Episode 48: Ingrid Edstrom, CEO of Polymath, LLC

Ingrid Edstrom is a self-proclaimed nerd and the CEO of the award winning bookkeeping firm, Polymath LLC based in Ashland, Oregon. She is the creator of AskABookkeeper.com, an online education series, a member of Profit First Professionals, and founder of the Southern Oregon Bookkeepers Association.

She has been recognized as one of the top 40 under 40 accounting professionals by CPA Practice Advisor and Most Powerful Women in Accounting.

Ingrid Edstrom is a self-proclaimed nerd and the CEO of the award winning bookkeeping firm, Polymath LLC based in Ashland, Oregon. She is the creator of AskABookkeeper.com, an online education series, a member of Profit First Professionals, and founder of the Southern Oregon Bookkeepers Association.

In this episode, Edstrom shares:

1. Why, and how, she started her practice in 2008

2. Her marketing strategy for growing her practice

3. Key tips on how to network as an introvert

4. Her thoughts on value-based pricing and how her practice structures their fees

5. How she found her niche and became a recognized expert within her niche's industry

Resources mentioned:

1. BNI

2. Scaling New Heights conference

3. Ron Baker on value pricing

4. Les McKeown on predictable success

5. Polymath's questionnaire for onboarding a new client

6. Ingrid Edstrom's LinkedIn
   

This episode is brought to you by Money & Mimosas. Click here to learn about our 2019 CPA Partner Program.

Episode 47: Brannon Poe, founder of Poe Group Advisors

Click here to listen to the episode on iTunes or scroll down to listen through the website.

In this episode, Brannon Poe shares the key steps a CPA needs to take in order to sell their firm.

Poe is the founder of Poe Group Advisors and the author of “Accountant’s Flight Plan, Best Practices for Today’s Firms. A consultancy that facilitates the buying and selling of CPA firms. He began his career as an auditor at Ernst & Young, before launching his business in 2003. For the past 15 years, he and his team have helped CPAs successfully exit their firms.

In this conversation you will learn:

1. Why underpricing your services may be holding you back from building a successful practice.

2. Why taking time off to relax actually helps your bottom line

3. How to build a practice that is sellable and how much you can expect to earn from the sale

Resources mentioned:

1. Kolbe Assessment

2. Poe Group Advisors blog

This episode is brought to you by Money & Mimosas. Click here to learn about our 2019 CPA Partner Program.

In this episode, Brannon Poe shares the key steps a CPA needs to take in order to sell their firm. Poe is the founder of Poe Group Advisors and the author of "Accountant's Flight Plan, Best Practices for Today's Firms. A consultancy that facilitates the buying and selling of CPA firms. He began his career as an auditor at Ernst & Young, before launching his business in 2003.

Episode 46: Scott Wiley, President & CEO of the Ohio Society of CPAs

In this episode, Scott Wiley, the president and CEO of Ohio Society of CPAs, shares insights on trends his organization is seeing across their members.

In this episode, you will learn:

1. The business practices of successful CPA firms
2. Why firms are being faced with succession planning and skills gap challenges now more than ever
3. How the OSCPA is helping their members meet those challenges through the strategy the developed called, "Pipeline to Finishline" 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Scott's LinkedIn
2. Scott's Twitter
3. Ohio Society of CPAs

This episode is brought to you by Money & Mimosas. Learn how you can join our 2019 CPA Partner Program.

In this episode, Scott Wiley, the president and CEO of Ohio Society of CPAs, shares insights on trends his organization is seeing across their members.

Episode 45: Hitendra R. Patil, Director of Practice Development at Accountant's World

In this week's Future of Accounting podcast episode, Hitendra Patil shares insights on how AI and Big Data are shifting the accounting profession.

Hitendra Patil is the Director of Practice Development at Accountant's World and the author of ACCOUNTANEUR: The Entrepreneurial Accountant| Insights into Today's Emerging Opportunities.

In this episode you will learn:

1. What exactly is Big Data and AI
2. Practical applications of Big Data and AI for accountants to better serve their clients
3. Affordable tools that any firm can implement now to automate advanced functions

Resources mentioned:

1. Receipt Bank
2. MindBridge- the first AI auditor
3. X.AI- virtual email assistant 
4. ACCOUNTANEUR by Hitendra Patil
5. Presentation by Hitendra Patil describing the entrepreneurial accountant
6. Accountant's World

In this week's Future of Accounting podcast episode, Hitendra Patil shares insights on how AI and Big Data are shifting the accounting profession. Hitendra Patil is the Director of Practice Development at Accountant's World and the author of ACCOUNTANEUR: The Entrepreneurial Accountant Insights into Today's Emerging Opportunities.

This episode is brought to you by Money & Mimosas. Click here to learn more about our CPA Partner Program.

Episode 44: Sophia Loh, Partner, Family Office Frank, Rimerman + Co

In this episode, Sophia Loh walks us through her career journey from studying accounting + finance at UC Berkeley, to exploring various roles within accounting including being CEO of her own accounting software company, before landing a Partner role at Frank, Rimerman + Co. One of the top 10 accounting firms in the San Francisco Bay Area and one of the top 100 in the nation.

If you have the goal of becoming partner, this is the episode for you! You will learn:

1. The skillset it takes to jump from manager to partner
2. Sophia's guidance on how to effectively manage overwhelm during the busy season
3. Why the future of accounting means you have to be able to think big picture and how to start practicing that now

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Wharton Business Radio podcast
2. Sophia Loh's LinkedIn
3. Frank, Rimerman + Co website

This episode is brought to you by Money & Mimosas. 

In this episode, Sophia Loh walks us through her career journey from studying accounting + finance at UC Berkeley, to exploring various roles within accounting including being CEO of her own accounting software company, before landing a Partner role at Frank, Rimerman + Co.

Episode 43: Damien Martin, National Tax Assistant Director at BKD

In this episode, Damien Martin shares his career journey to becoming National Tax Assistant Director at BKD. 

He began his career as a music major at UC Berkeley, before going on to finish his Masters in Taxation at Golden Gate University. Before becoming a director at BKD, he cultivated an expertise in working with high-net worth individuals on estate planning.

In this episode you will learn,

1. Why Damien chose tax as his focus in accounting

2. How he is positioning his firm as a place of value as tax filing becomes more automated

Resources mentioned:

1. Damien's LinkedIn

2. Annette Nellen

3. Damien's Twitter

4. Simply Tax podcast

5. Trusted Advisor by David Maister

This episode is brought to you by Money & Mimosas.

In this episode, Damien Martin shares his career journey to becoming National Tax Assistant Director at BKD.  He began his career as a music major at UC Berkeley, before going on to finish his Masters in Taxation at Golden Gate University.

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?