Blake and David leap into the latest updates from Xerocon, including new features like traditional bank reconciliations, embedded bill pay with BILL and AI capabilities through JAX (Just Ask Xero). They look at Xero's strategy to double and how it compares to Intuit's mid-market growth focus. They also touch on the potential impact of QuickBooks' pricing strategy. Sponsors Lendflow - http://accountingpodcast.promo/lendflow The Small Business Research Institute - http://accountingpodcast.promo/ce...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 398
Blake Oliver meets with Josh Poresky, a recent college graduate working in audit at RSM. Josh describes his innovative AI project that uses retrieval augmented generation (RAG) to query PCAOB audit guidelines instantly. They explore how this technology could potentially automate up to 99% of staff work for internal controls testing in SOX audits and also highlight some of the challenges and future possibilities of implementing AI in auditing processes. Meet Our Guest, Josh Poresky LinkedIn: http...
Aug 20, 2024•15 min
Blake and David discuss the slow adoption of AI tools in accounting firms, with a recent study showing low usage rates. They also explore the potential of AI to streamline tasks like email writing and fraud detection, highlighting tools like Superwhisper. Moving on, there are political discussions around tax exemptions for tips and their potential consequences, updates on the Wirecard fraud case, and insights from a study linking corporate ethics language to negative outcomes. Sponsors Lendflow ...
Aug 16, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 397
Earmark Media Presents a bonus episode of Best Metrics: In this episode, host Glenn Dunlap is joined by Kenya Brooks, a partner at Saville CPAs and Advisors, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in property management and development accounting. They explore key metrics to monitor financial statements, the impact of economic trends on the real estate industry, and strategies for navigating client relationships during both prosperous and challenging times. Kenya also shares valuable...
Aug 10, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Blake and David, joined by guest Amber Setter, dive into the California Board of Accountancy's move to create legislation for an alternative to the 150-hour rule for CPA licensure. They discuss the potential impact on the accounting profession, the need for modernization, and the challenges faced by aspiring CPAs. The conversation also touches on various industry updates, including firm mergers, government accounting practices, and the role of AI in the profession. Sponsors LiveFlow - http://acc...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 396
Blake and David examine Blake's month-long working vacation in Southern California, and talk benefits of remote work for accountants. They also explore recent surveys on accounting firm satisfaction and the use of AI in tax practices and then delve into the ongoing accountant shortage, its impact on internal controls, and the challenges of recruiting new talent to the profession. Additionally, there's talk about the persistence of paper checks in certain industries and the evolving landscape of ...
Aug 02, 2024•54 min•Ep. 395
Blake and David Leary dive into several hot topics in the accounting world including the IRS's renewed focus on enforcement, targeting high-income individuals and non-filers, as well as the push to regulate non-credentialed tax preparers. They also explore the ongoing US CPA shortage and discuss potential solutions, including changes to education and recruitment strategies. Moving on, there's talk about emerging threats to traditional accounting software from industry-specific solutions like Cli...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 394
In light of recent events, Blake and David examine assassination attempts on US presidents, providing historical context. They move on to Intuit's recent layoffs, critiquing the company's communication strategy and exploring potential AI improvements for such announcements, and then shift to the Synapse bankruptcy, its impact on fintech users, and evolving regulatory scrutiny. Finally, Blake and David dig into AICPA CEO Barry Melancon's defense of the 150-hour CPA requirement, questioning its ef...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 393
Today, Blake and David explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping accounting, discussing its potential to handle 70% of information-based tasks and impact workflows like data collection, reconciliation, and client services. They criticize the current theoretical approach to accounting education, advocating for more practical, hands-on learning experiences. They also dig into the ongoing 150-hour rule debate, examining recent state board initiatives for alternative CPA pathways and concerns...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 392
Blake and David explore the intersection of AI, remote work, and accounting technology. They take a look at the phenomenon of "mouse jiggling," examine various AI tools reshaping the accounting industry, and analyze a survey showing widespread adoption of AI in the workplace. There's also a review of different AI chatbots, highlights on new AI-powered accounting startups, and a brief look at the U.S. government's online passport renewal system. This wide-ranging conversation offers valuable insi...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 391
Kwame Agyei, founder and CEO of Appoynt, joins Blake and David to discuss the benefits of outsourcing specific business functions like accounts receivable management. Kwame shares his unique journey from accountant to entrepreneur and offers practical advice on effectively leveraging virtual assistants while addressing common concerns around security and building trust. Meet Our Guest, Kwame Agyei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwame-agyei-b3ab1333/ Learn more about Appoynt Website: http:...
Jul 02, 2024•25 min
Adam Zaki of CFO.com joins Blake and David to explore the trends reshaping the industry, from AI to the talent shortage. They dive into the murky waters of corporate financial controls and audit practices. They also examine what makes a truly effective CFO in today's dynamic business environment and why authenticity might be the most valuable trait in a leader's toolkit. Get an insider's perspective on the 150-hour CPA licensing requirement and hear ideas for reform that could revolutionize the ...
Jun 26, 2024•59 min•Ep. 390
Sponsors LiveFlow - http://accountingpodcast.promo/liveflow RightRev - http://accountingpodcast.promo/rightrev Makers Hub - http://accountingpodcast.promo/makershub Chapters (00:38) - Blake's Conference Adventures (03:13) - AI and the Future of Auditing (05:16) - Insights from the IMA Conference (10:00) - The AI Tipping Point (14:48) - Microsoft Announces Delay of Their Ai Recall Tool (21:33) - AI in Financial Statement Analysis (34:12) - Community and Future Plans (38:08) - Synapse Bankruptcy a...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 389
Discover the compelling advantages of nearshoring your accounting and finance functions to Argentina. In this episode, Nicolás Villafañe, partner at South Offices, shares his insider perspective on why Argentina is a top destination for accessing skilled talent while enjoying significant cost savings compared to hiring in the US. Learn how Argentina's timezone alignment, cultural affinity, and highly qualified pool of licensed CPAs can provide your business with a seamless experience as if you w...
Jun 17, 2024•24 min
Blake and David get brutally honest about why pricey accounting conferences are a no-go and how the industry sidelines neurodivergent professionals. You'll also get a rundown of the rebranded Intuit Connect event's new direction, the political firestorm around IRS Direct File, and a Google Sheets update that will blow your mind. From the mailbag, don't miss one reader's incredible story of passing the CPA exam in record time and our take on why firms need to rethink degree requirements. Plus, we...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 388
Anthony Venette, Director of Business Valuation and Advisory Services at DeJoy & Co., joins Blake to discuss his unconventional career path and the world of business valuation. Anthony shares his journey from audit to tax and eventually to valuation, highlighting the importance of soft skills and effective communication in advisory roles. He also provides valuable insights into the day-to-day life of a valuation professional and offers advice for young CPAs interested in pursuing this career...
Jun 07, 2024•25 min
Blake and David delve into the accounting and bookkeeping aspects of Donald Trump's recent guilty verdict in New York. They discuss the charges related to falsifying business records and hush money payments and explore the potential implications for Trump's businesses and campaign. Their conversation also touches on the current state of AI in accounting, the retirement of AICPA president Barry Melancon, and the challenges facing the profession in attracting new talent. Sponsors LiveFlow - http:/...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 387
Dr. Mfon Akpan, Assistant Professor of Accounting at Methodist University joins Blake and David for a conversation on the impact of AI on accounting education, the challenges faced by accounting graduates entering the workforce, and the future of the CPA profession. Dr. Akpan shares his insights on incorporating AI into the classroom and the importance of lifelong learning in the rapidly evolving world of technology. Sponsors Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas Keeper ...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 386
Blake and David dig into reports from the Illinois CPA Society and National Pipeline Advisory Group highlighting issues like long work hours, the 150-hour rule, and low starting salaries. They examine the potential disruption of traditional accounting software by startups and vertical SaaS companies offering embedded accounting functionality and review some of the CPA Practice Advisor Readers' Choice Awards. Wrapping things up, they highlight the health risks of long working hours, and discuss t...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 385
This week, Blake and David are puzzled by the results of a survey that shows 40% of tax professionals believe generative AI will allow them to charge clients higher rates. They also cover the sham audit firm BF Borgers and question why the firm's CPA is still licensed despite SEC charges. Blake demonstrates how he uses Zapier Central to build an AI agent that can automatically respond to client emails about the status of their tax returns. Wrapping up, they examine Digits' $35 million raise and ...
May 17, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 384
Cody Turley, CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, joins Blake and David to discuss his SEC career path, describing what it's like to investigate securities law violations. He emphasizes that while Big Four experience is valuable, it's not the only way to have a successful and meaningful accounting career. Cody shares insights into the benefits of working in government accounting roles, including greater responsibility early on, work-life balance, and the ability to transition to public accounting o...
May 13, 2024•21 min
The SEC charged Trump's audit firm with a massive fraud – 1,500 fake filings over 2.5 years! Plus, hundreds of small US banks are at risk due to commercial real estate loan exposure. We're also talking about the potential of AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT to automate various accounting and business tasks, the controversial Corporate Transparency Act's beneficial ownership reporting requirements, and the possibility of its repeal. We wrap with fintech and crypto news, including Mercury Bank's r...
May 09, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 383
Blake and David examine the latest tax legislation traveling through Congress, including a new bill requiring the IRS to provide detailed explanations for math errors on tax returns. They also discuss the IRS's new direct file program, the banning of non-compete agreements, and the coolest profession around (spoiler alert: it's not accounting). Lastly, they touch on the concerning data breach at BerryDunn and the AICPA's efforts to rebrand the CPA to attract more young people to the field. Spons...
May 02, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 382
Blake Oliver sits down with Brannon Poe of Poe Group Advisors to discuss the differences between traditional and subscription-based virtual accounting firms. Brannon shares his expertise on firm valuation, revealing that factors like cash flow to owner and owner hours play a significant role in determining a firm's value. He also emphasizes the importance of pricing strategies, noting that implementing value pricing and subscription models can dramatically improve a firm's profitability and over...
Apr 26, 2024•23 min
Blake and David take a dive into Google's decision to offshore accounting jobs to Mexico and India, which Google’s CFO claims is necessary to free up resources to invest in AI. They also discuss the stagnation of CPA salaries despite a shortage of talent. The conversation touches on a variety of other topics, including the modernization of the IRS, the future of the CPA profession, and advice for young accountants looking to carve their own career paths in a rapidly changing industry. Sponsors R...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 381
Blake and David delve into the effects of remote work on accountant salaries and the mental health challenges faced by auditors at Big Four firms. They inspect a recent study showing lower pay for hybrid workers compared to fully remote or in-office employees. They also contemplate the future of work organization inspired by Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer, and discuss the potential impact of AI on the accounting profession, the accuracy of AI-related surveys, and the misrepresentation of AI capabil...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 380
Joe Woodard joins Blake and David to examine how accountants and bookkeepers can increase the value of their services in the eyes of their clients. Joe introduces the Cobb value curve, illustrating how differentiation and relative value impact pricing. He emphasizes the importance of offering unique, high-value services like controllership and financial planning to stand out from commoditized offerings and command premium prices. Meet Our Guest, Joe Woodard LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in...
Apr 15, 2024•30 min
Blake and David dive into the concerning trend of small CPA firms conducting shoddy audits of large companies and SPACs, raking in big fees while facing minimal consequences for deficient work. They also discuss the latest accounting app funding news, the power of AI for crafting persuasive arguments, and the American Institute of CPAs' puzzling resistance to changes in CPA licensure requirements and touch on the growing importance of client accounting services for public accounting firms. Spons...
Apr 11, 2024•53 min•Ep. 379
Blake and David dig through the latest accounting news, including the effectiveness of pizza parties in boosting accounting firm morale, the record number of baby boomers reaching retirement age, and the impact on Social Security, as well as the massive amount of COVID-related fraud originating in South Florida. They also take a look at audit integrity issues, the long working hours in accounting, and some of the latest app headlines. Sponsors LiveFlow - http://accountingpodcast.promo/liveflow R...
Apr 04, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 378
Blake and David meet with M&A advisor Charles Bedard about valuations for accounting firms looking to sell. Bedard explains that subscription-based "modern" firms command much higher multiples than traditional hourly billing firms. Bedard provides specific valuation ranges based on revenue and EBITDA multiples and highlights the importance of recurring revenue. He also offers actionable tips for firm owners to increase their value in preparation for an exit. Meet Our Guest, Charles Bedard Li...
Apr 03, 2024•31 min
