “It's game-changing,” Knecht says, “because once you have the confidence as well as the competence to deliver CFO and advisory services, the world is your oyster bed.”MORE PODCASTS and VIDEOS: 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 | 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 | Terrell Turner: Build a Solid Business Showing Up as Yourself | Kelly Mann: Be the Bull in the China Shop | Alicia Katz Pollock: Create A Human-Centric Business | Nancy McClelland: Be the One Your Clients Ask First |Alan Whitman: Stop Accepting the Status Quo | Sean Duncan: Discover Your Own Genius | Ingrid Edstrom: True Wealth Is Not Financial | Exclusively for PRO Members. Log in here or upgrade to PRO today.As more accountants and bookkeepers move beyond compliance work into tax advising and planning, cash flow management, and CFO services, they can do work that Knecht says is more fun and creative. “I think it moves the needle for our clients a lot more when we're able to give them those insights and perspectives to run their businesses more profitably,” Knecht says.

Katie Tolin, a veteran marketing strategist and 2023 Volunteer of the Year for the Association for Accounting Marketing, shares insights on the evolving landscape in the accounting industry. She highlights the disruptive influence of private equity and the shift towards wealth management, urging firms to adapt their marketing strategies. Tolin emphasizes the importance of data analytics in client management and explores how marketers can influence growth during staffing challenges. Her candid perspective sheds light on the necessity for proactive leadership in navigating today's complexities.

Uncover how regulations, investor demands, and market expectations are driving organizations to embrace sustainable practices.Gear Up for GrowthWith Jean CaragherFor CPA TrendlinesIn a world where sustainability is increasingly critical, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) has emerged as a vital component of the accounting profession—described as the "fourth leg" of the accounting stool, alongside tax, audit, and consulting. ESG integrates sustainability metrics with financial data, offering a holistic view of an organization’s health and strategic opportunities.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 hereESG is about measuring and quantifying sustainability-related data and aligning it with financial metrics,” explains Jennifer Harrity, ESG and sustainability director for Sensiba. “This approach not only provides a clearer picture of an organization’s health but also identifies strategic opportunities for growth.”Organizations adopting ESG practices are reaping measurable benefits, including enhanced operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and improved market appeal. Harrity notes that initiatives such as carbon footprinting and B Corp certification lead to significant outcomes, including cost savings, revenue growth, and stronger brand reputations.“ESG is no longer just about doing good for the planet; it makes solid business sense,” says Harrity. “Clients want to save money, attract top talent, and meet the demands of conscious consumers and investors.”

Explore the red flags in accounting firms, from outdated technology to unrealistic billable hours. Discover the complexities of unlimited PTO and its impact on workplace culture. Learn about the unsustainable work practices that harm employee well-being. The need for clear communication and honoring personal values in firms is critical. The speakers share personal anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of verifying a firm's commitments to flexibility and employee happiness. Humor emerges as a powerful tool for navigating these challenges.