

The Unique CPA
Randy Crabtree, CPA
Over more than five years and 200 episodes, The Unique CPA has blossomed from “just an accounting podcast” into a community of thriving accounting professionals. With personal fulfillment and energizing, passionate work at the top of our list of priorities, we’re keeping you at the forefront of the changing face of public accounting through conversations with fascinating leaders who understand that the one constant in the accounting profession is change: Change in our approach to the demands of the profession, change in the technology we use to more efficiently do our jobs, and change in our ability to express who each of us really is as a human being.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 21, 2023 • 47min
Seismic Shifts in the Profession
Daniel Hood, Editor-in-Chief of Accounting Today, joins Randy for Episode 96 of The Unique CPA. Daniel has served in his current capacity since 2011, and has covered the accounting industry for much longer. He recounts what he considers some of the top ways the profession is currently transforming, and what individuals and firms alike need to do to stay on top of these changes. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Mar 14, 2023 • 41min
Not Just a Buzzword: Emotional Intelligence
Randy is joined by Heath Alloway of the Upstream Leader podcast for Episode 95 of The Unique CPA. Intelligence as it’s been traditionally viewed, is less important to the accounting professional and to leadership than a more vital factor: emotional intelligence. Heath talks about his journey to understand the impact of emotional intelligence, highlights the ways high levels of emotional intelligence and empathy positively impact people and firms, and discusses strategies for developing what he says is ultimately not an inborn trait, but a skill. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Mar 7, 2023 • 41min
Right-Sizing: A Firm Must
Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching joins Randy on Episode 94 of The Unique CPA. Jennifer is a champion of right-sizing your accounting firm, which sometimes means difficult decisions for the sake of your employees, up to and including firing bad clients in order to, as Jennifer puts it, to “bring hope to the troops.” She shares some strategies for how to get to the right size, with a reminder that it’s the best path to prime your firm for growth. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Feb 28, 2023 • 46min
Making Your Firm Work for You
Randy welcomes Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center, on Episode 93 of The Unique CPA. The host of his own podcast, Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger talks to Randy about the systematic approach and educational process Universal Accounting offers to firms to grow, systematize, and improve the efficiency of their practices. He also shares some helpful tips and discusses the importance of focusing on your and others' mental health. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Feb 21, 2023 • 41min
A Modern Approach to Accounting
On Episode 92 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Brandon Hall, the Real Estate CPA, about his modern approach to building an accounting firm: Results-based work tracking with no hours or hourly billing, a fully remote office staffed by accountants and tax advisors from all over the country, revenue targets reached through creative, content-based marketing, and more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Feb 14, 2023 • 1h 1min
ABC March Appness: The Accounting Bracket Challenge
On Episode 91 of The Unique CPA, Randy welcomes back friend of the podcast, Scott Scarano, who also co-hosted The Unique CPA's celebration at the Beer Temple in Chicago in the summer of 2022. Scott is the founder of Accounting High, and he also hosts the podcast of the same name, formerly known as the Sons of CPAs. Scott brings some exciting news: March Appness 2023, also known as ABC, the Accountant Bracket Challenge, where you can nominate your top five apps and platforms that contribute to all of our success in the profession. Nominate The Unique CPA at bracket.accountinghigh.com. Get show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Feb 7, 2023 • 31min
Change for the Better
On Episode 90 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined by Donny Shimamoto, Founder and Managing Director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies, LLC, and “Inspiration Architect” at The Center for Accounting Transformation. An undisputed leader in the accounting industry, with accolades from Accounting Today, CPA Practice Advisor, CPA Technology Advisor and more, Donny's message is one of inclusivity, diversity, and belonging—and it's boiled down by the URL of The Center for Accounting Transformation's website: ImproveTheWorld.net. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Jan 31, 2023 • 29min
Revolutionizing the Accounting Industry Model
On Episode 89 of The Unique CPA, Randy chats with Dominique Molina, President of the American Institute of Certified Tax Planners. Dominique talks about her early days as a CPA, and how she thought opening her own practice would eliminate a lot of the negatives associated with working in the accounting profession. She realized, however, that a few more steps were necessary—with the key being control over one's own business and time. She discusses how accounting firms can achieve this, as well as delving into the Certified Tax Planner license and its utility in demonstrating that you are an expert at saving your clients money. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Jan 24, 2023 • 51min
Coaching You to Where You Want to Be
On Episode 88 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Brian Kush, co-founder of Intend2Lead, about things leaders in the accounting profession can change to make themselves and their workplaces healthier, happier, and more productive. They discuss the concept of intentionality, the importance of being openly vulnerable because of the relatability and humanity that affords, the unique challenges to firm culture that have arisen with the rise in remote working, and more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Jan 17, 2023 • 29min
Scaling and Systematization
Ryan Lazanis, host of the Future Firm Accounting podcast and founder of Future Firm, joins Randy Crabtree for Episode 87 of The Unique CPA. Randy queries Ryan about Future Firm, which helps accounting firms scale and systematize their offerings. They discuss tiered, consistent pricing and niching, as well as the nexus between the two concepts, and Ryan details some of the steps necessary to modernize an accounting firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com