

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

Jun 4, 2024 • 29min
Mind Over Stress: Managing Your Accounting Brain
Host Randy Crabtree welcomes Dawn Goldberg to Episode 159 of The Unique CPA. The author of The Smarter Accountant, Dawn shares her journey in public accounting, working for major firms like Deloitte Touche and Ernst & Young, and explains how understanding our own cognitive processes can lead to a less stressful, more productive tax season—and year-round experience as an accountant. Dawn addresses common pain points for accountants, such as stress, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome, emphasizing the significance of using the higher brain to manage thoughts and improve time management and productivity, aiming for better work-life balance and professional fulfillment. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

May 28, 2024 • 40min
Passion and Experience: Building a Niche Firm
On Episode 138 of The Unique CPA, join host Randy Crabtree as he chats with Timothy Wingate Jr., founder of G+F Business and Financial Consulting, about his journey from wanting to be the next Doogie Howser to creating a niche accounting practice focused on the construction industry. Timothy's father worked in construction, so his experience runs deep and across generations, so his insights on niching, work-life balance, and effective marketing strategies are sure to be relevant to any accounting firm that is looking to drill down. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

May 21, 2024 • 40min
Value First: 40 Hour Weeks
Geraldine Carter rejoins Randy for a second appearance on The Unique CPA for episode 157. Geraldine recently published her book, Down to 40 Hours, as a more accessible guide to many of the principles she stresses in her coaching: Achieving efficiency and work-life balance through understanding client value, strategic pricing, niching, and more. She discusses navigating business strategies, balancing professional and personal growth, and transforming your understanding of value and where profit actually comes from. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

May 14, 2024 • 52min
Finding Balance: From Burnout to Wellness
Randy Crabtree welcomes Lauren Baptiste to Episode 156 of The Unique CPA. A kindred spirit on the topic of mental health for professionals, Lauren shares her profound journey from CPA burnout to work-life balance. Her actionable insights into recognizing burnout, lifestyle changes, and redefining productivity in the accounting profession could very well make a difference to any listener who is looking to take the first step to changing the direction their career is taking them. Discover strategies for self-care, identifying signs of burnout in yourself and others, and more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

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.


