The Unique CPA

We go back in time on this special five-year anniversary Episode 182 of The Unique CPA, as original guest Tim Jipping, founder of Journey Advisors & CPAs, returns to interview Randy Crabtree on the podcast’s milestone show. Discussing the podcast's inception, evolution, and its impact on the accounting profession, Randy reflects on things that have surprised him about becoming a podcast host and the podcast “scene” in general, the influence guests like John Garrett, Josh Lance, Al-Nesha Jones and more have had on him, and the broader changes in the industry that the show has come to reflect as it has evolved, including improvements in work-life balance and the integration of tech. Join us for a nostalgic and insightful look back—and forward—at The Unique CPA. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree talks to Tori McKee, the owner of Best Practice Bookkeeping and Payroll, on Episode 181 of The Unique CPA, and they focus on burnout. Tori shares her journey of professional transformation, having decided to “burn down and rebuild” her business. Having struggled through 70-80 hour weeks for years, Tori moved away from the traditional CPA firm methodologies she’d always known, adopting useful tech. Highlighting the power of community, she explains how she “found her people” on #TaxTwitter, which helped her through these transitions and also led her to come out of her shell and attend conferences on her own for the first time. Tori’s truly unique perspective of saying enough is enough and deciding to rebuild from scratch is one you certainly don’t want to miss. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 180 of The Unique CPA, Chris Williams, the CEO of System Six, joins Randy for a conversation about the direction modern accounting is headed. System Six is a cloud-based finance and accounting firm Chris acquired, and he shares his journey, from his background in investment banking and private equity. With a focus on strong company culture characterized by joy, collaboration, and flexibility, the conversation covers Chris’s plans for the future of System Six, including potential acquisitions and expanding services to include tax and advisory offerings. Personal interactions are at the core of what Chris looks to do, with the desired effect being to maintain strong work culture while weathering the challenges of integrating new services and acquisitions. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Join us as we take a look back at six top rated episodes and guests to celebrate International Podcast Day on Episode 179 of The Unique CPA. Featuring Josh Lance, Allan Koltin, Tim Petrey, John Garrett, Eric Green, and Al-Nesha Jones, Randy reminisces about each guest and the impact they’ve had on the Unique CPA Community and the profession as a whole. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree is joined by Andrew Leck, CEO of MSI Global Alliance, on Episode 178 of The Unique CPA. An international association of lawyers and accountants, MSI brings professionals together, and Andrew discusses the thriving and collaborative community MSI has created, with a special emphasis on its benefits to mental and physical well-being. Integrating accountants and lawyers under one umbrella brings a host of advantages, especially in the modern accounting context of global expansion and the impact of private equity. Andrew himself started his career as an accountant, so his insights on the evolving partnership model and of cultural differences in international business are not to be missed. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 177 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree interviews Logan Graf, Chief Tax Officer and Founder of The Graf Tax Co. Logan took an unusual path to starting his own firm, with him jumping into the fully remote model in the middle of Covid, and he’s continued on that unconventional trajectory by hiring his first employee through social media. Social media has been a key for Logan for both professional networking and marketing potential, as well as featuring prominently in his plans for expanding his firm’s client base. Offering tips to expanding into specific niches, the episode explores the broader challenges and opportunities in the accounting profession from the perspective of a new, “modern” firm owner. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Lauren Bahr, VP of Finance at Occupier and podcast host, joins Randy to “bring the fun to finance” on Episode 176 of The Unique CPA. Lauren pursued her passion for startups, a sector she was exposed to during her time at PwC, ultimately leaving public accounting and further turning her energy towards educating others through her podcasts. Touching on the importance of creating a positive corporate culture, Lauren underscores the significance of relationships in building a thriving work environment. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 175 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree connects with John J. Fenton who discusses his transformative journey from college athletics to public accounting to leadership coaching. John served as managing partner at BDO USA, and his experience of the profession drives his insights on leadership, employee engagement, trust, and progressing beyond the billable hour. John has drawn upon his time as a college athlete and his black belt certification to help him better appreciate the role of mindfulness and continuous self-improvement in effective leadership. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

It’s once again time to dive into the ERC and update the profession on its current status! Nick Pantaleo joins Randy Crabtree for a special live streamed Episode 174 of The Unique CPA where they delve into the Employee Retention Credit’s journey. The two experts review the current state of play, with everything from legal updates, to IRS interpretations and processes, including their new risk assessment system, a second opportunity for amnesty, and further forecasting for the future. They then conclude their discussion by answering questions directly from the listeners! You won’t want to miss this to find out how best to serve your clients as the era of the ERC reaches its twilight. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree is joined by Rafael Casas, Director of Strategic Alliances and Partnerships at QuickFee, on Episode 173 of The Unique CPA. Rafael opens by explaining QuickFee’s mission to aid accounting and legal firms in accelerating AR while leading the way in the profession on thought leadership around mental health, AI and automation, technology, and more. Through these initiatives, Rafael hopes to elevate the accounting profession, and on those lines, he touches upon the value of intellectual curiosity, resourcefulness, and community collaboration. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com