Earmark Podcast | Earn Free Accounting CPE
The Earmark Podcast is where accounting and tax professionals hear directly from the people shaping the future of the profession. Hosted by Blake Oliver, CPA, the show features conversations with firm owners, technology leaders, educators, policymakers, and practitioners about the forces changing accounting—from AI and automation to talent, advisory, tax, audit, regulation, and firm strategy. Each episode goes beyond the headlines to explore what’s changing, why it matters, and what it means for the people doing the work.
Episodes
The Fight to Save the CPA License: Inside FICPA's Two-Year Battle
Could Florida have quietly unraveled CPA licensure? In this episode, Blake Oliver talks with FICPA CEO Shelly Weir about the legislation that threatened to eliminate Florida’s Board of Accountancy, scrap CPE requirements, and weaken the CPA license. Shelly explains how the profession fought back, why mobility and interstate commerce were central to the case, and where CPAs can embrace sma
The Future of Accounting is Human
Karl Paadam made partner at PwC Estonia at 26, spent a decade in tech, and came back to build United Accountants on a contrarian thesis: the future of accounting is human. He joins Blake to explain how a firm can hand bookkeeping, categorization, and reconciliation to an AI operating system that layers on top of whatever software a firm already runs, freeing CPAs to keep their local brand
89% of Accountants Say AI Pays Off—So What’s the Catch?
Is AI really replacing accountants—or just changing the job? Blake Oliver talks with Capterra analyst David Jani about new survey data showing where AI is gaining traction in accounting, from chatbots and data entry to forecasting and fraud detection. They unpack why 89% of users report ROI, why firms are still struggling to hire, and why weak AI data-handling policies could create seriou
Progression or Extinction: AI’s Accounting Reckoning
What if AI wipes out the entry-level accounting work firms have relied on for decades? Blake Oliver talks with Sikich managing principal Richard Lynch about the rise of the “super accountant,” why the pyramid-shaped firm may become a diamond, and how AI could force firms to rethink training, billing, and performance metrics. You’ll hear what firm leaders must change now—and what happens t
Pricing, Offshoring, and AI: Inside the Numbers at Accounting Firms
What does the data actually say about where accounting firms are headed? Blake Oliver talks with Chelsea Summers of Inside Public Accounting about the real numbers behind firm performance, pricing, staffing, offshoring, advisory growth, and AI adoption. You’ll hear why top firms aren’t just working people harder, how offshore teams are boosting margins, and why hourly billing may be the b
The IRS is Coming for Crypto: Coinbase’s VP of Tax Explains What Happens Next
Blake sits down with Lawrence Zlatkin, VP of Tax at Coinbase, to unpack the state of crypto taxation. From how the IRS treats digital assets as property to the new 1099-DA, stablecoin reporting burdens, and the policy changes Coinbase is pushing for in Washington, this episode covers what tax pros need to know now and where the rules may be headed next.Chapters(00:00) - EAP 111
(02:11) -
What Private Equity Really Changes Inside an Accounting Firm wiith Devin Mathews
What really happens after private equity buys your CPA firm? ParkerGale partner Devin Mathews joins Blake to unpack why partners cheer while staff chafe, how PE drives returns (bill rates, utilization, acquisitions), and what managers should demand: a clear value‑creation plan and a path to upside. They also dig into AI’s true impact—raising the ceiling, squeezing entry‑level work—and why
Inside Thomson Reuters’ Plan to Automate the Tax Return
AI won’t replace accountants—but AI-enabled firms will outcompete them. Blake Oliver sits down with Thomson Reuters’ Elizabeth Beastrom and Kirat Sekhon to map the end-to-end tax workflow, from document intake and auto-population (SurePrep) to delivery and e-sign (SafeSend), and into year-round advisory with CoCounsel and Ready to Advise. Learn how to “kill the questionnaire,” free staff
Excel and AI: Code Your Way to Hours Back Every Week
You open Excel daily, but are you using AI to make it work for you? While 58% of professionals have tried AI, only 17% use it regularly—a missed opportunity. Join CPA Kyle Ashcraft in this hands-on webinar to learn vibe coding—a no-programming approach using Cursor AI to automate repetitive Excel tasks. Watch Kyle transform messy spreadsheets, organize GL data, and reconcile transactions
Auditing at the Speed of Risk with Richard Chambers
Are you auditing at the speed of risk? Richard Chambers—50-year internal audit veteran and AuditBoard advisor—joins Blake to map the path forward. Hear why AI now ranks as risk #1, how to build continuous risk monitoring, and what “independence, not isolation” means for the three-lines model. Learn where CAEs should start with AI (risk assessment, analysis, reporting), how to audit cultur
The Future of Advisory: Unlocking Your Firm’s CFO Potential
Live from Boston on the final stop of the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with James Erving from Fathom and Chris Macksey from Prix Fixe Accounting to explore what advisory services really mean beyond bookkeeping and compliance. Chris shares how his firm requires advisory for all restaurant clients, using industry expertise and operational metrics to guide decisions on everything
Leading with Empathy: Building Teams That Thrive
On the fifth stop of the Advisory Amplified tour in Atlanta, Blake sits down with Lisa Gilreath of Acuity and Valerie Heckman of OnPay to discuss what empathetic leadership actually looks like in an industry notorious for long hours and tight deadlines. The conversation covers everything from recognizing when team members are struggling to handling toxic high performers, with real talk ab
Banking on Change: How Renegade Firms Redefine Success
Live from Austin on the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with Madeline Reeves of Fearless Foundry and Wesley McDonald of Relay to explore what it truly means to be a renegade in accounting: firms that lead clients to somewhere new rather than settle for "the way things have always been done." The conversation explores why top firms aren't afraid to say no to the wrong clients, how
Unlocking Capacity: The Workflow Revolution
Blake sits down with Mary Delaney, CEO of Karbon, and Kenji Kuramoto, co-founder of Acuity, to explore how standardizing workflows can unlock growth without sacrificing the artistry of advisory work. They discuss Karbon's acquisition of Aider, the power of time studies to identify automation opportunities, and why getting senior advisors to embrace process requires framing workflow as emp
Pricing For Profit: Unlocking Your Firm’s True Value
Most accounting firms are dramatically underpricing their services, but the fear of losing clients keeps them stuck. Marie Greene and Ryan Embry join Blake for a live conversation in LA about spotting underpricing, having the repricing conversation, and why your worst clients are often the most price-insensitive. Plus, a live role-play demonstration of how to navigate a difficult pricing
Burning It Down To Build Better: How Community Is Key To Battling Burnout
Recorded live in Seattle at the first stop of the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with Madeline Reeves (Fearless Foundry) and Lynette O'Connell (Burnout Bestie) to discuss the hard truths about burnout in accounting. Madeline shares how losing half her agency's revenue in 30 days forced her to stop trying to be likable and start building the business she actually wanted, while Ly
From Rules to Agents: Accounting’s Next Workflow
Can an AI‑native general ledger really automate the monthly close without losing control? Blake talks with Digits CEO Jeff Seibert about an “autonomous GL” built on a vector graph model, AI agents that research unknown transactions and auto‑reconcile to pixel‑matched statements, and human‑in‑the‑loop safeguards. Learn where Digits fits best today, how to pilot it with clients, price AI‑po
Stop Being the Bottleneck: The Six-Part Delegation Playbook for Accounting Firms
Still running every meeting and answering every Slack ping? Blake Oliver talks with Chase Damiano of Human at Scale about escaping founder bottlenecks. Learn a six-part delegation framework (responsibility, purpose, success, process, resources, decisions), turn 1:1s into leadership labs, build a team responsibility inventory and a delegation roadmap, and see why great prompts mirror great
Breaking the "We've Always Done It This Way" Cycle
Why do so many accounting firms struggle to bridge the gap between their stated values and actual workplace culture? In this episode, Blake Oliver sits down with Erin Daiber, founder of Well Balanced Accountants, to explore how firms can move beyond culture theory to real operational change. You'll discover why "we've always done it this way" thinking kills retention, learn specific strat
The Small-Business Economy in 2025: What Your Clients Need to Know
What should you tell clients when tariffs increase and hiring slows? Blake Oliver discusses with Gusto senior economist Nicholas Tremper the effects on small businesses of high tariffs, reduced job growth, and a tighter labor market influenced by immigration policy. Find out how advising on cash flow and employee benefits can help your clients identify opportunities in a post-pandemic sta
The Auditability Problem That's Breaking Accounting AI
Please note: This episode was recorded before changes were made to the Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminated the removal of the PCAOB.What happens when AI agents start doing your journal entries and reconciliations? Mike Whitmire, founder and CEO of Floqast, explains why accounting AI is fundamentally different from other business applications—and why auditability creates unique challenges
From Homeless to $20 Billion Deals: An Accountant's Journey
What happens when a homeless 21-year-old musician transforms into a financial leader negotiating $20 billion deals at Google? Devon Coombs shares his remarkable journey from living in his car after his recording studio failed to becoming an ASC 606 revenue recognition expert who helped shape multibillion-dollar cloud contracts. You'll discover how he leveraged technical accounting experti
The Employee Benefits Advisory Opportunity: Why Small Businesses Need Your Help
Small businesses offering 401(k) plans see 40% lower employee turnover in the first year, yet only 10% receive benefits guidance from their accountants. Justin Kurn explains how Dark Horse CPAs identifies the right triggers, such as growing staff or high turnover, to initiate benefits conversations. Meanwhile, Julia Miller from Gusto breaks down how accountants can help clients navigate t
Why Historical Cost Accounting Is Broken (And What Could Fix It)
What if the foundation of financial accounting is fundamentally flawed? Tom Selling, author of The Accounting Onion blog, argues that historical cost accounting creates a "truth in labeling problem" that allows management to manipulate earnings while failing to capture economic reality. Through compelling examples from oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and subscription businesses, he explains
The $400 Million Question: Should Congress Eliminate the PCAOB?
What happens when Congress votes to eliminate the watchdog that's overseen public company audits for two decades? In this episode, Blake Oliver sits down with three leading accounting academics—Maureen McNichols from Stanford, Nemit Shroff from MIT, and Daniel Aobdia from Penn State—to examine the research behind the PCAOB's effectiveness and what elimination could mean for audit quality.
Why CPAs Must Be 2.7x More Productive by 2035 (And How to Get There)
What if private equity could transform accounting firms without sacrificing their independence? David Wurtzbacher, founder of Ascend, shares how his "anti-rollup" model allows firms to maintain their identities while accessing enterprise-level resources. Discover why transitioning firm leaders from client work to true CEO roles unlocks explosive growth, and how employee equity ownership c
Beyond the Purchase: The Make-or-Break Integration Phase of Firm Acquisitions
What happens after the ink dries on an accounting firm acquisition? Michael Ly and Ashley Rhoden reveal why many buyers overinvest in the purchase but underinvest in the crucial integration phase. Drawing from their hard-won experiences—both successful and unsuccessful—they walk through how to develop a comprehensive 100-day integration plan that begins during due diligence. You'll learn
Military Precision: How Veterans Can Solve the Accounting Talent Crisis
What if the solution to accounting's talent shortage has been hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Navy veteran Mark Steinhoff reveals how the precision required to maintain life support systems on submarines directly translates to accounting excellence. Having managed critical oxygen systems hundreds of feet underwater, Mark now applies that same meticulous attention to detail as an a
Behind the Numbers: The Truth About PCAOB Deficiency Rates
What if the numbers we use to measure audit quality are fundamentally flawed? PCAOB Board Member Christina Ho reveals why the headline-grabbing 46% deficiency rate in public company audits deserves serious scrutiny. In this candid conversation, Ho explains why smaller audit firms face disproportionate regulatory burdens, how the PCAOB's inspection approach may distort quality metrics, and
How to Use AI to Analyze Data and Draft Financial Reports in Minutes
In this episode, Blake Oliver interviews Nicolas Boucher, one of LinkedIn's top finance thought leaders, who demonstrates how AI tools like ChatGPT and Python can dramatically accelerate financial data analysis and reporting while maintaining confidentiality. Nicolas shows how finance professionals can create instant analyses and dashboards, integrate AI with existing systems, and automat
The Future of CPA Licensure: How Evolving Rules Could Impact Your Career
Join leaders from the Illinois, New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania state CPA societies as they explore recent and proposed CPA licensure changes. Discover the latest state-by-state updates, timelines, and resources you need to stay on track. We address the 150-hour rule, potential alternative pathways, and practical mobility and reciprocity concerns. Whether you’re a s
Beyond the Tax Hacks: Why Implementation Trumps Theory with Jasmine DiLucci
Ever wondered why there's so much questionable tax advice circulating on social media? In this eye-opening episode, Blake Oliver sits down with Jasmine DiLucci, a rare triple-threat professional - attorney, CPA, and enrolled agent with nearly 500,000 YouTube subscribers.Jasmine pulls back the curtain on why tax misinformation spreads like wildfire online and reveals the number one reason
How CPAs Are Securing the Future of Digital Assets
Noah Buxton, CEO of The Network Firm, returns to continue the conversation on the evolving world of digital assets. Blake and Noah examine how digital assets have expanded beyond cryptocurrencies to include tokenized real-world assets like real estate and commodities. Noah explains how blockchain technology could revolutionize asset trading and ownership verification and dives into "proof
Bitcoin: Prudent Investment or Pricey Gamble?
Blake challenges guest Noah D. Buxton, Co-Founder and CEO of The Network Firm, to make the case for Bitcoin’s lasting value. They explore the nature of money, the complexities of digital scarcity, the inevitability of tokenized real-world assets, and the forces driving institutional interest in cryptocurrency. This candid exchange offers insights into what truly underpins Bitcoin’s worth,
Work Less, Earn More: Transforming Accounting into a Rewarding Career
Join Blake Oliver as he interviews Yuri Kapilovich, a CPA who's cracked the code on balancing work and life in accounting. Discover how Yuri maintains a thriving practice while working just 10-15 hours per week outside tax season and a maximum of 40 hours during crunch time. Learn actionable strategies for setting the right fees, optimizing workflows, and prioritizing fun and family witho
Building a $200K Accounting Firm in Just 15 Hours a Week
Erica Goode, CPA, reveals how she built a thriving $200K accounting firm working just 15 hours a week. Discover the power of niching, efficient processes, and work-life balance in this candid discussion. Erica will share her journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial success, offering practical insights on pricing strategies, time management, and building authority in your niche. W
Beyond Partnerships: Revolutionizing CPA Firms for the Modern Era
Join Ryan Spohn, CFO of Sikich, and host Blake Oliver to explore how modern CPA firms are revolutionizing the industry by abandoning the traditional partnership model. Discover innovative strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, including Sikich's alternative practice structure and novel performance metrics. Learn how firms shift from "total hours worked" to holistic evaluation
From SoCal to Tokyo: One CPA's Journey in International Tax
Join Blake Oliver for an interview with Eric Azevedo, a California CPA who has set up his own international tax practice in rural Japan. Discover how Eric leveraged his Japanese language skills to break into Tokyo's accounting scene and the unique challenges he faced. We'll delve into the complexities of international taxation, U.S. expat issues, and strategies for effective cross-border
Integrating Wealth Management with Accounting Services
Join Blake Oliver as he interviews Kyle Walters, CPA firm partner and wealth manager at Atlas Wealth Advisors. Despite not being a CPA himself, Kyle brings a fresh perspective to the accounting world. We'll explore:- The benefits of integrating wealth management and accounting services- How non-traditional backgrounds can lead to innovative approaches- Candid insights into client feedback
Successfully Selling Your CAS Practice: Lessons from Industry Experts
Join Blake Oliver for a conversation with Lynnette Oss Connell and Craig Connell as they share their real-life journey of selling their Client Accounting Services (CAS) firm to a larger regional CPA firm. This webinar will explore the complexities and challenges of transitioning a boutique practice into a larger organization. Gain valuable insights on preparing for a sale, negotiating ter
The Savannah Bananas' Playbook for Unconventional Business Growth
Blake Oliver interviews Savannah Bananas CFO Tim Naddy to learn unconventional strategies for explosive business growth. Discover how this innovative sports entertainment team achieved a million-fan waitlist and sold out over 200 consecutive games. Tim will share insights on creating innovative revenue streams, developing fan-centric KPIs to drive profitability, and managing financial ris
How Taxes Shape Our Economy and Lives
Join Blake Oliver, CPA, and Scott Hodge, President Emeritus and Senior Policy Advisor at the Tax Foundation, for an engaging and insightful webinar that delves into the complexities of tax policy as discussed in Scott's new book, "Taxocracy." Discover how tax policies impact everyday expenses like housing, healthcare, and education, and learn surprising historical tax facts such as the 18
Our Favorite Government Frauds: An Interview with the Hosts of "Oh My Fraud"
Greg Kyte and Caleb Newquist of the Oh My Fraud podcast share their favorite government fraud cases they've covered on the Oh My Fraud podcast, including Rita Crundwell's $53 million municipal fraud in Dixon, Illinois, and Claudia Viles' $500,000 tax-collector fraud in Anson, Maine. They also examine the "Fat Leonard" Navy contracting fraud, Eddie Tipton's lottery rigging scheme, and some
Practical Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent in Accounting
Explore cutting-edge hiring solutions for accountancy firms with Robin Thieme, CEO and founder of KBS CFO, and industry expert Blake Oliver. Learn how work simulations provide a "try before you buy" approach, ensuring a better fit for the firm and the candidate. Discover the benefits of apprenticeship programs, which KBS CFO has successfully implemented. Robin will share insights from her
The Art of Challenging Property Tax Assessments
Blake discusses the intricacies of property tax assessments and appeals with Josh Malancuk, President and Founder of JM Tax Advocates. Josh explains how his firm helps businesses minimize their property tax liabilities by providing a more accurate market value for their properties, which often differs from the assessor's valuation. He walks through the appeal process, the importance of me
Achieving Work-Life Harmony in Accounting with The 3.3 Rule
John Briggs, founder of Incite Tax and author of "The 3.3 Rule" joins Blake to explain his approach to ending burnout in accounting while increasing productivity, which involves working for up to three hours followed by a 30% recovery period. They explore how this method can double productivity compared to the traditional 8-hour workday, and John provides practical tips for implementing i
Building a Modern CPA Firm: A Revolutionary Approach with Alan Whitman
Kick-start a new era in accountancy with Alan Whitman, the former CEO of Baker Tilly US. Using his invaluable experience as a CEO for nearly 8 years, Alan will share novel insights on transforming traditional CPA firms into modern, sustainable, and innovative powerhouses. This session delves into people development, strategic growth, service models, and methods for breaking from long-stan
How to Sell Your Accounting Firm
Thinking of selling your practice? Join us as serial acquirer Michael Ly shares an insider’s guide to preparing, pricing & selling your accounting firm. Learn how to value your firm for maximum sale price, find the right buyer, negotiate win-wins, protect clients through transition, and structure creative deals - whether nearing retirement or just exploring options. Get practical tips
The 5 Apps You Need In Your Accounting Firm
In an era where the right software can make or break your accounting firm, choosing the right apps is essential. In this webinar, Blake Oliver, CPA, draws on his experience as a firm founder to guide you through the essential software that will streamline your operations, upgrade your client experience, and drive future growth. This session is designed to cut through the clutter of the ev
Navigating the Identity Crisis in the CPA Profession
The CPA profession faces an identity crisis, with challenges in the candidate pipeline, non-attest services' role, and CPE's effectiveness. This webinar explores the impact of the fifth-year requirement, the value of consulting services, the need for engaging CPE, and the use of the CPA designation in non-traditional roles. Join our expert panel as we discuss solutions to navigate the pro
Making Audit Matter Again: The Future of Assurance
Audit is at a crossroads. Commoditization and compliance mentalities have diminished its value. Now, auditors face an existential crisis. How can assurance stay relevant? Join Alan Anderson and Blake Oliver as they tackle pressing questions on audit's failure to innovate and chart a new direction focused on value-added assurance. You’ll get a dynamic diagnosis of threats plus practical id
How Expat Clients Can Legally Slash Their Tax Bill
Do you have clients living or working abroad who could save big on their taxes? In this episode, expat tax specialist Vincenzo Villamena outlines creative strategies US citizens overseas can use to legally reduce their tax burden. Learn how your expat clients can exclude $120,000 in foreign earned income, set up offshore corporate structures to cut their tax rate in half, eliminate 15% se
Hollywood Accounting: A CPA's Journey Into Entertainment
Blake’s conversation with Kendale King, CPA, gives an insider’s view into the intriguing world of entertainment finance. Kendale shares his transition from Big Four auditor to accounting for multi-million dollar studio deals. You’ll see a new side of accounting blending creativity with business strategy. Gain insight into entertainment studios’ complex “Hollywood Accounting” practices aro
The Future of QuickBooks
(Originally recorded on February 15, 2024 on Earmark Webinars+) Hector and Blake recount a brief history of QuickBooks Desktop vs QuickBooks Online through the end of 2023, the state of Intuit’s current offers and posturing in the market, and where they think QuickBooks is moving into for 2024 and beyond.Chapters(01:11) - Hector's Journey: From Tax Practice to Tech Innovator
(03:16) - A
How AI is Transforming and Disrupting Audit
Rob Valdez joins Blake to discuss how artificial intelligence and generative chatbots like ChatGPT could automate routine audit tasks. They also explore the potential to train staff more effectively, save significant time on substantive testing, draft higher quality work, and some challenges around adopting these tools, such as security fears, poor system integration, and partners resista
Solving Accounts Payable Pain Points with MakersHub
Phong Ngo and Charley Howe join Blake to discuss how their accounts payable automation software is helping small and mid-sized manufacturers, construction companies, and other businesses capture detailed invoice data to enable precise job costing and reporting without expensive ERP implementations. Learn how starting with solving the accounts payable data entry pain point allows them to s
From Public Accounting to Tech Unicorn IPOs With Brandt Kucharski
Blake chats with Brandt Kucharski, former chief accounting officer at GrubHub and current CAO at Ethos Life, about his career journey from public accounting to leading startups through IPOs. They discuss Brandt's pivotal role in taking GrubHub public as one of the first "unicorn" startups, the process of scaling accounting teams and controls, nonprofit work with the Holiday Heroes Foundat
Harness the Power of AI: Practical Uses for Accountants
On this bonus episode Blake explores how artificial intelligence will transform the accounting profession. You'll learn how leading AI tools and chatbots can help automate routine tasks, freeing you up to focus on more strategic, higher-value services. He'll also walk through real-world examples of using AI for document analysis, tax research, correspondence, transcript review, drafting/e
Overcoming Burnout to Create a Sustainable Accounting Practice
Hitendra R. Patil joins Blake for an insightful conversation about the staffing shortage in the accounting profession, identifying overwork and lack of work-life balance as key issues causing high burnout rates. They explore potential solutions like dropping the billable hour model, measuring impact rather than hours worked, outsourcing certain tasks, and focusing on specific value-added
The Young CPA Perspective on the Talent Shortage
Blake is joined by two "Young" CPAs, Hannah Hood, and Joey Kinney, both virtual CFOs with Summit Virtual CFO by Anders. Among the topics of discussion are challenges for young accountants including low starting salaries, lack of flexibility and career path at traditional firms, the value of remote work, and the need for more women leaders and work-life balance in the accounting industry.
How Logan Graf Built a Dream Firm in Three Years
Rising CPA star Logan Graf joins Blake to discuss his success in growing a profitable firm in just three years. Logan shares his unique transparent approach, how he rapidly increases his pricing year over year, and how he structures productized service packages to maximize profits. Blake and Logan talk about automating the client onboarding process, and key strategies around requiring upf
Jody Grunden's $10 Million Secret: Weekly Client Meetings
Jody Grunden, the founder of Summit CPA Group, was a trailblazer in establishing one of the first CPA firms specializing in virtual CFO services. They recently achieved an impressive $10 million in revenue. What propelled Jody's success? The key lies in his commitment to regular client meetings. In this enlightening discussion, Jody unveils his strategy of revolutionizing client relations
Accounting Firm Marketing In The Era of Generative AI
David Toth of Winding River Consulting joins Blake to examine how digital marketing and AI are disrupting accounting firm marketing. They also look at how innovative firms use marketing automation, CRMs, and content marketing to generate leads and close deals from their websites.Sponsor Check out our Sponsor LiveFlow — Advanced Financial Reporting on AutopilotChapters(00:51) - Earn Free C
From Auditor to Google: How Mike Manalac Landed His Dream Job in Accounting
Mike Manalac, AKA "Mike from Accounting," joins the show to share his inspiring career journey and unconventional path from public accounting to a dream role at Google. Despite accounting stereotypes, Mike crafted his adventurous route to his ideal job. He opens up about hustling into big tech, regrouping after rejection, taking calculated risks, and breaking out of the "lazy river" caree
Becoming Employee-Owned: How BDO Broke Out of the Partner Model
Wayne Berson, CEO of BDO USA, joins Blake and guest host, David Leary, to discuss BDO's recent transition to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), making it the first major accounting firm to implement an ESOP structure. They discuss how the ESOP aims to attract and retain talent in the accounting profession and provide employees at all levels with an ownership stake in the firm.Chapte
An Alternative To Advisory: Collaborative Accounting
Blake is joined by Twyla Verhelst, Head of Accountant Channel at FreshBooks, to discuss a groundbreaking concept in advisory known as "Collaborative Accounting." This innovative approach aims to enhance collaboration between accountants and clients by providing a platform for efficient financial management. They delve into various aspects of this new approach, including FreshBooks' certif
Soft Skills, Not Spreadsheets: Keys to a Successful Accounting Career
Jerry Maginnis has over 40 years of experience in the accounting profession. In this episode, he shares his journey from college student to managing partner at KPMG, offering advice to young accountants on how to build a successful career. Jerry emphasizes the importance of soft skills like communication, empathy, and relationship-building, arguing that technical expertise alone is not en
From Felon to Firm Owner: An Unconventional Path in Accounting
Think the pathway to owning an accounting firm is linear? Think again.In this episode, Blake has a fascinating conversation with Scott “OKR” Scarano, an accounting firm owner with an unconventional background.Before becoming a successful firm owner, Scott started dealing drugs, got kicked out of UNC, and ended up with a felony conviction. But with persistence and grit, Scott cleaned up hi
Beat the House: Tax Strategies to Offset Gambling Winnings
From tracking gambling sessions to offsetting winnings with losses, professional gamblers and enthusiasts alike need to know how to beat the house when it comes to taxes. Join Certified Public Accountant Zak Zimbile, owner of a remote CPA firm specializing in gambling taxation, as he breaks down federal and state requirements for reporting gambling income. Zak leverages his decade-plus of
Did They Just Kill Desktop? 2023 QuickBooks Update with Hector Garcia, CPA
Major changes are afoot in the world of QuickBooks. QBO and Payroll prices are going up. Intuit is phasing out QuickBooks Desktop Pro while touting QuickBooks Online and Enterprise as the future, though Hector predicts Desktop will still have a 2024 edition. QBO Advanced still needs improvements, like reverting to a static navigation bar, and Hector is excited about new integrations with
From EY to Starbucks to Startups with Keeley Favoino, CPA, Controller at Foxtrot
Follow the journey of Keeley Favoino, CPA, from her background in accounting at various organizations, including EY, Starbucks, OfferUp, and Farmer's Fridge, before joining Foxtrot, a modern corner store concept. Foxtrot's accounting department was initially focused on bookkeeping, but as the company grew, so did the need for a more robust accounting system. Keeley led the transformation
Finances Uncovered: Empowering OnlyFans Creators with Expert Accountancy
Blake Oliver is joined by Katherine Studley and Jim. Katherine and Jim specialize in helping OnlyFans creators and sex workers with their accounting and tax needs. They discuss the unique challenges facing these clients, as well as the common misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding the industry. Katherine shares how she built her business through TikTok and Instagram, and Jim explains
From 3 Orders a Day to $300 Million in Revenue: Scaling Accounting at PopSockets
In this episode of the Earmark Accounting Podcast, Blake talks with Stacey Feldman, CPA, about her experiences in the world of CPG and accounting at PopSockets. They look at the challenges of scaling a startup, from tracking components in a supply chain to accounting for inventory costs. Stacey also reveals insights around simplifying supply and the importance of real-time data for accura
Pro Wrestling, Anime, and Financial Modeling with Ariel Menche
Ariel Menche recounts his FP&A journey - from his tenure with KPMG and the WWE, to FP&A consulting to startups. His strategic financial advisory story highlights valuable FP&A lessons, including insights about data's impact on a CFO's role and establishing best practices for financial model development.Sponsor Check out our Sponsor LiveFlow — Advanced Financial Reporting on Au
How Accountants Can Profit From The Subscription Economy
In this episode, Blake and Ron Baker discuss the subscription economy. They delve into the origins of the terminology and how CPAs and accountants can provide more value to their clients by prioritizing relationships over services. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the subscription industry, which is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2025.Many thanks to our sponsor, Anchor!
To be, or not to be a CPA firm with Chase Birky of Dark Horse CPAs
We’re talking to Chase Birky, CEO and co-founder of Dark Horse CPAs, a non-traditional CPA firm. Learn the advantages and challenges of being a CPA firm, the importance of creating a positive work environment for staff, and the need for the accounting profession to attract and retain more young talent. Tune in to hear insights into alternative paths for CPAs and how the industry can work
The Chick-fil-A of payroll providers with Tim Petrey of HD Davis CPAs
Tim Petrey shares his journey from starting as a receptionist to becoming a partner in his CPA firm and founder of a payroll service. He discusses how his firm, HD Davis CPAs, evolved from a tax business to a full-service advisory firm and how they acquired small practices to grow. Tim also emphasizes the importance of adopting technology to streamline processes. Tune in to hear more abou
6,000 clients and $7 million gross revenue in 12 years with Ben Sutton of Mazuma
Blake Oliver is joined by Ben Sutton, the founder of Mazuma. Mazuma offers core monthly bookkeeping services, reconciliations, basic financials, and tax returns for a flat fee of $180 per month. Ben believes small businesses need services traditional accounting firms don't provide, and he wanted to give them the support they need. He found it possible to offer bookkeeping services at a lo
Why diverse accountants quit the profession according to the Illinois CPA Society
Half of accountants believe that diversity is important. Half do not. Meanwhile, efforts to increase diversity in accounting firms have had disappointing results. Todd Shapiro and Kari Natale of the Illinois CPA Society join to discuss why and what the profession should do about it.Many thanks to our sponsor, LiveFlow!To learn more about LiveFlow, visit https://earmarkcpe.promo/liveflowSi
How to buy an accounting firm with Michael Ly of Reconciled
Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comDownload the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelly/Learn more about Reconciled: https://reconciled.com/Connect with Blake Oliver, CP
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