Eric Joern started his accounting career at James Hamlin & Co., a traditional firm founded in the 1960s in Antioch, Illinois, right out of college. He joins John Randolph on Episode 54 of CPA Life to talk about his role in transforming that firm into Kaizen CPAs and Advisors, where he now serves as partner. Doing away with traditional CPA practices to focus on team wellbeing, sustainability, and national impact, Eric shares his journey, the firm's rebranding efforts, and strategies for maintaining a balanced work environment. With a roughly 50/50 split between in-office and remote workers, systems and processes are key to Kaizen’s success, and maintaining cultural cohesion within the firm, a top priority, highlighting the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and support for remote employees in building a thriving, modern-minded CPA firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph talks with Kelly Rohrs, owner and founder of Kelly A. Rohrs CPA, who shares her journey to building a sustainable and flexible accounting firm, on Episode 53 of CPA Life. Having been recognized by CPA Practice Advisors on their Top 40 Under 40 list, Kelly discusses her transition from a traditional firm to launching her own practice amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, implementing modern software solutions, and the importance of community in helping you navigate your journey, especially so you don’t end up bringing all the bad habits and inefficient processes over to your own venture. In order to grease the skids for accounting firm owners to do just that, Kelly established Fiscal Minds to help accountants network and build their firms.  Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Dominic Piscopo’s journey in accounting started at a Big Four firm in Canada, where he discovered his firm was paying its employees well below the average in his area. He talks to John Randolph on Episode 52 of CPA Life about how that experience, among others, led to him launching Big 4 Transparency, a platform which tracks salary data in the profession. Although Big 4 Transparency started as a community project, Dom has transformed it into a full-time venture, and he talks about what he feels is his social responsibility to supply this information for free to the community while taking on firm clients who want to understand where their offerings stand in the marketplace. Underscoring the strategic use of timely data to attract and retain talent, Dom talks about how transparent compensation practices can promote employee satisfaction and prevent wage stagnation, benefiting firms of all sizes. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Chris Papin returns to CPA Life’s Episode 51 for Part 2 of his conversation with host John Randolph. Their discussion shifts focus towards effective communication, training, and adapting to new technologies in accounting firms. Touching on the challenge inherent in teaching communication skills in a technical field like accounting, Chris stresses the importance of aligning that pedagogy with both internal and client expectations. But underscoring everything, most importantly, is the human element, something that cannot and will not ever be provided by the tech tools that accountants nevertheless need to adopt. Indeed, fostering those connections has been made easier through technology, and they will be more important than ever as the profession continues to evolve. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

CPA Life’s 50 episode milestone marks the beginning of a conversation between John Randolph and Chris Papin, owner and founder of Papin CPA in Edmond, Oklahoma. Discussing the transition from traditional to modern CPA practices, Chris prioritizes sustainability, employee well-being, and client needs. He shares insights into his firm's growth, innovation in technology, and the challenges of balancing technical skills with client-facing roles. Looking to flexibility as a way to bridge those areas, Chris has looked to unorthodox schedules, remote work, and offshoring as solutions as he’s overseen his payroll doubling in size. Don’t miss part 1 of this two part discussion on how embracing modern practices and technological advancements can help you foster a successful firm that facilitates fulfilling careers for your people. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Veteran accounting journalist and consultant Seth Feinberg rejoins John Randolph for part two of their conversation on Episode 49 of CPA Life. They pick back up on the closing theme of the first episode, that accounting’s image problem is largely self-made, and changes need to be made to solve the pipeline issues and other pressing matters within the profession at the macro level. Seth also touches on more focused topics: purposeful marketing in the social media age, the importance of firm culture, and the necessity of stressing the value accountants bring to their clients. The thread throughout Seth’s insights is one of authenticity and trust: Two things that are vital in ensuring any individual accountant’s—or any firm’s—success in the market. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Seth Fineberg spent more than 20 years as an accounting journalist before founding Accountants Forward and consulting with professionals looking to improve their firm and career prospects. He and host John Randolph engage in part one of a dynamic conversation on Episode 48 of CPA Life, centered around going beyond raw numbers and looking at the reality of the landscape in public accounting. Emphasizing the need for cultural change and the importance of work-life balance, Seth highlights the profession’s shift towards more holistic development, including mental health and leadership, a shift which John states had to happen given the unique environment younger generations have grown up in. Seth makes conferences a focal point, Bridging the Gap in particular, which is where he presented research that he and former guest Randy Crabtree had put together around burnout and job satisfaction in the profession. Stressing the human element, he effectively underscores the reasons the accounting industry needed to change. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Part 2 of John Randolph’s special episode featuring Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway of Upstream Academy and the Upstream Leader Podcast continues on CPA Life, as the trio pick up their discussion of intentionality, a theme which runs through so many threads in the accounting profession. Intentionality is central to their discussions about creating firm culture, the value of deliberate planning, and the importance of effective mentorship. They emphasize that meaningful relationships and culture require intentional effort, even in a post-pandemic, hybrid work environment, also highlighting the importance of focusing on the right work, the right clients, and the right leadership style, best achieved through coaching and feedback. Among the ways to implement these themes successfully is by maintaining standards rather than rigid rules, and always keeping in mind the potential for an astronomical ROI when you invest in your people. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway of Upstream Academy and The Upstream Leader Podcast join host John Randolph to discuss innovation and sustainable careers in public accounting on Episode 46, part one of a special two part episode. As influential thought leaders with more than a quarter of a century of accounting experience between them, Jeremy and Heath stress the importance of intentional leadership, creating a vision and culture that you actually stick to, and fostering a sense of community within your firm. John brings insights that connect with his Talent + Advisory offering, particularly focusing on the need for intentionality in leadership. They all emphasize how important it is for leaders to take ownership, be purposeful, and connect with their teams to drive engagement and success. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Episode 45 of the CPA Life Podcast features Anshul Chawla, Director of Corporate Development at Chawla & Chawla, PC, in conversation with John Randolph about his journey through public accounting and private equity. From working at Big Four firms and a private equity firm to returning to his family-run CPA firm having gained experience there as a child, Anshul discusses modernizing the firm, enhancing employee experience, the value of communication, and integrating younger talent. He also provides insights on navigating the influx of private equity into the profession, emphasizing the importance of maintaining firm culture amidst the potential for such rapid growth and change. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Liz Farr has had a remarkable life’s journey, from a childhood where she learned accounting principles, to many years later taking a tax preparation class, then working as an accountant navigating chaotic tax seasons, to finally, becoming a successful ghostwriter and podcast host. Join John Randolph on Episode 44 of CPA Life as he gleans insights from Liz’s time in and around the accounting profession. She shares insights on modern accounting challenges, talent issues, and innovative practices for sustainable, people-centric firms in today’s world. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph and Ron Baker dive back into part 2 of their discussion on Episode 43 of CPA Life, covering the challenges faced by CPAs, such as the moral injury the profession inflicts, the shift from fee-for-service to the subscription model, client advisory services, and more. They discuss the importance of niche expertise, the value of transformations over transactional services, and strategies for retaining talent in your firm. Discover how advisory services are evolving and the potential for the subscription-based model to elevate the profession, with insights on improving the profession while enhancing client relationships. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Ron Baker is a pioneer in the field of modern accounting. He joins John Randolph for this first installment of a special two part episode of CPA Life, and the two delve deep into the groundbreaking topics of value and subscription-based pricing and client advisory services that are reshaping the landscape of public accounting. An advocate for getting free of traditional timekeeping since 1989, Ron has written eight books on this and other topics, and given his experience at a Big Four firm early in his career, he soon realized that the underpinnings of the issues facing the profession all come back to keeping time, what he calls “plunging a ruler into the oven to check the temperature—it’s the wrong measuring stick.” Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

On Episode 41 of CPA Life, rejoin host John Randolph for part two of his conversation with Jeff Bartsch of Story Greenlight, as they delve deeper into the significance of storytelling within the accounting industry. Learn about the impact of crafting authentic narratives about you and your firm, and discover the benefits of being personal and intentional in your communication, with a focus on social media and creating human connection. Jeff shares invaluable insights into the learning processes of accounting professionals, revealing how embracing storytelling can elevate your firm’s internal and external branding. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Jeff Bartsch began his career in Hollywood before founding Story Greenlight, where he coaches CPA firms on how best to present the story of who they are. He joins John Randolph on Episode 40 of CPA Life, part one of a two part episode, to discuss how accounting professionals can differentiate themselves through communication and thought leadership, stressing the power of storytelling. Jeff emphasizes the importance of connecting with others and elevating messages from the ordinary to the extraordinary, highlighting the role of storytelling in creating trust and empathy. He provides insights into how to become an effective thought leader, also touching on the process of mastering skills and conveying messages authentically. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph resumes his conversation with Jason Blumer of Thriveal and Blumer CPAs on Episode 39 of CPA Life. Continuing their focus on strategies for firm growth, they tackle the complex problem of team management in the modern, often remote-based accounting world, stressing that leadership comes from the relationship leaders have with their charges, and that time spent cultivating that relationship has a far better return on investment in most cases than client work. Niching also plays a key role in maximizing any firm’s potential, while often being a rewarding, interesting path to take. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Jason Blumer, CEO of Blumer CPAs and Thriveal, joins John Randolph for part one of their conversation on Episode 38 of CPA Life. Discussing his journey of building a sustainable CPA firm and the importance of intentional leadership, Jason explains that the entire concept behind Thriveal is that he made a lot of mistakes and had a lot of wrong ideas about entrepreneurship, and he wants to guide entrepreneurs with intentionality so they don’t make those same mistakes. Jason stresses, and John agrees, that community-driven culture is a key to firm growth and employee satisfaction, the details of which they discuss at length, with a lead-in to part two, which airs May 22nd, 2024. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching returns for part 2 of her conversation with John Randolph on Episode 37 of CPA Life. She delves into the intricacies of employee motivation, hiring practices, and compensation in CPA firms, and they discuss the vital role culture plays in everything a firm does, from hiring, to acquisitions, to turnover. Jen highlights the importance of learning from cultural mistakes, with John pointing out the rose-colored glasses that certain clients and partnerships can impart. Jen, a member of the National Pipeline Advisory Group, encourages those in the accounting profession to have their say by completing the group’s survey, which closes May 3rd, 2024. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph welcomes Jennifer Wilson to a two part conversation starting with CPA Life episode 36. Jennifer discusses her journey from BDO to founding ConvergenceCoaching, her deep history of driving technological innovation in business and accounting, and her understanding of the evolution of and challenges within the accounting industry. With a focus on the dynamics of remote work, they also explore the importance of establishing a compelling mission which your employees can feel like they are a part of, and which Jennifer says is exactly the salve needed to soothe the problems in the accounting pipeline. A member of the National Pipeline Advisory Group, Jen explains its role in trying to solve the pipeline problem, which she will delve into further in part two. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Host John Randolph continues his conversation with David Hartley on Episode 35 of CPA Life. They delve into ditching billable hours in favor of value billing, the potential for AI to vastly improve efficiency within CPA firms, and the importance of recruiting the next generation through values that appeal to them. Innovation is a key focus according to David, host of the But Who's Counting? podcast, who has plenty of insight into what’s coming for firms around the country and the globe and what firm leaders need to harness now to prepare for the future. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

David Hartley joined Anders CPAs + Advisors when they were looking to establish an Advisory practice, demonstrating how even a large firm can “steer its ship” in an active, anticipatory way. David talks to John Randolph on Episode 34 of CPA Life in part 1 of their two part conversation about the strategic planning and growth of the Advisory practice under his watch, and David delves into how to have a forward-thinking approach, remote work experiences, and strategies for managing both remote and in-office work models. He touches on the future of the CPA profession, the importance of continuous learning, the impact of client relationships, and the importance of culling clients that are no longer a good fit for where your firm is today. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

In Part 2 of this special CPA Life episode, John Randolph returns as the guest to talk to producer Justin Grant about many of the key concepts in talent acquisition and advisory that CPA firms simply don’t know that they don’t know. John explains this as the basis behind his Talent + Advisory model, which integrates value-based pricing, strategic discussions, managing a firm’s talent brand, online reputation management, the importance of relationships in accounting, and more. Above all, it is clear that just like an accounting client needs a partner in a firm that works with them on a recurring basis, so does an accounting firm need a partner that works with them to get to the root of their staffing needs and goals. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

The tables are turned as CPA Life producer Justin Grant takes the role of host to interview John Randolph, founder and principal of Benaiah Consulting Group—not just your regular host!—on Episode 32. John delves into his history in the recruiting and accounting space and the lessons he’s learned from his vast and diverse experience: the importance of finding a niche, the role of private equity in firm growth, the impact of company culture on the employee experience, and more. Through it all, John stresses that the niche he has determined is best for him and Benaiah is serving small, local CPA firms, because the passion he has for helping those firms succeed is something that can’t be duplicated. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Marcus Mire is the founder of Mire Group CPAs and the host of the Make It Count podcast. He joins John Randolph for Episode 31 of CPA Life to discuss the impact of cloud accounting on his accounting practice, the effect of COVID-19 on firm operations, and more. Marcus shares his advice for new firm owners and talks about the growth and core values of the Mire Group, exploring the transition to a subscription-based model, community involvement, and the role of faith-based leadership. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph finishes his conversation with Accounting Today Top 100 influencer Randy Crabtree on Episode 30 of CPA Life, where they discuss non-traditional leadership in remote, but also in-office culture, the importance of building relationships, and of making your people understand you care about them as human beings. They both into the financial advantage imparted by low turnover due to healthy employee work-life balance and the power of saying “no.” They round out their chat by discussing the benefits to firm leaders of letting others do the things you do best, while leaders stay in their lanes, out of the way. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Randy Crabtree is an Accounting Today Top 100 Influencer, the co-founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax, and the host of The Unique CPA podcast. On part one of a two part conversation, he joins John Randolph on Episode 29 of CPA Life to talk about the benefits of a niche focus within a firm and the good that comes from being intentional in creating a place people want to work. Related to these elements are allowing remote work, using value-based billing, and maintaining a strong company culture during a firm’s growth—one that makes people feel valued and like more than just a cog in a wheel. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Mike Payne of BOSS Advisors rejoins host John Randolph for part two of their conversation about building a modern CPA firm on Episode 28 of CPA Life. They pick up on their discussion of how BOSS is breaking the traditional firm mold through a subscription-based pricing model, prioritizing employees over billable hours, and more. Mike details practical strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, delighting clients with proactive service, and creating a culture of open communication. In an episode full of actionable tips for firm owners looking to transform their own organizations, John backs Mike’s insights up with his perspective as a consumer of CPA services and they both agree on the importance of making sure you are keeping your “internal customers”—your employees—happy. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Mike Payne, founder and CEO of BOSS Advisors, had an atypical path into his career as he holds both a CPA license and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona. On Episode 27 of CPA Life, Mike talks to John Randolph about his unique educational journey, and his experience working at a Big Four firm, before striking out on his own. Mike had a number of experiences that highlighted the need for change in public accounting, and he has built a firm focused on client service, that breaks from the traditional billable hours model. Part 1 of this conversation offers practical guidance and inspiration for anyone seeking to strike out on their own and build their own firm that does things better. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Episode 26 is the second of a two part episode of CPA Life, and Henry Huie rejoins John Randolph to talk about his new firm and its subscription model where clients pay for ongoing advice rather than billable hours. A focus on building deeper client relationships puts the value in “value billing,” and empowers clients to ask for the help they need without worrying about fees. Further, by leveraging technology, Henry’s ideas represent a way for firms to beat the staffing shortage as a job in accounting with fewer hours, better pay and more meaningful relationships is sure to attract far more talent than the same old, legacy firm attitude. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

In another two part special episode of CPA Life, John Randolph interviews Henry Huie about his journey from working long hours at top 25 firms to opening his own practice, Chrome Accounting, in October, 2023. Henry shares some of the lessons he’s already learned, like thorough planning, having enough savings so you need not take on undesirable clients, and niching down your services. Henry prepared methodically over a year before launching his firm, during which time Henry learned practical tips for working remotely efficiently using tools like Loom. Henry’s advice on networking, providing value to clients, and avoiding common pitfalls of being a new business owner will prove invaluable to every listener. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com  

Episode 24 is a CPA Life Rewind, where we look back on a topic relevant to the accounting world right now. Today, having just gotten through another fall busy season, we feature John Randolph's conversation with John Mark Prewitt, Managing Member at Cohesion Companies, which he founded over a decade ago. John Mark's experience in the Big Four led him to choosing a radically different approach to running his own firm, with a strong focus on work-life balance and low employee turnover, thanks to Cohesion's flat fee model, focus on client service, and emphasis on communication and growth opportunities for employees. As a result, Cohesion was recognized by Accounting Today as a top firm to work for in 2022. This Rewind episode is chock full of insights on how your firm can do the same! Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Tired of endless 80-hour weeks? Chris Vanover, President and Chief Auditor at AuditClub, talks to John Randolph about AuditClub’s subscription model which aims to give firms flexible access to audit experts on demand. Listen in to learn how AuditClub’s transparent bonus system and sustainable four-day workweek attracts top talent while prioritizing work-life balance. Chris also reveals how AuditClub is designed to meet the audit needs of sole practitioners and top ten firms alike. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Donny Shimamoto, CEO of IntraPrise TechKnowlogies, is a thought leader in public accounting who is transforming the industry through his focus on technology, people, and culture. On Episode 22 of CPA Life, Donny talks to John Randolph about how firms can address the staffing crisis through demand management, outsourcing, and automation. He also shares the results of surveys conducted by his Center for Accounting Transformation on what makes firms successful, and the importance of advisory services over compliance work. Donny also touches on how AI will impact accounting, advising firms to leverage it to enhance their work, rather than replace it, and to be skeptical in its implementation. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Yuri Kapilovich started #thefunCPA movement to change the stale, grueling culture of public accounting. On Episode 21 of CPA Life, he talks to John Randolph about his journey through seven different firms, including time spent in the Big Four, until he finally settled on starting his own firm, with a focus on a better work-life balance. Yuri understands that with the availability of information on the internet, the accounting industry must adapt to retain top talent. He is making it happen through his own firm, and he advocates for other firms to follow a similar path, as today’s generation of accountants simply won’t tolerate the conditions that have dominated the industry for so many years. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Host John Randolph continues his thought-provoking conversation with Geraldine Carter about transforming accounting firms on Episode 20 of CPA Life. Geraldine stresses the importance of understanding what clients truly value, explaining that all too often, clients don’t actually understand the product you’re selling them. She also takes issue with the oft-heard refrain that “CPAs are risk-averse,” arguing that in fact, CPAs take calculated risks all the time, and they take unnecessary risks through inaction. Part two of the discussion is full of big ideas to help you build a thriving and fulfilling practice. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Geraldine Carter’s background in engineering and adventure travel informs her gusto and skill for identifying and solving problems, and her experience in founding her own business led her to realize the challenges many CPAs face as business owners themselves. She talks to John Randolph on part 1 of this two-part episode of CPA Life about those challenges, and her coaching of CPAs on how to simplify their practices, focus on value creation, and get their hours and stress under control. Geraldine provides practical advice on harnessing the benefits of narrowing your focus through specialization or niching, such as higher margins and an easier workload. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Zane Stevens co-founded Protea Financial, an accounting firm focused on the wine industry, and it was remote from the beginning. He talks to John Randolph on Episode 18 of CPA Life about how this allowed him to treat employees like adults and provide flexibility in their roles. He also emphasizes the benefits of niche focus, arguing that firms that try to be everything to everyone often underdeliver. Zane notes that communication is often the biggest challenge for remote teams, requiring purposeful structures and frequent adjustments. Still, he finds that remote work allows for more precise, focused conversations and improved productivity. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Shannon Badger, co-founder of Badger CPA, joins John Randolph on Episode 17 of CPA Life. A fast-growing accounting firm founded in 2015, Badger has been recognized as one of the best firms to work for by Accounting Today and as one of the fastest growing businesses by Inc. Shannon discusses how they have achieved this rapid growth while prioritizing people over profits. They started small and built up gradually, emphasizing the importance of fixed fee pricing, managing workloads down to a 2,200 hour work year, hiring remote talent, and setting boundaries with clients to create a sustainable work environment for their employees. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Michael Meihaus, founder of Meihaus CPA, returns to CPA Life for episode two of this special series. John Randolph picks back up on Michael’s social media post of the 16 things he wishes he’d known when he started his accounting career, and Michael talks more about the lessons he learned from founding his own firm after ten years in public accounting. Of utmost importance is building relationships and having advocates both inside and outside your firm—an overarching framework. Within this framework, he stresses how vital it is to overcome imposter syndrome, to realize that the firm you work for will go on without you if you decide to leave, and to take any advice you receive with a thoughtful grain of salt. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Michael Meihaus started Meihaus CPA in 2022. He had many motivations, but a particularly unpleasant experience with a client where his wellbeing was pitted against the client’s dollars was among the major reasons. In part one of this special two part episode of CPA Life, Michael talks to John Randolph about the insights he's gained in his ten years in accounting—things he knows now that he wishes he knew when he started. They include that imposter syndrome is common, even for senior managers, that firms should invest in interns and staff, that health and wellbeing don’t have to be pipe dreams within the accounting profession, and that as accounting continues to become more global, having an international outlook is of vital importance. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Tram Le took a unique path to becoming an accounting professional, passing up an opportunity to play tennis professionally and becoming an attorney along the way. On Episode 14 of CPA Life, she tells John Randolph more about TaxOps, where she serves as State and Local Tax Manager and the theme of a different approach to accounting continues. SALT is an oft-forgotten practice area but, Tram explains, one with enormous opportunity. At TaxOps, which has been recognized as a “best firm to work for,” among many other accolades over the past decade, Tram has helped create a “firmily”—a portmanteau of “firm” and “family,” where people feel valued and have each other’s best interests at heart. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Briggs had his first taste of Big Four accounting life while he was still in college, and he immediately saw so many ways in which the traditional firm model didn’t work. On Episode 13 of CPA Life, he discusses how this and other experiences made him set out to create a distinctive, human-focused firm by founding Incite Tax. An advocate of scientific, results-based techniques for getting the job done, John talks about Incite’s licensee model, some of the work principles he outlines in his forthcoming book, the inception of their “IRS Sucks” motto, and more. Join host John Randolph and discover how this groundbreaking approach works. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

This special two-part episode of CPA Life concludes with Amber Setter of Conscious Public Accountants rejoining John Randolph to delve back into their wide-ranging and insightful conversation. They focus on changes that need to happen and breaks that need to occur from the “old ways” of doing things, covering the integration of remote working into the accounting profession, how coaching plays a role in setting expectations and bringing firm leader and employee minds together, the massive advantages of ditching the billable hour and changing to subscription- and/or value-based billing, and more. You won’t want to miss it! Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Amber Setter of Conscious Public Accountants started out her career in public accounting, and as time passed, she noticed more and more things that needed fixing in the profession. Currently serving as Chief Enlightenment Officer and Executive Leadership Coach, she talks about the importance of coaching in the profession, the benefits it conveys, and how so many problems in the profession are tied to a “dinosaur” mindset. Episode 11 of CPA Life is the first part of a special two-part episode featuring John’s conversation with Amber that will air in back-to-back weeks. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

When Marcus Dillon of Dillon Business Advisors first branched out from his career, which included a stint with a Big Four firm, he realized that he had “recreated the monster” that sucked away all his time and energy in his new venture. Because his goal had been to take control of his life by doing things differently as a business owner, he took stock of what had happened and made the adjustments necessary to take the pressure off himself and his employees. This included saying no to old and new clients alike, divorcing the ideas of “work” and “business,” and ensuring his employees, many of whom work part-time, had the ability to properly balance their lives with their work, too. He has continued to utilize that philosophy to build DBA into the success it is today. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

O&S CPAs continues to build on a quarter-century legacy to create a culture that has allowed them to be recognized as a Best Firm to Work For on a national, regional and local basis. Their outside-the-box thinking has allowed them to continue to grow – and sustain that growth – with very little turnover and a firm culture that embraces employee individuality. Paul Scholz talks about how they have evolved into a stronger employee-centric firm that embraces remote, hybrid or in-office work situations; an understanding that each employee is walking a different path in life and while some may be able to put in 60 hours during busy season, others are lucky to put in 40 – and that's perfectly fine. Paul proves that the ability to ditch a "we've always done it that way" mindset is critical to success in today's ever-changing Public Accounting landscape for firm owners.

What's Your “And?” That's more than just a question, it truly is what fuels you and gives you the passion to do what it is that you do each day of your life. While many people try to be defined by the title on their business card, Corporate Culture Catalyst and Award-Winning Author John Garrett started his career as a Big 4 auditor, but what truly provided fuel for his fire early on was a passion for comedy. John took that passion and has turned it into a full-time career as a consultant, coach, and keynote speaker, helping companies attract and retain talent while building a culture that meets people right where they are while finding out, What's Your “And?”

What happens when a couple of guys who spent time at a traditional public accounting firm get together over a few beers to discuss what frustrates them about their jobs? How about the birth of a new-breed CPA firm, Market Street Partners, that has been recognized in recent years by Accounting Today, Inside Public Accounting and the Chattanooga Times as one of the fastest growing and best CPA firms in the country to work for. Listen to see how Kyle Bryant has built one of today's leading CPA firms by focusing on people and exceptional client service.