Episode 252 FACULTY: Ron Baker CLASS: #TheGuide Scotty’s back in the Office with our Principal, Ron Baker, and he has a copy of "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Rubin. In this book report, they cover a wide range of topics, including creativity in art and accounting, the quest for efficiency, the role of humor in art, and the importance of paying attention to your surroundings. The conversation also touches on the challenges of being an entrepreneur and artist, the subjective nature of...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 252
Episode 251 FACULTY: Paul Dunn CLASS: #TheGuide Join Scott as he sits down with Paul Dunn, an author and a veteran in the accounting profession with over 30 years of experience. From the eye of a cyclone in Brisbane, Paul shares profound insights on finding purpose and creating a lasting impact. They delve into the importance of driving businesses beyond mere tools to creating significant outcomes, leveraging AI in transformation, and reframing business strategies to enrich the lives of both cli...
Mar 12, 2025•54 min•Ep. 251
Episode 250 FACULTY: Ryan Bakke, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, Ryan Bakke, CPA discusses his incredible journey of building a $3 million accounting firm by the age of 26. Ryan shares insights on the importance of a good hook in marketing, strategies for running a successful firm, and leveraging social proof through platforms like Facebook. He also delves into his motivations for leaving Deloitte, the value of mentorship, and his future goals for rapid growth and acquisition within th...
Mar 05, 2025•52 min•Ep. 250
Episode 249 FACULTY: Shane Mason, CPA/CFP CLASS: #Shoperations Join us in this Shoperations episode as we learn from Shane Mason of Brooklyn FI and his venture into software. Shane shares insights into the company's growth, handling rapid expansion, and the importance of predicting the future over dwelling on the past. Discover how Brooklyn FI is navigating industry shifts, introducing new partners, and staying ahead with innovative solutions like Gemifi. Perfect for students and professionals e...
Feb 26, 2025•50 min•Ep. 249
Episode 248 FACULTY: Jason Ackerman, CPA aka J-Rabbit aka the Accounting High Lunch Lady CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, Jason Ackerman, CPA, co-founder of WealthRabbit, discusses the importance of accountants providing advisory services and setting up retirement plans for clients. Ackerman explains the challenges and opportunities in offering simple IRAs, SEPs, and other retirement plans, and emphasizes the need for accountants to evolve from mere compliance work to value-driven services....
Feb 19, 2025•39 min•Ep. 248
Episode 247 FACULTY: Principal Ron Baker CLASS: #TheGuide In this episode, Scott is in the office again with Accounting High Principal Ron Baker to discuss the future of accounting and the shift towards the transformation economy. Ron outlines the evolution of economic eras and how firms can position themselves to offer superior value by focusing on transformations rather than just services. They also touch on examples from various industries, and discuss the potential of subscription models. 📣...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 247
Episode 246 FACULTY: Ed Mendlowitz, CPA In this episode, Scotty interviews Edward Mendlowitz, a storied CPA and author, sharing his extensive experiences and insights on the accounting profession. Mendlowitz discusses the evolution of accounting practices, the importance of passion in one's career, and the necessity for CPAs to adapt to new technologies and trends. Highlighting his personal journey, he speaks on the significance of building relationships and offering valuable advice to clients. ...
Feb 05, 2025•58 min•Ep. 246
Episode 245 FACULTY: Alex Drost, CPA CLASS: #AccountingHigh Join us in this insightful episode of Accounting High as we sit down with Alex Drost, a consultant with a background in investment banking and business consulting, and a licensed CPA. Alex shares his unconventional path into the accounting world, discusses the current trends in the accounting and private equity (PE) industries, and offers invaluable advice for both young professionals and established firm owners. Don't miss out on under...
Jan 29, 2025•49 min•Ep. 245
Episode 244 FACULTY: Matthew Cordes, EA and Adam Markowitz, EA CLASS: #AccountingHigh In this episode of Accounting High, Scott Scarano, EA invites the EA team for a discussion about the importance and impact of Enrolled Agents (EAs) in the tax and accounting world. Joined by EAs Adam Markowitz and Matthew Cordes, the conversation dives into their journeys, experiences, and the misconceptions surrounding EAs. The episode also features the premiere of a new OKR track “Smells Like EA’s”. 📣 Shout ...
Jan 22, 2025•50 min•Ep. 244
Episode 243 FACULTY: Nick Boscia, CPA, EA aka The Balanced CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, join Scotty as he talks with Nick Boscia, aka the Balanced CPA from New Jersey. Nick shares insights from his journey in accounting, taking over his father's firm, and running a family business with his brother. They explore the importance of balance in work and life, the evolution of their firm with technology, and the implementation of fair client pricing. Nick also discusses the challenges the...
Jan 15, 2025•53 min•Ep. 243
Episode 242 FACULTY: Chase Birky, CPA, Tim Petrey, CPA, and Kenji Kuramoto CLASS: #AccountingHigh Join Scotty and the DPS (Destroying Pyramid Schemes) panel of influential accounting leaders—Kenji Kuramoto (Acuity Accounting), Chase Berkey (Dark Horse CPAs), and Tim Petri (HD Growth Partners)—as they discuss innovative approaches to transforming the traditional accounting pyramid scheme firm structure. They explore new business models aimed at improving firm culture and client service, and share...
Jan 08, 2025•47 min•Ep. 242
Episode 241 FACULTY: Nikole Mackenzie aka Niks, aka Nikki, aka Coach Mack CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode we have Coach Mack back on aka Nikole Mackenzie as she dives deep into her journey in the evolving world of Client Advisory Services (CAS). Nikole shares her experience from starting in a traditional accounting setting to establishing her firm, Momentum Accounting. We explore the transformation of CAS, and Nikole’s Profit Points system aimed at optimizing business performance. It’s time...
Jan 01, 2025•50 min•Ep. 241
Episode 240 FACULTY: Calvin Harris Jr, CPA In this episode, Scotty interviews Calvin Harris Jr., the CEO of the New York Society of CPAs. Calvin shares his extensive career journey, his background, his love for music and tattoos, and his thoughts on the future of accounting amidst technological changes such as AI. Calvin passionately advocates for the CPA profession, emphasizing the opportunities it offers and its evolving nature with advancements in technology. Sit back and take notes on the st...
Dec 24, 2024•46 min•Ep. 240
Episode 239 FACULTY: Scott Scarano, EA and Matt Kid, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, our substitute teacher, Matt Kidd, continues his interview with Scott Scarano, EA where Scott shares the story of how he grew his accounting firm to $1.3 million with $400,000 in annual cash flow, and became completely removed from daily operations. Scott provides insights into the importance of a strong team, unique hiring methods, and embracing technology and innovation in the firm. He also touches o...
Dec 18, 2024•43 min•Ep. 239
Episode 238 FACULTY: Scott Scarano, EA and Matt Kid, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, one of Accounting High’s substitute teachers, Matt Kidd, CPA interviews Scott Scarano, EA, about his journey through accounting. Scott shared how his grandfather's CPA firm and the family software business shaped his early career, as well as the tough times he faced during college before finding his way back to accounting. He talked about his experiences with remote work, using Xero, and implementing E...
Dec 11, 2024•37 min•Ep. 238
Episode 237 FACULTY: Dustin Verity, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, we sit down with Dustin Verity from Verity CPA, who joins us live from Hawaii. Dustin shares his experiences from founding Verity CPA in 2012, starting with small beginnings working out of a kitchen table to managing a multi-million dollar firm with 25 employees and three offices. The episode offers deep insights into the steps and hurdles of growing a CPA firm from scratch, emphasizing flexibility, continual reinvestm...
Dec 04, 2024•41 min•Ep. 237
Episode 236 FACULTY: Joe Carufe and Ben Curtis, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, Scotty hosts Joe Carufe and Ben Curtis of Good Measure. They discuss their unique approach to building a new type of firm, embracing partnership without ego, and intentionally planning for sustainable growth. The conversation dives into the evolution from their past experiences to creating Good Measure with a focus on strong client relationships and community impact. Joe and Ben share their vision for a bal...
Nov 27, 2024•52 min•Ep. 236
Episode 235 FACULTY: Carla McCall, CPA aka Queen B CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, Scotty interviews Carla McCall, CPA, managing partner of AAFCPAs and chair of the AICPA. Carla shares her innovative approach to the accounting profession, emphasizing a people-first culture that flips the traditional script of client and firm importance. She discusses the importance of technology integration, lessons learned from her career journey, and strategies implemented to create a supportive and incl...
Nov 20, 2024•55 min•Ep. 235
Episode 234 FACULTY: Matt Kidd, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this throwback to Sons of CPAs, Scotty chats it up with Matt about his two CPA brothers, diving into how they each built successful practices, inspired by their CPA father. They talk about managing and transitioning CPA firms, incorporating wealth management, modernizing traditional practices, tax season, and client relationships. Tune in for a comprehensive view on growing a client-centric, million-dollar CPA practice, with insights on...
Nov 13, 2024•52 min•Ep. 234
Episode 233 FACULTY: Kendale King, CPA CLASS: #AccountingHigh Join us as Scotty interviews Kendale King, CPA from Los Angeles, who shares his inspiring journey from childhood entrepreneurship with his brother to a successful career in Hollywood accounting. Kendale discusses his transition from auditing roles at Deloitte to working in entertainment consulting with major companies like Netflix. His passion for accounting and entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch CPAcon, the first accounting oly...
Nov 10, 2024•31 min•Ep. 233
Episode 232 FACULTY: Becca Smith, MAAT In this episode, Scotty interviews Becca Smith, MAAT an Education Leader at Xero. Learn about the global nuances of accounting practices, Xero’s educational initiatives, and community events like Xerocon and Xero roadshows. Hear updates about Xero’s innovative payment solutions, their AI companion JAX, and the evolution of financial technologies. Join us to learn how these advancements are shaping the future of accounting! 📣 Shout Outs: Xero, Xerocon, Bill...
Nov 03, 2024•48 min•Ep. 232
Episode 231 FACULTY: Kyle Geers, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, join Scotty and Kyle Geers as they talk about his unique path from college water skiing enthusiast to managing a fully remote firm with $2 million in revenue. Hear how the founders of Zeroed In leveraged their skills to create profitable accounting practices, navigated communication and collaboration challenges, and utilized tools like Power BI and ClickUp. Discover insights on capacity planning, client service management...
Oct 27, 2024•38 min•Ep. 231
Episode 230 FACULTY: Ashley Francis, CPA CLASS: #TheGuide In this episode, Scotty and Ashley Francis, CPA explore personal development strategies, including habit formation, overcoming people-pleasing, managing self-doubt and anxiety, especially in high-pressure situations like public speaking and even how ChatGPT could be your goto therapist. 📣 Shout Outs: Mike Sylvester, ChatGPT, Xero ⬇️Episodes Referenced ⬇️ 187 AI Horror Stories: Shining a Light on the Dark Side of AI ( https://open.spotify...
Oct 20, 2024•31 min•Ep. 230
Episode 229 FACULTY: Ashley Francis, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, Scotty and Ashley Francis, CPA discuss her journey in becoming a CPA, building her niche practice focused on high-net-worth individuals, and exploring educational opportunities. Ashley shares her passion for accounting, spurred by early childhood experiences, and her growth from working in large accounting firms to running her own practice. She talks about her unique experience with trust and estate taxes, homeschooli...
Oct 13, 2024•32 min•Ep. 229
Episode 228 FACULTY: Adam Hale, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations TITLE: $10M Model Cloud Accounting Firm, Beyond the Summit In this episode of Accounting High, join the host and guest Adam Hale from Summit CPAs as they dive into the transformation from traditional accounting to advisory services. Adam discusses the journey of creating a successful model cloud accounting firm, emphasizing the shift from answering questions to asking them, the importance of building a niche, and the challenges of merging ...
Oct 06, 2024•55 min•Ep. 228
Episode 227 FACULTY: Mike Meilinger, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Mike Meilinger, a seasoned CPA and business coach who has transformed not only his accounting firm but also his health. Mike shares his incredible physical transformation and adopting extreme fitness regimes like 75 Hard. Gain valuable insights on balancing business success with personal health, the importance of emotional well-being, and why investing in discomfo...
Sep 29, 2024•48 min•Ep. 227
Episode 226 FACULTY: Dominic Piscopo, CPA In this episode, Scotty chats with Domini Piscopo, the founder of Big4Transparency.com. Domini shares his journey from being a tax analyst at Deloitte to becoming an entrepreneur. He talks about the importance of transparency in the accounting profession, how his platform helps accountants understand salary expectations, and his future plans for Big4Transparency. 📣 Shout Outs: Big4Transparency, Bridging the Gap, Deloitte Canada, Rewind, Lil Dicky, Dave ...
Sep 22, 2024•47 min•Ep. 226
Episode 225 FACULTY: Terrell Turner, CPA CLASS: #SocialStudies In this Social Studies episode of Accounting High, Scotty and Terrell Turner discuss the evolution of marketing in the age of AI and how firms can adapt to the changes brought by large language models like ChatGPT. Learn strategies to ensure your brand shows up in AI-driven searches. Terrell shares his practical experiences, including integrating high-value content, leveraging different social media platforms, and personalizing marke...
Sep 15, 2024•44 min•Ep. 225
Episode 224 Botkeeper Presents AI UNCHAINED On October 8-10 2024, in Santa Rosa California LINK BELOW SAVES YOU $290, GET YOUR TICKET FOR $509 (REG PRICE $799) https://app.hubspot.com/payments/purchase/hscs_r07FYxQ5lcH36SD4YjS9gOMpmt9QnN8uODZWT2AydCTH75jxtFfhmYO2SNRbtzxc FACULTY: Tim Petrey, CPA CLASS: #TheGuide In this episode of the podcast, Scotty interviews Tim Petrey, CPA about his approach to firm growth with gratitude. Tim shares his journey from washing semi trucks to building a successf...
Sep 08, 2024•36 min•Ep. 224
Episode 223 Botkeeper Presents AI UNCHAINED On October 8-10 2024, in Santa Rosa California LINK BELOW SAVES YOU $290, GET YOUR TICKET FOR $509 (REG PRICE $799) https://app.hubspot.com/payments/purchase/hscs_r07FYxQ5lcH36SD4YjS9gOMpmt9QnN8uODZWT2AydCTH75jxtFfhmYO2SNRbtzxc FACULTY: Tim Petrey, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode of Accounting High, Tim Petrey, CPA, shares his inspiring journey from a small CPA firm to becoming an innovative player in the accounting industry. Through exciting ...
Sep 01, 2024•44 min•Ep. 223
