Audit is at a crossroads. Commoditization and compliance mentalities have diminished its value. Now, auditors face an existential crisis. How can assurance stay relevant? Join Alan Anderson and Blake Oliver as they tackle pressing questions on audit's failure to innovate and chart a new direction focused on value-added assurance. You’ll get a dynam…

بقلم Blake Oliver, CPA

Blake’s conversation with Kendale King, CPA, gives an insider’s view into the intriguing world of entertainment finance. Kendale shares his transition from Big Four auditor to accounting for multi-million dollar studio deals. You’ll see a new side of accounting blending creativity with business strategy. Gain insight into entertainment studios’ com…

(Originally recorded on February 15, 2024 on Earmark Webinars+) Hector and Blake recount a brief history of QuickBooks Desktop vs QuickBooks Online through the end of 2023, the state of Intuit’s current offers and posturing in the market, and where they think QuickBooks is moving into for 2024 and beyond. Chapters (01:11) - Hector's Journey: From T…

Rob Valdez joins Blake to discuss how artificial intelligence and generative chatbots like ChatGPT could automate routine audit tasks. They also explore the potential to train staff more effectively, save significant time on substantive testing, draft higher quality work, and some challenges around adopting these tools, such as security fears, poor…

Phong Ngo and Charley Howe join Blake to discuss how their accounts payable automation software is helping small and mid-sized manufacturers, construction companies, and other businesses capture detailed invoice data to enable precise job costing and reporting without expensive ERP implementations. Learn how starting with solving the accounts payab…

Blake chats with Brandt Kucharski, former chief accounting officer at GrubHub and current CAO at Ethos Life, about his career journey from public accounting to leading startups through IPOs. They discuss Brandt's pivotal role in taking GrubHub public as one of the first "unicorn" startups, the process of scaling accounting teams and controls, nonpr…

On this bonus episode Blake explores how artificial intelligence will transform the accounting profession. You'll learn how leading AI tools and chatbots can help automate routine tasks, freeing you up to focus on more strategic, higher-value services. He'll also walk through real-world examples of using AI for document analysis, tax research, corr…

Hitendra R. Patil joins Blake for an insightful conversation about the staffing shortage in the accounting profession, identifying overwork and lack of work-life balance as key issues causing high burnout rates. They explore potential solutions like dropping the billable hour model, measuring impact rather than hours worked, outsourcing certain tas…

Blake is joined by two "Young" CPAs, Hannah Hood, and Joey Kinney, both virtual CFOs with Summit Virtual CFO by Anders. Among the topics of discussion are challenges for young accountants including low starting salaries, lack of flexibility and career path at traditional firms, the value of remote work, and the need for more women leaders and work-…

Rising CPA star Logan Graf joins Blake to discuss his success in growing a profitable firm in just three years. Logan shares his unique transparent approach, how he rapidly increases his pricing year over year, and how he structures productized service packages to maximize profits. Blake and Logan talk about automating the client onboarding process…

Jody Grunden, the founder of Summit CPA Group, was a trailblazer in establishing one of the first CPA firms specializing in virtual CFO services. They recently achieved an impressive $10 million in revenue. What propelled Jody's success? The key lies in his commitment to regular client meetings. In this enlightening discussion, Jody unveils his str…

David Toth of Winding River Consulting joins Blake to examine how digital marketing and AI are disrupting accounting firm marketing. They also look at how innovative firms use marketing automation, CRMs, and content marketing to generate leads and close deals from their websites. Sponsor Check out our Sponsor LiveFlow — Advanced Financial Reporting…

Mike Manalac, AKA "Mike from Accounting," joins the show to share his inspiring career journey and unconventional path from public accounting to a dream role at Google. Despite accounting stereotypes, Mike crafted his adventurous route to his ideal job. He opens up about hustling into big tech, regrouping after rejection, taking calculated risks, a…

Wayne Berson, CEO of BDO USA, joins Blake and guest host, David Leary, to discuss BDO's recent transition to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), making it the first major accounting firm to implement an ESOP structure. They discuss how the ESOP aims to attract and retain talent in the accounting profession and provide employees at all levels w…

Blake is joined by Twyla Verhelst, Head of Accountant Channel at FreshBooks, to discuss a groundbreaking concept in advisory known as "Collaborative Accounting." This innovative approach aims to enhance collaboration between accountants and clients by providing a platform for efficient financial management. They delve into various aspects of this n…

Jerry Maginnis has over 40 years of experience in the accounting profession. In this episode, he shares his journey from college student to managing partner at KPMG, offering advice to young accountants on how to build a successful career. Jerry emphasizes the importance of soft skills like communication, empathy, and relationship-building, arguing…

Think the pathway to owning an accounting firm is linear? Think again. In this episode, Blake has a fascinating conversation with Scott “OKR” Scarano, an accounting firm owner with an unconventional background. Before becoming a successful firm owner, Scott started dealing drugs, got kicked out of UNC, and ended up with a felony conviction. But wit…

From tracking gambling sessions to offsetting winnings with losses, professional gamblers and enthusiasts alike need to know how to beat the house when it comes to taxes. Join Certified Public Accountant Zak Zimbile, owner of a remote CPA firm specializing in gambling taxation, as he breaks down federal and state requirements for reporting gambling…

Major changes are afoot in the world of QuickBooks. QBO and Payroll prices are going up. Intuit is phasing out QuickBooks Desktop Pro while touting QuickBooks Online and Enterprise as the future, though Hector predicts Desktop will still have a 2024 edition. QBO Advanced still needs improvements, like reverting to a static navigation bar, and Hecto…

Follow the journey of Keeley Favoino, CPA, from her background in accounting at various organizations, including EY, Starbucks, OfferUp, and Farmer's Fridge, before joining Foxtrot, a modern corner store concept. Foxtrot's accounting department was initially focused on bookkeeping, but as the company grew, so did the need for a more robust accounti…

Blake Oliver is joined by Katherine Studley and Jim Swiech, the founders of Prisma Tax Group. Katherine and Jim specialize in helping OnlyFans creators and sex workers with their accounting and tax needs. They discuss the unique challenges facing these clients, as well as the common misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding the industry. Katherine…

In this episode of the Earmark Accounting Podcast, Blake talks with Stacey Feldman, CPA, about her experiences in the world of CPG and accounting at PopSockets. They look at the challenges of scaling a startup, from tracking components in a supply chain to accounting for inventory costs. Stacey also reveals insights around simplifying supply and th…

Ariel Menche recounts his FP&A journey - from his tenure with KPMG and the WWE, to FP&A consulting to startups. His strategic financial advisory story highlights valuable FP&A lessons, including insights about data's impact on a CFO's role and establishing best practices for financial model development. Sponsor Check out our Sponsor LiveFlow — Adva…

In this episode, Blake and Ron Baker discuss the subscription economy. They delve into the origins of the terminology and how CPAs and accountants can provide more value to their clients by prioritizing relationships over services. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the subscription industry, which is projected to surpass $1 trillion by…

We’re talking to Chase Birky, CEO and co-founder of Dark Horse CPAs, a non-traditional CPA firm. Learn the advantages and challenges of being a CPA firm, the importance of creating a positive work environment for staff, and the need for the accounting profession to attract and retain more young talent. Tune in to hear insights into alternative path…

Tim Petrey shares his journey from starting as a receptionist to becoming a partner in his CPA firm and founder of a payroll service. He discusses how his firm, HD Davis CPAs, evolved from a tax business to a full-service advisory firm and how they acquired small practices to grow. Tim also emphasizes the importance of adopting technology to stream…

Blake Oliver is joined by Ben Sutton, the founder of Mazuma. Mazuma offers core monthly bookkeeping services, reconciliations, basic financials, and tax returns for a flat fee of $180 per month. Ben believes small businesses need services traditional accounting firms don't provide, and he wanted to give them the support they need. He found it possi…

Half of accountants believe that diversity is important. Half do not. Meanwhile, efforts to increase diversity in accounting firms have had disappointing results. Todd Shapiro and Kari Natale of the Illinois CPA Society join to discuss why and what the profession should do about it. Many thanks to our sponsor, LiveFlow! To learn more about LiveFlow…

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This episode is sponsored by Jirav. Learn more at jirav.com/earmark Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app Connect with Rita LinkedIn: https://www.…

Thanks to Our Sponsors! Accountests: https://www.accountests.com/ Dark Horse CPAs: https://abetterway.cpa/ Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app C…

Thanks to our Sponsors: Accountests: https://www.accountests.com/ Dark Horse CPAs: https://abetterway.cpa/ Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast: https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App: Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app…

Many thanks to our sponsor, ApprovalMax, for making this episode possible! To learn more about ApprovalMax, please visit their website: https://www.approvalmax.com/ Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://…

Thanks to our Sponsor! Accountests: https://www.accountests.com/ Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app Intuit's The Path to Advisory white paper h…

Sponsors BooksTime: https://www.bookstime.com/accountants Accountests: https://www.accountests.com/ Use code "Earmark50" to receive 50% off any of their tests Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.g…

Thank you to our sponsors Accountests: https://www.accountests.com BooksTime: https://www.bookstime.com/accountants Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmark…

Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app Connect with Our Guest, Isaac Heller LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacheller/ Learn more about Tru…

Thank you to our sponsors! Botkeeper Win a free year of Botkeeper services!: https://www.botkeeper.com/win LiveFlow Get 20% off your first 3 months of LiveFlow: https://www.liveflow.io/earmark Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast: https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App: Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/…

Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app Connect with Our Guest, Todd Shapiro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-shapiro-536b6b1/ Learn more …

Thank you to our sponsors! Botkeeper Win a free year of Botkeeper services!: https://www.botkeeper.com/win LiveFlow Get 20% off your first 3 months of LiveFlow: https://www.liveflow.io/earmark Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast: https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App: Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/…

Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast https://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app Connect with Our Guests, Jay, and Rachel Jay Kimelman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jkimelman The Di…