The Modern CPA Success Show

As a small business owner, you wear a lot of hats and it’s easy to feel like the pressure never stops. Randy Crabtree, Co-Founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals, shares lessons that push you to rethink how you run your finances. He talks about passion, problem solving, and building systems that help you get better cash flow, and long‑term stability for your business. You’ll hear how he reshaped his career and his thinking helps business owners improve tax planning and adapt to the future of accounting. He goes straight into billable hours, pricing, advisory work, AI, offshoring, burnout, and what small business owners should expect from great financial partners. Tune in now and hear insights that shift the way you think about your financial future. ▶️People You Should Know: Randy Crabtree.Episode resources:● Website: https://anderscpa.com/ ● 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://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/   QuotesRandy Crabtree: "If we free ourselves from compliance work, don’t fill that space with more of the same. That’s where advisory comes in, helping clients get to outcomes they didn’t even know were possible."Tom Wadelton: "Supporting nonprofits by handling their accounting and guiding new treasurers has been a great way to contribute."Adam Hale: "A lot of people starting their own practices deal with imposter syndrome. Supporting them and helping them build confidence has been rewarding.”Randy Crabtree is the Co-Founder and Partner at Tri-Merit Specialty Tax, where he helps accounting firms maximize value through R&D tax credits, cost segregation, and energy incentives like 179D and 45L. As host of The Unique CPA podcast and founder of the Bridging the Gap conference, Randy is a leading voice in redefining how CPAs deliver impact beyond compliance. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, he brings deep insight and energy to every conversation. His passion for supporting firms and spotlighting innovation has made him a trusted figure in the profession. Website: https://tri-merit.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/TriMerit   LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-crabtree-cpa-1945a67/https://www.linkedin.com/company/tri-merit-llc/      The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/ YouTube:

Being the boss doesn’t automatically make you a business owner. Running a business requires you to think differently, act strategically, and lead with clarity.Chris Papin, CPA, Attorney & Business Advisor at Papin Speaks, talks about what it really means to behave like a business owner. From facing hard truths about failed marketing to balancing emotional attachment with accountability, Chris shares how small business owners can shift their mindset and take ownership at a higher level. He breaks down how to build processes, set priorities, make tough calls, and communicate with more intention. This is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day and ready to get back in control. Tune in to the full episode here: ▶️ "Chris Papin and how to "Behave Like a Business Owner"Episode resources:● Website: https://anderscpa.com/ ● 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://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/   QuotesChris Papin: "Many owners default to what feels easy or fun, but behaving like a business owner means facing hard truths and making disciplined decisions."Tom Wadelton: "The phrase 'financially speaking' helps ground tough conversations in facts. When clients resist hard decisions, math makes the reasoning clear and harder to dispute."Adam Hale: "Managing difficult conversations is something people only learn after doing it poorly. Avoiding direct conversations always comes back later."Chris Papin is a licensed Attorney and Certified Public Accountant based in Oklahoma, specializing in advising closely held businesses and their owners. With a dual focus on legal structure and financial health, he guides entrepreneurs through startup formation, business development, and strategic tax planning. Chris brings a unique perspective to client advisory by helping business owners think and act like true operators, not just service providers. As a trusted advisor, Chris empowers business owners to behave like CEOs and lead with clarity.Website: https://www.papinspeaks.com/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispapin/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/papin-speaks/   The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has exten

Bringing in the right people can transform your CPA firm. Hiring is a strategic move that drives your growth. If you're looking to make smarter hiring decisions, this episode is for you.Will Spengler, founder of Frederick Fox, shares how his team finds strong controller and finance candidates in markets like Dallas, and what firms should do to stay competitive. You’ll get insights into how recruiting agencies work, what mistakes firms make when hiring, why public accounting backgrounds are still in high demand, and how remote work and compensation expectations are shifting the talent game. Tune in NOW! ▶️ Recruiting for CPA Firms with Will SpenglerEpisode resources:● Website: https://anderscpa.com/ ● 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://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/   QuotesWill Spengler: "Small CPA firms must weigh the opportunity cost of time when positions remain unfilled. The potential growth, efficiency, and profitability lost often outweigh recruiter fees."Tom Wadelton: "Remote work is now a differentiator. Firms that remain flexible and open to remote arrangements have access to a wider pool of talent."Adam Hale: "In recruiting for CPA firms, candidates with public accounting experience, particularly in audit, are often preferred since that background provides exposure to diverse industries and scenarios."Will Spengler is a passionate leader in agency recruiting and the driving force behind Frederick Fox, a top-tier executive search community. As an innovator and entrepreneur, Will specializes in contractor solutions, direct hires, and retained executive search—delivering unmatched recruiting results for CPA firms and beyond. With a team of 45+ seasoned recruiters and over 610 active clients, he brings scale, speed, and strategy to every search. Website: https://frederickfox.com/   FB: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFoxGroup/    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-spengler-2193433a/https://www.linkedin.com/company/frederick-fox/  The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive experience spa

If your numbers feel disconnected from your decisions, it’s time to change that. Profit-Focused Accounting helps you align operations so you can stop guessing and start leading with confidence.Discover a clear roadmap to financial maturity with the five pillars of profit-focused accounting. Learn how to build cash flow that supports growth, know why accurate and timely reporting must come first, and how objective self-assessments, from Ad Hoc to Optimized give you and your advisor clarity on where you stand. Take the first step toward profit clarity. Watch the episode today! ▶️ Mastering the Vital Core of Profit-Focused AccountingEpisode resources:● Website: https://anderscpa.com/ ● 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://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/   QuotesJamie Nau: "A good forecast connects financial data with non-financial drivers, like customer acquisition or capacity limits."Tom Wadelton: "Benchmarks give owners perspective. They reveal whether performance issues are company-specific or industry-wide."Adam Hale: "Increasing enterprise value requires the owner to step back from daily operations and empower their team to take charge."Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages.  Jaime has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights. His experience as an auditor has given him firsthand knowledge of how critical financial data is in strategic decision-making.  Website: https://anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/  YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyandersThe Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive experience spanning financial management, accounting operations, and information technology integration. Tom specializes in delivering strategic Virtual CFO services, helping businesses optimize their financial performance through advanced accounting solutions.Website: https://anderscpa.com/about/your-ander

You started your business to grow, not to get stuck in spreadsheets. Today, smart tools make it easier than ever to stay ahead.In this episode of The Modern CPA Success Show, we sit down with Jeff Seibert, CEO and co-founder of Digits, to explore how AI is transforming small business finance. We cover how Digits uses machine learning to automate up to 93% of bookkeeping, how their proprietary ledger gives you deep real-time analytics, and how their dashboards and reporting tools make it easy to translate numbers into action.Key takeaways:AI-first bookkeeping: Digits automates over 90% of transactions by using real-time bank, payroll, and invoice integrations. Real-time reporting and dashboards: Digits replaces static spreadsheets with interactive, browser-based financials. Perfect fit for small businesses: Digits is ideal for single-entity, U.S.-based businesses looking to ditch slow monthly closes.Made for accountants too: Digits is designed to scale with accounting firms offering Virtual CFO services.Roadmap ahead: Multi-entity and multi-currency, making Digits a true full-stack solution in the making.Start building your real-time finance clarity with Digits—listen to the episode today! ▶️How AI-Powered Digits Provide Real-Time Finance Clarity for Small BusinessesEpisode resources:● Website: https://anderscpa.com/ ● 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://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/   QuotesJeff Seibert - "Digits instantly learns from your transaction categorization, quickly achieving near-perfect accuracy in managing your financial data."Tom Wadelton: "We often rely on dashboarding, but typically we need to separately log into accounting systems to identify specific vendor details behind variances."Adam Hale - "In accounting, it's not about identifying a $10,000 variance. It's about understanding why that variance exists. That's where AI really needs to deliver."Jeff Seibert is the Co-Founder and CEO of Digits, a company revolutionizing accounting with real-time financial clarity and intuitive reporting. With over seven years at the helm, Jeff is reshaping how businesses experience bookkeeping and insights. He's also the host of Between Two Founders, where he shares the stories and strategies behind successful startups.  Website: https://digits.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jseibert/https://www.linkedin.com/company/digits-financial/ X: https://x.com/jeffseibert https://x.com/digits The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.Website: https://the-modern-cpa-success-show.simplecast.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/ Instagram: https:

Ahikam Kaufman, Co-founder and CEO of SafeBooks AI, brings over 20 years of Fintech experience to the table. He dives into how AI is changing the game for small business CFOs, from improving financial data governance to automating tedious tasks. Ahikam showcases real-world applications, such as enhancing billing accuracy through AI, and discusses the shift from traditional methods to advanced automation. His insights inspire financial leaders to embrace technology and focus on strategic decision-making rather than getting lost in spreadsheets.

When the time comes to consider selling, it’s easy to feel buried in uncertainty and daily chaos. How do you prepare your business for sale?In this episode, Tom Wadelton and Adam Hale from Summit Virtual CFO by Anders walk you through what it really takes to prepare your business for sale. They share straightforward insights into how to think beyond putting out daily fires and start making strategic moves that increase the value of your business. Adam and Tom break down key valuation metrics like EBITDA, what buyers are really looking for, and how documenting your business’s financial story today can add real dollars to your sale price down the road. You'll also hear real talk about succession planning, seller financing, and how to remove yourself from the center of your business so it runs smoothly without you.Tune in now and start building a business that’s ready for whatever comes next.▶️ Preparing Your Business for SaleEpisode 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/QuotesTom Wadelton: "Having clear financial benchmarks and industry comparisons can significantly enhance the perceived value of your business when preparing it for sale."Adam Hale - “To effectively prepare for a sale, businesses must proactively document their financial narratives and regularly track unusual items, ensuring clarity when potential buyers examine financial statements.”_________________________________________________________________________________________The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.Website: https://the-modern-cpa-success-show.simplecast.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders   X: https://x.com/vcfobyanders _______________________________________________________________________________________Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Summit Virtual CFO by Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive experience spanning financial management, accounting operations, and information technology integration. Tom specializes in delivering strategic Virtual CFO services, helping businesses optimize their financial performance through advanced accounting solutions.Website: https://www.summitcpa.net/   LinkedIn: 

Many firms find themselves delivering outsourced accounting but struggling to break into true advisory work. In this episode of The Modern CPA Success Show, Amy Bridges, Senior Manager of CAS Professional Services at CPA.com, shares how firms like yours can build a thriving CAS practice that’s scalable, efficient, and impactful.Amy's journey into the world of CAS is anything but ordinary. With a background in mathematics, software, and education, she brings a unique perspective to how firms can leverage technology and structured methodologies to optimize their services. At CPA.com, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the CAS landscape, helping firms implement frameworks that streamline their offerings and improve client outcomes.Tune in now to hear actionable strategies and learn how CPA.com is shaping the future of Client Advisory Services!▶️ How CPA.com Revolutionized CAS with Amy BridgesEpisode 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/QuotesAmy Bridges - “Initially, we focused on cloud-based accounting, but CAS has evolved significantly. Now, CPA.com is helping firms transition from basic bookkeeping to proactive, valuable advisory services.”Tom Wadelton: "The educational tools provided by CPA.com ensure firms can deliver consistent advisory services, reducing confusion and enhancing client satisfaction."_________________________________________________________________________________________Amy Bridges is a seasoned professional in practice development, curriculum design, and client advocacy within the accounting industry. As a Senior Manager of Practice Development at CPA.com, she plays a pivotal role in shaping educational programs that empower CPAs for the digital age. With expertise in assessment, learning strategy, and client training, she leads the development of the Client Advisory Services (CAS) Roadmap Workshop. Her passion for innovation and strategic enablement has been instrumental in revolutionizing CAS at CPA.com.Website: https://www.cpa.com/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPAdotcom Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPA2BizVideo  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amylynnbridges/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpa-com/  X: https://x.com/cpacom Client Advisory Services Whitepapers: https://www.cpa.com/resources?filter=Whitepapers DCPA Conference Dec 7 – 10, 2025: https://www.cpa.com/digital-cpa 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey https://www.cpa.com/cas-benchmark-survey ___________________________________________

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."If we have the ability to make our clients feel like heroes, that’s a complete home run. For me, that was very impactful and has changed the way we present things." – Tom WadeltonThe finer details of this episode:Personal anecdotes and reflections on podcasting experiences.Highlights of memorable podcast episodes and guests..Resolutions and goals for the upcoming year in 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:Timestamps by PodSqueezeWelcome to the Modern CPA Success Show (00:00:00)Introduction to the podcast's mission and focus on accounting insights.Jodi's Productivity Comment (00:00:22)Jodi humorously notes low productivity due to the team gathering for the podcast.Brett Congratulates Indiana University (00:00:48)Brett celebrates Indiana University's sports victory while discussing online gambling.Introduction of Christine (00:01:38)Jodi introduces Christine, highlighting her contributions to the podcast team.Minna Joins the Team (00:04:11)Minna shares her background and new role in the podcast.Podcast Ranking Discussion (00:04:48)Discussion about the podcast ranking as number four among accounting firms.Minna's Podcasting Resolution (00:05:46)Minna expresses her goal to improve scheduling for future podcast episodes.Brett's Podcast Experience (00:07:01)Brett shares insights from his podcast, "The Cannabis Access Show," and its educational value.Hannah's Favorite Episode (00:10:07)Hannah reflects on her favorite episode featuring guests from analytics discussing AI and innovation.Tom's Storytelling Insights (00:13:44)Tom discusses the importance of storytelling in consulting and how it relates to clients.Jodi's Favorite Moments (00:16:12)Jodi shares her enjoyment of hosting the podcast and connecting with guests.Podcast Episode TimestampsJodi's Reflection on Past Guests (00:18:18)Jodi shares memorable moments from past podcast episodes, including insights from John and Zeta Marion.Podcasting Resolutions and Christmas Lists (00:19:03)The speakers discuss their podcasting resolutions and what they want for Christmas.Brett's Conference Experience (00:19:50)Brett reflects on the impact of their podcast during conferences and the joy of audience interactions.Tom's Podcasting Goals (00:21:26)Tom shares his aspirations for exploring storytelling and AI in future podcast episodes.Hannah's Community Focus (00:23:33)Hannah emphasizes the importance of creating a fun and inviting atmosphere through their podcast.Brett on Cannabis Regulation (00:26:00)Brett discusses the challenges cannabis businesses face due to IRS regulation 280E and its implications.Christine's Personal Listening Goals (00:31:26)Christine aims to minimize distractions while listening to podcasts to enhance her engagement with the content.Gift-Giving Preferences (00:30:00)Brett a

Chantal Cornelius, founder of Appletree Marketing and author of "Stand Out Strategies," discusses innovative emotional marketing strategies tailored for accounting firms. She emphasizes the significance of forging deeper client relationships through emotional connection rather than traditional methods. Chantal introduces her five standout strategies: certainty, connection, contribution, growth, and significance. She also explores the power of client feedback, the challenges of adapting to change in accounting, and the transition toward client advisory services.