CPA Life

CPA Life's 50 episode milestone marks the beginning of a conversation between John Randolph and Chris Papin, owner and founder of Papin CPA in Edmond, Oklahoma. Discussing the transition from traditional to modern CPA practices, Chris prioritizes sustainability, employee well-being, and client needs. He shares insights into his firm's growth, innovation in technology, and the challenges of balancing technical skills with client-facing roles. Looking to flexibility as a way to bridge those areas, Chris has looked to unorthodox schedules, remote work, and offshoring as solutions as he's overseen his payroll doubling in size. Don't miss part 1 of this two part discussion on how embracing modern practices and technological advancements can help you foster a successful firm that facilitates fulfilling careers for your people. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Veteran accounting journalist and consultant Seth Feinberg rejoins John Randolph for part two of their conversation on Episode 49 of CPA Life. They pick back up on the closing theme of the first episode, that accounting's image problem is largely self-made, and changes need to be made to solve the pipeline issues and other pressing matters within the profession at the macro level. Seth also touches on more focused topics: purposeful marketing in the social media age, the importance of firm culture, and the necessity of stressing the value accountants bring to their clients. The thread throughout Seth's insights is one of authenticity and trust: Two things that are vital in ensuring any individual accountant's—or any firm's—success in the market. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Seth Fineberg spent more than 20 years as an accounting journalist before founding Accountants Forward and consulting with professionals looking to improve their firm and career prospects. He and host John Randolph engage in part one of a dynamic conversation on Episode 48 of CPA Life, centered around going beyond raw numbers and looking at the reality of the landscape in public accounting. Emphasizing the need for cultural change and the importance of work-life balance, Seth highlights the profession's shift towards more holistic development, including mental health and leadership, a shift which John states had to happen given the unique environment younger generations have grown up in. Seth makes conferences a focal point, Bridging the Gap in particular, which is where he presented research that he and former guest Randy Crabtree had put together around burnout and job satisfaction in the profession. Stressing the human element, he effectively underscores the reasons the accounting industry needed to change. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Part 2 of John Randolph's special episode featuring Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway of Upstream Academy and the Upstream Leader Podcast continues on CPA Life, as the trio pick up their discussion of intentionality, a theme which runs through so many threads in the accounting profession. Intentionality is central to their discussions about creating firm culture, the value of deliberate planning, and the importance of effective mentorship. They emphasize that meaningful relationships and culture require intentional effort, even in a post-pandemic, hybrid work environment, also highlighting the importance of focusing on the right work, the right clients, and the right leadership style, best achieved through coaching and feedback. Among the ways to implement these themes successfully is by maintaining standards rather than rigid rules, and always keeping in mind the potential for an astronomical ROI when you invest in your people. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway, influential thought leaders in public accounting with over 25 years of experience, dive into intentional leadership and innovation. They discuss the importance of creating a supportive culture and connecting with teams to drive engagement. The conversation unpacks diverse career paths, from unconventional entries to personal growth stories. They also emphasize the need for empathy in leadership, showing how nurturing future professionals can transform workplace dynamics and enhance productivity.

In this conversation, Anshul Chawla, Director of Corporate Development at a CPA firm, shares insights from his extensive background in public accounting and private equity. He discusses modernizing CPA firms while enhancing employee experience and culture amidst private equity growth. Anshul emphasizes the critical role of communication and leadership in retaining talent and fostering satisfaction. He also addresses the challenges and opportunities that remote work and private equity integration bring to the industry, highlighting the need for balance between profitability and employee well-being.

Liz Farr has had a remarkable life's journey, from a childhood where she learned accounting principles, to many years later taking a tax preparation class, then working as an accountant navigating chaotic tax seasons, to finally, becoming a successful ghostwriter and podcast host. Join John Randolph on Episode 44 of CPA Life as he gleans insights from Liz's time in and around the accounting profession. She shares insights on modern accounting challenges, talent issues, and innovative practices for sustainable, people-centric firms in today's world. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph and Ron Baker dive back into part 2 of their discussion on Episode 43 of CPA Life, covering the challenges faced by CPAs, such as the moral injury the profession inflicts, the shift from fee-for-service to the subscription model, client advisory services, and more. They discuss the importance of niche expertise, the value of transformations over transactional services, and strategies for retaining talent in your firm. Discover how advisory services are evolving and the potential for the subscription-based model to elevate the profession, with insights on improving the profession while enhancing client relationships. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Ron Baker is a pioneer in the field of modern accounting. He joins John Randolph for this first installment of a special two part episode of CPA Life, and the two delve deep into the groundbreaking topics of value and subscription-based pricing and client advisory services that are reshaping the landscape of public accounting. An advocate for getting free of traditional timekeeping since 1989, Ron has written eight books on this and other topics, and given his experience at a Big Four firm early in his career, he soon realized that the underpinnings of the issues facing the profession all come back to keeping time, what he calls "plunging a ruler into the oven to check the temperature—it's the wrong measuring stick." Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

On Episode 41 of CPA Life, rejoin host John Randolph for part two of his conversation with Jeff Bartsch of Story Greenlight, as they delve deeper into the significance of storytelling within the accounting industry. Learn about the impact of crafting authentic narratives about you and your firm, and discover the benefits of being personal and intentional in your communication, with a focus on social media and creating human connection. Jeff shares invaluable insights into the learning processes of accounting professionals, revealing how embracing storytelling can elevate your firm's internal and external branding. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com