Digital CPA by CPA.com

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/ Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast. 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.

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.