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
May 7, 2024 • 33min
SALT and the Increasing Demands of the States
On Episode 155 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree talks to SALT expert Jordan Goodman about various state and local tax issues including market-based sourcing, the impact of the pandemic on remote workforces, the ongoing implications of the Wayfair decision, and nuances of passthrough entity tax laws. Always an enthusiast, Jordan takes the complexities of tax law and offers fun and engaging insights for professionals navigating these topics. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Apr 30, 2024 • 35min
A Vision for Breaking the Mold in the Profession
Former Baker Tilly CEO Alan Whitman discusses breaking traditional molds in the accounting profession, addressing the 'enjoyment gap', advocating for innovation, and fostering a sustainable future. Topics include reshaping the image of accountants, intentional career development, remote work culture, and collaborative innovation projects.
Apr 23, 2024 • 42min
One Step at a Time: Making Tech Work for You
Byron Patrick of the B³ Method Institute joins Randy for Episode 153 of The Unique CPA, and they delve into Byron's transition from an “okay accountant” to a technology expert. Byron is passionate about well-being and its interplay with the profession, and he and Randy discuss the key that technology can improve efficiency, which eliminates the stresses and time sinks of the job, which leads to better work-life balance, but he holistically broadens his focus to things each person can do for themselves, too. That said, he shares information on AI tools like Bard, ChatGPT, and more, discussing their impact, ultimately stressing that making incremental, small changes is all you need to do to improve your workflow in this rapidly changing technological arena. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Apr 16, 2024 • 31min
Maximizing Value in Your Niche
Chris Farmand, Founder of Small Batch Standard, discusses the complexities of financial management in the brewing industry and the importance of niching principles like deep relationships and adapting to market changes. Topics include lead generation, value pricing, and client transitions in running Small Batch Standard.
Apr 9, 2024 • 30min
Not Just the Endgame: Exit Planning
On Episode 151 of The Unique CPA, Darryl Bates-Brownsword joins Randy Crabtree to discuss the importance of succession planning and its associated challenges. They delve into the benefits of early exit planning, with Darryl identifying the transition from selling hours to value-based service offerings as a key obstacle. Ultimately, exit planning is vital for businesses, and for CPAs looking to boost their advisory offerings, Darryl’s platform Capitaliz provides a guided way to do just that. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Apr 2, 2024 • 36min
A Modern Firm for Modern Startups
Curt Mastio, from Big Four to his own firm, delves into blockchain, crypto, and FinTech challenges for accountants. They discuss modern firm practices, tax planning strategies, and tech startups journey from seed stage to exit.
Mar 26, 2024 • 37min
The Ideal Practice Model
On Episode 149 of The Unique CPA, Joe Woodard joins Randy to discuss hot topics like the Private Equity revolution in accounting and the Scaling New Heights conference coming up in Orlando in June. Joe introduces the Woodard Ideal Practice Model, a multi-partite plan for firms to both determine and differentiate their services, and he offers wisdom about the difference between management and leadership. They discuss Scaling New Heights in some detail, mentioning the talk Randy will be giving on firm growth and culture at the event. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Mar 19, 2024 • 38min
The Evolving Role of State Societies
Randy Crabtree talks to Jen Cryder, CEO of PICPA, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, on Episode 148 of The Unique CPA. They discuss the role of state societies in accounting, with a focus on bringing some of the ideas that larger firms have come up with to smaller firms and adapting those ideas to fit. Jen draws on her extensive experience as an audit senior and partner to touch on company culture, preserving that through mergers, and the opportunities that are in front of firms to deal with and thrive through the staffing crisis. PICPA's vision involves human capital, innovation in startups, and offering a wealth of support and resources to firms of all sizes. Randy probes Jen's thoughts on salary transparency, work-life balance, and leveraging technology in the tax profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
Mar 12, 2024 • 40min
How to Found the Firm You Want
Al-Nesha Jones, Founder of ASE Group, discusses transitioning to entrepreneurship, managing client expectations, implementing a four-day workweek, and evolving towards advisory services. She emphasizes work-life balance, efficient processes, and redefining success in the accounting industry.
Mar 5, 2024 • 39min
Carving Your Own Path: From Academia to Tax
Jeremy Wells shares his journey from academia to tax advising, navigating challenges and rewards in self-employment. He emphasizes the importance of identifying the right clients for your niche and highlights the value of mentorship in shaping his career path.
