CPA Life

When Brenda Cannon realized that tax season chaos didn't have to be a foregone conclusion, she set out to reimagine her entire firm. Brenda shares how she moved from the brink of burnout on Episode 86 of CPA Life, juggling 1,500 clients and sleepless nights, to building a practice where April 15th is just another day. She tells John Randolph that by introducing intentional scheduling, raising fees, and letting go of the "we've always done it this way" mindset, Brenda not only transformed her own work-life balance but also created SchedulEase, a tool now helping other accountants do the same. Along the way, she's confronted industry resistance, client education hurdles, and the deeply ingrained beliefs that keep so many stuck in survival mode. Her story is a testament to the power of questioning tradition and designing a firm that truly works for its people. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Neil Barrow returns for part 2 of his special double CPA Life episode to unpack the realities of business development beyond buzzwords. John steers the conversation from the pitfalls of hiring for growth without a plan, to the delicate dance of balancing capacity and opportunity within your firm, and Neil's philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: keep things simple, focus on relationships, and don't lose sight of what actually works. You won't want to miss the unexpected parallel Neil draws between perfecting an award-winning chili recipe and building a business, or his insight into how beer tastings can open doors to new clients just as effectively as chamber of commerce meetings. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph returns to the mic to sit down with Neil Barrow, founder of EnabledBD, on Episode 84 of CPA Life. Together, they unravel the real mechanics of business development in CPA firms, as Neil draws on his journey from structured software sales to the unpredictable world of accounting firm growth. Challenging the myth that business development is just about sales or personality, Neil frames it as a skill: one that can be built, measured, and tailored to each individual's strengths. A discussion well beyond buzzwords, the pair focus on practical strategies for deepening client relationships, fostering accountability, and building systems that don't box people in. If you understand it's time to rethink what it means to grow a firm, to consider how even small, consistent actions can transform both culture and results, then check out part 1 of John's conversation with Neil now. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

We look back at John Randolph's conversation with Roman Villard, co-founder of Full Send Finance, on Episode 83 of CPA Life. Sharing his journey from finance major to starting his own firm, Roman emphasizes the importance of a culture-forward approach and how that helped Full Send shoot out of the blocks, growing from zero to 12 full-time employees in just over two years. Roman leveraged technology to great effect, particularly improving employees' work-life balance, and he dives into discussing the things that have given Full Send cross-generational appeal. Hybrid working is a significant factor, along with a resonant brand narrative. This episode touches on so many vital aspects that can make or break the success of your own firm, so whether you missed this one the first time around, or just want a refresher, you'll definitely want to tune in now! Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Tired of endless 80-hour weeks? Chris Vanover is the President and Chief Auditor at CPAClub, formerly AuditClub, and on this special CPA Life Rewind Episode 82, he talks to John Randolph about how he and his team aim to give firms flexible access to experts on demand. Having started AuditClub in January 2022, Chris rebranded to CPAClub in November 2023 as the available services expanded, but the commitment remains the same: bringing value to firms who need expert support to service their clients, while always looking after the number one priority: CPAClub's workforce. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Zane Stevens co-founded Protea Financial, an accounting firm focused on the wine industry, and it was remote from the beginning. We look back on his conversation with John Randolph on this special CPA Life Rewind Episode 81 about how this allowed him to treat employees like adults and provide flexibility in their roles. He also emphasizes the benefits of niche focus, arguing that firms that try to be everything to everyone often underdeliver. Zane notes that communication is often the biggest challenge for remote teams, requiring purposeful structures and frequent adjustments. Still, he finds that remote work allows for more precise, focused conversations and improved productivity. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

We take a look back at John Randolph's conversation with Liz Farr, host of The Disruptors Podcast on CPA Trendlines, on CPA Life Rewind Episode 80. Liz's insights on innovative practices in accounting, the talent pipeline, modern methods and more, are things you simply don't want to miss. So whether you caught Liz's appearance the first time around or not, stay tuned for expertise on the profession that you're not likely to find anywhere else. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

For Episode 79 of CPA Life, a different sort of show: John Randolph and producer Justin Grant take a candid look at the evolution of the podcast itself. John, inspired by his recent break from social media, reflects on the boundary setting, creating margins for yourself, finding joy both inside and outside of work, and what productivity actually is and means. From stories about aligning personal values with professional roles, the impact of meaningful client relationships and more, John drinks directly from the podcast's well in exploring the direction he plans to take Benaiah Consulting Group in as well. Tune in and find out what's in store next! Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Check out this edition of CPA Life Rewind, as we reflect on John Randolph's conversation with Matt Patrick, the president and founder of Patrick Accounting and Whirks. They discuss the vision Matt has executed to build a modern, efficient, people-centric accounting firm. While focusing on the importance of retaining great employees, creating a family-friendly work environment, and developing a sustainable business model, Matt also delves into accounting's many challenges, particularly around the impact of technology and talent retention. With a focus on core values and fostering a culture of continuous learning and trust, Patrick Accounting and Whirks have excelled, and Matt is keen to share advice from his own experience, just as he learned from others who have been there before and made the same mistakes he once made. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph picks up part 2 of his conversation with Nate Goodman, founder of Goodman CPA, on Episode 77 of CPA Life. Diving deeper into the bold decisions and core values shaping his firm's future, Nate discusses the challenges and rewards of moving away from traditional tax compliance work, the importance of building the right team, how faith and family guide every step, and more. Nate is candid about letting go of legacy clients and navigating growing pains, as well as about the ambitious goals he has for his firm, including increasing his numbers by 10x over the next several years. But he stresses that he will always seek to accomplish his goals without sacrificing what matters most, and while ensuring that what he does is in accordance with God's will. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com