The Young CPA Success Show

“People are not black and white; they are nuanced, with different needs and communication styles. I really try to teach my managers and leaders that you have to learn how to communicate, not just say what you want and then move on. This is especially important in a remote environment.” -Cory Gayman  The finer details of this episode:Challenges and benefits of remote work in the accounting industryManaging a hybrid setupAdapting services for virtual workDelegation and communication in remote work environmentsFocusing on outcomes rather than inputsBuilding trust in remote employeesImpact of remote work on recruiting and retentionImportance of flexibility and work-life balance 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-opportunitieshttps://jcgcpafirm.com/ Time stamps:Remote Work Challenges (00:00:24)Discussion on the challenges and future implications of remote work, especially in rural areas.Adapting Traditional Practices (00:01:02)Converting and updating traditional CPA practices into virtual setups and the challenges encountered.Transition to Virtual Processes (00:02:05)The process of transitioning traditional practices to virtual processes, including the challenges faced and the need for education.Employee Resistance to Change (00:04:23)The mixed response of employees to change, particularly in terms of adapting to remote work and new systems.Adapting Services for Virtual Work (00:06:12)Tweaking accounting services to fit the virtual work environment, challenges faced, and the importance of educating clients.Delegation and Team Growth (00:07:42)The significance of delegation in a firm, the need for skill development, and the impact on team growth and efficiency.Managing People and Communication (00:09:44)The importance of managing people effectively, investing in people management skills, and the role of communication in remote work environments.Trust and Communication in Remote Work (00:12:08)The challenges and importance of trust and communication in remote work setups, including strategies for effective communication.Balancing Remote Work Expectations (00:14:52)Discussion on time budgets, trust, and the need to focus on project outcomes rather than monitoring employees' every move.Remote Work Productivity and Trust (00:15:41)Challenges related to trust, productivity, and the shift from traditional office-based work to remote work environments.Maintaining Remote Work Culture (00:18:40)The struggle of some CPA firms in implementing remote work culture and the potential loss of employees due to resistance to remote work.The importance of remote relationships (00:18:57)Emphasizing the benefits of remote relationships for clients and employees, promoting efficiency and convenience.Leveraging remote culture for growth (00:20:06)Discussing the use of remote culture to grow the workforce and retain employees, focusing on seasonal preparers and concerns about loyalty.The value of human interaction (00:22:53)Highlighting the importance of human interaction in a remote work environment, sharing personal experiences and the need for connections.Promoting work-life balance (00:29:37)Encouraging flexibility for working parents, promoting a family-first culture, and prioritizing work-life balance.Transitioning to a stress-free environment (00:32:47)Emphasizing the need for a project-driven approach over hours, promoting a 32-hour workweek, and reducing stress in the workplace.The challenges of remote work (00:38:24)Discussion on the potential negative impact of long working hours and the challenges faced by new CPAs.Flexibility in work hours (00:40:09)The importance of flexibility in work hours and the appeal it holds for young professionals and experienced CPAs.Transitioning into retirement (00:42:52)The challenges and adjustments faced by CPAs transitioning from high-stress work to retirement, and the value of part-time opportunities for retired professionals.Reducing stress and extending careers (00:43:49)The importance of reducing stress in the accounting industry to extend careers and provide a soft landing for retiring professionals.Promoting work-life balance (00:45:59)The value of promoting a healthier work-life balance and reducing the emphasis on the number of working hours as a measure of value.Personal life and community involvement (00:47:15)Insight into the personal life and community involvement of a CPA, including family activities, involvement in local government, and community engagement.Firm's services and remote work opportunities (00:50:17)Information on the firm's services, including remote work opportunities, and the expansion of services to include tax advisory and business coaching.

The finer details of this episode:Differences between CMA (Certified Management Accountant) and CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exams/certifications Applying knowledge from school, exams, and work experience in current roleChallenges and loopholes in meeting the 150-hour rule Importance of practical work experience and technology in the industry 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-opportunitieshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kadencook/ Time Stamps:Welcome to the Young CPA Success Show (00:00:01)Introduction to the podcast and its purpose. Kaden's Journey into Accounting and Certifications (00:00:23)Kaden's background, choice of certifications, and the differences between CMA and CPA exams. Discussion on School, Career Choices, and Future of Accounting (00:01:51)Insights on the 150-credit hour requirement for the CPA exam, career choices, and the future of accounting. Discovering Summit CFO through a Podcast (00:02:42)Kaden's discovery of Summit CFO through a podcast and the topics discussed in the podcast. Choosing CMA Over CPA and Its Benefits (00:07:12)Reasons for choosing CMA over CPA, including the differences in exam requirements and the benefits of starting the CMA exam during college. Comparing CMA and CPA Exams (00:13:19)Kaden's experience with both CMA and CPA exams, including differences in exam structure, content, and difficulty. Application of Knowledge from School, Exams, and Work Experience (00:18:30)Discussion on how Kaden applies knowledge from school, exams, and work experience in his current role, and the importance of understanding the material thoroughly. Understanding Financial Accounting (00:19:28)Kaden discusses how his college education greatly contributed to his understanding of financial accounting. Work Experience and CMA (00:19:49)Kaden explains how his work experience and CMA studies went in tandem, providing practical application. Challenges in Education (00:21:29)Joey and Kaden discuss the shift in education focus from understanding to chasing grades. Impact of 150-hour Rule (00:26:44)The 150-hour rule for the CPA exam is discussed, and Kaden shares how he and others found loopholes. Alternative Credit Acquisition (00:31:17)Kaden shares a loophole to acquire credits for the 150-hour rule through online FEMA courses. Debate on 150-hour Requirement (00:33:22)The debate on the value and practicality of the 150-hour requirement for the CPA exam is discussed. The Future of Accounting (00:37:09)Kaden emphasizes the importance of technological proficiency for future success in accounting. The importance of understanding AI (00:38:26)Discussion on the necessity of understanding AI and its role in the advisory world. Advising students to think beyond exams (00:39:28)Encouraging students to focus on synthesizing information and putting pieces together for future success. Appreciation and encouragement (00:40:01)Expressing gratitude to the guest for sharing insights and encouraging audience engagement. Opportunities for young CPAs (00:40:38)Promotion of career development opportunities for young CPAs at Summit Virtual CFO and Anders CPAs and Advisors.

The finer details of this episode:Evolution of accounting software and early career experiencesImportance of embracing change and innovation in the industryLeveraging technology to streamline accounting processesChallenges and opportunities in early career development 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-opportunitieshttps://www.finoptimal.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesserubenfeld/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-zehentner-cpa-a0591b5b/If you love this conversation, don’t miss Hannah and Joey on the FinOptimal podcast, Another Not Another Accounting Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-77-young-cpas/id1734624758?i=1000653170191 Timestamps:The wild west of the internet (00:00:22)Discussion about the early internet era, LimeWire, and the evolution of music downloading. Evolution of internet and social media (00:03:03)Recollection of early internet trends and social media references, including the YouTube evolution of dance video and internet games. Initial experiences with computer games (00:04:08)Nostalgic conversation about classic computer games like Civilization and Age of Empires. Transition to accounting and QuickBooks (00:05:14)Discussion about the unexpected transition to accounting over the internet and QuickBooks online. Adapting to change in accounting (00:07:26)Reflections on the need for a mindset of continuous improvement and embracing change in the accounting industry. Challenges and rebellion in early career (00:09:18)The defiance and challenges faced in early career stages and the development of confidence to pursue a better way. Challenges in traditional accounting firms (00:10:07)The limitations of traditional accounting firms in embracing new approaches and the unique situation of starting a career at a startup. The role of an architect in accounting (00:13:25)The discussion about the architectural role in making accounting more efficient and the rewarding nature of creative problem-solving. Founding of FinOptimal (00:15:39)The backstory and founding of FinOptimal, including the challenges and evolution of QuickBooks online. Transition to QuickBooks online (00:16:39)Discussion about the transition from QuickBooks desktop to QuickBooks online and the limitations faced in the past. Software automation in accounting (00:17:06)The secret to success being software that automates accounting processes and the decision to go with QuickBooks online. Technology and Business Growth (00:17:28)Discussion about the development of technology to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the accounting industry. Challenges in Accounting Software (00:18:21)Exploration of the challenges and changes in accounting software, including user-friendliness and adaptability to different generations. Building Automation Tools (00:20:22)The process of building automation tools and the importance of understanding accounting nuances for effective tool development. Empowering Young Accountants (00:21:30)Advice and experiences shared to empower young accountants to drive change and innovation in their roles. Risk-taking and Entrepreneurial Spirit (00:23:45)Discussion on the entrepreneurial mindset, risk-taking, and the need for experience in driving improvements and automation in accounting processes. Generational Perspectives on Technology (00:27:56)Exploration of generational perspectives on technology, feedback loops, and the impact of social media on business feedback. Collaboration and Innovation (00:32:30)The importance of collaboration between different generations and skill sets in driving innovation and experimentation in accounting technology. Coding and College (00:35:35)Discussion about coding and the value of learning it in high school and college. Excel and Coding (00:37:37)Comparison between accounting and coding, and the potential for accountants to transition into coding. College Curriculum (00:40:15)Discussion about the relevance of college curriculum to practical accounting work and suggestions for improving it. Communication and Analogies (00:45:14)Importance of communication skills and the use of analogies in effective conversations. Proud Facts (00:48:32)Sharing personal achievements and hobbies, including playing an original song for Billy Joel and cooking. Barbecue Debate (00:51:01)Debate about the quality of Brooklyn brisket compared to Texas brisket. Pizza Making (00:52:30)Discussion about making pizza dough and sauces from scratch using an outdoor pizza oven. Learning to Cook and Culinary Adventures (00:52:40)The guests discuss their experiences with cooking and culinary interests, including attending culinary school and future plans for a restaurant. Appreciation for Taylor Swift (00:54:05)The conversation shifts to a discussion about the love for Taylor Swift's music and the impact of her storytelling through songs. College Football and Rivalries (00:55:15)The guests share their experiences and affiliations with different college football teams, discussing rivalries and game environments. Promoting New Podcast and Farewell (00:56:43)The guests promote their new podcast, share information about their company, and express gratitude for the opportunity to be on the show.

“A conflict means something important is at stake. Empathy has an inverse relationship to conflict; the higher the conflict, the empathy bucket goes out because we're living in our own pain points.” -Carol Bowser The finer details of this episode:●       Need for conflict-resolution skills in the workplace●       Navigating conflicts in a remote work environment●       Recognizing generational and cultural differences in conflict-resolution approaches●       Practical tips for handling unexpected conflicts and receiving feedback●       Importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in conflict resolution●       Advice for entering the workforce and approaching conflicts 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●https://conflictmanagementstrategies.com/about-us/carol-bowser-jd/●https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-bowser/ Timestamps:Introduction (00:00:00)Overview of the podcast and its relevance to young accounting professionals.Challenges in the Accounting Profession (00:00:23)Discussion on the tough nature of the accounting industry and the need for conflict resolution skills.Becoming a Conflict Resolution Expert (00:01:30)Carol’s journey from employment law to becoming a conflict-resolution expert.Understanding Conflict Resolution (00:05:15)Defining conflict resolution and discussing the right and wrong approaches to handling conflicts in the workplace.Personal Experiences and Insights (00:08:21)Personal experiences and insights related to conflict resolution in the accounting industry.Navigating Conflict in the Workplace (00:08:56)The importance of developing conflict resolution skills early in one's career and the impact of experience on handling conflicts.Power Dynamics and Generational Differences (00:10:22)Exploring power dynamics, generational differences, and work-life balance in the context of conflict resolution.Challenges in Remote Work Environment (00:12:03)Challenges and adjustments in conflict resolution when transitioning to a more flexible and remote work environment.Cultural Blindness and Communication Challenges (00:13:44)Discussion on cultural blindness, communication challenges, and the impact of generational differences on conflict resolution.Empathy and Multi-Layered Conflict Resolution (00:18:56)The importance of empathy and multi-layered approaches to conflict resolution, including situational awareness and emotional intelligence.The empathy-conflict relationship (00:21:04)Discussion on the inverse relationship between empathy and conflict, emphasizing the need to recognize everyone's point of pain.Preparation for conflict resolution (00:22:12)Advice for initiating conflict resolution conversations in a neutral and empathetic manner, highlighting the importance of time for emotional catch-up.Dealing with unexpected conflict (00:24:06)Issues of unexpected conflict and seeks advice on responding in such scenarios.Handling unexpected feedback (00:30:02)Concerns about receiving feedback and seeks advice for younger CPAs, leading to discussion on fear of feedback and its impact on personal growth.Navigating feedback and conflict in the workplace (00:31:16)Challenges of giving and receiving feedback, highlighting the judgmental nature of feedback and its impact on personal and professional development.Seeking clarity and asking questions (00:38:38)Importance of asking questions about the organizational culture and decision-making processes, emphasizing the role of trust in navigating workplace dynamics.Interviewing the firm (00:40:17)Significance of candidates asking about conflict resolution in an interview, highlighting the power balance and the freedom to interview the firm.Conflict Resolution in the Workplace (00:41:26)Discussion on advice for handling conflicts in the workplace and finding comfort in conflict resolution.Approaching Conflict Conversations (00:41:55)Insights on recognizing the importance of conflicts, framing proposals, and understanding the other party's ask in conflict conversations.Reflecting on Conflict Resolution (00:44:47)Reflections on improving conflict resolution skills and becoming the go-to person for conflict resolution.Connecting with Conflict Resolution Expert (00:47:40)Information on how to connect with the conflict resolution expert for personal development and professional services.Career Development Opportunities (00:48:31)Promotion of remote work opportunities and open positions for young CPAs at Summit Virtual CFO and Anders CPAs and Advisors.

● Transitioning from traditional accounting to consulting and advisory roles● The value of diverse skills in the accounting profession● Importance of self-reflection and seeking feedback in career decisions● Networking and building connections in the accounting industry● Adapting to new challenges and opportunities, including remote work● Professional advice on delegating and trusting the team for successEpisode 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● https://www.zeroed-inconsulting.com/Timestamps:Planning a Business with Friends (00:00:22)The hosts and guest share stories of starting businesses with friends and the fun experiences they had.Transitioning from Traditional Accounting to Consulting (00:07:03)Kyle discusses transitioning from traditional accounting to consulting and the value of diverse skills in the accounting profession.Importance of Developing Diverse Skills (00:09:32)Kyle talks about the value of accounting knowledge and the importance of developing diverse skills for future opportunities.Consulting and Advisory Services in Accounting (00:17:09)The hosts and guest discuss the shift from traditional accounting to consulting and advisory services in the accounting industry.Starting at a large public accounting firm (00:17:56)Kyle shares his experience starting at a large public accounting firm and his initial career aspirations.Transitioning from traditional accounting to consulting (00:20:15)Kyle discusses his transition from traditional audit work to technical accounting advisory services.The value of asking "why" and building relationships in accounting (00:23:26)Kyle and the hosts discuss the importance of asking "why" in accounting work and building collaborative relationships with clients.Reflecting on career decisions and due diligence (00:30:28)Kyle and Joey discuss the importance of reflecting on career decisions and the value of due diligence in making career transitions.Encouraging inquisitiveness and seeking advice (00:34:34)Kyle encourages inquisitive individuals to seek advice and reach out for guidance in their careers.Networking and Genuine Conversations (00:35:05)Encouraging genuine conversations, networking, and the value of being genuinely inquisitive.Transitioning to Consulting (00:36:14)Discussion about the transition from traditional accounting to consulting and the importance of asking genuine questions.Starting Own Firm and Due Diligence (00:37:14)The due diligence process and the decision to start a new firm, including the challenges and risk involved.Covid's Influence on Career Decisions (00:40:16)Discussion about how the pandemic accelerated career decisions and altered perspectives on remote work and work-life balance.Growth and Technology Integration (00:43:22)Progress and growth of the firm, including the integration of technology and the expansion of the team.Remote Work and Team Bonding (00:48:31)The benefits of remote work, investing in team bonding, and the importance of retreats for team building.Professional Advice (00:51:35)The importance of delegating and not trying to do everything, along with the value of trusting and delegating tasks to the team.Delegating skills (00:53:04)Discussion about the importance of learning delegation skills in the accounting profession.Contacting the guest (00:53:41)Information on how to reach out to the guest and learn more about their firm, Zeroed-In Consulting.Wrap-up and thanks (00:54:30)The guest expresses gratitude for being on the show, and the hosts thank him for his time.Job opportunities for young CPAs (00:54:35)Information about remote work opportunities with Summit Virtual CFO and open positions at Anders CPAs and Advisors.

Nutrition expert Kendra Miller discusses the importance of breakfast in regulating hormones and metabolism. The podcast delves into maintaining a healthy lifestyle during busy accounting careers, addressing challenges of staying active while working from home. Tips include prioritizing well-being, balancing work and family, and integrating healthy habits like meal prepping and physical activity into daily routines.

Discussing career crossroads and life decisions, former HGTV Executive Traci Barrett shares insights on evaluating life changes, setting goals, and seeking mentorship. Personal stories of unexpected career paths, burnout, and returning to the same industry are explored. The importance of clear vision, discipline, and learning from others' experiences is emphasized in navigating career transitions and personal growth.

“The key to managing effectively is to look at each person as an individual and find out what they're really good at.” – Chris WilliamsThe finer details of this episode:●Challenges faced by middle-level managers, such as the lack of adequate management education●Gap in emotional intelligence at middle-level management and the value of empathy in leadership●Transitioning from manager to managing managersEpisode 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●      https://clwill.com/

Chrysa Cousley discusses the importance of work friends and setting healthier boundaries. They also talk about fostering personal connections at work, the benefits of work friendships in a remote work setting, career path decisions, the Young Professionals Group at Anders, setting boundaries and disconnecting from work, importance of retention and disconnecting, and valuable networking through the Young Professional Group.

Hannah Hood and Joey Kinney discuss the impact of AI on accounting jobs, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human connection. They delve into the automation of technical skills, the importance of developing soft skills, and the need for intentional learning and mentorship. The podcast highlights the fear and potential benefits of AI in the accounting industry, prompting young CPAs to enhance their storytelling and relationship-building skills.