
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

Feb 3, 2021 • 24min
Growing a Practice in a Pandemic
Amanda Gessner, CPA, CFE is a Manager with North Dakota-based Schmitz-Holmstrom, CPA (S-H). Instead of just surviving the pandemic, Amanda and S-H are in growth mode. Hear how S-H is growing their practice, both organically AND through an acquisition, during a global pandemic. To learn more about firm mergers, valuation, and more, please visit the PCPS Succession Planning Guide & Tools section. To learn more about PCPS and the customizable tools and resources we develop for firms, sign up for a free web tour! Schmitz-Holmstrom, CPA Amanda Gessner, CPA, CFE

Jan 20, 2021 • 31min
Embracing Value Pricing in a Small CPA Firm
When Victor Amaya, CPA and his Partner founded their practice, they embraced the value pricing model. Hear how they challenged the traditional CPA firm model and built a practice based on transparency and open client communication.

Dec 16, 2020 • 21min
Manager moving up to Partner
Amy Swartzfager, CPA, MBA was hired as a Manager by Maloney, Reed, Scarpitti & Company, LLP (MRS) with the intention of training her as Partner. Hear how Amy navigates her career path and MRS follows their succession plan. About Maloney, Reed, Scarpitti and Co. Maloney, Reed, Scarpitti and Co.

Dec 2, 2020 • 14min
Tips for successfully hiring and onboarding virtually
Donny Shimamoto is the founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC, an advisory-focused CPA firm that has successfully been hiring and onboarding staff virtually for years now. Hear what Donny’s implemented at his firm and what tips he has for firms new to virtual hiring and onboarding. About IntrapriseTechKnowlogies, LLC: IntrapriseTechKnowlogies, LLC AICPA Resources: AICPA Small Firms Small Firm Update – December 3, 2020 Mentioned in this episode: Motivosity.com

Nov 12, 2020 • 37min
Winning Strategies from a Women-Owned Law Firm
Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C. is boutique, women-owned law firm with offices in New York, New Jersey and California. Suzanne Cerra, Esq., Co-Founder and Partner and Robin Rome, Esq., Partner, share their insights into creating an award-winning culture and growing a successful practice. About Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C.: Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C. https://www.linkedin.com/company/nukk-freeman-&-cerra/ AICPA Resources: Small Firm Update – December 3, 2020 AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award Walkthrough of the PPP Forgiveness Calculator Ransomware 2.0 – What to expect next

Oct 28, 2020 • 33min
From Administrative Assistant to COO
Rita Keller worked her way up the ranks from Administrative Assistant to Chief Operating Officer. In the process, she was instrumental in growing the firm from nine staff members to more than 150 and was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and The Most Powerful Women in Accounting by Accounting Today. Listen to her story and gain valuable insight in navigating your career and growing a practice. About Rita: Keller Advisors, LLC https://twitter.com/cpamanagement linkedin.com/in/cpamanagement/ Mentioned in this episode: Small Firm Update CAS Benchmark Survey Web tour sign up

Oct 14, 2020 • 24min
The evolution of remote work
Anita Dennis from Dennis Communications, LLC first began writing about virtual Public Accounting firms in 1997. She shares her thoughts on what firms were doing in the late 90s and the parallels to today. Mentioned in this episode: Distributed by Design – A New Way of Working PCPS George Willie Ethnically Diverse Student Scholarship & Internship PPP Loan Forgiveness Calculator AICPA Town Hall Series Web tour sign up Connect with the guest: Dennis Communications, LLC Anita on Twitter Anita on LinkedIn

Sep 30, 2020 • 30min
Navigating everyday business in extraordinary times
Adam Shay, CPA and Managing Partner and Richard Pasquantonio, CPA, CFF, CFE, CFDA and Director – Dispute Services of Adam Shay CPA, PLLC discuss operations, business development, and hiring in the extraordinary times. Mentioned in this episode: AICPA Town Hall Series Adam Shay CPA, PLLC https://twitter.com/adamshay https://www.linkedin.com/in/theadamshay https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpasquantonio/

Sep 16, 2020 • 24min
Networking in a remote environment
Lorraine Ellison is the owner of Simply Additions, a virtual accountancy firm in the UK. While the COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the need for Lorraine’s expertise and guidance within her existing client base, she’s also discovering ways to find and assist prospective clients. Hear how she has successfully continued networking in the required remote environment. Mentioned in this episode: http://simply-additions.com/

Sep 2, 2020 • 12min
Creating successful environment for working parents during COVID-19
With COVID-19 keeping school-aged kids at home, working parents are trying to navigate working and parenting in the same space. Award-winning Kaiser Consulting has implemented a handful of initiatives to help their parents on staff with these issues. Lori Kaiser, CEO and Founder of the firm, shares what has worked with their staff. Mentioned in this episode: Kaiser Consulting.com AICPA Small Firm resources