Episode 42: Welcome to Season 3

The Future of Accounting episode is back! In this episode, I share what I've been up to these last couple of months and insights I've learned from the hundreds of accountants I've met during the Future of Accounting podcast roadshow with Avalara.

During Season 3, I'll be covering three major themes with interview guests.

1. The importance of updating technology within your firm
2. Thinking outside the box in terms of how you market your firm and the services you provide to your clients
3. The importance of developing a brand

I am so excited to introduce you to amazing guests and share the opportunities I have for your firm through the Money & Mimosas community.

This episode is brought to you by Money & Mimosas.

The Future of Accounting episode is back! In this episode, I share what I've been up to these last couple of months and insights I've learned from the hundreds of accountants I've met during the Future of Accounting podcast roadshow with Avalara. During Season 3, I'll be covering three major themes with interview guests.

Episode 41: Q&A with Danetha Part Two

In this episode, Danetha answers some of your biggest questions about the future of accounting.

In April and May, we hosted two webinars sponsored by Avalara on CPA Academy. Nearly 2,500 of you signed up for them. A lot of you asked questions that Danetha didn't have time to answer on the webinar, so we created two episodes to answer your questions about the future of accounting and how to find your niche.

In this episode, the questions Danetha answered:

1. Do you recommend a specific CRM platform to organize the companies we are targeting 
2.  I currently work within a great niche (digital nomads) and am growing very rapidly. However, I'm having trouble hiring some help because it is specialized. Any advice here?
3.  Danetha, the theory seems easy, however I struggle with defining a niche for me.  What are the most interesting niches you have seen people create in the accounting field? 
4. Can we get a list of the web sites to write monthly articles you just mentioned?
5. What did you do for this 60 year old? I have a similar problem. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Episode 16- Jeff Maddux, founder of the Lifestyle Accountant
2. Dubsado
3. Zoho
4. 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, Danetha answers some of your biggest questions about the future of accounting. In April and May, we hosted two webinars sponsored by Avalara on CPA Academy. Nearly 2,500 of you signed up for them.

Episode 40: Q&A with Danetha Part One

In this episode, Danetha answers some of your biggest questions about the future of accounting.

In April and May, we hosted two webinars sponsored by Avalara on CPA Academy. Nearly 2,500 of you signed up for them. A lot of you asked questions that Danetha didn't have time to answer on the webinar, so we created two episodes to answer your questions about the future of accounting and how to find your niche.

In this episode, Danetha answers the following questions:

1.  With so many advancements in IT, is there a high risk that technology will cause a decline in future employment?

2.  What criteria do you use to establish value pricing?

3.  Any recommendation for industry information in the exercise clothing industry?

4. How should I go about setting my fees , value based pricing

5. What is a good tool for communicating with remote employees? 

6. Do you still recommending using time billing software to track time as a tool even if value billing? 

7. How do you find and retain clients?

8. What app would you recommend for expenses? 

9. Can you recommend tools for finanical statement presentations for the board?

10. Are recent accounting graduates getting an education in consulting?

11. Do you have advise for posting on your websites. I need to start to get traffic on my site but I do not usually use facebook etc.  Is there a simple way I can get started?

12. How can I know which apps like SLACK vs CamScan are secure for confidential information.

13. Do you advise value based billing for Tax work?

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Canva
2. Time-tracking article
3. Slack
4. Sumo
5. Reviews of Practice Management Tools by CPA Practice Advisor
6. The Future of Work by BBC
7. Ashley Kaltwasser
8. 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, Danetha answers some of your biggest questions about the future of accounting. In April and May, we hosted two webinars sponsored by Avalara on CPA Academy. Nearly 2,500 of you signed up for them.

Episode 39: Transforming your tax process with Barbara Torzewski

In this episode, Barbara Torzewski gives us insight into how her firm, BDO, is using bots to transform their client's tax processes.

After completing her Masters in Taxation, Torzewski's career journey has included roles as a Cost and Budget analyst, International Tax Analyst, and Corporate Tax Manager.

Her current role is as the National Tax Transformation Leader, a manager role, at BDO.

In this episode you will learn:

1. How Torzewski landed her role as an International Tax Analyst without prior tax knowledge 
2. Real-life examples of how automation and bots are changing the roles of tax accountants to become more like consultants
3. Why collaboration and data analytics are equally important skills for accountants to develop

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Barbara Torzewski's LinkedIn
2. BDO- Tax Transformation Services
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, Barbara Torzewski gives us insight into how her firm, BDO, is using bots to transform their client's tax processes. After completing her Masters in Taxation, Torzewski's career journey has included roles as a Cost and Budget analyst, International Tax Analyst, and Corporate Tax Manager.

Episode 38: A day in the life of a Big 4 accountant using machine learning with Darryl Ucheya

In this episode, Darryl Ucheya gives an insider look into how he and KPMG are incorporating machine learning and AI into their tax services.

Ucheya completed his undergraduate in accounting in 2015, then went on to get his Masters in Taxation before landing a role with KPMG as a tax associate.

Originally from Nigeria, Ucheya learned early on of the importance of nurturing relationships in order to land internships, jobs and other career opportunities.

In this episode you will learn:

1. How Ucheya landed his first internship, even without having the best grades from his class
2. The role machine learning plays in his day to day job
3. Why project management is one of the top skills that accountants from tax to audit to consulting need to learn

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Darryl Ucheya's LinkedIn
2. Shrewd CPA
3. Beta Alpha Psi
4. 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, Darryl Ucheya gives an insider look into how he and KPMG are incorporating machine learning and AI into their tax services. Ucheya completed his undergraduate in accounting in 2015, then went on to get his Masters in Taxation before landing a role with KPMG as a tax associate.

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!