Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, is a leading voice in accounting mergers and acquisitions. He discusses the rising influence of private equity in the accounting sector, emphasizing how it transforms operational strategies and firm cultures. Koltin delves into the challenges of the traditional partnership model and highlights the evolution of accountants into vital business advisors. He also shares insights on current trends in mergers and acquisitions, offering strategies for firms to thrive amid these rapid changes.

Lisa Simpson, Vice President of Firm Services at the AICPA, dives into the vital topic of business model transformation for CPA firms. She discusses the shifting landscape of public accounting and the cultural evolution needed to attract talent. Key challenges and opportunities emerge, driven by technology and governance changes. Lisa emphasizes the importance of innovative leadership and adapting compensation structures for success. The urgency of starting this transformation journey is highlighted, especially with 2025 on the horizon as a pivotal year.

In this episode of the *Digital CPA Podcast*, host Kalil Merhib, EVP of Growth & Professional Services at CPA.com, is joined by two industry leaders to dive into the transformative role of AI in auditing and the CPA profession. Our guests are Kevin Merlini, co-founder and CEO of Materia AI, and Jen Burns, Chief Auditor at the AICPA. We’ll explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of audit and financial reporting. Kevin shares his insights on using AI to unlock internal knowledge, reduce complexity, and drive efficiency in firms, while Jen provides an AICPA perspective on maintaining high-quality standards and ensuring public trust in financial reporting. From practical AI use cases to responsible data management, and strategies for smooth adoption of AI in firms, this episode covers the most pressing questions on the intersection of AI and the CPA profession. Tune in to hear how firms can balance AI-generated insights with professional judgment, the guidance AICPA is providing for AI implementation, and what the future holds for AI in accounting. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on the future of AI and auditing! Kevin Merlini LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmerlini/ For additional resources check out: https://accelerator.cpa.com/ https://www.cpa.com/insights For more information about the Digital CPA conference, visit digitalcpa.com. To explore CPA.com's initiatives, visit www.CPA.com. Thank you for joining us and stay tuned for more episodes on your favorite podcast platform.

  Welcome to the *Digital CPA Podcast*, where we explore how technology is transforming the accounting profession. We're joined today with Dan Hood, Editor-in-Chief of *Accounting Today*, as we dive into insights from the recent AICPA and CPA.com Executive Roundtable in New York City.  This year’s roundtable focused on emerging trends impacting the profession, with topics ranging from responsible AI and its ethical implications to the growing influence of private equity in accounting firms. Dan and I discuss how AI is reshaping both traditional tasks and strategic advisory roles, the potential risks and opportunities presented by private equity, and the continued growth of advisory services fueled by new technologies like predictive analytics. Tune in for Dan’s key takeaways from the event and a look at what’s on the horizon for 2025. Don’t miss this insightful episode, and be sure to check out *Accounting Today*'s latest article on private equity for more in-depth coverage. Share your thoughts on social media with #DigitalCPA and #DCPA24. For additional resources check out: Harnessing transformation: Key takeaways from the 2024 AICPA/CPA.com Executive Roundtable https://accelerator.cpa.com/ https://www.cpa.com/insights For more information about the Digital CPA conference, visit digitalcpa.com. To explore CPA.com's initiatives, visit www.CPA.com. Thank you for joining us and stay tuned for more episodes on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, hosts Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib sit down with Lisa Griffith, Head of Partnerships + Strategy for Accounting at Laurel, an AI Time Automation company. Together, they explore the evolving concept of time tracking in public accounting and how it's shifting from traditional billing methods to more productivity-focused, value-based approaches. Lisa shares her insights on the challenges firms face as they pivot away from billing by the hour, the role of AI in transforming time management, and the exciting trends in accounting technology for the second half of 2024. Tune in to learn how firms can unlock new levels of performance and profitability by rethinking the value of time. Don't miss this conversation with one of the trailblazers in accounting technology!   https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagriffith3/  https://www.laurel.ai/  For additional resources check out: https://accelerator.cpa.com/ https://www.cpa.com/insights For more information about the Digital CPA conference, visit digitalcpa.com. To explore CPA.com's initiatives, visit www.CPA.com. Thank you for joining us and stay tuned for more episodes on your favorite podcast platform.  

Chad Osgood, co-founder of Digilence and a digital evolution expert, shares his insights on transforming CPA firms in the digital age. He discusses the difference between true digital transformation and merely adopting new tech, emphasizing that it requires organizational change. Chad identifies common gaps in tech ecosystems, highlights the importance of system integration for compliance, and outlines actionable steps for firms. He also delves into the significant impact of AI and technology on the accounting profession, offering a hopeful vision for the future.

Jen Wilson, co-founder of Convergence Coaching, brings her wealth of experience in leadership and talent development to the forefront. She discusses the unique characteristics of different generations in the workplace and how these impact work-life balance and flexibility. Jen delves into bridging technology gaps through innovative strategies and emphasizes the importance of clear communication and onboarding for younger talent. The conversation reveals a hopeful vision for the accounting profession, promoting continuous learning and adaptability in hybrid work environments.

Elinor Litwack, a Partner at GRF CPAs and a former Advisory Board member of Digital CPA, shares her insights on the essential need for technology upskilling among CPAs. She discusses the challenges firms face in adapting to new technologies and highlights the importance of advanced tech skills over basic ones. Elinor emphasizes vertical specialization for nonprofit clients and the role of AI in enhancing productivity. Learn about real-world examples of how tech transformation can lead to improved client engagement and operational efficiency.

Jim French, CFO of IFI Professionals, shares his expertise on navigating the technological landscape for CPA firms. He discusses the challenges businesses face in integrating diverse systems and managing data effectively. Jim emphasizes the shift towards multidisciplinary advisory practices, the need for timely insights, and integration of service lines. He also highlights the transformative power of AI in enhancing client relationships and decision-making, creating a new landscape for advisory services that offer unparalleled value through strategic tech solutions.

Dave Hartley, a leading advisory expert from Anders CPAs + Advisors, shares insights on the transformative trends in accounting. He discusses the rapid growth of advisory services and its significance for the profession. The conversation highlights essential strategies for effective change management and building an innovative advisory practice. Hartley emphasizes the need for technology integration and evolving skill sets, focusing on adaptability and relationship-building to attract top talent in the industry. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on shaping the future of CPA advisory services.