Count Me In®

In this episode, Adam Larson sits down with Steve Saah, Executive Director of Permanent Placement Operations at Robert Half, for a candid and practical chat about today’s challenging job market. Steve brings his extensive experience to the table, sharing real-world advice for both employers and job seekers—from how to attract and keep top finance professionals to how technology, remote work, and upskilling are shaking up traditional hiring trends. You’ll hear tips on what soft skills hiring managers are looking for, why company culture matters more than ever, and the smartest ways job candidates can stand out (it takes more than just updating your resume!). Whether you’re leading a finance team, looking for your next big opportunity, or trying to make sense of industry changes, you’ll find plenty of actionable insights and fresh perspectives in this lively conversation with one of the most trusted voices in accounting and finance talent.Read more about today's topic: 2025 Finance and Accounting Job Market Outlook Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Looking for a fresh take on ethics in the business world? In this insightful episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with acclaimed professors and Curt Verschoor Feature of the Year authors Douglas Boyle, Daniel Haggerty, and Dana Hermanson. The trio brings their unique expertise—and plenty of real-world wisdom—to a lively conversation about what “virtue” really means in accounting, finance, and leadership. Daniel traces the roots of virtue all the way from Greek philosophy to modern business, showing why courage, strength, and excellence matter just as much today. Doug and Dana share practical examples from their teaching and research, exploring why business education often misses the mark on building character—and how professionals at any stage can start making ethical choices that go beyond simply following rules. Tune in for a thought-provoking, accessible discussion that will have you rethinking what it truly means to lead with integrity. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

On this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Mike Jones, CEO and Managing Partner at Resound, for an eye-opening conversation about branding in the accounting industry. Mike shares his journey from helping his first accounting firm client rebrand to building the Remarkabrand index that tracks how firms stand out—or don’t. The two get into why brand differentiation matters way beyond just picking a nice logo or color scheme, and Mike breaks down the real business impacts, from pricing flexibility to client loyalty and successful mergers and acquisitions. With insights on branding pitfalls (hint: acronyms and too much blue) and the impact of private equity on firm identities, Mike offers practical advice that’s both actionable and inspiring. Whether you’re in a solo practice or part of a big firm, you’ll pick up fresh ideas on telling your firm’s story, attracting new talent, and setting yourself apart in a crowded market. Buckle up for a unique take on accounting marketing you probably haven’t heard before! Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

In this episode of the Count Me In, host Adam Larson welcomes Bill Koefoed, Chief Financial Officer at OneStream, for an engaging chat about how AI is revolutionizing finance. Bill breaks down the real-world impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on financial forecasting, resource allocation, and everyday tasks like contract analysis and account reconciliation. He also shares why transparency matters with AI, how teams can build a culture of innovation, and what finance professionals should do to keep their skills sharp. Packed with practical advice and firsthand stories, this episode offers an accessible and exciting look at the future of finance with AI. Don’t miss Bill’s expert take on embracing the tech that’s reshaping the industry! Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

On this episode of Count Me In, Adam Larson sits down with Jameson Galey, CMA, CPA, and dynamic finance leader whose career has spanned TV production, entrepreneurship, and innovative tech startups. Jameson is also the founder of Ledgeroo, a platform designed to help bring accounting education to the world by making it affordable and accessible through bite-sized, gamified lessons. He shares how an unexpected opportunity launched him into accounting, why he fell in love with the field, and the wild ride of becoming a CFO at just 29 years old (including a “tiny” life change: getting married right before the pandemic hit!). From navigating the tricky finances behind hit shows like "Married at First Sight," to building financial systems for a solar tech startup, Jameson’s story is packed with lessons about taking risks, hustling for what you want (hint: sometimes that involves Craigslist), and keeping your passion for learning alive. Jameson gives us a candid look at what it’s like to transition between industries, build your own tools from scratch, and bravely bet on yourself when everyone says otherwise. Whether you’re an accounting pro, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just love a good real-world success story, you’ll find inspiration and maybe a few laughs in this engaging, relatable conversation. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Join host Adam Larson as he chats with Brian Hock, Founder and CEO of HOCK International and expert in accounting and finance education, about what really matters when it comes to professional certifications like the CMA. Brian breaks down why earning the certificate is just the start—and why actually applying your knowledge, building communication skills, and getting involved at work are the keys to standing out (and moving up). Whether you’re just starting out or eyeing that next big promotion, Brian shares plenty of practical advice: choosing the right certification for your goals, making the most of continuing education, and preparing for real-world workplace challenges. There’s even some straight talk about what to do when you don’t know the answer, the power of networking inside your organization, and how to set yourself up (and your team) for long-term success. Tune in for an episode packed with career wisdom, honest stories, and actionable tips—with Brian Hock’s trademark straightforward approach making it all refreshingly clear. Don’t miss this thoughtful take on how to turn certifications into actual career wins! Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Ready to level up your business operations? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with La Tonya Roberts, CEO of Harmony Consulting Group. La Tonya shares her journey from corporate consulting to helping small businesses thrive, opening up about real-world challenges and her favorite strategies for building sustainable growth, strong teams, and systems that actually work (without the burnout). Adam and La Tonya dig into how to make the switch from doing everything yourself to confident delegation, ways you can borrow Fortune 500 strategies without overwhelming your team, and the major impact that company culture has on your success. You’ll also hear practical advice about strategic planning, using data for better decisions, and creative ways to use AI to boost your business. Whether you’re a small business owner, team leader, or just curious how successful organizations operate behind the scenes, you’ll find plenty of fresh insights and actionable tips. Tune in for a motivating conversation and walk away ready to make your business simpler, smarter, and more sustainable—with expert guidance from La Tonya Roberts. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Curious about how HR and finance teams can work together to drive real change in the workplace? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Vrinda Sasidhar, Vice President - HR Consulting at HSBC and a seasoned HR leader with 15 years of experience across banking, tech, and process outsourcing. Vrinda shares what she’s learned about building bridges between people and numbers—from using psychology to engage employees, to staying ahead in a world where AI handles the grunt work. Tune in for Vrinda’s practical tips on staying curious, continuously growing your skills, and navigating the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving finance landscape. If you’re interested in how modern HR and finance teams can collaborate for success—and you want advice that’s as real as it is actionable—this candid conversation is worth a listen. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Curious about becoming a thought leader or author? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson chats with Ben Cena, Co-founder at High Value Author, about how to turn your expertise into a nonfiction book that actually gets noticed. Ben shares his own story—starting with hating books—and explains how he now helps professionals use books as powerful tools for building brands, attracting clients, and opening doors. You’ll hear honest advice about why most books fail, what makes a book succeed, and practical steps for getting started the right way. If you’ve ever wondered if writing a book is right for you or how it could impact your business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Ever wondered how a chemical engineering mindset can supercharge financial leadership? Join host Adam Larson as he sits down with Kingsley Afemikhe, CFO of Shield AI, for a refreshingly candid conversation about bringing engineering problem-solving to the finance table. Kingsley shares his unique journey from a family of chartered accountants in the UK to leading finance at one of the most innovative defense tech companies in the U.S. Listen in as Kingsley breaks down how first-principles thinking helps solve complex accounting and finance challenges, reveals what it’s like to manage rapid growth in the high-stakes world of AI-driven national security, and offers practical tips on building strong, agile finance teams. Whether you’re curious about operating at the intersection of finance, technology, and defense—or just want to hear firsthand how AI is reshaping finance—this episode is packed with insights, stories, and actionable advice. Don’t miss Kingsley’s take on earning your seat at the table, embedding finance across organizations, and fostering a culture of curiosity and empathy in fast-paced environments. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.