Dive into the storm of busy season in the accounting world, where long hours challenge work-life balance. Discover the impact of leadership on team sustainability and the importance of self-care amid stress. Explore groundbreaking strategies like automation, while tackling the staffing shortage crisis. The conversation also highlights invaluable mentorship experiences, emphasizing empathy and constructive criticism as tools for professional growth. Reflect on the shared resilience between accountants and athletes, and learn how to cultivate meaningful mentor relationships during taxing times.

Episode Title:Defined Benefit Plans Demystified: Expert Insights for Young CPAs with David PodellEpisode Summary:Co-host Hannah shares her experiences with tax planning and defined benefit plans, setting the stage for guest expert David Podell from Business Benefits Consultants. David demystifies defined benefit plans, emphasizing their relevance and tax advantages. The discussion covers identifying client opportunities, the importance of advisory roles, and resources for further learning.Episode Notes:"You could increase your retirement benefit, take money out of the business pre-tax, and I'm going to save you this on your taxes." -David PodellThe finer details of this episode:●       Common misconceptions about defined benefit plans and their relevance in modern financial strategies.●       Importance of collaboration with financial advisors, third-party administrators, and attorneys in implementing defined benefit plans.●       Resources available for CPAs to deepen their understanding of defined benefit plans and tax strategies.●       Encouragement for young CPAs to engage with clients and explore tailored financial solutions.Episode resources:●       Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/●       Email us with questions or if you’d like to be a guest on the show: youngcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com●       We’re hiring! Check out our open positions: https://www.summitcpa.net/career-opportunities●       Check out Business Benefits Consulting! https://businessbenefitsconsultants.com/Timestamps:Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)The host welcomes listeners and introduces the podcast's purpose for young accounting professionals.New Format Announcement (00:00:23)Hannah discusses the new episode format after attending a podcast convention, aiming for shorter content.Guest Introduction (00:01:00)Hannah introduces David Podell, an expert on defined benefit plans and tax planning.Complexity of Defined Benefit Plans (00:02:57)David explains the confusion surrounding defined benefit plans due to their complexity and lack of understanding.Multiple Players Involved (00:04:42)Discussion on the various professionals needed to manage defined benefit plans effectively.Trigger Words for Advisory Conversations (00:06:18)David shares key phrases that indicate a client may benefit from defined benefit plans.Selling a Business and Tax Structuring (00:08:13)Hannah discusses using defined benefit plans for tax benefits when selling a business.Retirement Planning and Asset Building (00:09:37)The benefits of using defined benefit plans for retirement savings while minimizing taxes.Plan Design Considerations (00:10:37)David emphasizes the importance of tailoring plan designs to meet specific client needs.Learning Resources for Defined Benefit Plans (00:12:46)David suggests resources for understanding defined benefit plans and associated terminology.Acronyms and Terminology Clarification (00:15:03)Discussion on common acronyms in the industry and the need for clear understanding.Importance of Coordination Among Advisors (00:16:25)The significance of having a coordinated approach among various financial advisors.Final Thoughts and Call to Action (00:19:09)David encourages listeners to evaluate clients who may benefit from defined benefit plans.Value of Defined Benefit Plans (00:20:06)Discussion on how defined benefit plans can enhance retirement benefits and provide tax savings.Call to Action (00:20:41)Encouragement for listeners to engage and ask questions about defined benefit plans.Contact Information (00:20:57)Details on how to reach Business Benefits Consultants for further inquiries and support.Gratitude and Reflection (00:21:30)Acknowledgment of the guest's insights and the value added to the listeners' understanding.Career Development Opportunities (00:21:41)Information on job opportunities for young CPAs at Summit Virtual CFO and Anders CPAs and Advisors.

Episode Title: Bridging the Generational Gap: Transforming Leadership for a New Era with Madeline MillerEpisode Notes:In this episode of the Young CPA Success Show, the host and co-hosts Joey and Hannah discuss the challenges faced by young professionals, particularly in accounting, with guest Madeline Miller, a coach with a background in law and entertainment. They explore generational stereotypes, the importance of good leadership, and the need for purpose and recognition in the workplace. Madeline shares her journey and emphasizes the significance of empathy, mentorship, and building supportive work environments. The conversation highlights the evolving expectations of younger generations and the role of leaders in fostering inclusive and fulfilling workplaces."I had been thinking a lot about how I was showing up at work, and whether I was showing up as the leader I wanted to be, and I really had to go back and reinvent the wheel and teach myself what that meant." – Madeline MillerThe finer details of this episode:Challenges faced by young accounting professionals and early-career individuals.Generational stereotypes and perceptions in the workplace.The impact of remote and hybrid work environments on workplace dynamics.The importance of interpersonal skills and relationship-building.The need for training in conflict management and leadership skills.Episode resources:● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at: youngcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://vcfoplaybook.summitcpa.net/● You can find more from Madeline at her website: https://coachingwithmadeline.com/about-madeline-miller/Timestamps:Welcome to the Young CPA Success Show (00:00:00)Introduction to the podcast and its focus on guiding young accounting professionals.Setting the Scene (00:00:23)Discussion of excitement around the episode featuring guest Madeline Miller.Generational Assumptions in the Workplace (00:01:04)Hannah reflects on assumptions made about millennials in the workplace.Bad Managers vs. Bad Jobs (00:02:08)Joey emphasizes that employees leave bad managers, not just bad jobs.Creating Good Workspaces (00:03:12)Call to action for leaders to foster better work environments for younger generations.Epiphanies During the Conversation (00:04:22)Hannah shares insights gained from the conversation with Madeline.Madeline's Background (00:05:07)Madeline discusses her journey from law to coaching, emphasizing purpose and direction.Searching for Fulfillment (00:08:42)Discussion on the common feeling of searching for fulfillment in one's career.Identifying Common Themes (00:08:55)Madeline explains what she looks for in clients feeling lost in their careers.Purpose and Recognition in Work (00:09:28)Madeline highlights the importance of feeling purposeful and recognized in work.Coaching for Authenticity (00:11:07)Discussion on closing the gap between current and desired workplace behavior.Nurturing Future Leaders (00:13:34)Madeline discusses coaching leaders on nurturing purpose in their teams.Shifting from Technical to Leadership Skills (00:16:23)Joey and Madeline explore the challenges of transitioning to leadership roles in careers.The Importance of Developing Future Leaders (00:18:20)Madeline discusses her approach to shaping the next generation of leaders and the importance of mentorship.Shifting Skills in the Workforce (00:19:02)Joey highlights the transition from technical skills to advisory roles in accounting and other industries.Gen Z's Desire for Impact (00:20:09)Joey shares insights on Gen Z's eagerness to make a positive impact compared to previous generations.Empathy in Leadership (00:20:37)Madeline discusses Gen Z's demand for empathy from managers, reflecting on generational differences in expectations.Intergenerational Challenges (00:21:47)Hannah notes the challenges faced by different generations in the workplace, particularly regarding career fulfillment.Communicating Purpose in the Industry (00:22:58)Hannah emphasizes the need for leaders to effectively communicate purpose to attract Gen Z to accounting careers.Simple Steps to Foster Purpose (00:23:50)Madeline outlines basic actions leaders can take to help employees feel purposeful and engaged at work.The Impact of Good Management (00:25:01)Discussion on how good managers can significantly influence employee satisfaction and retention.The Role of Interpersonal Skills (00:26:20)The speakers reflect on the importance of interpersonal relationships in the workplace for long-term fulfillment.Conflict Management Skills (00:27:12)Madeline discusses the necessity of teaching conflict management skills to navigate workplace relationships effectively.Building Resilience in the Workplace (00:29:27)The conversation shifts to the importance of resilience and continuous practice in handling workplace challenges.Understanding Gen Z's Unique Challenges (00:31:02)Joey highlights the distinct challenges Gen Z faces in the workforce compared to previous generations.Curiosity in Leadership (00:31:54)Madeline encourages leaders to adopt a curious mindset to better understand and support younger employees.Independence and Entrepreneurship (00:34:35)Joey discusses how Gen Z's independence challenges traditional business structures and offers opportunities for growth.Nurturing Staff Through Coaching (00:35:45)Madeline advocates for group coaching as a cost-effective way to support and develop younger employees.Leadership Mindset Shift (00:36:41)Discussion on the need for leadership to proactively engage with younger generations.Creating Infrastructure for Engagement (00:37:07)Emphasis on building systems that facilitate communication and support for younger professionals.Assumptions in the Workplace (00:37:11)Importance of avoiding assumptions and encouraging open dialogue among colleagues.Building Camaraderie in the Workplace (00:38:21)Sharing experiences of how informal interactions fostered strong work relationships.Impact of Remote Work on Relationships (00:38:44)Reflection on how remote work limits opportunities for bonding and relationship building.Networking Through Work Relationships (00:39:55)How professional connections made in early career stages can influence future opportunities.Personal Vision and Mission Statements (00:41:15)Discussion on the value of personal mission statements in guiding career paths.Two-Way Value in Sharing Goals (00:42:23)Exploration of how sharing personal goals with managers can enhance workplace relationships.Leadership Opportunities at All Levels (00:43:46)Encouragement that every role in an organization has the potential for leadership.Empowering Younger Staff (00:45:36)The benefits of encouraging younger employees to adopt a leadership mindset.Contacting Madeline for Resources (00:46:28)Information on how to reach Madeline Miller for coaching and resources.

Episode Title: 2024 Year in ReviewEpisode Notes:In our year end wrap up: Jody, Brett, Tom, Hannah, and Jamie share favorite moments from the show, podcasting resolutions and holiday gift wishes. the hosts reflect on personal anecdotes and provide their aspirations for the upcoming year. They also introduce a new behind-the-scenes team member."It’s super common for us to go into a conference and have someone say, "Hey, I love that podcast you’re on." It’s really cool, and we really enjoy it." – Jody GrundenThe finer details of this episode:Reflection on the past year in podcasting, particularly in the accounting industry.Personal anecdotes and memorable moments from individual podcasts.Insights gained from interviews with guests in various fields, including cannabis and accounting.Personal resolutions and goals for the upcoming year related to podcasting.Episode resources:● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://vcfoplaybook.summitcpa.net/Timestamps:Welcome to the Young CPA Success Show (00:00:00)Introduction to the podcast, highlighting its purpose for young accounting professionals.Jodi's Favorite Podcast (00:00:23)Jodi humorously comments on productivity loss due to the team gathering for the podcast discussion.Indiana University Sports Victory (00:00:49)Brett congratulates Indiana University on a sports win, engaging in light banter about online gambling.Introducing Christine (00:01:39)Jodi introduces Christine, acknowledging her contributions and excitement about being on camera.Christine's Favorite Podcast (00:02:15)Christine shares her favorite podcast episode, highlighting its relevance to her as a college student.Introduction of Minna (00:04:12)Minna is introduced as a new team member, sharing her background and podcasting role.Podcast Ranking Discussion (00:04:49)Discussion about the podcast's ranking as number four among accounting firms in the nation.Mina's Podcasting Resolution (00:05:47)Mina expresses her goal to improve scheduling for podcast episodes moving forward.Brett's Podcast Insights (00:07:02)Brett discusses his podcast, "The Cannabis Access Show," and the educational value of his guests.Team Collaboration Acknowledgment (00:09:04)Brett thanks Christine for her behind-the-scenes support during a successful event.Hannah's Favorite Episode (00:10:08)Hannah reflects on her favorite podcast episode featuring guests from analytics discussing AI and innovation.Tom's Humorous Podcast Moment (00:11:41)Tom shares a funny moment about being recognized for another podcast, leading to a humorous realization.Storytelling in Podcasting (00:13:45)Tom discusses the importance of storytelling in consulting, inspired by his podcast guests.Jodi's Favorite Moment (00:16:13)Jodi expresses his enjoyment of spending time with Jamie during the podcast, highlighting the camaraderie.Insights from Speakers (00:17:35)Discussion on the value of listening to diverse podcasts and collaborating beyond company silos.Memorable Podcast Moments (00:17:59)Jodi recalls memorable episodes, including a dinner club discussion and a curious question about targeted ads.Podcasting Resolutions and Christmas Lists (00:19:51)Panelists share their podcasting resolutions and Christmas wishes in a combined fun question format.Jody's Gift Philosophy (00:20:46)Jody expresses a preference for giving experiences over receiving gifts, emphasizing meaningful connections.Tom's Podcasting Aspirations (00:21:27)Tom discusses his podcasting goals, focusing on client connections and exploring AI's impact on the industry.Hannah's Community Building (00:24:34)Hannah shares her goal to maintain a fun and approachable podcast atmosphere, encouraging community connections.Brett on Cannabis Regulations (00:26:01)Brett highlights the challenges of cannabis businesses under IRS 280E regulations and hopes for future changes.Christine's Supportive Role (00:31:27)Christine aims to support her co-hosts and improve podcast quality while sharing her personal listening habits.Christmas Gift Preferences (00:33:43)Christine shares her practical Christmas gift request for a blender, reflecting her love for cooking.Jamie's Podcasting Resolution (00:35:06)Jamie expresses a desire to improve follow-up with potential podcast guests met at events.Discussion on Podcast Guests (00:36:37)Jodi reflects on the importance of considering potential podcast guests during conversations.Fun Episode Recap (00:36:55)Jodi shares his enjoyment of the episode, highlighting the camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere.Appreciation for Contributions (00:37:14)Jodi expresses gratitude to everyone for their insights and participation in the podcast.Career Development for Young CPAs (00:37:23)The host promotes remote work opportunities for young CPAs at Summit Virtual CFO and Anders CPAs.

“It’s just so important to show up positive, to show up kind, to just put forth the best that you can because you just don’t know what’s going on in the background.” – Hannah Hood The finer details of this episode:Guidance for young accounting professionals in their early careersImportance of mindset and adaptability in navigating change within the accounting professionPersonal anecdotes highlighting lessons learned from mentorsThe role of empathy and positivity in client interactionsUnderstanding emotional responses to change and its impact on communicationTransitioning from technical skills to advisory roles in accountingBuilding meaningful relationships with clients beyond transactional interactionsEmbracing discomfort as a pathway to growth and effective communicationThe significance of being present and adaptable during client conversationsEncouragement to invest in personal development through learning from experiences and others Episode resources:Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/Email us with questions or if you’d like to be a guest on the show: youngcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.comWe’re hiring! Check out our open positions: https://www.summitcpa.net/career-opportunitiesConnect with Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispapin/Check out Papin CPA here: https://www.papincpa.com/ Timestamps: Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00)The host welcomes young accounting professionals and introduces the purpose of the podcast. Theme of Growth and Learning (00:00:23)Joey discusses the importance of mindset for growth in accounting careers and shares personal lessons. Mentorship Anecdote (00:00:49)Joey reflects on lessons learned from his first mentor, Ralph, emphasizing opportunity cost and life lessons. Mindset and Change (00:02:03)Joey connects his mentor's lessons to adapting to change in the accounting profession and personal mindset. Empathy in Client Interactions (00:03:24)Hannah shares experiences working with clients, highlighting the importance of empathy and positivity. Inevitability of Change (00:04:23)Joey emphasizes that change is certain and discusses preparing oneself to respond effectively. Comfort with Change (00:05:28)Joey reflects on the comfort of structure in accounting and the need to adapt to change. Psychology of Change Management (00:06:31)Chris discusses the psychological aspects of change management and how emotions influence client behavior. Skills Gap in Accounting (00:08:53)Hannah notes the changing landscape of the accounting industry and the skills gap in change management. Importance of Flexibility (00:10:58)Chris emphasizes the necessity of being adaptable in client conversations and the evolving expectations. Balancing Processes and Flexibility (00:12:25)Joey discusses the need for foundational processes to enable agile conversations with clients. Interconnectedness of Planning and Financials (00:14:08)Chris highlights the relationship between business plans and financial statements in advisory roles. Building Trust with Clients (00:17:09)Chris shares strategies for fostering trust and open communication with clients for effective advisory work. Practice and Real Conversations (00:19:10)Joey talks about the importance of practice in preparing for difficult conversations in a professional setting. Football Analogy for Preparation (00:20:43)Joey and Chris discuss the relevance of practice in various fields, using football as a metaphor for preparation. Tom Brady's Legacy (21:01)Discussion on how perseverance and fundamentals can lead to success, illustrated by Tom Brady's comeback. Embracing Discomfort (22:31)The importance of being comfortable with discomfort for long-term success in client interactions and conversations. Learning from Experience (23:34)Sharing personal experiences of learning through practice and adapting one's style to improve client communication. The Psychology of Communication (24:52)Understanding emotional responses and the need for adaptability in client interactions to foster deeper relationships. Redefining Success (27:34)A conversation on how generational views on success and failure impact personal growth and professional development. The Value of Conversations (33:29)Highlighting the importance of meaningful conversations over rigid agendas in client meetings for building trust. Creating Safe Spaces (35:09)Discussing the vulnerability in financial conversations and the need for advisors to create a safe environment. Making a Difference (38:15)Illustrating the impact of timely assistance in client relationships and the importance of servant leadership in advisory roles. Personal Fulfillment in Client Relationships (00:40:54)Hannah shares a personal story about overcoming a difficult client interaction and the fulfillment gained from perseverance. Understanding Client Reactions (00:42:42)Discussion on how client reactions often stem from their own issues, not the service provider's actions. The Reality of Client Interactions (00:43:27)Hannah acknowledges that client relationships can be challenging and are influenced by clients' personal lives. Connecting with Chris Papin (00:43:56)Hannah invites listeners to connect with Chris Papin for additional resources and insights on LinkedIn. Opportunities for Young CPAs (00:44:47)Joey encourages young CPAs to explore career development and remote work opportunities with their organization.

Adam D. Koós, a financial planning expert known for his work in business transitions, discusses the shift from 'exit planning' to 'business transition planning.' He highlights fiduciary responsibility and the importance of being a fee-only advisor to reduce conflicts of interest. Koós dives into the emotional aspects of financial decisions and their impact on clients, advocating for transparency and clear communication between CPAs and financial advisors. He also shares strategies for young CPAs to forge strong connections within the financial advisory landscape.

“You have to demonstrate that you care—not only to those whom you're working for but also to the clients and customers that you work with. Every customer, every client, has to think that they are your priority.” – John Scott The finer details of this episode:Journey of young accounting professionals in establishing their careers.Identifying and demonstrating interest in a specific niche within accounting.Role of mentorship in career development and guidance.Significance of effective communication skills in client relationships and teamwork.Strategies for building strong client relationships and understanding client needs.Value of asking questions and seeking clarification to enhance understanding Learning from mistakes as a crucial part of professional development.Proactive engagement in projects and responsibilities to build trust and expertise.Continuous learning and self-assessment to align with career advancement goals.Balancing opportunities with personal limits to maintain a manageable workload. Episode resources:Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/Email us with questions or if you’d like to be a guest on the show: youngcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.comWe’re hiring! Check out our open positions: https://www.summitcpa.net/career-opportunitiesConnect with John here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-c-scott-cpa/Check out Anders here: https://anderscpa.com/ Timestamps:Welcome and Introduction (00:00:00)The host welcomes listeners and introduces the podcast's focus on young accounting professionals. Finding Your Niche (00:00:23)Discussion on how young CPAs can establish themselves as subject matter experts in their firms. Demonstrating Interest (00:01:28)Insights on how young professionals can show interest in their career paths. Learning from Experience (00:02:06)Reflecting on early career experiences and the importance of mentorship. Taking Notes (00:03:00)Emphasizing the necessity of taking notes during meetings to retain information. Client Prioritization (00:04:00)The importance of making clients feel prioritized and valued in service roles. Being Present (00:06:10)Discussing the significance of being fully present during client interactions. Learning from Mistakes (00:08:00)The value of asking questions and learning from early career mistakes. Asking Questions (00:09:00)Encouragement for young professionals to ask questions for better understanding. Understanding Financial Statements (00:12:00)The importance of analyzing financial statements for trends and insights. Telling the Financial Story (00:13:33)Discussing how to effectively communicate financial information to clients. Advisory Skills (00:14:40)Highlighting the shift from technical skills to advisory roles in accounting. Practice and Repetition (00:14:52)The need for practice and learning through trial and error in developing skills. Aligning Interests with Expertise (00:16:00)Advice on following personal interests to develop expertise in a specific area. Constructive Debates (00:18:36)The benefits of engaging in constructive debates to enhance understanding and perspectives. Effective Communication with Clients (00:19:45)Importance of understanding client communication styles to build effective relationships. Being Available for Opportunities (00:21:11)Encouragement for less experienced professionals to show interest and be available for new projects. Continuous Improvement and Comfort Zone (00:22:43)Advice on pushing oneself beyond comfort zones to progress in career and expertise. Reading Client-Relevant Books (00:23:08)Value of reading materials that clients engage with to enhance understanding and communication. Demonstrating Care for Clients (00:23:50)Emphasizing the importance of giving clients undivided attention to show genuine care. Saying Yes to Opportunities (00:24:17)Encouragement to accept additional responsibilities to foster career growth. Managing Workload and Delegation (00:25:09)Advice on assessing current tasks to allow for new opportunities without overloading. Learning from Client Interactions (00:26:08)The value of participating in discussions with successful business owners for professional growth. Trust and Responsibility in Delegation (00:27:00)Building trust through delegation and training to empower less experienced staff. Navigating Career Advancement Conversations (00:34:26)Strategies for discussing career advancement respectfully with partners in the firm. Establishing Control Over Career Progression (00:35:35)Importance of having a clear plan and goals to navigate career advancement. Addressing Impostor Syndrome (00:37:15)Managing fears regarding career paths and aligning expectations with supervisors. Understanding Job Responsibilities (00:38:10)Recognizing the differences in responsibilities at various career levels to ensure alignment. Travel Experiences (00:39:27)Discussion about personal travel experiences, highlighting favorite destinations and memorable moments. Italy Trip (00:39:55)Speaker shares insights on their recent trip to Italy, emphasizing beautiful scenery and local dining. Travel Delays (00:41:11)Narrative about flight delays affecting travel plans and the resulting hectic schedule. Conference Speaking Slot (00:41:46)Speaker discusses confusion over speaking schedule at a conference, leading to an unexpected situation. French Air Traffic Incident (00:42:52)Speaker reminisces about a past travel incident involving flight delays due to a strike in France. Connecting with John (00:43:45)Information on how listeners can reach out to John for advice and mentorship. Book Publication (00:45:05)Announcement of John's newly published book, "Judicial Dollars and Cents," available on Kindle.

Trey Meier, a recruiter at the prominent Anders accounting firm, shares his insights on transforming recruitment strategies for young accountants. He discusses the firm's vibrant culture and resources that support innovation. The conversation dives into tailored outreach efforts for entry-level candidates, and the significance of adaptability to remote work. Trey emphasizes the importance of networking and self-advocacy during job hunting, along with the various career paths available in modern accounting, from internships to advanced roles.

In this special episode of The Young CPA Success Show, four speakers with Halloween-themed personas—Jamie Nightmare, Hannah Hexed Hood, Adam Haunted Hale, and Joey Killing Kenny—engage in a lively draft-style discussion about their favorite Halloween movies. Jamie, the enthusiastic host, sets the stage and outlines the draft rules. Hannah humorously admits her limited horror movie experience, while Adam and Joey share their deep knowledge and personal anecdotes. The conversation is filled with playful banter and passionate debates as they each select and defend their top horror film picks, creating an engaging and entertaining Halloween-themed episode.

Jeff Lenning is an expert in Excel training who previously worked at Arthur Anderson and now helps accounting professionals at Summit Virtual CFO. He discusses the critical need for Excel proficiency among young CPAs, citing gaps in college education. Personal anecdotes reveal how mastering Excel transformed his work efficiency and family life. He promotes comprehensive training programs and highlights innovative uses of Excel in modern accounting. Lenning also touches on AI's role in enhancing Excel user experience and the importance of balancing professional skills with personal well-being.