In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast , host Kalil Merhib sit down with Leroy Kerry , CEO and co-founder of Filed , an AI-powered tax automation company that's redefining how CPA firms approach compliance work. This conversation is part of a series featuring startups from the AICPA and CPA.com Startup Accelerator . Leroy shares his journey from building unicorn fintechs in Europe to landing in small-town America—where the inefficiencies of traditional tax preparation sparked his mission to ...
Jun 23, 2025•27 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast , we take you inside the 2025 AICPA and CPA.com Startup Accelerator—a powerful launchpad for the next generation of accounting tech. Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib reflect on this year's convening days in NYC and discuss the six standout startups: Filed, Avise, Truewind, Tabs, Keeper, and Remitian. From agentic AI to automated tax remittance, these companies are tackling the profession's most persistent pain points—freeing up firm capacity, boosting acc...
Apr 25, 2025•29 min•Ep. 25
Trusted Business Advisor with Bill Reeb The accounting profession is undergoing a seismic transformation. Firms that have traditionally thrived on compliance services—tax preparation, audit, and financial reporting—are finding that their clients expect more. Today’s business owners don’t just need accountants; they need trusted advisors who can guide them through complex financial landscapes, strategic decisions, and future growth. In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast , we sit down with Bi...
Mar 18, 2025•44 min•Ep. 24
In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast , host Kalil Merhib is joined by Kim Blascoe from CPA.com and Beth Allen from GreerWalker to discuss the 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey findings. They dive deep into the evolving landscape of Client Advisory Services (CAS) , highlighting trends in growth, pricing strategies, profitability, and technology adoption . The conversation explores how firms are leveraging efficiency, industry specialization, and dedicated CAS staff to drive success. Whether you're ...
Feb 24, 2025•30 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of The Digital CPA Podcast , Jen Wood from The Bonadio Group shares her key insights from chairing the 2024 Digital CPA Conference. We explore how firms are leveraging AI to tackle capacity challenges, the rapid growth of CAS practices, and the transformative impact of cloud-based audit tools. Jen also discusses innovative strategies for firm leaders to evolve their business models, retain top talent, and embrace technology to drive success in 2025 and beyond. Don’t miss this con...
Jan 27, 2025•35 min•Ep. 22
Join host Kacee Johnson on the Digital CPA Podcast as she dives into the world of AI-powered solutions with Jeff Seibert, Founder and CEO of Digits. Discover how Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding Crashlytics to his work at Twitter, shaped his approach to innovation in accounting technology. Learn about achieving 100% AI accuracy, balancing responsible AI regulation with innovation, and overcoming barriers to tech adoption in public accounting. Jeff also shares his philosophy on dy...
Jan 08, 2025•23 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast , hosts Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib sit down with Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group and one of the accounting profession’s most influential voices. Together, they explore the growing impact of private equity in accounting firms, from operational changes and cultural shifts to regulatory considerations and long-term implications for the industry. Allan also shares his expertise on mergers and acquisitions, providing insights into current tr...
Dec 02, 2024•23 min•Ep. 19
Podcast Description: In this episode, we’re joined by Lisa Simpson, VP of Firm Services at the AICPA, to explore the critical topic of business model transformation for CPA firms. Lisa shares insights on what business model transformation means, why it’s becoming essential, and the driving forces behind this shift. We’ll discuss the challenges firms face, the opportunities transformation presents, and practical advice for getting started. Lisa also sheds light on future trends shaping the indust...
Nov 26, 2024•29 min•Ep. 18
In this episode of the *Digital CPA Podcast*, host Kalil Merhib, EVP of Growth & Professional Services at CPA.com, is joined by two industry leaders to dive into the transformative role of AI in auditing and the CPA profession. Our guests are Kevin Merlini, co-founder and CEO of Materia AI, and Jen Burns, Chief Auditor at the AICPA. We’ll explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of audit and financial reporting. Kevin shares his insights on using AI to unlock internal knowledge, reduce comp...
Oct 24, 2024•30 min•Ep. 17
Welcome to the *Digital CPA Podcast*, where we explore how technology is transforming the accounting profession. We're joined today with Dan Hood, Editor-in-Chief of *Accounting Today*, as we dive into insights from the recent AICPA and CPA.com Executive Roundtable in New York City. This year’s roundtable focused on emerging trends impacting the profession, with topics ranging from responsible AI and its ethical implications to the growing influence of private equity in accounting firms. Dan and...
Oct 11, 2024•23 min•Ep. 16
In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast , hosts Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib sit down with Lisa Griffith, Head of Partnerships + Strategy for Accounting at Laurel, an AI Time Automation company. Together, they explore the evolving concept of time tracking in public accounting and how it's shifting from traditional billing methods to more productivity-focused, value-based approaches. Lisa shares her insights on the challenges firms face as they pivot away from billing by the hour, the role o...
Sep 13, 2024•22 min•Ep. 15
In this episode of the Digital CPA podcast, Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib sit down with Chad Osgood, co-founder of Digilence, to explore the cutting-edge world of digital transformation. As a leading expert in digital evolution for CPA firms, Chad will guide us through the essentials of successfully navigating a digital overhaul. We’ll uncover what it truly means to be a “digital firm,” identify common gaps in current technology ecosystems, and reveal how immediate digital upgrades can drive su...
Aug 29, 2024•26 min•Ep. 14
Welcome to the Digital CPA podcast, in this episode we are joined by Jen Wilson, co-founder of Convergence Coaching and a long-standing member of the DCPA community. Jen brings her extensive experience in leadership strategies and talent development to discuss key challenges in today's work environment, focusing on managing generational gaps and the hybrid aspect of work. Jen provides insights into the characteristics of different generational cohorts in the workplace, strategies for bridging te...
Jul 26, 2024•26 min•Ep. 13
Welcome to the Digital CPA Podcast, join Kacee, Kalil, and Elinor as they share their perspectives on the role of technology in reshaping accounting practices and discuss strategies for upskilling and staying relevant in today's tech-driven world. Whether you're a seasoned CPA or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for embracing technology and driving innovation in the world of accounting. In this episode, Elinor Litwack, a Partner at GRF CPAs, dives into ...
Jul 08, 2024•20 min•Ep. 12
Welcome to the Digital CPA Podcast! In our latest episodes, we’ve delved into advisory services, and today, we’re shifting our focus to the technological trends shaping the future of CPA firms. In this episode, we explore how the convergence of technology, data, and system integrations is transforming business needs and expectations. Business leaders are increasingly seeking: Frequent access to data Enhanced connectivity between systems for increased automation and reduced delays Comprehensive b...
May 29, 2024•29 min•Ep. 11
Join us on the Digital CPA Podcast as host Kalil Merhib, EVP of Growth & Professional Services at CPA.com sits down with Dave Hartley, a leading Advisory expert from the Top 100 firm Anders CPAs + Advisors. In this engaging episode, Kalil and Dave dive deep into the dynamic world of advisory services and discuss key strategies and innovations shaping this rapidly growing practice area for CPA firms. Key topics covered in this episode include: The accelerating growth of firm advisory services...
May 16, 2024•40 min•Ep. 10
In this episode, Gene Marks, a CPA, columnist, author, small business owner, and keynote speaker joins Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib to explore the ever-evolving economic landscape with its impact on CPAs and their clients. Gene brings a wealth of experience, having navigated a unique career path that offers valuable insights for aspiring candidates. We'll uncover his journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. We'll also delve into the key economic shifts affecting CPAs today, equippin...
Apr 30, 2024•25 min•Ep. 9
Welcome to the Digital CPA Podcast, hosted by Kacee Johnson, Vice President of Strategy & Innovation at CPA.com, and Kalil Merhib, EVP Growth & Professional Services. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of accounting technology with our special guest, Aaron Harris, Chief Technology Officer of Sage. Aaron shares insights from the recent Sage Transform conference, discussing the latest AI enhancements and releases that will shape the future of accounting tech. We explore how AI ha...
Apr 23, 2024•32 min•Ep. 9
Join us as Kacee Johnson, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at CPA.com & Ron Quaranta, the Chairman of the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance, take a dive deep into the latest developments in the crypto landscape, from the rollercoaster ride of Bitcoin's resurgence to the SEC's landmark approval of 11 ETFs. With Bitcoin soaring to new heights, the burning question remains: Are we finally out of the crypto winter? Delve into the implications of these monumental shifts for markets, invest...
Mar 06, 2024•19 min•Ep. 8
Kimberly Ellison-Taylor is a trailblazer in the realms of accounting & technology, an individual whose prowess in merging financial expertise with cutting-edge technology has set new standards of innovation and excellence. In a world where the landscape of finance is rapidly evolving, Kimberly stands as a beacon of ingenuity, reshaping the accounting & finance profession through the lens of advanced technological solutions. With a unique blend of proficiency in both finance and technolog...
Feb 15, 2024•34 min•Ep. 7
Leadership expert Alex Dorr joins Kacee Johnson, VP Strategy & Innovation at CPA.com, on this episode of the Digital CPA podcast to explore quick energy-shifting techniques that help you avoid burnout during high productivity times. Call to Greatness Framework: When someone is struggling, upset, complaining or experiencing an unpreferred reality: 1. Validate the experience or feeling they are having. (I see that you are frustrated about XYZ, I get frustrated when things like that happen) 2. ...
Jan 31, 2024•31 min•Ep. 6
John Pace, who is the Partner in charge of Outsourced Accounting and Advisory Services at GRF CPA’s and Advisors, was 2022’s winner of CPA.com’s Innovative Practitioner Award. The Innovative Practitioner Award recognizes individuals who are driving the accounting profession forward through innovative thought leadership, processes, services and technology implementation. Today John is here to discuss the topic of….INNOVATION…in the accounting profession, within teams and inside of his own company...
Jan 02, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 5
During this early morning conversation over coffee, Kim and Kalil start with a light hearted chat about Kim’s evolution from public accounting in both small and large firms to eventually becoming a Client Advisory Services (CAS) practice mentor and coach. It soon becomes clear from their conversation that Kim’s extensive experience in CAS, and personal evolution over the decades, actually closely mirrors the evolution of CAS practices and the profession itself. Some could say Kim is the face of ...
Dec 18, 2023•24 min•Ep. 4
Pascal Finette is a heretic, a futurist, a visionary, an author, a disruptor and also co-founder and CEO of be radical. While not an accountant himself he is well known in the profession for helping firms discover today what matters tomorrow and transform for a future that is already unfolding before us. Join Kalil, Kacee and Pascal discussing what it means to be a leader during times of exponential change and disruption. · Determining the edge and core of your business and how much risk is nece...
Dec 13, 2023•19 min•Ep. 3
"Holy Cats" it's exciting to be launching the Digital CPA Podcast with Lindsay Stevenson, Chair of the Advisory Board for the DCPA conference and Chief Transformation Officer for BPM LLP, '...not the biggest and not the smallest accounting and advisory firm in the world.' During this fast paced and upbeat discussion between Kalil, Kacee and Lindsay discuss: Why firms of all sizes need someone focused on what's next and championing continual transformation in today's environment How to be strateg...
Dec 03, 2023•32 min•Ep. 1
CPA.com is delighted to have Okorie Ramsey, Chair of the AICPA join Kalil and Kacee to discuss the big picture of what is happening in the accounting profession today and in the future. Get a unique insight into the perspectives and what drives Okorie Ramsey as he discusses: · What should we be thinking about as the impact of tech continues to accelerate and our agility becomes more important than ever. · The importance of upskilling and reskilling for the next era of the accounting profession –...
Dec 03, 2023•28 min•Ep. 2
Hear what's in store for you from the new "Digital CPA" Podcast which launches soon. Brought to you by CPA.com. the first episode will be available at the start of December 2023 to coincide with this year's Digital CPA Conference in Las Vegas. Soon afterwards, you'll be able to find it wherever you already get your podcasts. Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast .
Nov 29, 2023•2 min
