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 23, 2021 • 20min
Utilizing the Employee Retention Credit
Randy talks to Barry Devine of Tri-Merit about the incredible opportunities available with the Employee Retention Credit, or ERC, in 2021. They explain the big changes that occurred with the two most recent stimulus bills—which expanded the amount of credit available to businesses—how excess credit exceeding payroll tax liability goes back into the business as cash, and talk about potential interplays between ERC and other tax credits. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Mar 9, 2021 • 24min
Nuts and Bolts Series
On our new Nuts and Bolts series, Randy talks to Tom Parker and Layne Bodily, cofounders of FBP CPA. Tom and Layne started FBP with Tyler Fates in 2020 in Itasca, Illinois, with an eye towards establishing a modern accounting firm. Randy will have Tom, Layne and Tyler on in the future to check on the progress of their firm, and provide insights as to what has worked, what hasn't, and where the firm is headed as it continues to grow. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com.
Feb 23, 2021 • 31min
Building Businesses: A Calling
On episode 35 of The Unique CPA, Randy has the opportunity to talk with Greg Skoda, one of two people who have built an accounting firm with a valuation in excess of $600 million. They discuss Greg's firm building exploits, and the regulatory and personal challenges Greg faced while building CBIZ over a frenetic two year period in the 90s. They also talk about Skoda Minnotti, the latest firm Greg founded, which merged with Marcum in 2019. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Feb 9, 2021 • 23min
Promoting Financial Literacy
Randy talks with Matt Wheeler, Managing Partner of Wheeler Accountants and co-host of the Avocado Toast podcast, about his unique approach to promoting financial literacy. Through his podcast and other initiatives, Matt advocates for education, since people don't know just how much financial support and advice they need. The more they learn, the more likely they are to seek out professional accounting and financial services. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Jan 26, 2021 • 37min
“The Ultimate Trusted Advisor”
On Episode 33, Randy talks with Mark Koziel, CEO of Allinial Global, who discusses the unique challenges (and advantages) of taking over that role in the midst of the pandemic, accounting firms' status as "the ultimate trusted advisor" to the companies they serve, the need for cooperation among accounting firms as technology and automation transform the profession, the importance of correctly pricing flat fee services, and much more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Jan 12, 2021 • 35min
Sales Strategies and M&A
Randy talks to Bob Lewis, who was recently named one of Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, about how CPA firms must position themselves to adapt to changes—especially as Covid rages on. Bob gives his insights into the best ways to develop prospects and referral sources, cross-selling strategies, the importance of a market niche, and the best ways for firms to position themselves through mergers and acquisitions. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Dec 29, 2020 • 32min
Building a Practice the Right Way
Randy is joined by Mike Pine, founder of Pine & Company CPAs, to discuss the evolution of Mike's practice. After cutting his teeth on tax in the Big Four accounting world, Mike started his own practice, subsequently merging with another firm. Since then, he has focused on low employee turnover and high client retention. He explains how he accomplished this, and how flexibility kept him able to respond to the demands of a changing market, especially amidst the upheaval of COVID. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Dec 15, 2020 • 43min
The Power of Your “And”
In business, especially in the world of accounting, people are often boiled down to what they bring to a firm, but not who they are. Emmy nominated writer and “Catalyst for Corporate Change“ John Garrett, himself a podcast host and author, talks to Randy about the importance of having interests, hobbies and passions outside of work. He explains how they make you a better professional, and how for him, everyone is a Unique CPA. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Dec 1, 2020 • 41min
The Role of Data Analytics
One of the hottest topics in the financial world today is Data Analytics. But how does a CPA firm start utilizing analytics in its own practice, or even offer Data Analytics services to its clients? Randy talks to Jeremy Clopton, director at Upstream Academy, about the role Data Analytics can play in your firm, especially as AI and machine learning loom large—and about the future of the accounting profession in this changing landscape. Get the full show notes and more resources at https://TheUniqueCPA.com
Nov 17, 2020 • 48min
Solid Principles for Building Your Business
The Covid pandemic has prompted many businesses, especially accounting firms, to take stock of who and they are, where they are going, and what they need to do to continue to be successful in a changed world. Randy talks with Jon Hubbard of Boomer Consulting, who specializes in helping firms identify branding opportunities, assess their strengths, and using the eight step process known as the Firm Pipeline Builder, grow their business. Get the full show notes and more resources at https://TheUniqueCPA.com
