
Transforming: Tales of Business Evolution
The Small Firms Philosophy podcast has become “Transforming: tales of Business Evolution", a monthly show designed for firms of any size and scale, exploring innovative operating methods that help organizations adapt to a changing landscape. Hear from industry leaders sharing their experiences of reshaping their business models, delving into the dynamic world of business transformation, and inspiring you to explore new ways to evolve your own organization. "Transforming" started in November 2024 with 4 bonus episodes.
Brought to you by AICPA & CIMA’s Private Companies Practices Section (PCPS).
Latest episodes

Nov 4, 2024 • 58sec
Teaser: Our podcast is changing!
The look and feel of your podcast is about to evolve. We’re excited to share that the Small Firms Philosophy podcast is becoming "Transforming, tales of Business Evolution". New episodes start later in November 2024.

Oct 4, 2024 • 37min
SFP 97: Evolving governance structures for business success
In this podcast episode, we explore with Jonyce Bullock, CEO of Squire, how evolving governance structures can revolutionize your business model. Jonyce shares her journey through governance challenges, emphasizing the value of external support and diverse perspectives in navigating complex decisions. You’ll discover strategies for enhancing decision-making, implementing changes effectively and creating alignment within your firm. If you want to address your firm’s unique needs, this can’t-miss episode will show you how to articulate the “why” behind governance changes and choose the right model to foster agility. For more guidance on aligning your client base with your firm’s goals, check out the "PCPS Right-Sizing Your Client Base Toolkit" and other business model transformation resources.

Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 2min
SFP 96 Boosting firm capabilities with offshoring
Are you facing a talent shortage? Offshoring may be the answer. Our guest Laurence Whittam of Impact Global Solutions discusses tapping into global talent pools to boost your firm’s capabilities. From selecting the right offshoring model to building successful remote teams, Laurence shares practical advice for small firms. Discover various offshoring models, practical implementation steps, process efficiencies, strategies for driving client growth and more. Discover how to transform your business with the PCPS Outsourcing Toolkit for CPA Firms. Connect with our guest Laurence Whittam via LinkedIn. This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

6 snips
Aug 2, 2024 • 42min
SFP 95: The power of people and culture to transform business models and set firms up for success
Ingrid Goldbloom-Bloch, Director of Career Development and Engagement at AAFCPAs, and Erin Hartman, a PCPS manager known for her innovative practices, dive into the transformative power of workplace culture. They discuss enhancing employee engagement through strategic communication and targeted training while reducing turnover. Key topics include coaching for professional growth, maximizing productivity with efficient scheduling, and revolutionizing client relationships. Their insights showcase how a people-first approach can redefine business models and set firms up for success.

Apr 17, 2024 • 36min
SFP 94: A Hale and hearty approach to business model transformation
Accounting firms planning for future success may want to rethink their approach to new opportunities. In this episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast, Elizabeth Hale, founder and CEO of eeCPA, shares with PCPS manager Erin Hartman how her firm is revolutionizing the traditional CPA model by putting people first and driving client success. SFP is produced by AICPA & CIMA’s firm services team, aka the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS). This episode is part of an ongoing series on accounting firm business model transformation that PCPS is leading for AICPA & CIMA. For more on the series, check out the Transforming Your Business Model landing page.

Mar 20, 2024 • 49min
SFP 94: How a data-driven approach powered this firm's transformation
Discover how an accounting firm integrated data-driven practices and government consulting services to transform their client services. Learn about the challenges and successes encountered along the way, the importance of embracing innovation, and the value of trust in business operations.

Mar 14, 2024 • 45min
SFP 93: New PCPS toolkits tackle revenue modeling and culling clients
This episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast unveils a pair of powerful toolkits designed to help accounting firms reshape and optimize their business. PCPS manager Erin Hartman, CPA, and Carrie Steffen, the president of growth consulting firm The Whetstone Group, introduce the Revenue Modeling and the Right Sizing Your Client Base toolkits, which are exclusive to PCPS members: SFP is produced by AICPA & CIMA’s firm services team, aka the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS). This episode is part of an ongoing series on accounting firm business model transformation that PCPS is leading for AICPA & CIMA. For more on the series, check out the Transforming Your Business Model landing page.

Feb 28, 2024 • 1h 4min
SFP 92: Sowing the seeds for future CPAs
From engaging high schoolers to partnering with community influencers, discover how Grossman Yanak & Ford cultivates future accountants. This episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast features a discussion with GYF's Colleen Febbraro about the firm's freshman forum program, the importance of promoting the accounting profession, changing stereotypes, and more. SFP is produced by AICPA & CIMA’s firm services team, aka the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS). PCPS manager Erin Hartman, CPA, conducted the interview, which is part of an ongoing series on accounting firm business model transformation that PCPS is leading for AICPA & CIMA. For more on the series, check out the Transforming Your Business Model landing page.

Feb 21, 2024 • 52min
SFP 91: Ascend to a new business model
This episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast features an interview with David Wurtzbacher and Erin Stahmer of Ascend, a platform firm that is employing unique strategies in its business model. Join us to discuss people strategy, offshoring tips, and how to own the value of firm services. SFP is produced by AICPA & CIMA’s firm services team, aka the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS). PCPS manager Erin Hartman, CPA, conducted the interview, which is part of an ongoing series on accounting firm business model transformation that PCPS is leading for AICPA & CIMA. For more on the series, check out the Transforming Your Business Model landing page.

Jan 31, 2024 • 59min
SFP 90: How a CPA firm got lean and ‘drastically reduced’ overtime
This episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast features an interview with Dennis Sherrin, CPA, CGMA, chief value officer and strategic consultant at Avizo Group, Inc., an Alabama-based CPA firm with 35 team members in the United States and India. Sherrin discusses how Avizo implemented Lean Six Sigma (LSS) to streamline the firm’s tax practice and slash overtime hours, even during tax season. “Have we eliminated overtime hours? Absolutely not,” said Sherrin. “But have we drastically reduced overtime during our busiest seasons and eliminated it outside of those seasons? We absolutely have.” SFP is produced by AICPA & CIMA’s firm services team, aka the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS). PCPS manager Erin Hartman, CPA, conducted the interview, which is part of an ongoing series on accounting firm business model transformation that PCPS is leading for AICPA & CIMA. For more on the series, check out the Transforming Your Business Model landing page. To learn more about Sherrin and his firm, go to the Avizo Group website. For more on Avizo’s Project 40 initiative to reduce overtime, read the AICPA & CIMA Insights article “How this firm made 40 the new standard for the 70+ hour week."