CPA Life

John Randolph sits down with Joy Lutz, founder and CEO of Aligned CPA in Lake City, Florida, on Episode 71 of CPA Life. Joy has been “right behind the trailblazers” in the profession as she's grown her firm from two to eight employees within the past four years, and the knowledge and experience she's gained are keys to this discussion. Joy has placed Aligned's focus directly on helping service-based businesses simplify their financials, optimize tax strategies, and develop growth plans, all while avoiding billable hours and utilizing a full-service, monthly recurring revenue model that incentivizes her employees to give great service. She discusses proper talent acquisition and running a firm like a business while highlighting her belief in community engagement and mentoring as cornerstones to success in Accounting, evidenced by Aligned being named the Small Firm of the Year by PASBA for 2025. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Matt Patrick, the president and founder of Patrick Accounting and Whirks, has felt called to entrepreneurship since a remarkable sequence of events that occurred early on in his initially very traditional career. He joins John Randolph on Episode 70 of CPA Life to discuss the vision he's executed to build a modern, efficient, people-centric accounting firm. While focusing on the importance of retaining great employees, creating a family-friendly work environment, and developing a sustainable business model, Matt also delves into the challenges accounting faces today, the impact of technology, and the keys to retaining talent. The episode underscores the significance of hiring based on core values and fostering a culture of continuous learning and trust, while also seeking out advice from others who have been there before and made the same mistakes you're making. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Ronnie Withaeger's journey in Accounting has led him to currently running five businesses, including a sauna, and he talks to John Randolph about doing things his way on Episode 69 of CPA Life. The owner and founder of Ronald Withaeger CPA in Las Vegas, Ronnie started his career at a traditional firm but ultimately established his own practice focused on family-friendly, sustainable growth, and he shares his insights through his accounting community initiative, Launch Your Firm. Highlighting the importance of confidence, client relationships, and flexible work structures in running a successful firm, Ronnie is motivated by the opportunity to support other accountants in starting their own practices. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph dives deep into a discussion on reshaping the public accounting space with Chris Williams, owner and CEO of System Six, on Episode 68 of CPA Life. A remote, cloud-based accounting firm, System Six's culture-driven, employee-focused environment serves as a model for balancing employees' professional growth with their personal lives. They delve into the dynamics of private equity in professional services and as someone with a finance background, Chris has a unique perspective on the firm's strategy for growth through both organic methods and strategic acquisitions. Ultimately, the episode underscores the importance of adapting management practices for a remote workforce in order to maintain employee satisfaction and client retention. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph concludes his conversation with Rob Brown of Accounting Influencers on Episode 67 of CPA Life. Focusing on talent and leadership in accounting from multiple perspectives, they delve into the need for entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of taking risks and overcoming the fear of judgment. They analyze the pandemic-induced shift to remote and hybrid working, noting that while it's clearly better for the rank-and-file, it's not without negatives, particularly the loss of mentorship and osmosis-style learning. They highlight the importance of intentionality and deliberate actions by leaders to maintain culture and productivity in the fact of this, touching on what a complex problem talent acquisition and retention is. The fact that a large proportion of accountants are nearing retirement age and that the pipeline shows fewer new entrants into the profession just underscores the problem further. With this backdrop, they emphasize the critical need for firms to better articulate what makes them unique to attract and retain talent effectively, stressing the power of storytelling and personal testimonies in showcasing a firm's culture and values. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com  

Join John Randolph for part 1 of his special two part interview with Rob Brown, the founder of Accounting Influencers, on Episode 66 of CPA Life. The concept of “story” figures heavily into their conversation about talent in the profession, highlighting the value of both personal and employer branding to drive better outcomes. Rob looks at the role of thought leadership as pivotal insofar as changing the paradigmatic, Big Four-oriented story that permeates the general perception of accounting, and they agree that there is a shared responsibility between individual accountants and firms that are making a difference in the space, to rebuild some of the lost trust and prestige accounting has lost in recent years. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Episode 65 of CPA Life is a particularly special episode—a re-broadcast of John Randolph's appearance on Who's Really The BOSS with Rachel and Marcus Dillon of Dillon Business Advisors! In this collaboration, John shares insights into the recruiting landscape in public accounting from his perspective as Principal at Benaiah Consulting, delving into what he sees as keys to healthy recruitment: work-life balance, a positive firm culture, flexible working arrangements, and decisive leaders, to name but a few. Rachel and Marcus recount their recent recruiting experience where they found going it on their own wasn't working out, and they have been thrilled with their experience letting John and Benaiah handle things. John is full of practical advice on hiring practices, compensation ranges, and fostering lasting employee relationships—this is one episode you won't want to miss. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph concludes his conversation with Allan Fisher of Premier Financial Search on Episode 64 of CPA Life. Delving into the evolving dynamics of the accounting profession, the two discuss how the competitive landscape has expanded beyond local firms to national competition, the advantage boutique firms have had as that landscape changed, and some of the myths surrounding accounting recruitment. Allan emphasizes that firms need to tell a compelling story, explores the challenges posed by private equity in the industry, and touches on talent shortages, offshoring, CPA credentialing issues, and strategies firms can adopt to retain top talent. Allan's valuable insights on how firms can align better with market expectations are content you don't want to miss. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Host John Randolph kicks off a special two part conversation with Allan Fisher, president and founder of Premier Financial Search, on Episode 63 of CPA Life. Continuing the theme of recruiting in the profession, they explore the ongoing transformation in public accounting, focusing on building a sustainable, people-centric work culture. Allan's “unconventionally conventional” path to recruiting did take him through work as an accountant, so as a recruiter, he is able to frame things “from the other side.” He discusses how firms that have adapted to retain talent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic have seen better talent acquisition and lower turnover, emphasizing empathetic leadership and enhanced benefits, and stressing that it's not enough to just show up to an interview with a candidate anymore—you need to send your best. This all ties into the necessity for a progressive approach to recruitment, ensuring firms attract and maintain top talent by continuously improving their practices and culture. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph delves into the evolving landscape of recruiting in public accounting with Kerry Billington, Managing Partner at Spartan Placements, on Episode 62 of CPA Life. Kicking off a month-long series focused on perspectives in the recruiting space, their conversation highlights the significance of culture, flexible work environments, and the impact of private equity in the industry, as Kerry provides insights into recruiting trends, the role of AI, and strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in the profession. She emphasizes the need for transparency, autonomy, and the right work-life balance to keep professionals engaged and fulfilled, with a simple, unifying theme: That listening to what people want is the best thing you can do to land the workforce you need. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

The concluding part two of John Randolph's conversation with Chris Johnson awaits on this special Episode 61 of CPA Life. Expanding his thoughts on accountability and “extreme ownership,” Chris discusses the challenges inherent in self-reflection and holding oneself and one's firm to a higher standard. Given the significance of not tolerating poor performance and attitudes within teams, the ability to self-reflect is paramount. Chris also introduces his firm's unique “Spark of Joy” initiative, where employees and even clients are given money to enable them to perform acts of kindness in the community. The pair conclude by delving into the importance of integrating AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney into business processes to enhance productivity and creativity. Chris emphasizes continuous learning, prompt engineering, and the use of AI to streamline tasks and foster innovation, and he has made several examples of useful AI prompts publicly available to facilitate this for others in the profession. Chris's commitment to community impact and leveraging technology truly mark his unique approach to leadership and business growth. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Continuing the momentum of the new Season 3 of CPA Life is this special two part conversation between John Randolph and Chris Johnson, CEO of CJ CPAs in San Antonio, Texas. Chris started his career in a way typical of many accounting professionals, with a spell in the Big Four and with a local firm before being presented with an unusual opportunity that ultimately led to him founding CJ CPAs. And although many firms claim to value their employees, be committed to work-life balance and innovative practices, and so forth, Chris has proven they mean what they say, with an offered 50K sign-on bonus (the highest publicly known bonus in American accounting history) being one such indicator that they do things a little bit differently. Tune in for part one of this conversation with insights on the value of real honesty, data-driven decisions, and building a culture that nurtures personal and professional growth. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

We return to part two of our special 2025 kickoff Episode 58 of CPA Life as John Randolph “switches sides” to be interviewed by producer Justin Grant. Focusing on evolving definitions of career success and the need for firms to offer flexible, individualized opportunities to retain talent, John goes deeper in exploring the impact of remote work, its relationship to proactive hiring practices, and the need for smaller firms to leverage their agility to compete with larger firms. Although such firms face challenges in attracting and retaining talent, John's insights into their ethos and the competitive advantages it actually provides them is content you do not want to miss as you plan for strategy for the coming year and beyond. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph “sits on the other side of the studio” on this special two-part Season 3 kickoff episode of CPA Life. With hosting duties accounted for by producer Justin Grant of ProfessionalProductions.net, John delves into the challenges firms will face in 2025 and beyond, such as losing key talent, increased competition and specialization in the profession, and the need for technological adaptation. Highlighting the importance of embracing remote work and modern recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent, John also explores the potential and mindset of new entrants into the profession, marking an optimistic view of the future—at least, for those firms willing to do what it takes! Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Season's Greetings from CPA Life! Today, we look back at one of John Randolph's most impactful conversations of 2024, where he was joined by accounting legend Ron Baker of VeraSage. The two delved deep into the groundbreaking topics of value and subscription-based pricing and client advisory services. The author of eight books, Ron's extensive writings, keynote speeches and general advocacy on these and other topics are distilled down in this Rewind episode. Tune in to discover Ron and John's insights on niche expertise, the value of transformations over transactional services, and strategies for retaining talent in your firm while enhancing client relationships. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph sits down with Roman Villard, co-founder of Full Send Finance, on Episode 56 of CPA Life. Sharing his journey from finance major to starting his own firm, Roman emphasizes the importance of a culture-forward approach and how that has helped Full Send shoot out of the blocks, growing from zero to 12 full-time employees in just over two years. Highlighting the need for technology to attract and retain talent, Roman dives into things that have given Full Send cross-generational appeal, such as work-life balance, which is achieved in large part through hybrid working, and the significance of creating a resonant brand narrative. Touching on so many vital aspects that can make or break the success of your own firm, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Join host John Randolph on Episode 55 of CPA Life, as he talks to James Rainwater, founder of RainwaterCPA, about his journey and unique approach to public accounting. James discusses his non-traditional career path, how he ultimately discovered he prefers the public accounting space over private, and the evolution of his fully remote firm, which is in its second iteration after James founded a much more traditionally focused firm over 20 years ago. Emphasizing the benefits of a nationwide client base, subscription-based pricing, and intentional communication within a geographically dispersed team, James also shares insights on incorporating social media for client acquisition and the importance of flexibility in building a successful, people-focused CPA firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Eric Joern started his accounting career at James Hamlin & Co., a traditional firm founded in the 1960s in Antioch, Illinois, right out of college. He joins John Randolph on Episode 54 of CPA Life to talk about his role in transforming that firm into Kaizen CPAs and Advisors, where he now serves as partner. Doing away with traditional CPA practices to focus on team wellbeing, sustainability, and national impact, Eric shares his journey, the firm's rebranding efforts, and strategies for maintaining a balanced work environment. With a roughly 50/50 split between in-office and remote workers, systems and processes are key to Kaizen's success, and maintaining cultural cohesion within the firm, a top priority, highlighting the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and support for remote employees in building a thriving, modern-minded CPA firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph talks with Kelly Rohrs, owner and founder of Kelly A. Rohrs CPA, who shares her journey to building a sustainable and flexible accounting firm, on Episode 53 of CPA Life. Having been recognized by CPA Practice Advisors on their Top 40 Under 40 list, Kelly discusses her transition from a traditional firm to launching her own practice amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, implementing modern software solutions, and the importance of community in helping you navigate your journey, especially so you don't end up bringing all the bad habits and inefficient processes over to your own venture. In order to grease the skids for accounting firm owners to do just that, Kelly established Fiscal Minds to help accountants network and build their firms.  Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Dominic Piscopo's journey in accounting started at a Big Four firm in Canada, where he discovered his firm was paying its employees well below the average in his area. He talks to John Randolph on Episode 52 of CPA Life about how that experience, among others, led to him launching Big 4 Transparency, a platform which tracks salary data in the profession. Although Big 4 Transparency started as a community project, Dom has transformed it into a full-time venture, and he talks about what he feels is his social responsibility to supply this information for free to the community while taking on firm clients who want to understand where their offerings stand in the marketplace. Underscoring the strategic use of timely data to attract and retain talent, Dom talks about how transparent compensation practices can promote employee satisfaction and prevent wage stagnation, benefiting firms of all sizes. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Chris Papin returns to CPA Life's Episode 51 for Part 2 of his conversation with host John Randolph. Their discussion shifts focus towards effective communication, training, and adapting to new technologies in accounting firms. Touching on the challenge inherent in teaching communication skills in a technical field like accounting, Chris stresses the importance of aligning that pedagogy with both internal and client expectations. But underscoring everything, most importantly, is the human element, something that cannot and will not ever be provided by the tech tools that accountants nevertheless need to adopt. Indeed, fostering those connections has been made easier through technology, and they will be more important than ever as the profession continues to evolve. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

CPA Life's 50 episode milestone marks the beginning of a conversation between John Randolph and Chris Papin, owner and founder of Papin CPA in Edmond, Oklahoma. Discussing the transition from traditional to modern CPA practices, Chris prioritizes sustainability, employee well-being, and client needs. He shares insights into his firm's growth, innovation in technology, and the challenges of balancing technical skills with client-facing roles. Looking to flexibility as a way to bridge those areas, Chris has looked to unorthodox schedules, remote work, and offshoring as solutions as he's overseen his payroll doubling in size. Don't miss part 1 of this two part discussion on how embracing modern practices and technological advancements can help you foster a successful firm that facilitates fulfilling careers for your people. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Veteran accounting journalist and consultant Seth Feinberg rejoins John Randolph for part two of their conversation on Episode 49 of CPA Life. They pick back up on the closing theme of the first episode, that accounting's image problem is largely self-made, and changes need to be made to solve the pipeline issues and other pressing matters within the profession at the macro level. Seth also touches on more focused topics: purposeful marketing in the social media age, the importance of firm culture, and the necessity of stressing the value accountants bring to their clients. The thread throughout Seth's insights is one of authenticity and trust: Two things that are vital in ensuring any individual accountant's—or any firm's—success in the market. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Seth Fineberg spent more than 20 years as an accounting journalist before founding Accountants Forward and consulting with professionals looking to improve their firm and career prospects. He and host John Randolph engage in part one of a dynamic conversation on Episode 48 of CPA Life, centered around going beyond raw numbers and looking at the reality of the landscape in public accounting. Emphasizing the need for cultural change and the importance of work-life balance, Seth highlights the profession's shift towards more holistic development, including mental health and leadership, a shift which John states had to happen given the unique environment younger generations have grown up in. Seth makes conferences a focal point, Bridging the Gap in particular, which is where he presented research that he and former guest Randy Crabtree had put together around burnout and job satisfaction in the profession. Stressing the human element, he effectively underscores the reasons the accounting industry needed to change. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Part 2 of John Randolph's special episode featuring Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway of Upstream Academy and the Upstream Leader Podcast continues on CPA Life, as the trio pick up their discussion of intentionality, a theme which runs through so many threads in the accounting profession. Intentionality is central to their discussions about creating firm culture, the value of deliberate planning, and the importance of effective mentorship. They emphasize that meaningful relationships and culture require intentional effort, even in a post-pandemic, hybrid work environment, also highlighting the importance of focusing on the right work, the right clients, and the right leadership style, best achieved through coaching and feedback. Among the ways to implement these themes successfully is by maintaining standards rather than rigid rules, and always keeping in mind the potential for an astronomical ROI when you invest in your people. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway of Upstream Academy and The Upstream Leader Podcast join host John Randolph to discuss innovation and sustainable careers in public accounting on Episode 46, part one of a special two part episode. As influential thought leaders with more than a quarter of a century of accounting experience between them, Jeremy and Heath stress the importance of intentional leadership, creating a vision and culture that you actually stick to, and fostering a sense of community within your firm. John brings insights that connect with his Talent + Advisory offering, particularly focusing on the need for intentionality in leadership. They all emphasize how important it is for leaders to take ownership, be purposeful, and connect with their teams to drive engagement and success. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Episode 45 of the CPA Life Podcast features Anshul Chawla, Director of Corporate Development at Chawla & Chawla, PC, in conversation with John Randolph about his journey through public accounting and private equity. From working at Big Four firms and a private equity firm to returning to his family-run CPA firm having gained experience there as a child, Anshul discusses modernizing the firm, enhancing employee experience, the value of communication, and integrating younger talent. He also provides insights on navigating the influx of private equity into the profession, emphasizing the importance of maintaining firm culture amidst the potential for such rapid growth and change. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Liz Farr has had a remarkable life's journey, from a childhood where she learned accounting principles, to many years later taking a tax preparation class, then working as an accountant navigating chaotic tax seasons, to finally, becoming a successful ghostwriter and podcast host. Join John Randolph on Episode 44 of CPA Life as he gleans insights from Liz's time in and around the accounting profession. She shares insights on modern accounting challenges, talent issues, and innovative practices for sustainable, people-centric firms in today's world. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph and Ron Baker dive back into part 2 of their discussion on Episode 43 of CPA Life, covering the challenges faced by CPAs, such as the moral injury the profession inflicts, the shift from fee-for-service to the subscription model, client advisory services, and more. They discuss the importance of niche expertise, the value of transformations over transactional services, and strategies for retaining talent in your firm. Discover how advisory services are evolving and the potential for the subscription-based model to elevate the profession, with insights on improving the profession while enhancing client relationships. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Ron Baker is a pioneer in the field of modern accounting. He joins John Randolph for this first installment of a special two part episode of CPA Life, and the two delve deep into the groundbreaking topics of value and subscription-based pricing and client advisory services that are reshaping the landscape of public accounting. An advocate for getting free of traditional timekeeping since 1989, Ron has written eight books on this and other topics, and given his experience at a Big Four firm early in his career, he soon realized that the underpinnings of the issues facing the profession all come back to keeping time, what he calls “plunging a ruler into the oven to check the temperature—it's the wrong measuring stick.” Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

On Episode 41 of CPA Life, rejoin host John Randolph for part two of his conversation with Jeff Bartsch of Story Greenlight, as they delve deeper into the significance of storytelling within the accounting industry. Learn about the impact of crafting authentic narratives about you and your firm, and discover the benefits of being personal and intentional in your communication, with a focus on social media and creating human connection. Jeff shares invaluable insights into the learning processes of accounting professionals, revealing how embracing storytelling can elevate your firm's internal and external branding. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Jeff Bartsch began his career in Hollywood before founding Story Greenlight, where he coaches CPA firms on how best to present the story of who they are. He joins John Randolph on Episode 40 of CPA Life, part one of a two part episode, to discuss how accounting professionals can differentiate themselves through communication and thought leadership, stressing the power of storytelling. Jeff emphasizes the importance of connecting with others and elevating messages from the ordinary to the extraordinary, highlighting the role of storytelling in creating trust and empathy. He provides insights into how to become an effective thought leader, also touching on the process of mastering skills and conveying messages authentically. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph resumes his conversation with Jason Blumer of Thriveal and Blumer CPAs on Episode 39 of CPA Life. Continuing their focus on strategies for firm growth, they tackle the complex problem of team management in the modern, often remote-based accounting world, stressing that leadership comes from the relationship leaders have with their charges, and that time spent cultivating that relationship has a far better return on investment in most cases than client work. Niching also plays a key role in maximizing any firm's potential, while often being a rewarding, interesting path to take. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Jason Blumer, CEO of Blumer CPAs and Thriveal, joins John Randolph for part one of their conversation on Episode 38 of CPA Life. Discussing his journey of building a sustainable CPA firm and the importance of intentional leadership, Jason explains that the entire concept behind Thriveal is that he made a lot of mistakes and had a lot of wrong ideas about entrepreneurship, and he wants to guide entrepreneurs with intentionality so they don't make those same mistakes. Jason stresses, and John agrees, that community-driven culture is a key to firm growth and employee satisfaction, the details of which they discuss at length, with a lead-in to part two, which airs May 22nd, 2024. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching returns for part 2 of her conversation with John Randolph on Episode 37 of CPA Life. She delves into the intricacies of employee motivation, hiring practices, and compensation in CPA firms, and they discuss the vital role culture plays in everything a firm does, from hiring, to acquisitions, to turnover. Jen highlights the importance of learning from cultural mistakes, with John pointing out the rose-colored glasses that certain clients and partnerships can impart. Jen, a member of the National Pipeline Advisory Group, encourages those in the accounting profession to have their say by completing the group's survey, which closes May 3rd, 2024. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph welcomes Jennifer Wilson to a two part conversation starting with CPA Life episode 36. Jennifer discusses her journey from BDO to founding ConvergenceCoaching, her deep history of driving technological innovation in business and accounting, and her understanding of the evolution of and challenges within the accounting industry. With a focus on the dynamics of remote work, they also explore the importance of establishing a compelling mission which your employees can feel like they are a part of, and which Jennifer says is exactly the salve needed to soothe the problems in the accounting pipeline. A member of the National Pipeline Advisory Group, Jen explains its role in trying to solve the pipeline problem, which she will delve into further in part two. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Host John Randolph continues his conversation with David Hartley on Episode 35 of CPA Life. They delve into ditching billable hours in favor of value billing, the potential for AI to vastly improve efficiency within CPA firms, and the importance of recruiting the next generation through values that appeal to them. Innovation is a key focus according to David, host of the But Who's Counting? podcast, who has plenty of insight into what's coming for firms around the country and the globe and what firm leaders need to harness now to prepare for the future. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

David Hartley joined Anders CPAs + Advisors when they were looking to establish an Advisory practice, demonstrating how even a large firm can “steer its ship” in an active, anticipatory way. David talks to John Randolph on Episode 34 of CPA Life in part 1 of their two part conversation about the strategic planning and growth of the Advisory practice under his watch, and David delves into how to have a forward-thinking approach, remote work experiences, and strategies for managing both remote and in-office work models. He touches on the future of the CPA profession, the importance of continuous learning, the impact of client relationships, and the importance of culling clients that are no longer a good fit for where your firm is today. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

In Part 2 of this special CPA Life episode, John Randolph returns as the guest to talk to producer Justin Grant about many of the key concepts in talent acquisition and advisory that CPA firms simply don't know that they don't know. John explains this as the basis behind his Talent + Advisory model, which integrates value-based pricing, strategic discussions, managing a firm's talent brand, online reputation management, the importance of relationships in accounting, and more. Above all, it is clear that just like an accounting client needs a partner in a firm that works with them on a recurring basis, so does an accounting firm need a partner that works with them to get to the root of their staffing needs and goals. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

The tables are turned as CPA Life producer Justin Grant takes the role of host to interview John Randolph, founder and principal of Benaiah Consulting Group—not just your regular host!—on Episode 32. John delves into his history in the recruiting and accounting space and the lessons he's learned from his vast and diverse experience: the importance of finding a niche, the role of private equity in firm growth, the impact of company culture on the employee experience, and more. Through it all, John stresses that the niche he has determined is best for him and Benaiah is serving small, local CPA firms, because the passion he has for helping those firms succeed is something that can't be duplicated. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Marcus Mire is the founder of Mire Group CPAs and the host of the Make It Count podcast. He joins John Randolph for Episode 31 of CPA Life to discuss the impact of cloud accounting on his accounting practice, the effect of COVID-19 on firm operations, and more. Marcus shares his advice for new firm owners and talks about the growth and core values of the Mire Group, exploring the transition to a subscription-based model, community involvement, and the role of faith-based leadership. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

John Randolph finishes his conversation with Accounting Today Top 100 influencer Randy Crabtree on Episode 30 of CPA Life, where they discuss non-traditional leadership in remote, but also in-office culture, the importance of building relationships, and of making your people understand you care about them as human beings. They both into the financial advantage imparted by low turnover due to healthy employee work-life balance and the power of saying “no.” They round out their chat by discussing the benefits to firm leaders of letting others do the things you do best, while leaders stay in their lanes, out of the way. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Randy Crabtree is an Accounting Today Top 100 Influencer, the co-founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax, and the host of The Unique CPA podcast. On part one of a two part conversation, he joins John Randolph on Episode 29 of CPA Life to talk about the benefits of a niche focus within a firm and the good that comes from being intentional in creating a place people want to work. Related to these elements are allowing remote work, using value-based billing, and maintaining a strong company culture during a firm's growth—one that makes people feel valued and like more than just a cog in a wheel. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Mike Payne of BOSS Advisors rejoins host John Randolph for part two of their conversation about building a modern CPA firm on Episode 28 of CPA Life. They pick up on their discussion of how BOSS is breaking the traditional firm mold through a subscription-based pricing model, prioritizing employees over billable hours, and more. Mike details practical strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, delighting clients with proactive service, and creating a culture of open communication. In an episode full of actionable tips for firm owners looking to transform their own organizations, John backs Mike's insights up with his perspective as a consumer of CPA services and they both agree on the importance of making sure you are keeping your “internal customers”—your employees—happy. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Mike Payne, founder and CEO of BOSS Advisors, had an atypical path into his career as he holds both a CPA license and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona. On Episode 27 of CPA Life, Mike talks to John Randolph about his unique educational journey, and his experience working at a Big Four firm, before striking out on his own. Mike had a number of experiences that highlighted the need for change in public accounting, and he has built a firm focused on client service, that breaks from the traditional billable hours model. Part 1 of this conversation offers practical guidance and inspiration for anyone seeking to strike out on their own and build their own firm that does things better. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Episode 26 is the second of a two part episode of CPA Life, and Henry Huie rejoins John Randolph to talk about his new firm and its subscription model where clients pay for ongoing advice rather than billable hours. A focus on building deeper client relationships puts the value in “value billing,” and empowers clients to ask for the help they need without worrying about fees. Further, by leveraging technology, Henry's ideas represent a way for firms to beat the staffing shortage as a job in accounting with fewer hours, better pay and more meaningful relationships is sure to attract far more talent than the same old, legacy firm attitude. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

In another two part special episode of CPA Life, John Randolph interviews Henry Huie about his journey from working long hours at top 25 firms to opening his own practice, Chrome Accounting, in October, 2023. Henry shares some of the lessons he's already learned, like thorough planning, having enough savings so you need not take on undesirable clients, and niching down your services. Henry prepared methodically over a year before launching his firm, during which time Henry learned practical tips for working remotely efficiently using tools like Loom. Henry's advice on networking, providing value to clients, and avoiding common pitfalls of being a new business owner will prove invaluable to every listener. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com  

Episode 24 is a CPA Life Rewind, where we look back on a topic relevant to the accounting world right now. Today, having just gotten through another fall busy season, we feature John Randolph's conversation with John Mark Prewitt, Managing Member at Cohesion Companies, which he founded over a decade ago. John Mark's experience in the Big Four led him to choosing a radically different approach to running his own firm, with a strong focus on work-life balance and low employee turnover, thanks to Cohesion's flat fee model, focus on client service, and emphasis on communication and growth opportunities for employees. As a result, Cohesion was recognized by Accounting Today as a top firm to work for in 2022. This Rewind episode is chock full of insights on how your firm can do the same! Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Tired of endless 80-hour weeks? Chris Vanover, President and Chief Auditor at AuditClub, talks to John Randolph about AuditClub's subscription model which aims to give firms flexible access to audit experts on demand. Listen in to learn how AuditClub's transparent bonus system and sustainable four-day workweek attracts top talent while prioritizing work-life balance. Chris also reveals how AuditClub is designed to meet the audit needs of sole practitioners and top ten firms alike. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Donny Shimamoto, CEO of IntraPrise TechKnowlogies, is a thought leader in public accounting who is transforming the industry through his focus on technology, people, and culture. On Episode 22 of CPA Life, Donny talks to John Randolph about how firms can address the staffing crisis through demand management, outsourcing, and automation. He also shares the results of surveys conducted by his Center for Accounting Transformation on what makes firms successful, and the importance of advisory services over compliance work. Donny also touches on how AI will impact accounting, advising firms to leverage it to enhance their work, rather than replace it, and to be skeptical in its implementation. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com

Yuri Kapilovich started #thefunCPA movement to change the stale, grueling culture of public accounting. On Episode 21 of CPA Life, he talks to John Randolph about his journey through seven different firms, including time spent in the Big Four, until he finally settled on starting his own firm, with a focus on a better work-life balance. Yuri understands that with the availability of information on the internet, the accounting industry must adapt to retain top talent. He is making it happen through his own firm, and he advocates for other firms to follow a similar path, as today's generation of accountants simply won't tolerate the conditions that have dominated the industry for so many years. Get the full show notes and more resources at CPALifePodcast.com