A Shifting ProfessionThe accounting profession is evolving, and Seth Fineberg has had a front-row seat to these shifts. A seasoned journalist who found his niche covering the accounting industry, Seth brings a unique perspective on how the field has transformed—and where it’s headed next. In this episode of The Accountant’s Flight Plan, Brannon Poe sits down with Seth to discuss the modernization of accounting firms, the talent shortage, and why more professionals are rethinking the traditional firm model.The Divide Between Tradition and InnovationAccording to Seth, with over 1.4 million accountants in the U.S., the industry is divided when it comes to change. Seth estimates that roughly 55-60% of professionals are adapting to a modern approach, others still resist shifting away from legacy structures. The pandemic and ongoing talent shortages have forced many firms to rethink their operations, prioritizing value over volume. Seth shares insights into how firms are transitioning into more advisory-driven roles, integrating wealth management services, and leveraging AI to automate routine tasks—all while maintaining the essential human element of accounting.Embracing the FutureAs the conversation wraps up, Seth reflects on the bigger picture—how accountants can embrace change, stay positive, and focus on what they can control. With the industry on the brink of major transformation, those who adapt will find themselves at the forefront of a more dynamic, engaging profession. Tune in to hear why the future of accounting is filled with opportunity, and how the right mindset can help you navigate it.If this conversation inspires you to start improving your practice, check out Accounting Practice Academy. We have a workshop that focuses on improving your cashflow to above 50% and reducing your owner hours to under 2,000 annually.  Timestamps:1:25 - Introduction of Seth and his path to working as a journalist in the accounting industry.8:27 - How the younger generation of accountants is finding more balance.18:22 - The talent shortage and how it combined with the pandemic pushed the industry to modernize.22:10 - the innovative suture of the accounting profession.37:00 - Funny story about karaoke at the Engage conference45:44 - Book recommendations and closing off: The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin: https://www.amazon.com/World-We-Make-Novel-Cities-ebook/dp/B09TZXTJD5 

This week, we’re celebrating a special occasion on The Accountant’s Flight Plan Podcast! In honor of Brannon Poe’s birthday, we flipped the script—our Marketing Director, Bailey Ball (who also happens to be Brannon’s daughter), took over the mic to interview him. Their conversation takes us on a journey from the earliest days of our company, when Bailey was in elementary school, to the thriving 20+ person team we have today.Time Stamps:3:20 - The early days of the company and how it grew into what it is now8:30 - Working with family - the pros and cons13:40 - Advice for hiring family members21:00 - Major changes in the accounting industry – Technology, Private Equity and Remote work28:40 - What can we do as M&A to help sellers and buyers make good choices34:22 - Advice for listeners35:42 - Brannon’s most outlandish deal experience 39:26 - Wrapping Up & book reccomendations: Walter Isaacson’s biographies [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Walter-Isaacson/author/B000APFLB8?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true# ].

In this episode of The Accountant’s Flight Plan Podcast, Brannon sat down with Giles, founder of Accountests and a seasoned accounting professional with 25 years of experience in public accounting and 18 years as a partner in a firm. Giles founded Accountests after years of frustration with the unpredictability of hiring in the accounting profession; hiring seemingly qualified candidates to later realize that they were not the right fit. Accountests is a structured testing approach to help CPA firms make better hiring decisions. His firm provides assessments that measure both technical and soft skills, ensuring that candidates—from college graduates to senior managers—are the right fit before they are brought on board.With the ongoing talent shortage in accounting, firms can no longer afford to rely on outdated hiring methods. The reality is that the pipeline of qualified professionals is not getting any stronger. As firms explore technology, automation, and offshoring to fill the gaps, the hiring process itself remains a critical piece of the puzzle. Giles explains how firms can leverage testing to gain a first-mover advantage—allowing them to receive a resume, assess a candidate, and confidently make a hiring decision in a matter of days rather than weeks. Without a defined process, many firms fall into the trap of hiring reactively rather than proactively.One of the key takeaways from this discussion is the role of testing in evaluating both hard and soft skills. While firms often worry that assessments might scare candidates away, the reality is quite the opposite—strong candidates appreciate a structured and transparent process. Some firms use testing after an offer to determine training needs, but Giles suggests integrating it earlier in the process to make more informed decisions from the start. A well-explained assessment process helps candidates understand their own strengths and how they align with the role.To wrap up, Giles shares some of his favorite business books, including Shoe Dog (https://amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-Nike-ebook/dp/B0176M1A44 )and works by Richard Branson (https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APPS34), as sources of motivation for growing a business. For those looking to refine their hiring strategy and develop stronger teams, his firm, Accountests, provides a data-driven approach to making smarter, more confident hiring decisions. Connect with Giles on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-pearson-fca-8a175843/?originalSubdomain=nz ) or visit https://www.accountests.com/ to learn more.Time Stamps: 00:50 - Introduction of Giles and what led him to the development of Accountests. 4:50 - The current state of the staffing shortage and the impact it will continue to have on smaller firms7:02 - Is the adage “Hire slow fire fast” still true in today’s market?11:40 - Using testing to asses both hard and soft skills to expedite and simplify the hiring process20:14 - Testing for leadership capabilities and career growth within your organization

In this episode, Brannon sits down with Ryan Pulice CPA, a (financial planner/accounting firm owner) to explore his unique journey of finding his niche, working with small businessbusiness owners, and real estate investors. Ryan’s venture into accounting was almost accidental. After starting his college journey in computer science he found that it was not the path for him. At his father’s suggestion, he started down the accounting route and–learning that it is the language of business–discovered a passion.Ryan consequently started his own accounting business and expanded by acquiring another CPA firm in 2019. He has since grown his firm by combining a love for real estate investment with a desire to provide the best services to clients. He offers insights on the benefits of owning your real estate and why aligning personal interests with your practice can enhance client relationships.Ryan and Brannon also discuss the critical need to bring new CPAs into the profession, strategies for creating a more accessible career path, and how technology—like AI—is reshaping the industry. If you are struggling to find your niche, looking for ways to marry your passion with your business, or advice on growing your business, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Tune in for book recommendations, a funny tax-return-turned-love story, and Ryan’s thoughts on how mindset influences success in business and life.Timestamps:3:10 - How Ryan became a CPA 5:05 - The need for more accountants to enter the profession and the importance of making the profession more accessible8:43 - The opportunities AI presents to the accounting industry13:20 - How a tax return question ended in a marriage 15:42 - The real estate tax niche17:54 - Book recommendationsThe Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power by Daniel YerginEvolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind by Sean Runnette, Joe Dispenza, et al.20:40 - Closing up–how to get in touch with RyanLink to Ryan’s podcast, The CPA Zone: https://open.spotify.com/show/4jEOSgMImKdRp7wLWg5YOXThe Pulice Group: https://www.thepulicegroup.com/

Reaching 100 episodes is no small feat, and The Accountant's Flight Plan Podcast has officially hit that milestone! To mark the occasion, Ian Brennan (Creative Director at Poe Group Advisors)  takes on the role of guest host to turn the microphone on Brannon Poe, CPA, the mastermind behind the podcast.This 100th episode isn’t just a celebration; it’s a heartfelt reflection on the mission and purpose that have driven Brannon to serve the accounting industry for over 20 years. Whether you’re a long-time listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode is a testament to the power of guidance, growth, and the pursuit of building a practice you truly love.In this special episode, Brannon reflects on his journey of serving the accounting industry and helping CPAs build firms they love. He shares the story of how he began selling accounting firms, a pivotal career shift that laid the foundation for everything that followed. Over two decades later, Brannon has gained incredible insights from his work in mergers, acquisitions, and firm development, all of which he discusses with Ian.Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration behind Accounting Practice Academy [https://poegroupadvisors.com/accounting-practice-academy/ ], a program designed to guide accountants toward firm growth and success. Brannon and Ian also delve into the growing interest of private equity in the accounting profession and its implications for CPA firm owners.The episode uncovers the origin story of The Accountant's Flight Plan Podcast, exploring how Brannon turned his vision into a platform that delivers actionable insights to CPAs worldwide. He shares the lessons he’s learned about growing a business, likening it to “a series of letting go,” and offers thoughtful advice to the accounting profession about navigating change and seizing opportunities.To wrap things up, Ian fires off rapid-fire questions, prompting Brannon to share his favorite books, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team [https://a.co/d/9Runb7T ] and Walter Isaacson’s inspiring biographies [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Walter-Isaacson/author/B000APFLB8?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true# ].Thank you for being part of this journey—here’s to the next 100 episodes and beyond!Time stamps: 0:55 - How Brannon started selling accounting firms9:22 - What Brannon has learned from his time in the mergers and acquisitions business21:09 - The inspiration for Accounting Practice Academy26:08 - The reasons behind private equity’s interest in the accounting profession33:47 - The origin story of the Accountant Flight Plan podcast40:31 - Growing a business and letting go45:08 - Advice to the accounting profession47:10 - Rapid-fire questions and wrap-up

What role can accountants play as partners for small business owners, and how can they navigate the challenges of scaling a firm? In this episode of The Accountant’s Flight Plan Podcast, Brannon explores these questions with Cory Gayman, a CPA and entrepreneur whose firm JCG CPA Firm specializes in empowering small business owners to succeed. As a firm owner who started small, Cory shares his journey and insights on building a client-focused practice, overcoming hiring challenges, and balancing service quality with sustainable growth.As an advocate for proactive accounting, Cory discusses why accountants are uniquely positioned to help business owners understand the "language of business." He reveals common mistakes entrepreneurs make—like overlooking accounting basics and cash flow—and explains how accountants can help clients clarify their business goals. Cory points out that understanding cash flow isn’t just an accounting function; it’s essential for owners who want to grow beyond just "creating a job" for themselves and truly scale their business.Cory also dives into the future of accounting, from embracing tech advances like online portals and automated updates to adapting to a changing labor market where remote work and outsourcing have become the norm. Building relationships with bookkeepers and leveraging outsourcing opportunities have helped Cory's firm thrive in a time of rapid change. For those looking to become more strategic business advisors, Cory’s story offers valuable lessons in adapting to technology and maintaining client-focused growth.Curious about what it takes to scale your own accounting firm, work effectively with small business clients, or strengthen client relationships? Tune in for practical advice on the keys to a successful accounting practice, along with Cory’s recommended reads for inspiration. You can listen to the podcast on the player below or watch the latest episode here! If this conversation inspires you to learn how your firm would fare in the marketplace, please download our CPA VALUATION KEY FACTORS REPORT. Time Stamps: 00:18 - Introduction of Cory Gayman and his passion for small business ownership and helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals3:42 - Facing and overcoming the challenges of scaling a business7:57 - The most common mistakes small business owners make11:33 - The importance of understanding how cashflow works in your business14:20 - Being proactive and goal-oriented in your business20:40 - Finding staff and attracting talent to the firm 22:36 - Book recommendation and closing thoughts

Why has there been such an increase in private equity buyers acquiring accounting firms and what does this mean for the industry? In this episode of the Accountant’s Flight Plan Podcast Brannon dives deeper into the subject and what it means for your firm with accounting practice intermediary, Laurens Ball and California market leader, Morry Brown. Laurens has been brokering deals on our team for five years now and Morry, a member of our sales team, has a background in outsourced CFO services and global investment banking with Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. In this episode, you will learn why private equity is here and how it could benefit the profession in the long run. Private equity has entered the accounting world primarily because they see the value that CPAs provide. With the staffing shortage in full swing, accounting and bookkeeping services are in high demand. This means that accountants have more pricing power than they realize. With the opportunity to raise prices and increase revenue, firm owners could increase topline revenue and cash flow creating more value in their firms.Buyers with private equity backing see this potential and want to capitalize on it. With the knowledge and experience to implement or streamline systems while consolidating multiple CPA firms, private equity buyers could optimize firms effectively. While this potential is exciting and comes with the opportunity for selling at progressively higher multiples, it is important for sellers to keep their vision top of mind. Whether selling to a private equity firm or not, finding the right fit buyer is key. Knowing what the buyer’s vision is and how they hope to grow the firm after close is crucial to knowing whether or not the deal will be successful. Cluing into the non-monetary elements of an offer is vital to knowing whether or not it is the right one for you and your employees. Are you considering a private equity buyer or looking to learn more about how the current market increases your pricing power as a firm owner? Read our Private Equity Market Report to dive deeper into this topic and learn what questions you should ask when considering these types of deals: Private Equity M&A in the Accounting IndustryTime stamps:1:55 - Overview of where we are with Private Equity in the Accounting Industry3:36 - How do you know if a PE buyer is right for you?8:22 - Private equity’s impact on pricing valuation10:50 - Will private equity increase top-line revenue?14:15 - Knowing the buyer’s vision can indicate success31:59 - Market knowledge & the non-monetary elements of an offer35:00 - Wrap up and - book recommendations Brannon - To Be Loved - by Berry GordyMorry - Life - Keith RichardsLaurens - Shoe Dog - by Phil Knight 

What do you need to know before selling your life’s work or buying someone else’s? Learn from Stephanie’s experience as she shares her perspective on avoiding key obstacles during the acquisition and transition process in buying or selling an accounting practice. After working together in the mergers and acquisitions space for more than 15 years, you don’t want to miss out on Brannon and Stephanie's conversation! This podcast touched on:The importance of having a vision before you sell your CPA firm. Why buyers and sellers need to consider cultural fit before transitioning. Having hard conversations early on to avoid issues in the long run. Whether you are considering buying or selling a CPA firm, it is crucial to consider your personal and professional goals beforehand. Knowing what your vision is before leaving your practice or buying a new one is vital to the success of either endeavor. Additionally, knowing what your values are and focusing on finding a cultural fit is key to the negotiation and transition process. Listen to learn more in this episode of the Accountant’s Flight Plan! If this conversation inspires you to learn how your firm would fare in the marketplace, please download our CPA VALUATION KEY FACTORS REPORT. You can listen to the podcast on the player below or watch the latest episode here! Time stamps:00:34 - Introduction of Stephanie Smith; Poe Group’s most experienced broker.3:10 - What makes for the most challenging and most enjoyable deals?10:55 - What you need to do to prepare to sell your CPA firm.16:12 - Why focusing on fit is key to a successful accounting firm transition.24:05 - How AI could help the accounting profession.28:28 - Book recommendation: Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

Is tracking your hours decreasing your productivity and profitability? According to Geraldine Carter, the answer is most likely yes. In their conversation, Brannon and Geraldine break down how the hourly billing model takes you away from providing real value to your clients. Conversely, getting your hours down and doing away with the hourly billing model altogether could be the key to raising your bottom line. This podcast touched on:Hourly billing vs value pricing.The impact of private equity on the accounting industry.Why hiring won’t solve the problem of overwork.By refocusing on the value you can provide to your clients rather than on the hours you are billing them for you can increase your revenue while simultaneously lowering your hours. The key to building the business you want and living the life you want lies in refocusing your firm so that you can make meaningful changes. Listen in to learn how you can gain capacity, think critically, and make moves to live a life with balance. Time Stamps: 0:38 - Introduction of Geraldine Carter1:44 - Private equity firms in the accounting space5:50 - Why are so many CPAs overworked and what is the solution?15:31 - How to price upfront without hourly billing.19:40 - Why hourly billing is a trap.35:38 - Geraldine’s new book - Down to 40 Hours [https://geraldinecarter.com/book] 38:22 - Wrapping up  Getting in touch with Geraldine:Geraldine’s Website: https://geraldinecarter.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-carter/ 

Learn why buying a CPA firm “isn’t like buying a house” with buyer specialist Carol Poe. For the aquisition and transition process of buying an accounting firm to be successful it is crucial that both the buyer and seller are the right fit. By focusing on the work culture and personality of both, Carol guides buyers and sellers to find the best fit for their clients and team. This podcast touched on:Working with your spouse. What to look for in a buyer.How to find success in your new firm.Having a vision for your new firm is crucial to the success and longevity of that firm. Part of that vision starts with making sure that each practice is paired with the perfect buyer. Listen to the full episode to hear more about how getting clear on your goals before acquisition is crucial to finding the success you want. Time Stamps: 0:39 - Introduction of Carol.4:20 - How Carol started working as buyer specialist for Poe Group.7:45 - The process of finding the right fit.17:40 - Why sellers are looking for someone who will take care of their clients and staff.23:55 - Book recommendation and closing thoughts.“The Women” by Kristin Hannah[https://www.amazon.com/Women-Novel-Kristin-Hannah/dp/1250178630] Getting in touch with Carol:For appointment email: cpoe@poegroupadvisors.com