CPA Life

Host John Randolph continues his conversation with David Hartley on Episode 35 of CPA Life. They delve into ditching billable hours in favor of value billing, the potential for AI to vastly improve efficiency within CPA firms, and the importance of recruiting the next generation through values that appeal to them. Innovation is a key focus according to David, host of the But Who's Counting? podcast, who has plenty of insight into what’s coming for firms around the country and the globe and what firm leaders need to harness now to prepare for the future. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

David Hartley joined Anders CPAs + Advisors when they were looking to establish an Advisory practice, demonstrating how even a large firm can “steer its ship” in an active, anticipatory way. David talks to John Randolph on Episode 34 of CPA Life in part 1 of their two part conversation about the strategic planning and growth of the Advisory practice under his watch, and David delves into how to have a forward-thinking approach, remote work experiences, and strategies for managing both remote and in-office work models. He touches on the future of the CPA profession, the importance of continuous learning, the impact of client relationships, and the importance of culling clients that are no longer a good fit for where your firm is today. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

In Part 2 of this special CPA Life episode, John Randolph returns as the guest to talk to producer Justin Grant about many of the key concepts in talent acquisition and advisory that CPA firms simply don’t know that they don’t know. John explains this as the basis behind his Talent + Advisory model, which integrates value-based pricing, strategic discussions, managing a firm’s talent brand, online reputation management, the importance of relationships in accounting, and more. Above all, it is clear that just like an accounting client needs a partner in a firm that works with them on a recurring basis, so does an accounting firm need a partner that works with them to get to the root of their staffing needs and goals. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

The tables are turned as CPA Life producer Justin Grant takes the role of host to interview John Randolph, founder and principal of Benaiah Consulting Group—not just your regular host!—on Episode 32. John delves into his history in the recruiting and accounting space and the lessons he’s learned from his vast and diverse experience: the importance of finding a niche, the role of private equity in firm growth, the impact of company culture on the employee experience, and more. Through it all, John stresses that the niche he has determined is best for him and Benaiah is serving small, local CPA firms, because the passion he has for helping those firms succeed is something that can’t be duplicated. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Marcus Mire is the founder of Mire Group CPAs and the host of the Make It Count podcast. He joins John Randolph for Episode 31 of CPA Life to discuss the impact of cloud accounting on his accounting practice, the effect of COVID-19 on firm operations, and more. Marcus shares his advice for new firm owners and talks about the growth and core values of the Mire Group, exploring the transition to a subscription-based model, community involvement, and the role of faith-based leadership. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph finishes his conversation with Accounting Today Top 100 influencer Randy Crabtree on Episode 30 of CPA Life, where they discuss non-traditional leadership in remote, but also in-office culture, the importance of building relationships, and of making your people understand you care about them as human beings. They both into the financial advantage imparted by low turnover due to healthy employee work-life balance and the power of saying “no.” They round out their chat by discussing the benefits to firm leaders of letting others do the things you do best, while leaders stay in their lanes, out of the way. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Randy Crabtree is an Accounting Today Top 100 Influencer, the co-founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax, and the host of The Unique CPA podcast. On part one of a two part conversation, he joins John Randolph on Episode 29 of CPA Life to talk about the benefits of a niche focus within a firm and the good that comes from being intentional in creating a place people want to work. Related to these elements are allowing remote work, using value-based billing, and maintaining a strong company culture during a firm’s growth—one that makes people feel valued and like more than just a cog in a wheel. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Mike Payne of BOSS Advisors rejoins host John Randolph for part two of their conversation about building a modern CPA firm on Episode 28 of CPA Life. They pick up on their discussion of how BOSS is breaking the traditional firm mold through a subscription-based pricing model, prioritizing employees over billable hours, and more. Mike details practical strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, delighting clients with proactive service, and creating a culture of open communication. In an episode full of actionable tips for firm owners looking to transform their own organizations, John backs Mike’s insights up with his perspective as a consumer of CPA services and they both agree on the importance of making sure you are keeping your “internal customers”—your employees—happy. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Mike Payne, founder and CEO of BOSS Advisors, had an atypical path into his career as he holds both a CPA license and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona. On Episode 27 of CPA Life, Mike talks to John Randolph about his unique educational journey, and his experience working at a Big Four firm, before striking out on his own. Mike had a number of experiences that highlighted the need for change in public accounting, and he has built a firm focused on client service, that breaks from the traditional billable hours model. Part 1 of this conversation offers practical guidance and inspiration for anyone seeking to strike out on their own and build their own firm that does things better. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Episode 26 is the second of a two part episode of CPA Life, and Henry Huie rejoins John Randolph to talk about his new firm and its subscription model where clients pay for ongoing advice rather than billable hours. A focus on building deeper client relationships puts the value in “value billing,” and empowers clients to ask for the help they need without worrying about fees. Further, by leveraging technology, Henry’s ideas represent a way for firms to beat the staffing shortage as a job in accounting with fewer hours, better pay and more meaningful relationships is sure to attract far more talent than the same old, legacy firm attitude. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com