Episode 37: The evolution of accounting technology over the last 40 years with Dr. Chandra Bhansali

In this episode, Dr. Chandra Bhansali, recognized as one of the Top 100 influential people within the accounting profession by Accounting Today, shares how his company revolutionized the accounting profession by introducing computerized tax filing and payroll as a revenue stream. 

With a Ph.D. in Engineering and his wife with an advanced degree in Mathematics, together they co-founded AccountantsWorld. Together they introduced the first Windows-based professional tax system in the 1990s and continue to be at the forefront of technology within the accounting profession.

In this episode you will learn:

  1. The beginnings of computerized tax filing before it became mainstream
  2. Why the technology of today has created revolutionary opportunities for accountants to generate revenue
  3. Why passion is the key to a successful career (and the fountain of youth)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

  1. Chandra Bhansali's LinkedIn
  2. TravelBank- use the promo code Future50 for $50 in rewards credit when you book your next flight

This episode is brought to you by TravelBank, the app that helps you find the best flights at a lower cost than other platforms. They are giving the Future of Accounting community (YOU!), $50 in rewards credit with the next flight you purchase.

All you have to do is click here to download the app, and use Future50 in the promo code to get $50 in rewards with your next flight.

In this episode, Dr. Chandra Bhansali, recognized as one of the Top 100 influential people within the accounting profession by Accounting Today, shares how his company revolutionized the accounting profession by introducing computerized tax filing and payroll as a revenue stream.  With a Ph.D. in Engineering and his wife with an advanced degree in Mathematics, together they co-founded AccountantsWorld.

Episode 36: Why tax accountants need to think more like consultants with Sharell King

In this episode, Sharell King shares how technology is reshaping the role of the tax accountant. And why it is now no longer enough to just be technically good at your job, but emerging leaders also need to think more like consultants for their clients.

King originally thought she wanted to be a math teacher, but quickly realized that with her analytical mind, she would feel more at home as a tax accountant. After getting her Masters in Taxation from Golden Gate University, she worked for two of the Big 4 firms before venturing into the private sector, working for companies such as McKesson, Uber and now Upwork.

In this episode you will learn:

  1. How King landed a role at a Big 4 firm shortly after graduating from Golden Gate University
  2. Why technology has changed her role as a tax accountant, and how she has managed to adapt to these changes
  3. The importance of developing your executive presence and why that is going to be key to your success as an accountant

Resources mentioned in this episode:

  1. Sharell King's LinkedIn - she loves mentoring, so feel free to reach out to her and mention this podcast
  2. TravelBank- use the promo code Future50 for $50 in rewards credit when you book your next flight

This episode is brought to you by TravelBank, the app that helps you find the best flights at a lower cost than other platforms. They are giving the Future of Accounting community (YOU!), $50 in rewards credit with the next flight you purchase.

All you have to do is click here to download the app, and use Future50 in the promo code to get $50 in rewards with your next flight.

In this episode, Sharell King shares how technology is reshaping the role of the tax accountant. And why it is now no longer enough to just be technically good at your job, but emerging leaders also need to think more like consultants for their clients.

Episode 35: Automation for Investment Accounting with Guy Vadish

In this episode, Guy Vadish shares why adopting technology is now the biggest determination for success for accountants. 

Vadish is the co-founder of Artiffex, a platform that automates investment tracking for accounting professionals. 

Artiffex is a spin-off from Ndex Systems.The Ndex platform supports over $100 billion dollars in managed assets, is utilized by over 350 investment firms in North America and extracts information from over 700 supported financial institutions globally.

In this episode you will learn:

  1. Why clients are demanding that their accountants use up-to date technology
  2. How automation is eliminating low-value tasks for accountants
  3. The biggest challenge that face CPA firms- from sole practitioners to the Big 4

Resources mentioned in this episode:

  1. Guy Vadish's LinkedIn 
  2. Artiffex's website
  3. TravelBank- use the promo code Future50 for $50 in rewards credit when you book your next flight

This episode is brought to you by TravelBank, the app that helps you find the best flights at a lower cost than other platforms. They are giving the Future of Accounting community (YOU!), $50 in rewards credit with the next flight you purchase.

All you have to do is click here to download the app, and use Future50 in the promo code to get $50 in rewards with your next flight.

In this episode, Guy Vadish shares why adopting technology is now the biggest determination for success for accountants.  Vadish is the co-founder of Artiffex, a platform that automates investment tracking for accounting professionals.  Artiffex is a spin-off from Ndex Systems.The Ndex platform supports over $100 billion dollars in managed assets, is utilized by over 350 investment firms in North America and extracts information from over 700 supported financial institutions globally.

Episode 34: Be your authentic self as an accountant with Jina Etienne

In this episode, Jina Etienne shares why it is important for accounting firms to create an environment where accountants can be their authentic selves at work. 

Etienne began her accounting career as a Senior Tax Consultant for Deloitte before launching her own CPA practice which she ran for seventeen years. She then become the Director- Taxation for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPAs) where she led the Taxation team that was responsible for implementing tax and regulatory changes. After that role, Etienne assumed the President & CEO position for the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) where she led the organization for two years.

And now, Jina Etienne and her husband have launched EtiennePartners. In September 2017, the dynamic couple took their life partnership to another level and established a company dedicated to helping executive teams leverage the diversity of their teams.

In this episode you will learn:

  1. How Jina overcame the imposter syndrome
  2. The process for integrating motherhood and career (even if you are not a parent, her advice is spot on for anyone who wants a life outside of work!)
  3. The new value proposition that all accountants need to embrace in order to remain successful

Resources mentioned in this episode:

  1. Jina Etienne's LinkedIn and Twitter
  2. Etienne Partners website
  3. TravelBank- use the promo code Future50 for $50 in rewards credit when you book your next flight

This episode is brought to you by TravelBank, the app that helps you find the best flights at a lower cost than other platforms. They are giving the Future of Accounting community (YOU!), $50 in rewards credit with the next flight you purchase.

All you have to do is click here to download the app, and use Future50 in the promo code to get $50 in rewards with your next flight.

In this episode, Jina Etienne shares why it is important for accounting firms to create an environment where accountants can be their authentic selves at work.  Etienne began her accounting career as a Senior Tax Consultant for Deloitte before launching her own CPA practice which she ran for seventeen years.

Episode 33: Machine learning and the new accountant with Frank Tsai

In this episode, Frank Tsai shares his career journey to becoming the Head of Finance for TravelBank. Prior to TravelBank, Frank spent the majority of his career at Facebook managing financial forecasting, budgeting and analysis.

In this episode, Frank dives into how AI and machine learning are creating a new type of accountant. The new accountant will need to understand process improvement and provide strategic insights for company growth.

In this episode you will learn:

  1. How to put yourself out there to attract amazing career opportunities... even while playing volleyball
  2. How TravelBank is using machine learning to improve expense management
  3. Frank's advice on how to achieve what he calls a work-life blend, even as a busy financial professional

This episode is brought to you by TravelBank, the app that helps you find the best flights at a lower cost than other platforms. They are giving the Future of Accounting community (YOU!), $50 in rewards credit with the next flight you purchase.

All you have to do is click here to download the app, and use Future50 in the promo code to get $50 in rewards with your next flight.

Artwork

Episode 32: Use your passions to grow your accounting career

Kelly Bistriceanu is the CEO of Kelly B Consulting, and is a business development guru in the accounting space. She helped her last company launch their accountant partner program, growing it from zero to nearly 20,000 members, and has worked with thousands of accountants from solo practitioners to Big 4 staff members. 

In this episode, she shares:

  1. Why being efficient or adequate at your job is no longer enough
  2. How to craft your personal elevator pitch
  3. How to leverage technology to expand your personal brand

This episode is brought to you by TravelBank, the app that helps you find the best flights at a lower cost than other platforms. They are giving the Future of Accounting community (YOU!), $50 in rewards credit with the next flight you purchase.

All you have to do is click here to download the app, and use Future50 in the promo code to get $50 in rewards with your next flight.

Kelly Bistriceanu is the CEO of Kelly B Consulting, and is a business development guru in the accounting space.

Episode 31: Start & grow your accounting practice with Jennifer Dymond

In this week's episode, I chat with Jennifer Dymond, the CEO of Spire Consulting Services.

In this episode, you will learn:

  1. The process for landing a job at a Top 100 accounting firm right after college
  2. How Dymond used networking events and conferences to build her career
  3. If you're thinking about launching your own practice, why it's important to start before you have earned all of your credentials

This episode is brought to you by Avalara.

In this week's episode, I chat with Jennifer Dymond, the CEO of Spire Consulting Services. In this episode, you will learn: The process for landing a job at a Top 100 accounting firm right after college How Dymond used networking events and conferences to build her career If you're thinking about launching your own practice, why it's important to start before you have earned all of your credentials This episode is brought to you by Avalara.

Episode 30: Beer, sports and the 5 steps to stand out as an accountant with Tyler Skelton

In this week's Future of Accounting podcast episode, I chat with Tyler Skelton, the Business Development Manger for the Pacific Northwest at Roger CPA Review. 

In this episode, you will learn:

  1. The biggest mistakes college students and emerging leaders make in their accounting career
  2. How Twitter helped Tyler land his job and how social media can help you stand out in the profession
  3. Tyler's five steps for standing out as an accountant

Resources mentioned in this episode:

  1. Roger CPA Review
  2. Tyler's LinkedIn
  3. Connect with Tyler on Twitter

This episode is brought to you by Avalara.

In this week's Future of Accounting podcast episode, I chat with Tyler Skelton, the Business Development Manger for the Pacific Northwest at Roger CPA Review.  In this episode, you will learn: The biggest mistakes college students and emerging leaders make in their accounting career How Twitter helped Tyler land his job and how social media can help you stand out in the profession Tyler's five steps for standing out as an accountant Resources mentioned in this episode: Roger CPA Review Tyler's LinkedIn Connect with Tyler on Twitter This episode is brought to you by Avalara.

Episode 29: Indirect Tax Trends Part II with Scott Peterson from Avalara

In this week's episode, Scott Peterson, Director of Governmental Affairs at Avalara, provides more insight on the future of indirect tax. You can check out Part I of this conversation on Episode 28 with Marshal Kushniruk.

 In this episode, you will learn:

  1. Scott Peterson's depth of experience with indirect tax regulations
  2. Is Twix a candy or cookie? And why this makes it so hard for states' to change their tax policies 
  3. Trends that accountants should pay attention to

Resources mentioned in this episode:

  1. Avalara
  2. Avalara's sales tax blog
  3. Scott's LinkedIn

In this week's episode, Scott Peterson, Director of Governmental Affairs at Avalara, provides more insight on the future of indirect tax. You can check out Part I of this conversation on Episode 28 with Marshal Kushniruk.  In this episode, you will learn: Scott Peterson's depth of experience with indirect tax regulations Is Twix a candy or cookie?

 

 

Episode 28: Indirect tax trends and the opportunities it presents for accountants with Marshal Kushniruk

In this week's Future of Accounting podcast episode, I chat with Marshal Kushniruk the EVP of Global Business Development for Avalara.

In this episode, you will learn:

  1. Why technology is impacting indirect tax regulations.
  2. The global trends within indirect tax regulations. Specifically within Brazil, India and the United States. 
  3. How you can take full advantage of these shifts to create lucrative career opportunities.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

  1. Avalara
  2. Background on the Quill vs. North Dakota sales tax ruling
  3. Marshal's LinkedIn

In this week's Future of Accounting podcast episode, I chat with Marshal Kushniruk the EVP of Global Business Development for Avalara. In this episode, you will learn: Why technology is impacting indirect tax regulations. The global trends within indirect tax regulations.

Episode 27: How to land a job at a Top 100 firm after college with Terry Pierce

In this episode, Terry Pierce shares the key steps every college student needs to take to land an awesome job at a Top 100 accounting firm.

Terry Pierce began his career as part of the audit staff at Arthur Anderson. As an auditor, he traveled around throughout Asia. He then worked for Ernst & Young as the National Diversity Recruiter before taking his current role, Regional Recruiting Manager for Moss Adams- a Top 100 accounting firm.

In this episode, you will learn the seven core characteristics recruiters are looking for in college students, resume tips and how to put your best foot forward during the interview.

In this episode, Terry Pierce shares the key steps every college student needs to take to land an awesome job at a Top 100 accounting firm. Terry Pierce began his career as part of the audit staff at Arthur Anderson. As an auditor, he traveled around throughout Asia.

Episode 26: Culture and Cybersecurity with Ranica Arrowsmith

On this week's Future of Accounting episode, we chat with Accounting Today's Technology Editor, Ranica Arrowsmith. 

Based in New York, Ranica keeps a close eye on the research that Big 4 firms are doing within blockchain and emerging technology platforms. In her words, blockchain and its impact is "not here yet" within accounting firms. Once it is, it will have a profound impact on cybersecurity and the role of the accountant.

So, what does this mean for accountants? Ranica believes blockchain, and other technological advances, will require accountants to get really good at being human. 

In this episode, Ranica shares with us:

  1. Blockchain and it's role in cybersecurity
  2. The trends she is seeing within firms as it relates to work-life balance for their employees 
  3. Why being human is the #1 skill an accountant needs to learn

On this week's Future of Accounting episode, we chat with Accounting Today's Technology Editor, Ranica Arrowsmith.  Based in New York, Ranica keeps a close eye on the research that Big 4 firms are doing within blockchain and emerging technology platforms. In her words, blockchain and its impact is "not here yet" within accounting firms. Once it is, it will have a profound impact on cybersecurity and the role of the accountant.

Episode 25: Blockchain and Emerging Platforms with Amanda Wilkie

Amanda Wilkie is widely regarded within the profession as a blockchain and emerging platforms expert.

As the former Chief Information Officer for a Top 20 firm, she redefined the role of Information Technology within the organization and transformed a disengaged IT team into a proactive task force of strategic business partners capable of supporting projected 67% revenue growth to $250M.

Now as a consultant for Boomer Consulting, she advises accounting firms on how to best leverage technology.

In this episode, Amanda shares with us:

  1. Why and how technology is changing the accounting professional's role
  2. The steps you need to take to thrive in your career
  3. Her #1 tip for building a successful career as an accounting professional

This episode is brought to you by Avalara.

Amanda Wilkie is widely regarded within the profession as a blockchain and emerging platforms expert. As the former Chief Information Officer for a Top 20 firm, she redefined the role of Information Technology within the organization and transformed a disengaged IT team into a proactive task force of strategic business partners capable of supporting projected 67% revenue growth to $250M.

Episode 24: Step by step guide to become partner with Judy Vorndran

This week's guest on the Future of Accounting podcast is Judy Vorndran. Based in Colorado, Judy is a partner at Tax Ops, a Inc. 5000 member and named one of the best firms to work for by Accounting Today.  

Over the years, Judy has built her brand as the go-to state and local tax accountant for Colorado-based businesses. Prior to becoming partner, she worked for a number of Big 4 firms and a regional firm. While at the regional firm, she grew their SALT division from zero to over 1000 clients, and from one employee (herself!) to thirteen!

As partner, she has helped TaxOps grow their SALT services and create an environment that promotes collaboration and work-life balance.

In this episode, Judy shares with us:

  1. Why technology is the key ingredient in building a successful firm
  2. Specific techniques on how to communicate your value to clients and managers. In fact, one year, Judy negotiated a 40% raise using these techniques!
  3. How to decide if the Big 4 is a good fit for you
  4. The skills you need to move up the corporate ladder 
  5. Why you need to learn how to be a revenue raiser not a cost center for your firm and your clients!

This week's guest on the Future of Accounting podcast is Judy Vorndran. Based in Colorado, Judy is a partner at Tax Ops, a Inc. 5000 member and named one of the best firms to work for by Accounting Today.   Over the years, Judy has built her brand as the go-to state and local tax accountant for Colorado-based businesses.

 

 

Episode 23: Keeping up with innovation as an accountant with James Solomons

This week's guest on the Future of Accounting podcast is James Solomons. Based in Australia, he is the the co-founder and managing partner of an accounting practice, the CFO for a publicly listed company and the Head of Accounting for Xero. Wow, he wears a lot of hats!

But, his favorite hat is being a mentor to up and coming leaders within the accounting profession. He is an guest speaker and educator at a number of universities and has been blogging about the shift within the profession since 2009. In fact, just before he started blogging, James felt stuck and uninspired as an accountant, and was ready to leave the profession all together.

In this episode, James shares with us:

  1. Why there is a disconnect between University education and the real-world for accountants. 
  2. How to find a mentor
  3. The skills you need to be a modern accountant
  4. And how to reenergize your career when you don't feel inspired

This week's guest on the Future of Accounting podcast is James Solomons. Based in Australia, he is the the co-founder and managing partner of an accounting practice, the CFO for a publicly listed company and the Head of Accounting for Xero. Wow, he wears a lot of hats!

Episode 22: Artificial Intelligence and its impact on accountants with Kriti Sharma

This week's guest on the Future of Accounting podcast is Kriti Sharma. She is the Vice President of Bots and AI at Sage. At Sage, Kriti led the creation of Pegg, a virtual assistant that can understand the human language to perform HR and accounting related tasks.

Kriti is a civic leader within the Obama Foundation, recognized as a Forbes 30 under 30 person to watch in Technology, a Google Grace Hopper Scholar and won the Google India Women in Engineering Award in 2010. 

She builds AI that solves real problems facing the world today, from access to emergency services in developing countries to an AI powered financial assistant that helps entrepreneurs around the world. 

Kriti cares deeply about the ethics of AI and often writes about AI and bot design principles.

In this episode, you will learn what is AI and how it's already present in our daily lives. It's impact on the accounting profession and Kriti's #1 tip to accountants who want to stay ahead of the technology curve.

This week's guest on the Future of Accounting podcast is Kriti Sharma. She is the Vice President of Bots and AI at Sage. At Sage, Kriti led the creation of Pegg, a virtual assistant that can understand the human language to perform HR and accounting related tasks.

Episode 21: : The Guiding Principles of a Good Tax Policy with Annette Nellen

In this episode, Annette Nellen, walks us through the guiding principles that should govern an objective tax policy. One that stimulates economic growth. Professor Annette Nellen, CPA, CGMA, Esq. is the chair of the AICPA tax committee, a professor at San Jose State University, and the writer behind the 21st Century Taxation blog. She is an expert in tax policy, and how to modernize the tax system to accurately reflect the way we conduct business in present day.

Annette has testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, Senate Finance Committee, Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, California Assembly Revenue & Taxation Committee, and tax reform commissions and committees on various aspects of federal and state tax reform. 

This episode is brought to you by Avalara.

In this episode, Annette Nellen, walks us through the guiding principles that should govern an objective tax policy. One that stimulates economic growth. Professor Annette Nellen, CPA, CGMA, Esq. is the chair of the AICPA tax committee, a professor at San Jose State University, and the writer behind the 21st Century Taxation blog.

Episode Twenty: Creative destruction of the accounting industry

In the final episode of Season One, we look at how technology and cultural shifts are impacting the accounting industry. Cited in this podcast is Joseph Schumpeter, an Austrian economist, known as one of the greatest intellectuals of the 20th century.

Creative destruction, a term coined by Joseph Schumpeter, describes the process of how innovation deconstructs long-standing arrangements and frees resources to be deployed elsewhere. Schumpeter describes the process as one that results in losses alongside profits.

The accounting industry is undergoing a destruction caused by technology and cultural shifts. Therefore, demanding a new skillset from accounting professionals who wish to remain successful.

In the final episode of Season One, we look at how technology and cultural shifts are impacting the accounting industry. Cited in this podcast is Joseph Schumpeter, an Austrian economist, known as one of the greatest intellectuals of the 20th century.

Episode 19: Ericka Harney, Executive Director of the AFWA

Ericka Harney is the executive director of the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA). The organization serves over 2,000 members across the United States and provides women within the accounting and finance industries, the best tools they need to thrive as professionals.

A former professor, Ericka shares why the education system is not adequately preparing accounting students for a successful career. And which skills accountants need to start developing in order to stay ahead of the curve.

Ericka Harney is the executive director of the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA). The organization serves over 2,000 members across the United States and provides women within the accounting and finance industries, the best tools they need to thrive as professionals.

Episode Eighteen: Okorie Ramsey, Vice President of Finance Compliance & SOX for Kaiser Permanente

In this episode, Okorie Ramsey shares his career journey to becoming Vice President of Finance Compliance & SOX for Kaiser Permanente. Kaiser is regularly listed in Fortune Magazine as one of the largest private U.S. companies.

Ramsey shares insights on how to land a prestigious internship while in college, how the current events around the Affordable Health Care act and cybersecurity affect his day to day tasks, and why nurturing relationships is the biggest key to success as an accounting professional.

In this episode, Okorie Ramsey shares his career journey to becoming Vice President of Finance Compliance & SOX for Kaiser Permanente. Kaiser is regularly listed in Fortune Magazine as one of the largest private U.S. companies.