Accounting Today Podcast
Accounting Today's editors talk with thought leaders and changemakers from across the public accounting profession.
Episodes
The past, present and future of accounting technology
Serial entrepreneur and founder of BILL Rene Lacerte shares his thoughts on how technology has shaped accounting over the past two decades -- and what it will mean for the profession in the future.
What makes a Best Firm for Technology?
A look inside what it takes to truly get the most out of your firm's technology, based on the results of our annual Best Firms for Technology list, and with insights from Roman Kepczyk of Rightworks.
The changing world of government financial reporting
The serious new pressures facing governments of all sizes are changing their financial reporting, says Joel Black, the chair of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board -- and GASB has a lot of projects underway to help them.
New paths to growth
Your firm won't grow just because you want it to; it requires the kind of disciplined, intentional approach that Jane Woodling, marketing director of Marketri, lays out in this episode.
The future of the accounting workforce
While concerns remain about the profession's pipeline of new accountants, Cathy Moy, chief people officer at BDO USA, sees plenty of ways to keep it full -- and to make sure it meets firms' demands for all kinds of talent.
Becoming greater than the sum of your parts
Alan Whitman, CEO of Nichols Cauley and past head of Baker Tilly, looks at the factors that inform the way firms will grow in the future, and the strategies that will support them.
Forget cross-selling
Growth consultant Gale Crosley talks about how firms can build truly client-centered approaches to growth that go far beyond cross-selling.
Looking ahead to a global profession
Jen Leary, CEO of Top 15 Firm CLA, looks at the challenges and opportunities surrounding the accounting profession, and how her firm is navigating them.
Top takeaways from the Top 100 Firms
We dive a number of key insights from Accounting Today's 2026 Top 100 Firms and Regional Leaders report, from the many ramifications ot private equity to the impact of demographics and much, much more.
The future for small firms
Stephanie Otero, the vice president, small firm advocacy, at the AICPA, talks about the issues and opportunities that face the smaller firms that make up the backbone of the profession.
The meeting of CAS and AI
CAS thought leader Kane Polakoff, the head of the client advisory services practice at Top 100 Firm CohnReznick, discusses how artificial intelligence can be integrated into CAS now -- and what that intersection will look like over the long term.
Tariffs and your clients
In light of the Supreme Court's recent ruling, two experts from Eisner Advisory Group -- Dean Peterson, partner-in-charge of the international tax services group, and Blair Robbins, partner and leader of the manufacturing and distribution group -- discuss the tax and business ramifications of the Trump administration's tariff policies that accountants should be advising clients about.
What it takes to stay independent
As private equity continues to be more and more involved in accounting, Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching looks into what it takes for firms to maintain their independence.
The new frontier of stablecoin reporting
New reporting frameworks and regulations around stablecoins are coming thick and fast; in this episode, two experts from the AICPA, Di Krupica and Jeff Trent, discuss the new rules and what they mean for accountants and their clients.
Trends in accounting education
Accounting education and educators aren't immune to the challenges that are sweeping the profession, says Yvonne Hinson, president of the American Accounting Association, and they're making changes to address them.
The year in accounting technology
Accounting's 'Inspector Gadget,' David Cieslak of RKL eSolutions, looks at major trends in accounting technology, from AI to artificial intelligence to machine learning to agentic AI to generative AI and beyond.
The questions no one is asking about PE
Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching cross-examines the potential impact of private equity on firm culture, on the next generation of accountants, and on the profession as a whole.
A new world of risk in internal audit
Anthony Pugliese of the Institute of Internal Auditors discusses the new and perennial risks and challenges facing his members, and the new standards and resources the IIA is rolling out to help.
Pricing for your perfect client
Sarah Dobek of Inovautus Consulting explains why firms need to match up their pricing strategies and the client strategies, so they're charging the right amounts for the right work for the right people.
Building the skills of the future
Technical skills will never go away, but there's a whole other set of leadership and 'soft' skills that firms can't afford to neglect, says consultant and coach Erin Daiber of Well-Balanced Accountants.
Biz dev is everybody's biz
Angie Grissom of The Rainmaker Companies dives into why everyone in an accounting firm has a role to play in business development, and what those different roles are.
Does your firm need a CGO?
As more and more firms add a chief growth officer to their leadership teams, Sarah Dobek of Inovautus Consulting dives into what they should be doing and how firms can get the most out of them.
What's now and what's next for CAS
CAS expert Kane Polakoff of Top 100 Firm CohnReznick digs deep into the current staff of client advisory services, and how this fast-growing service offering is rapidly evolving.
Becoming a holistic advisor
Clients are looking for truly holistic advisors, and accountants are perfectly positioned to be just that, says Rory Henry, a director at Arrowroot Family Office and author of "Holistic Guide to Wealth Management."
Strategic planning for CPAs
There has never been a time when carefully planning out the future of your firm has been so important, says Matt Rampe of Rosenberg Consulting, as he offers a roadmap for building the firm you want.
Managing stress at your firm
Long-time industry observer and author of the new book "Civil Warrior" Kristy Short shares best practices for keeping your staff -- and yourself -- from burning out.
Managing stress at your firm
Long-time industry observer and author of the new book "Civil Warrior" Kristy Short shares best practices for keeping your staff -- and yourself -- from burning out.
Audit accelerates
Technology is driving transformation in how audits are conducted at an ever-faster pace, says Paul Goodhew, global assurance innovation & emerging technology leader at Big Four firm Ernst & Young -- and artificial intelligence will only accelerate that.
Passion, vision and hard work: Inside Jeff Weiner's success
The longtime leader of Top 10 Firm Marcum, Jeff Weiner, shares the secrets behind his remarkable career, and the equally remarkable firm he ran.
Accounting in an era of disruption
AICPA chair Lexy Kessler looks ahead at the challenges and opportunities —often one and the same — that are facing the profession, and what accountants need to do to be ready for them.
The state of the 'Big Beautiful Bill' and more
As the Senate takes up the Trump administration's tax bill, Neil Fishman, the president of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, dives into the details of the House bill and some of the possibilities in the Senate, as well as other issues from Washington that accountants should be keeping in mind.
Want to grow? Change your mindset
To move beyond being a scrappy small firm, you have to change the way you think about a host of things, suggests Brannon Poe of Poe Group Advisors.
Let a non-CPA do it!
With accounting talent so hard to find, Paul Peterson shares how his firm has cultivated non-accountants and non-CPAs to fill the gap.
Getting the most out of your tech
Consultant and technology thought leader Seth Fineberg offers a guide to finding, choosing, implementing and assessing the software your firm needs.
The new deal: The evolving landscape of M&A and PE
Bob Lewis and Doug Lewis of The Visionary Group dive into how everything about firm combinations -- from deal structure and their impact on staff, to how accounting and PE firms are identifying targets -- is changing, and will continue to change in the future.
M&A for smaller firms
Brannon Poe of Poe Group Advisors talks about how the current landscape of acquisition -- particularly the entrance of private equity into the field -- is impacting firms below $10 million.
The evolution of accounting marketing
AAM Hall of Famers August Aquila and Kristen Lewis examine the rise of marketing as a professional function in accounting firm -- and look ahead to where it's going.
Are you offering what clients value?
All too often, what accountants are selling are services that clients have to endure, says Joe Woodard, a leading consultant to accountants and the impresario behind the Scaling New Heights Conference, and not the sort of thing that they really value. To succeed in the face of automation, AI and other changes in the profession, accountants need to find new ways to create value in the mind of the
An inside look at the alternative practice structure
Accounting firms all across the country are adopting alternative practice structures as private equity investment sweeps across the profession -- but who knows what an APS really looks like? William Kelly, chief counsel at PE-backed accounting firm platform Ascend dives into the details.
A tumultuous tax season
What will the firings at the IRS and other developments in Washington mean for tax season? Neil Fishman, returning president of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, dives into these and other major tax issues.
Taking the helm at the AICPA
The new head of the AICPA, Mark Koziel, shares his thoughts about the profession, his plans for the organization, and more.
The state of CAS
Kim Blascoe, senior director of CAS professional services at CPA.com, shares some of the highlights of their most recent CAS Benchmark Survey -- from the area's extraordinary growth rates to the key practices of a high-performing CAS practice.
Diving into tax season
Neil Fishman, returning president of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, shares the issues his members are paying attention to as they head into tax season -- and what they're keeping an eye on for the rest of the year, too.
What's ahead for 2025
Accounting Today editor-in-chief Dan Hood outlines the major trends and developments that accountants should be keeping an eye out for over the next 12 months.
New ways to CPA
As the profession grapples with lower numbers of people becoming accountants and CPAs, discussions about what it should take to become a CPA have proliferated; in this episode, Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs CEO Jennifer Cryder dives into why and how new paths to getting licensed are opening up.
Looking ahead with Barry Melancon
On the eve of his retirement, longtime AICPA chief Barry Melancon turns his eagle-eye to the future, talking about the challenges and opportunities facing the profession, and what it needs to do to get ready for both.
Looking back with Barry Melancon
As he prepares to step down from his long tenure as president and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs, Barry Melancon looks back at how the institute – and the accounting profession – have changed over the past 30 years.
Building a better sales pipeline
As firms grow, they need to move their sales pipeline from inside their head into a more formal process, says Sarah Dobek of Inovautus Consulting, to gather the right data and hold everyone involved accountable for growth.
The problems PE solves
Private equity can solve many of a firm's problems –– but not necessarily all, according to Phil Whitman of Whitman Transition Advisors, and there are alternatives.
Is PE right for you?
Private equity is a solution to many accounting firm problems -- but not for all accounting firms. Allan Koltin of Koltin Consulting Group dives into who might be a good fit for PE, and what they can expect if they do.
A primer on PE
Private equity presents a lot of opportunities for accounting firms -- but comes with a great many questions, too. Bob Lewis of the Visionary Group offers answers and valuable advice for accountants looking at this major trend.
Keeping them down on the firm
What keeps employees engaged is changing rapidly, and accounting firms can't afford to fall behind, according to Tina Wang, division vice president of HR at payroll and HR giant ADP, and Darren Root, a major thought leader in the profession and Co-founder of Better Every Day.
Crunching the right numbers
Too many accounting firms are relying on outdated or inappropriate data to measure their success, and Sarah Dobek of Inovautus Consulting lays out a much more forward-looking set of data for them to work with.
The growing opportunity in the Hispanic community
Melanie Lauridsen, vice president of tax policy and advocacy at the AICPA, and Cynthia Rijo Sanchez, president of the Puerto Rico CPA Society, discuss the boom in demand for tax and accounting services, and what it takes to successfully serve this market.
The Golden AGE of feedback
Terrell Turner of the TLTurner Group explains his firm's unique process for upgrading employee reviews and keeping staff performing at the levels they need.
Figuring out alternative investments
John Napolitano of Napier Financial takes a long look at the host of unusual investment opportunities available to your wealthier clients, and how to tell what will work from what won't.
All about ESOPs
Michael Bannon of ESOP investment banking advisors CSG Partners explains which accounting firms might want to look into employee stock ownership plans -- and why.
Building the profession together
AICPA chair Carla McCall talks about the opportunities and challenges facing the profession, and how accounting firms need to work together so they can all thrive separately.
Managing partners should only have one client
And that should be their firm, says David Wurtzbacher of PE-backed accounting firm platform Ascend, so they can spend the vast majority of their time working on the business, rather than in the business.
The practice leader's role in growth
Service line and practice offering leaders stand at the point where a firm's overall strategy meets the delivery of its actual services, and they have a unique role and set of responsibilities, says Sarah Dobek of Inovautus Consulting.
The practice leader's role in growth
Service line and practice offering leaders stand at the point where a firm's overall strategy meets the delivery of its actual services, and they have a unique role and set of responsibilities, says Sarah Dobek of Inovautus Consulting.
What's next in CAS
Client advisory services Kane Polakoff of CohnReznick looks into the future of this fast-growing service area, and outlines the steps firms need to take to succeed in CAS's next iteration.
Your client's retired. What now?
Many retirement plans are geared toward the specific date a person retires -- but clients will hopefully live long beyond that, and there are a lot of issues they'll need to consider, says John Napolitano, founder of Napier Financial.
Fixing the pipeline problem
The National Pipeline Advisory Group's recommendations cover a wide range of ways to attract more people to the profession, and NPAG facilitator and ConvergenceCoaching co-founder Jennifer Wilson walks us through what everyone can do to bring in the next generation. If you're interested in helping, you can take the Pipeline Pledge here.
Taking her firm forward
Laura Sprouse, the new CEO of Top 100 Firm Brown Edwards, shares her path to leadership, and where she's taking her firm in the future.
Is there a fiscal doctor in the house?
What it means to be an accountant is changing -- and that may be an important part of attracting more young people too the profession, says David Bergstein.
Your clients don't value what you do
What clients value and what accountants think they value are rarely the same thing, and Joe Woodard makes the case that it's accountants who need to change their ideas around value, not clients.
Work less, do more
Why work 80 hours a week when you can work 40? Why work 40 when you can work 25? Consultant Geraldine Carter explains why it's not the hours you work that matter, but what you and your clients get out of them, and shares strategies from her new book to help build accounting practices that take less of your time but deliver just as much value -- if not more.
Accounting's past — and future
The co-leaders of the Rosenberg Group, Marc Rosenberg and Kristen Rampe look back at three decades of change in the accounting profession — and what lies ahead.
AI and the firm of the future
Kelly Fisher, chief practice officer at Top 100 Firm Wipfli, offers a practical look at artificial intelligence, current use cases, and how accounting firms should be thinking about it.
The changing of the guard
The profession is seeing wholesale shifts in generational approaches across a range of areas, say Bob Lewis and Doug Lewis of the Visionary Group, as they dive into how best to navigate all those changes.
Building a more attractive profession
Accounting hought leader Seth Fineberg shares the three areas that public accounting needs to address: life-work balance, DEI and salaries.
No retreat from DEI
The AICPA's Crystal Cooke talks about why the perception that companies are scaling back their diversity efforts is wrong, and how accounting can move forward in its pursuit of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Growth factors for accounting firms
What goes into the recipe for accounting firm success? Randy Crabtree of TriMerit Specialty Taxes goes over the ingredients, and how best to combine them.
Making mentoring work
Okorie Ramsey, the chair of the AICPA and vice president of SOX at Kaiser Permanente, dives into how accounting firms can make the most of this important recruiting and career development tool, and the benefits it offers for both mentee and mentor.
The accountant's economic outlook for 2024
Nela Richardson, chief economist of ADP, shares her thoughts on what's in store economically for the year ahead, what accountants should be worried about, and why the new normal will be anything but normal.
What makes an accounting firm succeed?
The first step is defining 'success,' says Nerd Enterprises' Seth David, before diving into how modern accounting firms can thrive.
Everything accountants need to know about PEOs
It's not just hiring staff that's difficult -- managing them can be a major roadblock for growing businesses. One solution for that is the professional employer organization, and Kristen Appleman, senior vice president and general manager of ADP TotalSource, explains how they work and when they might be a good fit.
Get ready for tax season!
Frank Sands, president of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, shares the major issues that tax pros should be paying attention to in the run up to April 15, as well as expectations around IRS responsiveness, and the latest small-business trends.
The new shape of the CPA exam
With a radically new version of the test launching in 2024, the American Institute of CPAs' vice president of CPA examination and pipeline, Mike Decker, details the major changes, and shares valuable insights for how candidates can approach it.
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