CPA Trendlines Podcasts

"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.”

Make smarter decisions with the right data tools in Excel, Power BI, and TableauQuick Tech TalkWith Steve YossCPE TodayData visualization isn’t just about making numbers look good—it’s about telling a story. Whether you’re working in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, or Tableau, the chart you choose can completely change the way you interpret and communicate your data. But are you using the right one? MORE STEVE YOSS MORE TECH This episode of Quick Tech Talks breaks down the power of different chart types and why selecting the right one is crucial for accurate analysis. Did you know that pie charts are perfect for showing proportions, but scatter plots are better suited for identifying trends? Or that Excel alone offers more than two dozen different visualization options?

Utilize new tech to level up thought leadership and advisory services. Gear Up for Growth With Jean CaragherFor CPA TrendlinesThe latest episode of Gear Up for Growth, hosted by Jean Caragher of Capstone Marketing and powered by CPA Trendlines, featured an insightful discussion with Becky Livingston, founder and CEO of Penheel Marketing, on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in CPA firm marketing. The conversation centered around two key takeaways: AI’s ability to enhance thought leadership efforts and its role in shifting CPAs toward more strategic client advisory services. 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 here Marketing research shows that high-growth CPA firms prioritize thought leadership through blogging, white papers, and public speaking. AI tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Jasper are revolutionizing this space by enabling firms to generate high-quality content efficiently. These tools allow CPAs to personalize content for niche audiences, optimize SEO strategies beyond traditional search engines, and streamline content creation to maintain a consistent and authoritative online presence.

The discussion dives deep into agentic AI, a groundbreaking tool reshaping the accounting landscape. Unlike traditional AI, it coordinates various models to streamline workflows and boost efficiency. However, the hosts ponder its risks and ethical implications, highlighting the necessity for careful model selection. The potential of AI in areas like auditing and tax preparation is explored, along with the legislative adaptations needed for a tech-driven future. Despite challenges, optimism shines through for innovation in this rapidly evolving profession.

Retirement planning isn't just about saving - it's about strategy. Quick Tax TipWith Art WernerCPE TodayWith tax laws constantly evolving, finding the right balance between financial planning, tax reduction, and compliance with the Internal Revenue Code can feel like a moving target. Fortunately, powerful opportunities are available in 2025 to maximize your retirement savings while minimizing your tax burden.Click here for more Art WernerFor instance, contribution limits to 401(k)s have significantly increased. In 2025, you can contribute up to $23,500; if you’re 50 or older, you can add an extra $7,000 in catch-up contributions. That’s a major opportunity to secure your financial future while reducing your taxable income today.But should you contribute to a Roth 401(k), a traditional 401(k), or other savings account?

Luke Templin, Fractional CFO and CEO at A2 Advisors, discusses the transformative power of Client Advisory Services for accountants. He emphasizes the need for proactive advice that goes beyond basic bookkeeping, linking this to improved client retention. Templin also shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including the creation of the Kikaz community, which supports small entrepreneurs and accountants. He candidly addresses perfectionism, the balance between work and life, and the innovative Fin Daily tool for cash flow management.