Digital CPA by CPA.com

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.

In this episode, Gene Marks, a CPA, columnist, author, small business owner, and keynote speaker joins Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib to explore the ever-evolving economic landscape with its impact on CPAs and their clients. Gene brings a wealth of experience, having navigated a unique career path that offers valuable insights for aspiring candidates. We'll uncover his journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. We'll also delve into the key economic shifts affecting CPAs today, equipping them with the knowledge to better advise their clients in this fast-changing environment. From leveraging data analytics to strategic advice for staying competitive, Gene will share actionable strategies for success. Join us as we discuss the revolutionary technologies shaping the accounting profession, and the skills that will be essential for CPAs in the coming decade. Plus, we'll peer into the future, exploring where the accounting profession is headed amidst rapid technological advancements. For more episodes and resources, visit www.CPA.com. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders driving innovation and transformation in finance and technology. Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite listening plateform! 

Aaron Harris, Chief Technology Officer of Sage, sheds light on the groundbreaking advancements in AI for accounting technology. He discusses the impact of Sage Copilot, an AI assistant that streamlines workflows by automating tasks like invoicing. The conversation dives into the role of AI in real-time performance monitoring, emphasizing the importance of ethics in implementation. Aaron also shares practical advice for firms adapting to these changes and forecasts transformative trends set to reshape the finance industry in the coming months.

Join us as Kacee Johnson, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at CPA.com & Ron Quaranta, the Chairman of the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance, take a dive deep into the latest developments in the crypto landscape, from the rollercoaster ride of Bitcoin's resurgence to the SEC's landmark approval of 11 ETFs. With Bitcoin soaring to new heights, the burning question remains: Are we finally out of the crypto winter? Delve into the implications of these monumental shifts for markets, investors, and practitioners alike. From corporate trends to recent use cases and the pulse of activity within accounting firms, we uncover what's driving the evolution of digital finance. The SEC's ruling on Bitcoin ETFs has far-reaching implications for the accounting and finance profession. Explore the challenges and opportunities presented by new investment vehicles, regulatory compliance, risk management, and the evolving landscape of client advisory services. More about Ron Quaranta  ​Ron possesses over three decades of experience in the global financial services and technology industries. He currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance, the world’s leading non-profit trade association promoting the comprehensive adoption of blockchain technology and cryptoassets across global markets. Ron is the editor and contributing author of the book “Blockchain in Financial Markets and Beyond: Challenges and Applications”, published Risk Books, as well as contributing author to “Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Regulation 2019-2022”, published annually by Global Legal Insights. He was named to the Top 100 Most Influential People in the Accounting Industry by Accounting Today in 2018 and is the Lead Author for the ISACA Blockchain Framework as well as a member of the ISACA Emerging Technology Advisory Group. He is a frequent guest of major media outlets, including Bloomberg Radio, and is a sought-after speaker and writer regarding financial technology and innovation. Ron also serves as an advisor to multiple startups and corporations focused on fintech innovation and blockchain technology.   Ron and Kacee recently helped lead the sixth annual AICPA and CPA.com Blockchain in Accountancy Symposium, you can dig into pivotal insights from the symposium in this blog." Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast.

Kimberly Ellison-Taylor is a trailblazer in the realms of accounting & technology, an individual whose prowess in merging financial expertise with cutting-edge technology has set new standards of innovation and excellence.  In a world where the landscape of finance is rapidly evolving, Kimberly stands as a beacon of ingenuity, reshaping the accounting & finance profession through the lens of advanced technological solutions. With a unique blend of proficiency in both finance and technology, she has not only mastered the intricacies of numbers but has also harnessed the power of digital tools to revolutionize how we approach financial management.  In this episode, Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib explore with Kimberly her unique career and motivations, how she sees technology transforming the accounting and finance sectors in the next 2 years, and the importance of strategic planning for successful business transformation.   About Kimberly Ellison-Taylor Kimberly Ellison-Taylor CPA, CGMA Past Chairman of the Association of International CPA's and the American Institute of CPA's Kimberly N. Ellison-Taylor, CPA, CGMA, is a past Chairman of the Association of International CPA's and the American Institute of CPA's Board of Directors. Ellison-Taylor has a lengthy history of volunteering for the profession, including serving as a member of the AICPA Business and Industry Executive Committee as well as the AICPA Board of Directors where she served as a member of the Audit and Finance committees. Ellison-Taylor also worked with the Benevolent Fund, and has served as a Council representative. She is a past Chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs, and has served on many of its committees, including the New Young Professional Network and Tomorrow's CPA. Ellison-Taylor was the Global Accounting Strategy Director for the Financial and Professional Services Industries for Oracle America, a leader in cloud solutions and enterprise technology. Previously, she served as the Global Practice team leader for Health and Human Services, working with teams worldwide where she developed and executed strategies on Cloud, Big Data, Security, Fraud Prevention/Detection, Customer Experience, and Modernization. Prior to Oracle, Kimberly worked in leadership roles at numerous other major companies and organizations, including the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center; Motorola; KPMG; and Prince George's County Government, where she served as Chief Information Technology Officer. Ellison-Taylor received her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County; an Accounting Certificate from the Community College of Baltimore County, an MBA from Loyola University and Master's of Science in Information Technology and a Chief Information Officer Certificate from Carnegie Mellon University. She currently resides in Maryland with her husband and two sons. Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast.

Leadership expert Alex Dorr joins Kacee Johnson, VP Strategy & Innovation at CPA.com, on this episode of the Digital CPA podcast to explore quick energy-shifting techniques that help you avoid burnout during high productivity times.  Call to Greatness Framework: When someone is struggling, upset, complaining or experiencing an unpreferred reality: 1. Validate the experience or feeling they are having. (I see that you are frustrated about XYZ, I get frustrated when things like that happen) 2. Invite them to question or reconsider the sense they are making of that experience by: Cleaning up thinking (SBAR tool) Taking accountability for their part in the situation and their role through it (Alignment to Roles tool) Taking next right action (Thinking Inside-the-Box tool) Using this framework until someone moves into the next right action is actual EMPATHY as a leader or colleague, if it isn't done it is SYMPATHY and leaves the person as the victim of their circumstances and less capable in the future. Once people know this framework they are equipped to move through any issue or unpreferred reality. Work gets more effortless and the job becomes doable again.   About Alex Dorr:  As a highly sought-after leadership expert, Alex was recently awarded the highly coveted CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) in 2023, placing him among the top 5% of speakers worldwide. As a co-host of the Reality-Based Leadership podcast with Cy (available on Apple Podcast, YouTube Music, and Spotify), he shares his journey, stories, and insights directly with over 30,000 leaders weekly to ditch the drama, modernize their leadership approach, and call their teams to greatness. Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast.

John Pace, who is the Partner in charge of Outsourced Accounting and Advisory Services at GRF CPA’s and Advisors, was 2022’s winner of CPA.com’s Innovative Practitioner Award.  The Innovative Practitioner Award recognizes individuals who are driving the accounting profession forward through innovative thought leadership, processes, services and technology implementation. Today John is here to discuss the topic of….INNOVATION…in the accounting profession, within teams and inside of his own company.   Join the conversation to learn:  How innovation is prioritized within a firm and team  The importance of having a culture of innovation and how that impacts talent retention  What some of the attributes of innovative individuals are and what to look for  How to nurture and lead diverse and innovative teams  Fostering an innovative mindset in a traditionally risk averse profession  Practical tips for fostering more innovation and risk taking in a firm and also managing the inherent risks  To find out who won 2023's Innovative Practitioner award and who previous years' winners were go to: Innovative Practitioner | CPA.com A little bit about John Pace  A team member at GRF for 18 years, John Pace became the leader of GRF’s Client Accounting Services (CAS) practice in 2017 and led a transformation that has yielded significant expansion and growth for the department. Known internally as Outsourced Accounting & Advisory Services (OAAS), the department provides outsourced accounting, assurance, and consulting to clients in the nonprofit, government contracting, and professional services industries. He and his team focus on innovation, technology, and efficiency to meet the evolving needs of the firm’s clients in today’s business environment. As director of OAAS, Mr. Pace is responsible for overseeing the full range of outsourced accounting services, supervising review and compilation engagements, and providing consulting for the firm’s nonprofit and forprofit government contractor clients.  As part of the practice, Mr. Pace and his team specialize in supporting government funded clients and provide expert guidance on compliance issues, development of accounting policies and procedures, preparation and review of indirect rate calculations and structure, preparation and review of incurred cost submissions, assistance with negotiated indirect cost rate agreements (NICRA), incurred cost audit support, and accounting system audit support.  In recognition of his contributions to the firm and the industry, Mr. Pace was honored with the 2022 Digital CPA Innovative Practitioner Award.  Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast.