Kenji Kuramoto is the Founder & CEO of Acuity, one of the largest CAS accounting firms in the US. Kenji has provided thousands of companies with a full range of financial solutions, from high-level strategic financial counsel to virtualized bookkeeping and tax services. In this episode, Kenji and Stuart discuss the challenges of growing a company, building a strong culture, and the importance of being flexible for employees. They also talk about discussing sensitive topics in the workplace, and what’s coming next for Acuity.

The pros and cons of company growth

KenjiKuramoto

Kenji Kuramoto

Jeremy Hyman is the Founder and Principal of Jeremy Hyman Associates, an IT services and consulting company that helps firms make sound IT decisions. With over 25 years of experience in the professional services sector and a degree in law, Jeremy is an IT manager, partner, software developer, and management consultant. In this episode, Jeremy and Stuart discuss multiple technological breakthroughs over the last two years, as well as some things to keep an eye out in the future. They also chat about remote work, the new reality of virtual meetings, and how technology distracts us on a day-to-day basis. 

Post-pandemic work-life, Pomodoro, and the future of technology

Jeremy Hyman

Edward Chan is a Co-Founder of Wize Mentoring and a Non-Executive Chairman at Chan & Naylor. He started Chan & Naylor from his kitchen table and grew it to 10 offices around Australia with 160 staff and 15,000 clients. He then co-founded Wize Mentoring, which is now in 47 countries, connecting over 125,000 accountants. In this episode, Ed shares his tips on how to grow your business without sacrificing your life. He and Stuart dig into the success of Chan & Naylor, what the process of expanding the company looked like and what you need to do to find yourself.

[FREE Downloadable Playbook for Accountants - 3 Strategies to unlock a 20-Hour Workweek!](https://www.wizementoring.com/the-accountants-20hr-workweek-playbook-partnerships "Playbook for Accountants ")

The secrets to growing your business without sacrificing your life

EdChan

Ed Chan

Matthew May is the VP of Sales & Marketing at Acuity, a virtual accounting solution for entrepreneurs. In this episode, Matthew and Stuart discuss how important it is to have a partner and mutual support in both rewarding and challenging times. They also talk about how Acuity has transformed throughout the years and the main challenges of a company's growth. Tune in for this inspirational discussion that dives deep into the challenges of partnership and leadership.

Deep-diving into the challenges of leadership

MatthewMay

Matthew May

Jeff Phillips is the CEO of Padgett, one of the largest tax and accounting firms in North America. He also founded the recruitment platform Accountingfly in 2012 and has been recognized as one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People for helping solve the hiring challenges of CPA firms. In this episode, Jeff and Stuart discuss combining work with vacation while being remote, the story of Accountingfly, and what it takes to be a great leader. They also talk about holidays, Jeff's trip to Costa Rica, and how taking mangoes from someone's tree is acceptable.

Go remote or go home: Why remote work is the key to success for any modern accounting firm

JeffPhillips

Jeff Phillips

As the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at AICPA, Crystal Cooke focuses on increasing the representation of minority groups in the accounting profession. In this episode, Crystal explains the current state of diversity and inclusion in the accounting industry, including ways to promote it and what AICPA is doing about it. Join Crystal and Stuart as they dissect the typical profile of the US accountant, and delve into the statistics around minority professionals.

The importance of diversity and inclusion

CrystalCooke,jpg

Crystal Cooke

Joe David is the Founder and Managing Director of two UK-based firms: Nephos and a leading crypto accounting firm, Myna. In this episode, Stuart and Joe discuss crypto accounting and regulations, what the future of this space might look like, and how it can change our lives. Tune in for a great chat to learn about crypto and the future of podcasts in the metaverse.

Crypto accounting, blockchain, and the metaverse

JoeDavid

Joe David

Katie Bryan is the CEO and Founder of Propeller Advisory—a successful multi-figure accounting and business advisory firm based in Melbourne, Australia. She’s a business owner, mum to a newborn, wife, sister, and also helps her clients build businesses and lives they deserve. In this episode, Stuart and Katie discuss the accounting industry, the story of Propeller Advisory, and what made Katie open a venture to inspire women business owners.

Empowering women through accounting

KatieBryan

Katie Bryan

Scott Scarano is the President of Padgett Business Services in North Carolina. He leads a team of unique advisors who share his passion for helping small businesses thrive. In this episode, Stuart and Scott discuss the impact of social media on productivity, Scott’s journey with Padgett, the parallels between cartels and accounting, and interacting with people in a post-COVID world. Scott also shares his unique story of learning how to run a business and what led him to be a podcast host.

What cartels and accountants have in common

Scott Scarano - headshot

Scott Scarano

Enrico Palmerino is the CEO and Founder of Botkeeper, a platform that provides accountants with an automated bookkeeping practice using human-assisted machine learning and Artificial Intelligence. In this episode, Enrico and Stuart share their thoughts on the development of the accounting industry and how tech firms enable it to evolve. Learn what it takes to build a successful tech firm, the importance of choosing the right investment partner, and how watching sports can help you close a deal. 

Building a tech accounting firm the right way 

EnricoPalmerino2

Enrico Palmerino

Kellie Parks is a cloud accounting specialist and coach at Calmwaters Cloud Accounting. In this episode, Kellie and Stuart talk about the early days of cloud accounting, the further development of technology and how it changed the life of Kellie and her clients. As an early adopter of remote work, Kellie shares the stories of the adventures that cloud accounting allowed her to do.

Bringing value by doing what you love

KellieParks

Kellie Parks

Chad Davis is a co-founder and partner at LiveCA LLP, who decided to pursue a career in accounting at a very young age. Join Chad and Stuart as they discuss the origins of LiveCA, the philosophy behind it, and how helping competitors might be beneficial for your company. Accounting aside, they also talk about living and working from an RV, non-traditional schooling for kids, and growing a beard while traveling.

Running an accounting firm from an RV

Chad Davis

Alastair Barlow is CEO and co-founder at Flinder. He has experience working with fast-growth businesses, transforming finance functions, writing for AccountingWeb, and being a part of global accounting and technology panels. In this episode, Alastair and Stuart discuss data analytics, the current position of Flinder and what’s in store for the future. They also share some interesting thoughts about rugby, ski trips, and the importance of relationships with your clients and colleagues.

What it takes to grow your company, expanding verticals, and application of data analytics

Alastair Barlow

Leeroy Beeby is a co-founder of the innovative, technology-focused practice, Check The Level. He grew up in a family of small business owners and watched his parents struggle with time and money, which inspired him to establish a career in business. In this episode, Leeroy and Stuart talk about his experience living in different countries, and how his MBA helped him in his entrepreneurial journey, which later led him to start an accounting and bookkeeping firm for contractors. They also discuss technology, operations, and life-changing impact on his clients’ lives.

Living around the world, working with contractors, and construction accounting

Leeroy Beeby

Joyce is a founder, entrepreneur, content creator, disruptor, rebel against boring, a savior from sucky training, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and human. In this episode, Joyce and Stuart talk about academic experience, the beginning of their careers, and their journey to becoming business owners. Learn how Tax Nuggets Academy was founded (and what’s coming up next), and how owning a business affects your personal life.

Entrepreneurship, content and professional journeys

Joyce Ong

Katye Maxson Landis is the owner of Moxy Accounting LLC in Portland, Oregon and is one of few women in the United States actively filing taxes for small cannabis businesses. In this episode, Katye sheds light on the accounting challenges that cannabis businesses face, the advantages that they can bring, and shares stories of her very interesting clients. She also talks about the future of the cannabis industry and her very own educational program for cannabis accountants.

Cannabis accounting, government roadblocks and client stories

Katye Maxson Landis

Timothy Munro is the CEO & Founder of Change Accountants & Advisors, and Founder & Director of Change GPS. Timothy co-founded his first accounting firm at the age of 19, had a life-changing impact on his clients, and licensed his tools and processes to other firms through Change GPS. In this episode, Timothy and Stuart discuss the importance of establishing a positive relationship and shared values to achieve mutual success for you and your clients. They also talk about the future of how to choose the right clients to work with, emissions reduction, and favorite personal vehicles.

The importance of connection, shared values, and winning decisions

Tim Munro

Timothy Munro

This week, Stuart is talking all things cryptocurrency with Arthur Teller and Zac McClure from TokenTax, the leading crypto tax platform and cryptocurrency tax accounting company. Together they discuss a broad range of crypto topics including how this movement is giving the younger generation a way to gain wealth, the global implications, and the trends in cryptocurrency that everyone in the accounting profession should know about. They even provide an answer to Stuart’s question; “what is going to 20x in value in the next two years”!

Navigating the crypto and tax world, and the trends you need to know, with Zac McClure and Arthur Teller

Arthur Teller

Arthur Teller & Zac McClure

Ryan Lazanis joins Stuart for an inspiring chat about the future of the accounting profession, the model for a scalable, systematic accounting firm, and how to build a firm that can give you the life you want. Ryan founded Xen Accounting, a 100% cloud-based accounting firm, in 2013. Following its acquisition in 2018, he started Future Firm to provide content and coaching to help other accountants fast-track their own firm. He educates over 5,000 firm leaders globally via his [free weekly newsletter](https://futurefirm.co/newsletter/) and coaches hundreds of successful accounting firms through his [Future Firm Accelerate](http://futurefirmaccelerate.com/) online coaching membership.

Building a scalable, systematic firm that doesn’t drive you into the ground

Ryan Lazanis

Few encapsulate the title of accounting leader more than Jason Blumer. In this episode, Jason and Stuart discuss the background and success of Thriveal, the network Jason founded to help other entrepreneurial CPA firm owners connect, learn and grow. They also discuss the trend of larger firms acquiring smaller firms, the challenges of growth, why you need to know your strengths and weaknesses, and how you can use that knowledge to define your purpose, lean into it, and help your own firm thrive.

Knowing your purpose, educating, and building communities

Jason Blumer

Jason Blumer, CPA

Kylene O'Connor Carse from BWCO CPAs joins the Accounting Leaders Podcast this week to share her story with Stuart. In an honest chat, they discuss the challenges of constantly being busy and how to balance that when you also have a family. Kylene also talks about capacity planning, burnout, running a female-only firm, and even Peloton. Any accountant who has ever felt the pressure of deadlines and an always-growing workload will relate to this episode. 

Balancing work with family, avoiding burnout, and running a female-only firm

KyleneOConnorCarse

Kylene O’Connor Carse

In the second episode of the Accounting Leaders Podcast, Stuart sits down with James Ashford from GoProposal. James shares his untraditional journey from starting out as a magician to setting up his own agency where he mastered the art of selling services to clients. They discuss the importance of client relationships, his mission for GoProposal, recent changes in the accounting industry, and much more. 

Making a difference through closing deals, selling services and client relationships

James Ashford headshot

James Ashford

This week, Stuart is joined by Marilyn Davies, Director of Tandem Group, an accounting firm founded more than 100 years ago in the Taranaki region of rural New Zealand. Marilyn discusses the impact of COVID-19 on New Zealand businesses, the challenges of finding great staff, advice for the younger generation of accountants, and much more.

Accounting in rural New Zealand, the talent shortage, and what young accountants need to know

Marilyn Davies

We're interrupting your podcast feed for a bonus, shorter episode to discuss some breaking industry news. Last week, pricing and onboarding app GoProposal announced they had been acquired by Sage. To give you the inside story, we brought back one of our earlier guests, the co-founder of GoProposal James Ashford. In this episode, James shares why he made this decision, what it means for GoProposal's customers and the wider profession, what accountants can learn from his M&A experience, and most importantly, what comes next.

The inside story of GoProposal’s acquisition by Sage

This week, Stuart is joined by Heather Townsend, founder of The Accountants Millionaires' Club, author of 6 books, and highly-regarded influencer, speaker and coach to accounting firm owners. They explore the intricacies of her career, her capacity to be well-prepared, and the growth that she's helped many partners and firms achieve over the years.

What success really means, the state of UK accounting, and the strength of community

Heather Townsend

This week Stuart is joined by Ohran Gobrin from Fuller Landau in Canada. They speak about Ohran's move from engineering to accounting, implementing a hybrid model in your firm, and adopting new technologies within the accounting industry. They also look ahead to what's next at Fuller Landau and what might be on the horizon for the accounting indsutry.

Being responsively responsive, adopting technology, and providing expert evidence in court

OhranGobrin

Ohran Gobrin

This week, Stuart is joined by Vice President of Product Management and Design for Intuit, Jorge Olavarrieta. In a wide-ranging chat, Jorge shares the path that brought him to Intuit, how the business is solving its customer’s biggest problems, and what’s coming next. 

Improving life for your customers, powering prosperity, and not doing it on your own

Jorge Olavarrieta

This week Stuart is joined by the father-son accounting duo from BNA, Bernie and Jason Ackerman. They reveal the pros and cons of working with family, the quest to offer the ultimate client experience, the evolution of technolgy in the accounting industry and why we still have a long way to go, the impacts of COVID-19 and more.


Working with your dad, creating the ultimate client experience and technologies that the industry needs

BernieandJasonAckerman

Bernie & Jason Ackerman

In this week's episode of the Accounting Leaders Podcast, Stuart is joined by Connecticut-based CPA and author Dawn Brolin. They cover topics ranging from how experiences in coaching softball can be applied to your accounting firm to the importance of finding the motivation behind the work you do. They also discuss innovation and technology stacks in accounting, industry trends, and the freedoms of operating a virtual-first company.

The effect of having a designated motivator, defining the why, and creating an all-star tech stack

Dawn Brolin headshot

Dawn Brolin

Today, Gary Wood from CRC joins Stuart to discuss topics including the importance of networking with other accountants, dealing with the tumult and changes brought about by COVID-19, and coping with burnout. They also cover the importance of developing meaningful relationships with clients, maintaining work-life balance, and the path to and benefits of running a small firm. 


Networking, the benefits of running a small firm and saying ‘no’

Gary Wood Headshot

Gary Wood

Longtime friend of Stuart, Steph Hinds from Growthwise, joins the latest episode. Steph and Stuart explore how the accounting industry has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, the negative and positive impacts on small businesses, and how different countries and regions have reacted in their own unique ways. Steph also shares why it's so important to tell your own story, her thoughts on the automation of accounting, and discusses the state of the Australian economy. 

Helping clients tell their story, building long-lasting partnerships and automating the accounting industry

Steph Hinds headshot

Steph Hinds

In this episode, Stuart is joined by Canadian guest David DiNardo. They discuss avoiding burnout, the importance of marketing your firm, and how cloud-based accounting significantly improves workflows. David also shares his path to owning a bookkeeping company, how to build a performance-based team, and shares his tips to scale your own firm. 

Hiring effective workers, scaling your company and utilizing marketing for firm growth

DavidDiNardo

David DiNardo

Jeremy Allen, founder of System Six, joins Stuart in the inaugural episode of the Accounting Leaders Podcast. Together, they discuss what it’s like to lead a firm when you are not an accountant, the past, present and future of cloud accounting, the importance of company culture (especially for remote companies) and acquiring vs. being acquired.

What got us here might not get us there

Jeremy Allen

This week Stuart sits down with seasoned CPA and cloud technology advocate, Bruce Phillips from Aprio Cloud. They discuss the need for automation, moving from traditional file cabinets to cloud accounting, firm sizes, and shifts in the current talent market. They also cover the importance of mentorship and offer advice for those beginning a career in accounting.

Calculated risks and lifetime learning are the keys to success

Bruce Phillips Headshot

Bruce Phillips

<div>Jeremy Hyman is the Founder and Principal of Jeremy Hyman Associates, an IT services and consulting company that helps firms make sound IT decisions. With over 25 years of experience in the professional services sector and a degree in law, Jeremy is an IT manager, partner, software developer, and management consultant. In this episode, Jeremy and Stuart discuss multiple technological breakthroughs over the last two years, as well as some things to keep an eye out in the future. They also chat about remote work, the new reality of virtual meetings, and how technology distracts us on a day-to-day basis.&nbsp;<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>Jeremy’s and Stuart’s geographical locations (2:00)</li><li>Karbon’s team growth in Australia (5:00)</li><li>Impact of COVID on tech firms (7:20)</li><li>Working in the office vs. remote (8:30)</li><li>Virtual offices and the metaverse (11:00)</li><li>Physical, hybrid, and virtual meetings (16:30)</li><li>Evolution of traveling in a hybrid world (20:00)</li><li>Isolating from the internet to be productive (26:00)</li><li>Fighting destruction and multitasking (28:00)</li><li>Ethics creep (30:00)</li><li>Being alert on vacation (33:00)</li><li>Responsibility of software companies (36:00)</li><li>Jeremy’s world view (40:30)</li><li>The beauty of search engines (42:00)</li><li>Impact of COVID on small and large firms (46:20)</li><li>What’s next for Jeremy Hyman Associates (49:00)</li></ul>

Post-pandemic work-life, Pomodoro, and the future of technology with Jeremy Hyman

<div>Edward Chan is a Co-Founder of Wize Mentoring and a Non-Executive Chairman at Chan &amp; Naylor. He started Chan &amp; Naylor from his kitchen table and grew it to 10 offices around Australia with 160 staff and 15,000 clients. He then co-founded Wize Mentoring, which is now in 47 countries, connecting over 125,000 accountants. In this episode, Ed shares his tips on how to grow your business without sacrificing your life. He and Stuart dig into the success of Chan &amp; Naylor, what the process of expanding the company looked like and what you need to do to find yourself.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>The story of Wize Mentoring (02:00)</li><li>Ed’s background (04:00)</li><li>Ed’s first business and business partner (6:30)</li><li>Dealing with overworking (7:30)</li><li>Overcoming challenges as a business owner (9:30)</li><li>How to be more efficient (11:30)</li><li>The beginning of Chan &amp; Naylor (15:00)</li><li>Chan &amp; Naylor’s business model (16:00)</li><li>How to be in control of your business (19:30)</li><li>The biggest lessons Ed has learned (23:30)</li><li>The process of expanding business (25:30)</li><li>Ed’s biggest success and biggest catastrophe (28:00)</li><li>Greatest technological changes in accounting (29:30)</li><li>Being a generalist vs. being a specialist (35:30)</li><li>Ed’s experience of finding himself in his early career (38:00)</li><li>Mentorship and hobbies (40:00)</li><li>What is next for Wize Mentoring (44:00)</li></ul>

Edward Chan is a Co-Founder of Wize Mentoring and a Non-Executive Chairman at Chan &amp; Naylor. He started Chan &amp; Naylor from his kitchen table and grew it to 10 offices around Australia with 160 staff and 15,000 clients. He then co-founded Wize Mentoring, which is now in 47 countries, connecting over 125,000 accountants. In this episode, Ed shares his tips on how to grow your business without sacrificing your life. He and Stuart dig into the success of Chan &amp; Naylor, what the process of expanding the company looked like and what you need to do to find yourself.

Edward Chan is a Co-Founder of Wize Mentoring and a Non-Executive Chairman at Chan & Naylor. He started Chan & Naylor from his kitchen table and grew it to 10 offices around Australia with 160 staff and 15,000 clients. He then co-founded Wize Mentoring, which is now in 47 countries, connecting over 125,000 accountants. In this episode, Ed shares his tips on how to grow your business without sacrificing your life. He and Stuart dig into the success of Chan & Naylor, what the process of expanding the company looked like and what you need to do to find yourself.

The secrets to growing your business without sacrificing your life with Ed Chan

<div>Matthew May is the VP of Sales &amp; Marketing at Acuity, a virtual accounting solution for entrepreneurs. In this episode, Matthew and Stuart discuss how important it is to have a partner and mutual support in both rewarding and challenging times. They also talk about how Acuity has transformed throughout the years and the main challenges of a company's growth. Tune in for this inspirational discussion that dives deep into the challenges of partnership and leadership.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>Latest at Acuity (1:00)</li><li>Matthew’s family (2:00)</li><li>Importance of having a business partner (3:00)</li><li>Similarities of running a business and sports (5:00)</li><li>Matthew’s experience of working with Kenji Kuramoto (7:00)</li><li>The good cop and the bad cop (9:00)</li><li>Lessons Matthew learned while working at Acuity (10:20)</li><li>The challenges of high growth organizations (12:00)&nbsp;</li><li>Availability of capital in the professional services industry (14:30)</li><li>The Great Resignation (18:30)</li><li>Being an authentic company (22:00)</li><li>Future plans and use of technology for Acuity (26:00)</li><li>Merger with Catching Clouds (27:30)</li><li>Lessons learned from acquisitions (32:30)</li><li>Acuity’s sales and marketing model (34:30)</li><li>Acuity's ideal clients (40:00)</li><li>The process of working with potential clients (42:00)</li><li>Email selling (44:00)</li><li>Identifying the right clients in the funnel (46:00)</li><li>Matthew’s plans for 2022 (50:00)</li></ul>

Matthew May is the VP of Sales &amp; Marketing at Acuity, a virtual accounting solution for entrepreneurs. In this episode, Matthew and Stuart discuss how important it is to have a partner and mutual support in both rewarding and challenging times. They also talk about how Acuity has transformed throughout the years and the main challenges of a company's growth. Tune in for this inspirational discussion that dives deep into the challenges of partnership and leadership.

Deep-diving into the challenges of leadership with Matthew May

<div>Jeff Phillips is the CEO of Padgett, one of the largest tax and accounting firms in North America. He also founded the recruitment platform Accountingfly in 2012 and has been recognized as one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People for helping solve the hiring challenges of CPA firms. In this episode, Jeff and Stuart discuss combining work with vacation while being remote, the story of Accountingfly, and what it takes to be a great leader. They also talk about holidays, Jeff's trip to Costa Rica, and how taking mangoes from someone's tree is acceptable.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>Jeff’s background and hobbies (1:10)</li><li>Jeff’s and Stuart’s families (4:00)</li><li>Gap year and college (5:45)</li><li>Family vacations (8:00)</li><li>Trip to Costa Rica (9:00)</li><li>Remote work (13:00)</li><li>COVID impacting geographical wage difference (18:00)</li><li>Stuart’s theory of the Great Reshuffle (21:00)</li><li>Remote work uncovering opportunities for innovative firms (23:30)</li><li>Foundations of Padgett (28:00)</li><li>Work at Accountingfly (31:30)</li><li>What makes a perfect firm (33:50)&nbsp;</li><li>Employment as a two-way relationship (39:20)</li><li>Challenges of being a leader of a company (42:50)</li><li>The pivot of Accountigfly (45:30)</li></ul>

Go remote or go home: Why remote work is the key to success for any modern accounting firm with Jeff Phillips

<div>Kenji Kuramoto is the Founder &amp; CEO of Acuity, one of the largest CAS accounting firms in the US. Kenji has provided thousands of companies with a full range of financial solutions, from high-level strategic financial counsel to virtualized bookkeeping and tax services. In this episode, Kenji and Stuart discuss the challenges of growing a company, building a strong culture, and the importance of being flexible for employees. They also talk about discussing sensitive topics in the workplace, and what’s coming next for Acuity.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>Impact of COVID on Acuity (2:00)</li><li>Parenting during COVID (4:00)</li><li>Growth of Acuity (7:15)</li><li>Developing the culture at Acuity (8:15)</li><li>Most challenging issues of scaling (10:00)</li><li>How Acuity maintains its culture (13:40)</li><li>The weather in Atlanta (16:00)</li><li>Acuity in the office vs. remote (17:00)</li><li>The Great Resignation and creating a positive work experience for employees (20:50)</li><li>Impact Karbon faced after leaving the Bay Area (26:50)</li><li>Political affiliations and discussion in the US (31:00)</li><li>The risk of debilitating personal differences in the US (33:40)</li><li>The impact of written communication (38:00)</li><li>What’s next for Acuity (40:20)</li><li>Reasons for Acuity becoming a certified B Corporation (43:30)</li><li>Drink While You Think podcast (47:00)</li></ul>

Kenji Kuramoto is the Founder &amp; CEO of Acuity, one of the largest CAS accounting firms in the US. Kenji has provided thousands of companies with a full range of financial solutions, from high-level strategic financial counsel to virtualized bookkeeping and tax services. In this episode, Kenji and Stuart discuss the challenges of growing a company, building a strong culture, and the importance of being flexible for employees. They also talk about discussing sensitive topics in the workplace, and what’s coming next for Acuity.

The pros and cons of company growth with Kenji Kuramoto

<div>As the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at AICPA, Crystal Cooke focuses on increasing the representation of minority groups in the accounting profession. In this episode, Crystal explains the current state of diversity and inclusion in the accounting industry, including ways to promote it and what AICPA is doing about it. Join Crystal and Stuart as they dissect the typical profile of the US accountant, and delve into the statistics around minority professionals.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>Crystal’s background (2:30)</li><li>Crystal’s and Stuart’s school experience (3:30)</li><li>Life in Ohio state (4:40)</li><li>Crystal’s journey of becoming an accounting professional (6:40)</li><li>Crystal’s journey with diversity and inclusion (9:00)</li><li>Leaving KPMG (11:40)</li><li>Crystal’s career trajectory (12:40)</li><li>Facing bias as a senior at KPMG (16:30)</li><li>Starting the DEI work (19:00)</li><li>The state of diversity in the accounting industry in the US (22:00)</li><li>How to promote and attract diversity in the industry (28:50)</li><li>Lack of financial literacy in the business world (34:00)</li><li>Focus areas at AICPA (35:10)</li><li>Challenges of promoting DEI and ways to solve it (38:00)</li><li>Success highlights of Crystal’s career (43:10)</li><li>Why accountants do what they do (46:00)</li></ul>

The importance of diversity and inclusion with Crystal Cooke

<div>Joe David is the Founder and Managing Director of two UK-based firms: Nephos and a leading crypto accounting firm, Myna. In this episode, Stuart and Joe discuss crypto accounting and regulations, what the future of this space might look like, and how it can change our lives. Tune in for a great chat to learn about crypto and the future of podcasts in the metaverse.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>Ukraine and Russia conflict affecting crypto (1:00)</li><li>Joe’s story of becoming a crypto accounting specialist (2:00)</li><li>Operations at Nephos and Myna (4:00)</li><li>Starting a crypto firm (5:40)</li><li>Direction for Nephos (8:30)</li><li>Ideal clients for Nephos (9:30)</li><li>Crypto transactions as capital (11:00)</li><li>Tech stack to manage crypto (13:30)</li><li>Community of crypto accountants (16:30)</li><li>State of crypto space in the UK (17:30)</li><li>Crypto environment around the world (20:20)</li><li>The volatility of bitcoin (24:30)</li><li>Taxation treatment of crypto (25:20)</li><li>Benefits of Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) (28:30)</li><li>What’s next for Myna and Nephos (30:20)</li><li>Financial services and crypto in the UK (32:20)</li><li>VR and the metaverse (34:30)</li><li>Future of meetings and human interaction (36:00)</li><li>Podcast in the metaverse (38:20)</li></ul>

Crypto accounting, blockchain, and the metaverse with Joe David

<div>Katie Bryan is the CEO and Founder of Propeller Advisory—a successful multi-figure accounting and business advisory firm based in Melbourne, Australia. She’s a business owner, mum to a newborn, wife, sister and also helps her clients build businesses and lives they deserve. In this episode, Stuart and Katie discuss the accounting industry, the story of Propeller Advisory, and what made Katie open a venture to inspire women business owners.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>COVID restrictions (2:00)</li><li>Living in Melbourne (3:00)</li><li>Technology allowing equalization of the industry (7:00)</li><li>Catalysts for Katie’s for success (8:40)</li><li>Mentoring (11:00)</li><li>How COVID impacted business (12:30)</li><li>Propeller’s purpose (15:00)</li><li>Team size and staff geographical distribution (17:10)</li><li>Offshoring and outsourcing staff (18:40)</li><li>The genesis of PropelHer (22:00)</li><li>Experience in building a female-focused niche (23:50)</li><li>The types of clients at PropelHer (26:40)</li><li>Support from family, clients, and the industry (28:40)</li><li>Community of the industry (29:50)</li><li>What’s next for Katie and her team (32:40)</li><li>Support for PropelHer ( 34:40)</li><li>Australian accounting industry (37:00)</li><li>Adaptation of accounting tech around the world (39:00)</li><li>What Katie is excited about (and acquiring a firm) (42:00)</li></ul>

Empowering women through accounting with Katie Bryan

<div>Scott Scarano is the President of Padgett Business Services in North Carolina. He leads a team of unique advisors who share his passion for helping small businesses thrive. In this episode, Stuart and Scott discuss the impact of social media on productivity, Scott’s journey with Padgett, the parallels between cartels and accounting, and interacting with people in a post-COVID world. Scott also shares his unique story of learning how to run a business and what led him to be a podcast host.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>Scott’s family (0:30)</li><li>Scott’s relationship with his kids (2:00)</li><li>Thoughts on Karbon (4:20)</li><li>Content marketing at Karbon (6:00)</li><li>Impact of social media (9:00)</li><li>Discussing accent and intonation (10:00)</li><li>Adjusting how you talk to suit your audience (13:30)</li><li>Recent big news (15:00)</li><li>Accounting workflow vertical (16:30)</li><li>Anatomy of tech stack at Padgett (19:30)</li><li>Application of Karbon at Padgett (20:40)</li><li>Importance of managing time (22:40)&nbsp;</li><li>The reality of working with people (26:10)</li><li>Karbon X (27:40)</li><li>The podcasting world and interacting with people (29:00)</li><li>The story of Padgett (31:00)</li><li>Changes at Padgett (35:00)</li><li>Scott’s story of joining Padgett (37:00)</li><li>Learning how to run a business in a unique way (40:30)</li><li>The parallel between cartels and accounting (42:30)</li><li>What’s next for Scott (43:50)</li><li>Finding your “why” (46:00)</li></ul>

What cartels and accountants have in common with Scott Scarano

<div>Enrico Palmerino is the CEO and Founder of Botkeeper, a platform that provides accountants with an automated bookkeeping practice using human-assisted machine learning and Artificial Intelligence. In this episode, Enrico and Stuart share their thoughts on the development of the accounting industry and how tech firms enable it to evolve. Learn what it takes to build a successful tech firm, the importance of choosing the right investment partner, and how watching sports can help you close a deal.&nbsp;<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>What the start of the year looks like for the Botkeeper team (1:50)</li><li>The genesis of Botkeeper (5:20)</li><li>State of the accounting industry (8:40)</li><li>VC experience and raised funds at Botkeeper (11:30)</li><li>Enabling the accounting industry (16:20)</li><li>Adaptation of the accounting industry (17:20)</li><li>Different regions pushing fintech (20:40)</li><li>Technology adoption in Canada (24:00)</li><li>Enrico's background and sports in Massachusets (26:00)</li><li>Going to a Patriots game with an investor (28:50)&nbsp;</li><li>What is next for Botkeeper (30:00)</li><li>The Botkeeper operating system (31:00)</li><li>Number of staff and geographical strategy (33:10)</li><li>Benefits of Botkeeper (36:00)</li><li>Clients creatively using Botkeeper (38:30)</li><li>Holiday plans (41:10)</li></ul>

Building a tech accounting firm the right way with Enrico Palmerino

<div>Kellie Parks is a cloud accounting specialist and coach at Calmwaters Cloud Accounting. In this episode, Kellie and Stuart talk about the early days of cloud accounting, the further development of technology and how it changed the life of Kellie and her clients. As an early adopter of remote work, Kellie shares the stories of the adventures that cloud accounting allowed her to do.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>Early days in cloud accounting (1:10)</li><li>Lunch invitation from Karbon (2:30)</li><li>Kellie’s background in marketing and branding (4:20)</li><li>Introduction to cloud technology (5:20)</li><li>Entering accounting space (6:30)</li><li>Skier and adventurer (8:00)</li><li>Living on the lake (10:00)</li><li>Stuart and his family (11:20)</li><li>Cloud technology helping the client (14:00)&nbsp;</li><li>Lifestyle benefits for clients (17:00)</li><li>Karbon team moving to the US (18:30)</li><li>Karbon’s offices around the world (20:00)</li><li>KarbonX (22:00)</li><li>Sacking clients (25:00)</li><li>Rehoming a client (26:30)</li><li>Niche service (29:00)</li><li>‘Five-star’ clients (31:30)</li><li>Rescue work and file cleaning (33:10)</li><li>The panel at Accounting Web Summit (35:40)</li><li>Nomad life (36:20)</li><li>Trip to New Zealand (38:00)</li></ul>

Bringing value by doing what you love with Kellie Parks

<div>Chad Davis is a co-founder and partner at LiveCA LLP, who decided to pursue a career in accounting at a very young age. Join Chad and Stuart as they discuss the origins of LiveCA, the philosophy behind it, and how helping competitors might be beneficial for your company. Accounting aside, they also talk about living and working from an RV, non-traditional schooling for kids, and growing a beard while traveling.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>Non-traditional schooling for kids (3:00)</li><li>Latest news from Karbon (6:10)</li><li>Accountants underserved and used as a channel (7:00)</li><li>Relationship with cold calls and emails (8:00)</li><li>Approach to unqualified leads (10:20)</li><li>Level of inbounding (12:40)</li><li>The founding story of LiveCA (14:10)</li><li>Philosophy of founding LiveCA (15:30)</li><li>Working from the basement (17:00)</li><li>Introducing Receipt Bank in Canada (18:40)</li><li>Newsletter hints (20:00)&nbsp;</li><li>Technical updates (21:10)</li><li>Next Karbon releases (23:40)</li><li>Karbon X (25:50)</li><li>Staff reinforcement for Karbon (27:00)</li><li>Chad’s summers (28:10)</li><li>Traveling in an RV (29:10)</li><li>Job search platform for accountants (31:30)</li><li>COVID bringing people together (37:00)</li><li>Expectations from Karbon in 2022 (38:10)</li></ul>

Running an accounting firm from an RV with Chad Davis

<div>Alastair Barlow is CEO and co-founder at Flinder. He has experience working with fast-growth businesses, transforming finance functions, writing for AccountingWeb, and being a part of global accounting and technology panels. In this episode, Alastair and Stuart discuss data analytics, the current position of Flinder and what’s in store for the future. They also share some interesting thoughts about rugby, ski trips, and the importance of relationships with your clients and colleagues.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>Six Nations rugby tournament (1:00)</li><li>COVID-19 impacting travel plans (1:50)</li><li>Accounting leaders going skiing (3:40)</li><li>Creative juices in an informal environment (4:30)</li><li>Flinder’s client and staff ski trips (5:20)</li><li>Relationship between Alastair and his co-founder Luke (7:00)</li><li>Where Flinder is today (8:40)</li><li>Plans for the future (10:00)</li><li>Investing in data analytics (12:30)</li><li>Realm of verticals (14:30)</li><li>Laboring and finding staff (17:00)</li><li>What it’s really like to work at Flinder (18:50)</li><li>Working with challenging but interesting businesses (20:50)</li><li>Strategy for 2022 (22:50)</li><li>Complex data reach sectors (25:20)</li><li>Complexities of expanding verticals (26:20)</li><li>Developing an internal team of experts (28:20)</li><li>Prediction for rugby in February (29:40)</li></ul>

What it takes to grow your company, expanding verticals, and application of data analytics with Alastair Barlow

<div>Leeroy Beeby is a co-founder of the innovative, technology-focused practice, Check The Level. He grew up in a family of small business owners and watched his parents struggle with time and money, which inspired him to establish a career in business. In this episode, Leeroy and Stuart talk about his experience living in different countries, and how his MBA helped him in his entrepreneurial journey, which later led him to start an accounting and bookkeeping firm for contractors. They also discuss technology, operations, and life-changing impact on his clients’ lives.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>KPMG Capetown (1:25)</li><li>Growing up in South Africa (2:15)</li><li>Entrepreneurial lessons from parents (3:35)</li><li>Family (5:00)</li><li>Moving to Canada (6:20)</li><li>Networking in Toronto (7:35)</li><li>Living in Bermuda (8:15)</li><li>MBA at the University of Toronto (9:50)</li><li>Applying academic knowledge in real life (11:00)</li><li>Streamlining around one customer (12:00)</li><li>Impact of recession on construction companies (14:20)</li><li>Job costing system (15:00)</li><li>Check The Level business management tool (17:15)</li><li>Product standalone vs software (18:55)</li><li>Journey of Check The Level (21:00)</li><li>Rapid growth (22:30)</li><li>Making a true impact (23:30)</li><li>Example of amazing client experiences (24:30)</li><li>Where to next (27:20)</li></ul>

Living around the world, working with contractors, and construction accounting with Leeroy Beeby

<div>Joyce is a founder, entrepreneur, content creator, disruptor, rebel against boring, a savior from sucky training, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and human. In this episode, Joyce and Stuart talk about academic experience, the beginning of their careers, and their journey to becoming business owners. Learn how Tax Nuggets Academy was founded (and what’s coming up next), and how owning a business affects your personal life.&nbsp;<br><br>Together discuss:</div><ul><li>Joyce’s background (1:35)</li><li>Bachelor of Commerce in Melbourne University (2:45)</li><li>Stuard’s academic journey (4:40)</li><li>Role of hard work in the modern world (6:40)</li><li>What is Tax Nuggets Academy (8:20)</li><li>Australian Taxation Office (10:50)</li><li>Early job (11:20)</li><li>Reasons to become a business owner (12:10)</li><li>Goals for Tax Nuggets Academy (13:10)</li><li>Quitting Tax Office (14:00)</li><li>Stuard’s experience of becoming a business owner (15:00)</li><li>Ways of funding Tax Nuggets Academy (17:00)</li><li>Engaging freelancers (18:10)</li><li>Sources of revenue (20:20)</li><li>Joyce’s “unfair” advantages (21:45)</li><li>Tax Nuggets Academy moving forward (22:40)</li><li>What made Stuard take his business to the next level/Enneagram (25:00)</li><li>Personality traits affecting relationships (27:10)</li><li>Responsibility for employees (28:05)</li><li>Its time to take it to the next level (29:30)</li><li>Increasing subscriber base (31:40)</li><li>Digital Marketing (32:30)</li><li>Radical Transparency (34:10)</li></ul>

Entrepreneurship, content and professional journeys with Joyce Ong

<div>Katye Maxson Landis is the owner of Moxy Accounting LLC in Portland, Oregon and is one of few women in the United States actively filing taxes for small cannabis businesses. In this episode, Katye sheds light on the accounting challenges that cannabis businesses face, the advantages that they can bring, and shares stories of her very interesting clients. She also talks about the future of the cannabis industry and her very own educational program for cannabis accountants.<br><br>Together discuss:</div><ul><li>Origins of Moxy Accounting (2:25)</li><li>Need of a robust tax professional in the industry (4:25)</li><li>Federal law vs State law (5:50)</li><li>Tax difference between regular businesses and cannabis businesses (6:50)</li><li>Operating cannabis growing business in a tough environment (8:35)</li><li>No privilege for American cannabis (10:20)</li><li>The passion of business owners (11:35)</li><li>It’s not a choice, it’s the law (13:35)</li><li>Pervasive view on future of accounting in the cannabis industry (15:50)</li><li>Government is reactive rather than proactive (17:00)</li><li>Opportunities of taxing cannabis sensibly (18:20)</li><li>Problems of the at-will taxing regiment (21:35)</li><li>Importance of tax courtesy or discourtesy (23:45)</li><li>Booker Schumer weed bill (24:30)</li><li>Being a champion of a small business (27:40)</li><li>Advocacy for cannabis users (28:25)</li><li>Privilege to introduce business owners to the normal economy (30:00)</li><li>There is really something about this plant (31:20)</li><li>Katye’s first cannabis client (32:35)</li><li>Dispensary consultation (37:50)</li><li>Problems of banking for cannabis (40:20)</li><li>Striving to create a defensible paper trail (41:50)</li><li>Educational program for accountants in the cannabis industry (42:50)</li><li>Practical case studies (46:00)</li><li>Go paperless with Karbon (48:05)&nbsp;</li><li>Cannabis Katye (51:00)</li></ul>

Cannabis accounting, government roadblocks and client stories with Katye Maxson Landis

<div>Timothy Munro is the CEO &amp; Founder of Change Accountants &amp; Advisors, and Founder &amp; Director of Change GPS. Timothy co-founded his first accounting firm at the age of 19, had a life-changing impact on his clients, and licensed his tools and processes to other firms through Change GPS. In this episode, Timothy and Stuart discuss the importance of establishing a positive relationship and shared values to achieve mutual success for you and your clients. They also talk about the future of how to choose the right clients to work with, emissions reduction, and favorite personal vehicles.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>Win at Xero Awards (1:10)</li><li>Origins of Change GPS and Change Accountants (03:00)</li><li>Going separate ways with previous business partner (04:40)</li><li>The third version of Change GPS (5:50)</li><li>Wealth Transfer Plan App (8:45)</li><li>Importance of values and not working with assholes (11:50)</li><li>Problems with the largest client (12:20)</li><li>Defining moment to say “no” (15:00)</li><li>Repetition of emphasis (18:20)</li><li>Establishing connection with the client (19:50)</li><li>Capacity to make winning decisions (21:20)</li><li>You and your family (23:50)</li><li>Why clients love Change GPS (24:30)</li><li>Last vehicle and travel plans for 2022 (25:40)</li><li>First overseas trip (27:40)</li><li>Best financial advice an accountant can ever get (30:15)</li><li>Emissions reduction future (32:00)</li><li>The Deficit Myth (35:00)</li><li>What happens if the whole world goes bankrupt (35:40)</li></ul><div><br></div>

Timothy Munro is the CEO &amp; Founder of Change Accountants &amp; Advisors, and Founder &amp; Director of Change GPS. Timothy co-founded his first accounting firm at the age of 19, had a life-changing impact on his clients, and licensed his tools and processes to other firms through Change GPS. In this episode, Timothy and Stuart discuss the importance of establishing a positive relationship and shared values to achieve mutual success for you and your clients. They also talk about the future of how to choose the right clients to work with, emissions reduction, and favorite personal vehicles.

The importance of connection, shared values, and winning decisions with Timothy Munro

<div>Ryan Lazanis joins Stuart on the Accounting Leaders Podcast for an inspiring chat around the future of the accounting profession, the model for a scalable, systematic accounting firm, and how to build a firm that can give you the life you want. Ryan founded Xen Accounting, a 100% cloud-based accounting firm, in 2013. Following its acquisition in 2018, he started Future Firm to provide content and coaching to help other accountants fast-track their own firm.<br><br>Ryan and Stuart discuss:</div><ul><li>Founding Xen Accounting in 2013 (1:30)</li><li>How Ryan got into accounting and was exposed to entrepreneurship from a young age (3:00)</li><li>Creating a new kind of model for accounting (6:20)</li><li>How the accounting industry has evolved (8:00)</li><li>The decision to sell Xen Accounting (10:20)</li><li>Establishing Future Firm to help accountants grow a scalable, systematic firm that they love (12:20)</li><li>Accountants have never been taught to run a business (14:30)</li><li>Why more is not better for a firm’s tech stack (15:50)</li><li>The model for creating a scalable, systematic accounting firm (17:00)</li><li>The future of Future Firm (20:00)</li><li>The differences (and similarities) between a software company and a service company (22:00)</li><li>The freedom and flexibility that comes with leading Future Firm (27:10)</li><li>Pilot, Botkeeper and the future of accounting technology (29:40)</li><li>How to learn more from Ryan (33:00)</li></ul>

Ryan Lazanis joins Stuart for an inspiring chat about the future of the accounting profession, the model for a scalable, systematic accounting firm, and how to build a firm that can give you the life you want. Ryan founded Xen Accounting, a 100% cloud-based accounting firm, in 2013. Following its acquisition in 2018, he started Future Firm to provide content and coaching to help other accountants fast-track their own firm.

Building a scalable, systematic firm that doesn’t drive you into the ground, with Ryan Lazanis

<div>Few encapsulate the title of accounting leader more than this episode’s guest, Jason Blumer. Together, Jason and Stuart discuss the background and success of Thriveal, the network Jason founded to help other entrepreneurial CPA firm owners connect, learn and grow. They also discuss the trend of larger firms acquiring smaller firms, the challenges of growth, why you need to know your strengths and weaknesses, and how you can use that knowledge to define your purpose, lean into it, and help your own firm thrive.<br><br>Together they discuss</div><ul><li>The origin of Thriveal (3:40)</li><li>The importance of resilience and perseverance (5:50)</li><li>“Whistleblower” podcast, basketball and referees (6:40)</li><li>The biggest changes in accounting in the last decade (9:00)</li><li>The evolution of accounting conferences and education (11:00)</li><li>Why large firms acquire smaller firms (13:30)</li><li>The advantages for smaller firms of selling to larger firms (16:00)</li><li>Challenges scaling your firm (16:50)</li><li>Building culture when your team is virtual (19:00)</li><li>Equity, staff compensation and partnerships (22:30)</li><li>Success stories from Thriveal Deeper Weekend (27:20)</li><li>Teaching accounting firm growth in different ways (30:30)</li><li>The firm that went through turmoil and then thrived (31:45)</li><li>Quality over quantity (36:00)</li><li>Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is a pretty cool place to be (37:50)</li><li>Why every accounting firm needs a purpose (40:40)</li><li>The impact of the global pandemic on the accounting industry (42:10)</li><li>The value of experience (45:00)</li></ul>

Few encapsulate the title of accounting leader more than this episode’s guest, Jason Blumer. Together, Jason and Stuart discuss the background and success of Thriveal, the network Jason founded to help other entrepreneurial CPA firm owners connect, learn and grow. They also discuss the trend of larger firms acquiring smaller firms, the challenges of growth, why you need to know your strengths and weaknesses, and how you can use that knowledge to define your purpose, lean into it, and help your own firm thrive.

Knowing your purpose, educating, and building communities with Jason Blumer

<div>Kylene O'Connor Carse from BWCO CPAs joins the Accounting Leaders Podcast this week to share her story with Stuart. In an honest chat, they discuss the challenges of constantly being busy and how to balance that when you also have a family. Kylene also talks about capacity planning, burnout, running a female-only firm, and even Peloton. Any accountant who has ever felt the pressure of deadlines and an always-growing workload will relate to this episode.&nbsp;<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>The story of BWCO CPAs and Kylene’s entry to accounting (1:40)</li><li>Growing up with your clients (5:20)</li><li>What it means to be a female-only firm (7:20)</li><li>Being proud of who you are (9:40)</li><li>Figuring out where you want to go and how you want to grow (10:00)</li><li>Marchternity and being over-capacity (12:10)</li><li>Avoiding burnout (16:20)</li><li>Getting on the Peleton bike (19:20)</li><li>Lessons from Jason Blumer and Thriveal (21:00)</li><li>The pitfalls of Slack and Zoom (21:50)</li><li>Raising kids when you own an accounting firm (23:20)</li><li>Storms and changing tax deadlines (28:20)</li></ul>

Balancing work with family, avoiding burnout, and running a female-only firm, with Kylene O'Connor Carse

<div>This week, Stuart is joined by Marilyn Davies, Director of Tandem Group, an accounting firm founded more than 100 years ago in the Taranaki region of rural New Zealand. Marilyn discusses the impact of COVID-19 on New Zealand businesses, the challenges of finding great staff, advice for the younger generation of accountants, and much more.&nbsp;</div><ul><li>The impact of COVID-19 in New Zealand, and affects on the supply chain (3:00)</li><li>Different types of clients and specialities (7:00)</li><li>The embracement of Xero (10:10)</li><li>The state of distributed teams versus in-office teams in a post-COVID world (12:40)</li><li>Battling Zoom meeting exhaustion (14:10)</li><li>The industries that have suffered and those that have thrived during the pandemic (15:30)</li><li>The secrets to Xero’s success (19:30)</li><li>Marilyn’s experience using Karbon at Tandem (21:40)</li><li>The challenges of finding great staff when you’re not in a big city (24:00)</li><li>Succession planning (26:50)</li><li>The tax return as a by-product of what accountants actually do (30:00)</li><li>Advice for young up-and-coming accountants (31:00)</li><li>Incredible client stories (32:10)</li></ul>

This week, Stuart is joined by Marilyn Davies, Director of Tandem Group, an accounting firm founded more than 100 years ago in the Taranaki region of rural New Zealand. Marilyn discusses the impact of COVID-19 on New Zealand businesses, the challenges of finding great staff, advice for the younger generation of accountants, and much more. 

Accounting in rural New Zealand, the talent shortage, and what young accountants need to know, with Marilyn Davies

<div>We're interrupting your podcast feed for a bonus, shorter episode to discuss some breaking industry news. Last week, pricing and onboarding app GoProposal announced that they had been acquired by Sage. To give you the inside story, we brought back one of our earlier guests, the co-founder of GoProposal James Ashford. In this episode, James shares why he made this decision, what it means for GoProposal's customers and the wider profession, what accountants can learn from his M&amp;A experience, and most importantly, what comes next.<br><br>James and Stuart discuss:&nbsp;</div><ul><li>Making the decision to sell GoProposal at day 1 (2:15)</li><li>Wrestling with your ego and testing the market (4:10)</li><li>What accountants can learn from James’ experience (6:50)</li><li>Deciding to sell GoProposal to Sage (9:30)</li><li>Prioritizing the GoProposal team and ensuring their buy-in every step of the way (10:45)</li><li>The positive and negative reactions from GoProposal customers (12:00)</li><li>What will happen to GoProposal’s integrations with Sage competitors? (15:30)</li><li>The next chapter for James (16:30)</li><li>A deeper integration between GoProposal and Karbon (21:30)</li></ul>

We're interrupting your podcast feed for a bonus, shorter episode to discuss some breaking industry news. Last week, pricing and onboarding app GoProposal announced they had been acquired by Sage. To give you the inside story, we brought back one of our earlier guests, the co-founder of GoProposal James Ashford. In this episode, James shares why he made this decision, what it means for GoProposal's customers and the wider profession, what accountants can learn from his M&amp;A experience, and most importantly, what comes next.

The inside story of GoProposal’s acquisition by Sage, with James Ashford

<div>This week, Stuart is talking all things cryptocurrency with Arthur Teller and Zac McClure from TokenTax, the leading crypto tax platform and cryptocurrency tax accounting company. Together they discuss a broad range of crypto topics including how this movement is giving the younger generation a way to gain wealth, the global implications, and the trends in cryptocurrency that everyone in the accounting profession should know about. They even provide an answer to Stuart’s question; “what is going to 20x in value in the next two years”!&nbsp;<br><br>Together they discuss:&nbsp;</div><ul><li>Bitcoin or Ethereum (1:20)</li><li>Arthur’s journey toward involved with crypto and TokenTax (3:00)</li><li>Zac’s experiences in Zimbabwe and India (5:00)</li><li>Discovering cryptocurrency and the birth of TokenTax (7:50)</li><li>Being here for the long-haul (13:00)</li><li>The IRS’ approach to cryptocurrency (14:00)</li><li>The transition from the corporate world to the crypto world (17:20)</li><li>Navigating crypto’s complexities and ambiguities (19:10)</li><li>The countries showing the most progression and maturity toward cryptocurrency (22:40)</li><li>The mistakes occurring in the US (25:40)</li><li>The impact of the generational shift (27:00)</li><li>What happens when the young become rich (30:10)</li><li>Generations interacting and adapting to a whole new concept of economics (33:00)</li><li>The importance of (and problem with) common sense (36:50)</li><li>Zac and Arthur’s predictions for the coins or tokens that will 20x over the next two years! (38:00)</li></ul>

Navigating the crypto and tax world, and the trends you need to know, with Zach McClure and Arthur Teller

<div>This week, Stuart is joined by Heather Townsend, founder of The Accountants Millionaires' Club, author of 6 books, and highly-regarded influencer, speaker and coach to accounting firm owners. They explore the intricacies of her career, her capacity to be well prepared, and the growth that she's helped many partners and firms achieve over the years.<br><br>Together they discuss:</div><ul><li>How Heather fell into the accounting profession (1:40).&nbsp;</li><li>Being an educator, taking the complex and making it simple (6:30).&nbsp;</li><li>Acknowledging that you can’t do everything (9:00).&nbsp;</li><li>The 3 ways to grow an accounting practice (10:30).&nbsp;</li><li>Pricing and increasing your fees (12:00).&nbsp;</li><li>Going after the wrong goals and having the wrong ideas of success. (16:00).&nbsp;</li><li>Recruiting challenges and the impact of COVID-19 (22:10).&nbsp;</li><li>Outsourcing and offshoring staff (28:30).&nbsp;</li><li>Teaching the wrong skills to young accountants (35:40).&nbsp;</li><li>The consolidation of technology (39:40).&nbsp;</li><li>The future of compliance (41:40).&nbsp;</li><li>The Accountants Millionaires' Club and the strength of community (45:30).</li></ul>

This week, Stuart is joined by Heather Townsend, founder of The Accountants Millionaires' Club, author of 6 books, and highly-regarded influencer, speaker and coach to accounting firm owners. They explore the intricacies of her career, her capacity to be well prepared, and the growth that she's helped many partners and firms achieve over the years.

What success really means, the state of UK accounting, and the strength of community, with Heather Townsend

<div>This week, Stuart is joined by Vice President of Product Management and Design for Intuit, Jorge Olavarrieta. In a wide-ranging chat, Jorge shares the path that brought him to Intuit, how the business is solving its customer’s biggest problems, and what’s coming next.<br><br>Together they discuss:&nbsp;<br><br>Jorge’s education at Texas A&amp;M University (2:30). The path that led him to a company that employs more than 10,000 and brings in $10billion annual revenue, and working under different Intuit leaders and CEOs (14:30). Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, and accepting it as a form of currency (20:40). How marketplaces influence technology adoption (23:10). Competitors, partners and providing the best solution to the customer (28:30). Intuit’s approach to practice management and the decision to partner with Karbon (39:00).</div>

This week, Stuart is joined by Vice President of Product Management and Design for Intuit, Jorge Olavarrieta. In a wide-ranging chat, Jorge shares the path that brought him to Intuit, how the business is solving its customer’s biggest problems, and what’s coming next. 

Together they discuss: 

Jorge’s education at Texas A&amp;M University (2:30). The path that led him to a company that employs more than 10,000 and brings in $10billion annual revenue, and working under different Intuit leaders and CEOs (14:30). Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, and accepting it as a form of currency (20:40). How marketplaces influence technology adoption (23:10). Competitors, partners and providing the best solution to the customer (28:30). Intuit’s approach to practice management and the decision to partner with Karbon (39:00).

This week, Stuart is joined by Vice President of Product Management and Design for Intuit, Jorge Olavarrieta. In a wide-ranging chat, Jorge shares the path that brought him to Intuit, how the business is solving its customer’s biggest problems, and what’s coming next. 

Together they discuss: 

Jorge’s education at Texas A&M University (2:30). The path that led him to a company that employs more than 10,000 and brings in $10billion annual revenue, and working under different Intuit leaders and CEOs (14:30). Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, and accepting it as a form of currency (20:40). How marketplaces influence technology adoption (23:10). Competitors, partners and providing the best solution to the customer (28:30). Intuit’s approach to practice management and the decision to partner with Karbon (39:00).

Improving life for your customers, powering prosperity, and not doing it on your own, with Jorge Olavarrieta from Intuit

<div>This week Stuart is joined by a friend and accounting industry colleague, Ohran Gobrin from Fuller Landau in Canada. Together they discuss:&nbsp;<br><br>Stuart and Ohran catch up (0:59-2:00). Ohran’s journey from engineering to accounting (2:00-8:20). Being responsibly responsive to a changing environment (8:20-14:03). Rolling out a hybrid model in your firm (14:03-18:48). How Ohran went from living in South Africa to Canada (18:48-22:59). Ohran’s different experiences and roles in the accounting industry (22:59-27:05). Technology adoption in the accounting industry (27:05-32:27). Ohran’s experience providing legal expertise and expert evidence in the Ontario courts (32:27-35:16). What’s on the horizon for Fuller Landau and the accounting industry (35:16-42:31).</div>

This week Stuart is joined by a friend and accounting industry colleague, Ohran Gobrin from Fuller Landau in Canada. Together they discuss: 

Stuart and Ohran catch up (0:59-2:00). Ohran’s journey from engineering to accounting (2:00-8:20). Being responsibly responsive to a changing environment (8:20-14:03). Rolling out a hybrid model in your firm (14:03-18:48). How Ohran went from living in South Africa to Canada (18:48-22:59). Ohran’s different experiences and roles in the accounting industry (22:59-27:05). Technology adoption in the accounting industry (27:05-32:27). Ohran’s experience providing legal expertise and expert evidence in the Ontario courts (32:27-35:16). What’s on the horizon for Fuller Landau and the accounting industry (35:16-42:31).

Being responsively responsive, adopting technology, and providing expert evidence in court, with Ohran Gobrin

<div>This week Stuart is joined by the father-son accounting duo: Bernie and Jason Ackerman. Together they discuss:&nbsp;<br><br>The hunt for the world’s best scrambled eggs (0:55-5:35). Bernie’s career journey and how he got his son, Jason, to join his firm (5:35-8:08). Loyal clients and low turnover is part of the reason why BNA is doing well today (8:08-9:13). When you join your dad’s company, it's in your best interest to upgrade the tech stack (9:13-12:26). Creating the ultimate client experience (12:26-18:28). What technologies and improvements the accounting industry needs (18:28-22:36). The downfalls of the partnership model (22:36-25:26). What’s in store for Jason’s future and BNA’s future (25:26-29:58). Computers are not replacing accountants anytime soon (29:58-31:40). PPP loans and some positive impacts COVID-19 had on the accounting industry (31:40-36:41).</div>

This week Stuart is joined by the father-son accounting duo: Bernie and Jason Ackerman. Together they discuss: 

The hunt for the world’s best scrambled eggs (0:55-5:35). Bernie’s career journey and how he got his son, Jason, to join his firm (5:35-8:08). Loyal clients and low turnover is part of the reason why BNA is doing well today (8:08-9:13). When you join your dad’s company, it's in your best interest to upgrade the tech stack (9:13-12:26). Creating the ultimate client experience (12:26-18:28). What technologies and improvements the accounting industry needs (18:28-22:36). The downfalls of the partnership model (22:36-25:26). What’s in store for Jason’s future and BNA’s future (25:26-29:58). Computers are not replacing accountants any time soon (29:58-31:40). PPP loans and some positive impacts COVID-19 had on the accounting industry (31:40-36:41).

Working with your dad, creating the ultimate client experience and technologies that the industry needs, with Bernie and Jason Ackerman

<div>This week Stuart is joined by Connecticut-based CPA and author Dawn Brolin. Together they discuss:&nbsp;<br><br>How experiences from coaching softball can be utilized in your accounting firm (1:14-8:45). Why you need a designated motivator (8:45-13:20). How to find the motivation (13:20-16:28). The importance of defining the WHY in your work (16:28-24:23). Trends in the industry (24:23-28:39). Dawn’s experience fighting against fraud (28:39-35:40). Innovation in accounting and the operational technology stack (35:40-47:11). Running a virtual-first company, and the opportunities it allows (47:11-49:11). All about Powerful Accountants Inc and their clients (49:11-56:51).</div>

This week Stuart is joined by Connecticut-based CPA and author Dawn Brolin. Together they discuss: 

How experiences from coaching softball can be utilized in your accounting firm (1:14-8:45). Why you need a designated motivator (8:45-13:20). How to find the motivation (13:20-16:28). The importance of defining the WHY in your work (16:28-24:23). Trends in the industry (24:23-28:39). Dawn’s experience fighting against fraud (28:39-35:40). Innovation in accounting and the operational technology stack (35:40-47:11). Running a virtual-first company, and the opportunities it allows (47:11-49:11). All about Powerful Accountants Inc and their clients (49:11-56:51).

The effect of having a designated motivator, defining the why, and creating an all-star tech stack, with Dawn Brolin

<div>Gary Wood from CRC, a small accounting firm in Missouri, joins Stuart on this week's episode. Together they discuss:&nbsp;<br><br>The value of conferences, with a little sprinkle of hockey playoff talk (0:53-4:48). The importance of networking with accountants in similar-sized firms (4:48-6:44). Dealing with legislative changes and government resources during COVID-19 (6:44-9:55). Burnout, overworking and saying ‘no’ (9:55-12:12). Having deep, instead of wide, client relationships (12:12-15:29). Client retention and communication (15:29-17:54). Work-life balance (17:54-19:30). The benefits of working for a small firm (19:30-22:55). How does the accounting industry change its recruiting pitch to get young professionals into the industry (22:55-26:47). Why accountants love seeing their clients succeed (26:47-31:36). Creating a blueprint for running a small firm (31:36-35:20).</div>

Gary Wood from CRC, a small accounting firm in Missouri, joins Stuart on this week's episode. Together they discuss: 

The value of conferences, with a little sprinkle of hockey playoff talk (0:53-4:48). The importance of networking with accountants in similar-sized firms (4:48-6:44). Dealing with legislative changes and government resources during COVID-19 (6:44-9:55). Burnout, overworking and saying ‘no’ (9:55-12:12). Having deep, instead of wide, client relationships (12:12-15:29). Client retention and communication (15:29-17:54). Work-life balance (17:54-19:30). The benefits of working for a small firm (19:30-22:55). How does the accounting industry change its recruiting pitch to get young professionals into the industry (22:55-26:47). Why accountants love seeing their clients succeed (26:47-31:36). Creating a blueprint for running a small firm (31:36-35:20).

Networking, the benefits of running a small firm and saying ‘no’, with Gary Wood

<div>Long-time friend of Stuart, Steph Hinds from Growthwise, joins the podcast to talk about topics from accounting to Australia (and everything in between). Together they discuss:&nbsp;<br><br>How Steph’s business and clients are handling the impact of COVID-19, how different areas of the world are handling the situation, and how community has been critical during the past 1.5 years (1:32-21:00). The importance of telling your story (21:00-24:45). Loving what you do and who you work with (24:45-26:39). When larger companies come into your town (26:39-31:52). Automating the accounting industry (31:52-41:39). The state of the Australian economy (41:39-53:40).</div>

Longtime friend of Stuart, Steph Hinds from Growthwise, joins the podcast to talk about topics from accounting to Australia (and everything in between). Together they discuss: 

All things Covid-19: how Steph’s company and clients are doing during this time, how different areas of the world are handling the situation, and how community has been the success story of the past 1.5 years (1:32-21:00). The importance of telling your story (21:00-24:45). Loving what you do and who you work with makes for 40 years of partnership (24:45-26:39). When larger companies come into your town (26:39-31:52). Automating the accounting industry (31:52-41:39). Some good old Australian economy talk (41:39-53:40).

Helping clients tell their story, building long-lasting partnerships and automating the accounting industry, with Steph Hinds

<div>Our first Canadian Guest, David DiNardo, joins Stuart on this week's episode of the Accounting Leaders Podcast. Together they discuss:&nbsp;<br><br>How Envolta and their clients are doing throughout Covid-19 (0:36-4:39). Preventing burnout and focusing on mental health in the never-ending tax season (4:39-8:24). Specializing in a specific vertical/niche (8:24-11:36). The importance of marketing (11:36-20:04). David’s career path to owning a bookkeeping company, plus the lessons he learned along the way (20:40-26:31). Growth and acquisitions (26:31-28:42). Building a performance-based team (28:42-29:57). Cloud-based work allows you to have it all (29:57-30:59). Scaling your company (30:59-32:51). Creating and maintaining and online company culture (32:51-35:26). Companies, and company characteristics, to keep your eye on (35:26-38:09). The best part of being an accountant (38:09-41:26).&nbsp;</div>

Our first Canadian Guest, David DiNardo, joins Stuart on this week's episode of the Accounting Leaders Podcast. Together they discuss: 

How Envolta and their clients are doing throughout Covid-19 (0:36-4:39). Preventing burnout and focusing on mental health in the never-ending tax season (4:39-8:24). Specializing in a specific vertical/niche (8:24-11:36). The importance of marketing (11:36-20:04). David’s career path to owning a bookkeeping company, plus the lessons he learned along the way (20:40-26:31). Growth and acquisitions (26:31-28:42). Building a performance-based team (28:42-29:57). Cloud-based work allows you to have it all (29:57-30:59). Scaling your company (30:59-32:51). Creating and maintaining and online company culture (32:51-35:26). Companies, and company characteristics, to keep your eye on (35:26-38:09). The best part of being an accountant (38:09-41:26). 

Kenji Kuramoto from Acuity

The pros and cons of company growth with Kenji Kuramoto

About the Episode

About the Episode

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Episode Themes

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