Podcast appearances and mentions of blake oliver

Is AI about to break the billable hour? Blake and David unpack what they heard at a major AI tax summit, where new tools promise to prepare complex returns in minutes instead of hours. They also debate Intuit's stock slide, Trump's extraordinary IRS settlement, and what shrinking oversight at the PCAOB could mean. You'll hear where AI is already changing accounting—and where humans still matter most.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casThe Value Builder System - http://accountingpodcast.promo/valueOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayMaxima. AI - http://accountingpodcast.promo/maximaChapters(00:00) - TAP 489 (02:24) - Blackor AI Tax Summit (03:14) - AI Agents Disrupt Tax (07:16) - Billable Hour Pressure (09:00) - Advisory Future Forecast (10:14) - Intuit Stock Shock (12:29) - TurboTax vs Tax Pros (17:31) - Intuit Layoffs Strategy (20:04) - Trump IRS Settlement (24:59) - PCAOB SEC Shakeup (27:33) - OnPay Payroll Pitch (28:42) - IRS Mystery Payments (30:48) - Busy Season Burnout (33:35) - California SaaS Tax Plan (34:54) - Big Four AI Hallucinations (36:48) - Are Consultants Replaceable (40:03) - AI Job Loss Chart (43:50) - Maxima Close Automation (45:12) - Musk Tax Return Training (46:03) - SpaceX IPO Breakdown (50:11) - CPE and Listener Q&A (52:51) - Wrap Up and Shoutouts  Show NotesIntuit Lays Off 3,000 Employees Amid AI Pushhttps://officechai.com/ai/intuit-lays-off-3000-employees-amid-ai-push/U.S. Government Agrees to Drop Tax Claims Against Trump in Broadening of IRS Settlementhttps://www.npr.org/2026/05/19/g-s1-122938/irs-trump-settlement-tax-returns-auditDOJ Settlement 'Forever' Bars IRS Trump Audits, Sparks Backlashhttps://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/doj-settlement-forever-bars-irs-trump-audits-sparks-backlash/U.S. Audit Watchdog Should Rescind Its Independence Rules, SEC Official Sayshttps://www.securitiesdocket.com/2026/05/08/u-s-audit-watchdog-should-rescind-its-independence-rules-sec-official-says-wsj/The SEC's New SOX Group – Potential Impacts for Audit Firms, Their Professionals, and Future PCAOB Enforcementhttps://www.kslaw.com/news-and-insights/the-secs-new-sox-group-potential-impacts-for-audit-firms-their-professionals-and-future-pcaob-enforcementIRS to Develop System to Track Missing Payments, TIGTA Sayshttps://www.thetaxadviser.com/news/2026/may/irs-to-develop-system-to-track-missing-payments-tigta-says/78% of Tax Pros Say Tax Season Negatively Impacts Personal and Professional Lifehttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/05/26/78-of-tax-pros-say-that-tax-season-negatively-impacts-personal-professional-life/183912/California Proposes Tax on All Digital Software Saleshttps://www.techtimes.com/articles/316734/20260516/californias-725-saas-tax-would-hit-every-business-running-microsoft-salesforce-workday.htmEY Gets Busted and Yeets Cybersecurity Report Littered With AI Hallucinationshttps://www.goingconcern.com/ey-gets-busted-and-yeets-cybersecurity-report-littered-with-ai-hallucinations/Investigation: Hallucinations in Ernst & Young Report on Loyalty Fraudhttps://gptzero.me/investigations/eyIs AI Putting Graduates Out of Work Already?https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/03/27/is-ai-putting-graduates-out-of-work-alreadyMusk's xAI Fails to Pay Staff $420 for Giving Tax Returns to Grokhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-18/musk-s-xai-promised-staff-420-for-their-tax-returns-hasn-t-paidSpaceX Files for IPOhttps://spacenews.com/spacex-files-for-ipo/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser:

Is AI really the next Google—or are investors repeating the last tech bubble? Blake and David dig into OpenAI's legal win, the accounting mechanics behind soaring AI valuations, and why cloud credits and paper gains may be inflating the market. They also explore what could make AI tools actually sticky for businesses, from workflow automation to personal finance and small-business use cases, and what all of this means for accountants.SponsorsDigits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/digitsR.E. Cost Seg - http://accountingpodcast.promo/recostsegOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay Maxima.AI - http://accountingpodcast.promo/maximaChapters(00:00) - TAP 488 (00:22) - Cash Flow Forecast Debate (00:29) - Road Show Updates (00:56) - Conference Rebrand News (01:31) - Nasdaq AI Summit Preview (04:29) - Livestream Check In (05:14) - Musk vs OpenAI Ruling (07:25) - AI Bubble Warning Signs (10:47) - Roundtrip Accounting Explained (15:38) - Paper Profits Hit Big Tech (18:28) - Do AI Giants Have Moats (27:15) - ChatGPT Personal Finance Push (30:54) - Agentic App Platforms (31:44) - Query Volume As Moat (33:00) - Claude Small Business Suite (35:20) - Cash Flow Forecast Debate (37:02) - AI Tax Workbook Example (41:03) - Personal Finance Is A Hobby (44:14) - Synthetic And Bench Lessons (47:16) - Why GLs Still Matter (50:43) - Klarna Rehires Humans (52:45) - Token Prices Will Rise (54:07) - Wrap Up And Next Time  Show NotesJury Dismisses Elon Musk's Lawsuit Against OpenAI Over Statute of Limitationshttps://www.technologyreview.com/2026/05/18/1137488/elon-musk-suit-openai-verdict/OpenAI Closes $122 Billion Funding Round, Largest in Silicon Valley Historyhttps://siliconangle.com/2026/03/31/openai-just-closed-record-breaking-122b-funding-round-brings-value-852b/Alphabet and Amazon Stakes in Anthropic Boost Profits by Billionshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-31/alphabet-amazon-stakes-in-anthropic-boost-profit-by-billionsHalf of Google's and Amazon's 'Blowout AI Profits' Came From a Stake in Anthropichttps://fortune.com/2026/04/30/google-amazon-ai-profits-anthropic-stake-bubble-earnings-2026/What Microsoft's 10-Q Says About OpenAIhttps://om.co/2026/05/01/what-microsofts-10-q-says-about-openai/OpenAI Launches ChatGPT for Personal Finance, Will Let You Connect Bank Accountshttps://techcrunch.com/2026/05/15/openai-launches-chatgpt-for-personal-finance-will-let-you-connect-bank-accounts/Introducing Claude for Small Businesshttps://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-for-small-businessSasha Orloff (Puzzle) LinkedIn Post: Klarna, AI Agent Costs, and Accounting Quality Riskhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sashaorloffKlarna Reverses Course on AI Customer Support, Resumes Human Hiringhttps://www.customerexperiencedive.com/news/klarna-reinvests-human-talent-customer-service-AI-chatbot/747586/Khosla Ventures Is Betting $10M on Ian Crosby, Whose Last Startup Bench Implodedhttps://techcrunch.com/2026/05/14/khosla-ventures-is-betting-10m-on-ian-crosby-whose-last-startup-bench-imploded/How Intuit Plans to Ride Out the 'SaaS-pocalypse' (CFO Brew Interview with CTO Alex Balazs)https://www.cfobrew.com/stories/2026/04/14/intuit-cto-alex-balazs-saas-pocalypseNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifieds REFRAME 2026 - http://accountingpodcast.promo/reframe2026Flowglad - https://cal.com/team/flowglad/flowgladWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the liste...

Could public companies stop reporting every quarter? Blake and David break down the SEC's push toward optional semiannual reporting, OpenAI's new consulting arm, and what both moves could mean for accountants. They also cover tariff refund accounting, audit lawsuits, AI outperforming doctors in diagnosis tests, and why accountants may be better positioned than ever to build software and solve higher-value problems.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay C&R Consulting - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cnrFishbowl - http://accountingpodcast.promo/fishbowlChapters(00:00) - TAP 487 (02:52) - Semiannual reporting shift (06:46) - OpenAI enters consulting (09:59) - True cost of Iran war (15:40) - Xero founder scandal (18:42) - Tariffs and refund accounting (24:51) - WNBA millionaire tax myth (28:18) - NYC pied a terre tax (31:42) - Education loans and accounting (34:58) - Chat Prompts Cyber Accounting (36:15) - PwC Audit Scandal Lawsuit (38:17) - BDO First Brands Fallout (40:50) - PCAOB QC Rule Debate (44:34) - RSM Layoffs Audit Demand (46:54) - AI Beats ER Doctors (49:18) - Chegg Disrupted By AI (51:13) - Rethinking Education Model (53:17) - Accountants As Vibe Coders (56:55) - Build Accounting In Excel (01:01:44) - Wrap Up CPE And Travel  Show NotesSEC, FASB Prepare for Semi-Annual Reporting Optionhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/sec-fasb-prepare-for-semi-annual-reporting-optionOpenAI Launches the OpenAI Deployment Company to Help Businesses Build Around Intelligencehttps://openai.com/index/openai-launches-the-deployment-company/Opinion | The Iran War Will Cost Trillionshttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/08/opinion/hegseth-war-cost.htmlGlobal Economic Conditions Survey: Q1 2026https://www.accaglobal.com/us/en/professional-insights/global-economics/gecs-q1-2026.htmlXero Founder Sir Rod Drury Returns New Zealander of the Year Award Amid Misconduct Claimshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/594669/xero-founder-sir-rod-drury-returns-new-zealander-of-the-year-award-amid-misconduct-claimsRefunds on Trump Tariffs Pose Accounting Dilemmas for Companieshttps://news.bloombergtax.com/financial-accounting/refunds-on-trump-tariffs-pose-accounting-dilemmas-for-companiesWNBA Star Kelsey Plum Shows Embarrassing Lack of Tax Knowledgehttps://thespun.com/wnba/wnba-star-kelsey-plum-shows-embarrassing-lack-of-tax-knowledgeColumn: WNBA Star Kelsey Plum Is Taking Heat for Getting California Tax Law Wrong. But Don't Blame Herhttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/05/06/column-wnba-star-kelsey-plum-is-taking-heat-for-getting-california-tax-law-wrong-but-dont-blame-her/182897/New York's Pied-a-Terre Tax Sets Up Legal Fight Over Valueshttps://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/24/new-york-pied-a-terre-tax.htmlEducation Dept. Rejects Accounting as Professional Degreehttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/education-dept-rejects-accounting-as-professional-degreeCorporate Travel's Accounting Shock: What It Means for PwC and the Wider Industryhttps://www.corporatekeysaustralia.com.au/accommodation/news/corporate-travels-accounting-shock-what-it-means-for-pwc-and-the-wider-industryFirst Brands Creditor Sues Auditor BDO Over Missed Red Flagshttps://news.bloombergtax.com/financial-accounting/first-brands-creditor-sues-auditor-bdo-over-missed-red-flagsLayoff Watch '26: RSM Trims Down in Audithttps://www.goingconcern.com/layoff-watch-26-rsm-trims-down-in-audit/AI Is Starting to Beat Doctors at Making Correct Diagnoseshttps://www.science.org/content/article/ai-starting-beat-doctors-making-correct-diagnosesChegg Was Dying Way Before ChatGPT – Chatbots Just Dealt the Fatal Blowhttps://www.barchart.com/story/news/1744436/chegg-was-dying-way-before-chatgpt-chatbots-just-dealt-the-fatal-blowAnthropic's Boris Cherny: Why Coding Is Solved, and What Comes Nexthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlGRN8jh2RINeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website -

AI is already here. If you are still billing by the hour and running your team on timesheets, you are building on a foundation that is cracking fast. Blake Oliver, Founder and CEO of Earmark and one of Accounting Today's top 100 most influential people, talks about the billing revolution happening right now in accounting. Blake breaks down why the billable hour is the root of inefficiency in accounting firms, how AI agents are replacing routine staff work, and what the future of fixed-fee and subscription billing looks like for small and mid-sized CPA firms.Blake Oliver did not take the traditional accounting route. He started as a musician, stumbled into bookkeeping, and became one of the earliest cloud accounting adopters in the U.S. — the second bookkeeper certified on Xero in the country. If you want to stay ahead and build a firm that thrives in the next decade, this is the episode to press play on. Tune in to The Billing Revolution: AI, Time, and the Future of Accounting Firms with Blake Oliver.Episode resources:● Website: https://anderscpa.com/ ● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/   QuotesBlake Oliver: "Timesheets are the root of all evil in accounting. It creates a culture of inefficiency and resistance to change."Tom Wadelton: "You could probably double your revenue with the existing team. That is real money. Not cutting headcount, but growing without needing more people to do it."Adam Hale: “If I see you are working too much, I am going to be asking what is wrong. Your job is to push work down, use technology, and stretch your reach."Blake Oliver is the Founder and CEO of Earmark, the app that lets CPAs and accounting professionals earn free continuing professional education by listening to podcasts. A CPA and one of Accounting Today's top 100 most influential people in the profession, Blake started his career as a musician before building one of the first cloud-based bookkeeping practices in the U.S. and becoming the second Xero-certified bookkeeper in the country. Website: https://www.blakeoliver.com/   LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@BlakeTOliver  Connect with Earmark:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/earmarkcpe/     The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.Website: https://anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/the-modern-cpa-success-show/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/ Instagram:

SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayR.E. Cost Seg - http://accountingpodcast.promo/recostsegC&R Consulting - http://accountingpodcast.promo/c&rconsultingFishbowl - http://accountingpodcast.promo/fishbowlChapters(00:00) - TAP 486 (02:25) - Firm of One AI Tax (04:39) - Automating Firm Ops (09:35) - Claude Connectors Tested (17:45) - Sage Buys Doyen AI (19:48) - AI Efficiency Paradox (22:06) - Vibe Coding for CAS (26:06) - KPMG Federal Audit Exit (29:02) - Tariff Refund Lawsuits (31:15) - Tariffs and Job Losses (33:01) - IRS Lawsuit Snag (33:28) - Hearing Conflict Question (33:49) - Nonprofit Form 990 Shakeup (37:30) - Autofill Tax Return Bill (38:54) - IRS Whistleblower Boost (40:38) - Fed Nominee And Rates (42:39) - Jobs Data Doesn't Add Up (44:28) - Intuit Hiring And Benefits (47:26) - Canopy AI Coworker Agents (52:34) - AI Meeting Notes To Tasks (54:58) - Procrastination Pays In AI (58:42) - Wrap Up CPE And Events  Show NotesThe 2026 Best Accounting Firms for Technologyhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/list/the-2026-best-accounting-firms-for-technologyAI Can Boost Productivity, but Who Sustains the Customer Economy?https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/ai-can-boost-productivity-but-who-sustains-the-customer-economySage Acquires Doyen AI to Help SMBs Migrate and Go Live Faster with AIhttps://www.sage.com/en-us/news/press-releases/2026/04/sage-acquires-doyen-ai-to-help-smbs-migrate-and-go-live-faster-with-ai/KPMG Closes U.S. Federal Audit Practice, Trims Advisory Staffhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/kpmg-closes-u-s-federal-audit-practice-trims-advisory-staffGamers Sue Nintendo Over Tariff Refundshttps://www.gamefile.news/p/gamers-sue-nintendo-over-tariff-refundsNo, Tariffs Are Not Strengthening the Economyhttps://fortune.com/2026/04/29/tariffs-not-strengthening-economy-trump-trade-war-data/Trump's $10 Billion IRS Suit Hits Snag with Skeptical Judgehttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/04/27/trumps-10-billion-irs-suit-hits-snag-with-skeptical-judge/182256/IRS to Revamp Form 990 to Require More Info from Charitieshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-to-revamp-form-990-to-require-more-info-from-charitiesCongressman Introduces Bill to Autofill Tax Formshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/congressman-introduces-bill-to-autofill-tax-formsHouse Passes IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Acthttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/house-passes-irs-whistleblower-improvement-actAccountant Job Outlook & Demand Report 2026https://www.intuit.com/blog/innovative-thinking/accountant-job-outlook-demand-report/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifieds REFRAME 2026 - http://accountingpodcast.promo/reframe2026Flowglad - https://cal.com/team/flowglad/flowgladWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

What does it mean when Big Four partners can be demoted—and AI still gets 1 in 5 accounting tasks wrong? Blake and David unpack KPMG's audit partner cuts, EY and KPMG's quiet partner demotions in the UK, PwC's return-to-office push, and why firms like Decimal are rethinking tech-driven bookkeeping. They also debate AI's limits in accounting, explore the future of CPE after a surprising Nasba warning, and explain what these shifts mean for accountants building their careers.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayFishbowl - http://accountingpodcast.promo/fishbowlChapters(00:00) - TAP 485 (01:47) - Bookkeeping Market Shakeup (02:38) - Decimal Pivots to Franchising (05:31) - AI Accuracy Reality Check (07:57) - Inventory Counts Still Human (10:28) - H&R Block Goes Year Round (11:55) - AI CEO Experiments and Limits (16:34) - Earmark Sponsor and NASBA Letter (21:37) - Context and CPE Reform Debate (26:11) - CPE Checkbox Culture (28:11) - Fixing CPE With AI (32:07) - Live Chat and Teams CPE (34:37) - Sponsor OnPay Break (35:51) - Big Four Partner Cuts (41:27) - AI Predicts Misstatements (43:31) - Sponsor Fishbowl Break (44:55) - Where Accountants Are Missing (48:39) - 150 Hour Rule Changes (49:19) - Wrap Up and Thanks  Show NotesThe Best AI Model Still Fails 1 in 5 Accounting Taskshttps://www.cfo.com/news/the-best-ai-model-still-fails-1-in-5-accounting-tasks-Claude-Opus-OpenAI-GPT/818100/DualEntry AI Accounting Benchmark (Claude Opus 4.7 Results)https://www.dualentry.com/blog/claude-opus-4-7-accounting-ai-benchmark-resultsThe Least Glamorous Side of Accounting That Still Can't Be Automatedhttps://controllerscouncil.org/the-least-glamorous-side-of-accounting-that-still-cant-be-automated/Decimal Sells Its Accounting Firm to Franchise the Operating System Behind Ithttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/decimal-sells-its-accounting-firm-to-franchise-the-operating-system-behind-it-302753690.htmlCollective Acquires Open Ledger to Accelerate All-in-One Financial Solution for Solopreneurshttps://www.axios.com/pro/fintech-deals/2026/04/22/collective-open-ledger-acquisitionH&R Block Wants to Be More Than a Tax Companyhttps://fortune.com/article/hr-block-tax-year-round-financial-adviser-fintech-innovation/An AI Agent Takes Over a Store and Orders Too Many Candleshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-23/an-ai-agent-takes-over-a-store-and-orders-too-many-candles-mobwrfw2Customers Bank CEO Uses AI Clone on Earnings Call, Signs OpenAI Dealhttps://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/27/openai-partners-with-customers-bank-in-push-to-automate-finance.htmlKPMG Lays Off 10% of US Audit Partnershttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/kpmg-lays-off-10-of-us-audit-partnersKPMG and EY Demote Partners in End of Job-for-Life Model in UKhttps://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/2026/04/24/kpmg-and-ey-demote-partners-in-end-of-job-for-life-model-in-uk/PwC Tells Remote Tax Staff to Get Their Butts Into the Officehttps://www.goingconcern.com/pwc-tells-remote-tax-staff-to-get-their-butts-into-the-office/PwC Pays $166 Million to Settle HK Evergrande Audit Probehttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-23/pwc-agrees-to-pay-166-million-to-close-evergrande-probe-in-hkPredicting Material Misstatements Using Machine Learning (Phys.org summary)https://phys.org/news/2026-predicting-material-misstatements-machine-learning.htmlIs Your State Running Low on Accountants? (Sam's List Accountant Shortage Index)https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/04/21/is-your-state-running-out-of-accountants/181991/Kentucky Passes CPA Licensure Modernization Billhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/kentucky-passes-cpa-pathway-billNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts:

Can the accounting profession grow with fewer people? Blake Oliver and David Leary unpack how AI is reshaping firms, from PwC Australia's staffing cuts and rising partner pay to new questions about performance metrics, CPA pathways, and the future of CAS. They also cover the IRS's tax season recap, tariff refunds, Deloitte's fake AI citations, and why firms need better ways to measure value in an AI-driven world.SponsorsDigits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/digitsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayWurthy - http://accountingpodcast.promo/wurthyChapters(00:00) - Show kickoff and tax season (01:05) - Sponsor Digits AI bookkeeping (02:45) - IRS CEO tax season recap (06:18) - Direct File and enforcement debate (07:54) - Tariff refund portal CAPE (09:54) - IRS CI pulled to ICE then back (11:49) - CAS growth engine for firms (15:12) - New firm metrics beyond hours (24:02) - AI ROI metrics survey (25:30) - Sponsor Cloud Staffing and OnPay (29:45) - Rethinking Course Requirements (31:44) - States Drop 150 Hours (33:16) - Experience Sign Off Hurdles (33:59) - Geopolitical Risk Survey (35:25) - Deloitte Fake Citations (38:46) - Big Four Cuts and Pay (41:51) - Worthy Sponsor Break (43:23) - ARR Metric Trouble (48:37) - Shorter Contracts Shift (49:49) - Ilhan Omar Filing Error (53:18) - Wrap Up and Free CPE  Show NotesIRS CEO Touts Successful Tax Season Despite Cutbackshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-ceo-touts-successful-tax-season-despite-cutbacksThe CAPE Tariff Refund System Is Here — Are You Ready?https://globaltrainingcenter.com/the-cape-tariff-refund-system-is-here-is-your-global-trade-team-ready/IRS Shakes Up Leadership Ahead of Tax Seasonhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-shakes-up-leadership-ahead-of-tax-seasonLooking to Grow Like a Top 100 Firm? Try CAShttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/looking-to-grow-like-a-top-100-firm-try-casAccounting Firms Need New Metrics for an Old Modelhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/accounting-firms-need-new-metrics-for-an-old-modelOnly 18% of Organizations Track AI ROIhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/only-18-of-organizations-track-ai-roiCPA Licensing Laws Are Constraining Accounting Firms in the AI Erahttps://news.bloombergtax.com/tax-insights-and-commentary/accounting-firms-schools-must-craft-next-generations-futureMaryland Approves CPA Licensure Pathways Billhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/maryland-approves-cpa-licensure-pathways-billNevada Implements CPA Licensure Changeshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/nevada-implements-cpa-licensure-changesAccountants Worried About War in Iranhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/accountants-worried-about-war-in-iranAccounting Watchdog to Investigate Deloitte Over Fake Citations in $1.6M Healthcare Reporthttps://theindependent.ca/news/lji/accounting-watchdog-to-investigate-deloitte-over-fake-citations-in-1-6-million-healthcare-report/PwC Australia Profit Drops, But Fewer Partners Split the Pothttps://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report-international/pwc-australia-profit-drops-but-fewer-partners-split-the-potDeloitte US to Cut Benefits for Segment of Employees Amid Job Architecture Reshufflehttps://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2026/04/20/deloitte-us-to-cut-benefits-for-segment-of-employees-amid-job-architecture-reshuffleWhat Is ARR? Behind the Least-Trusted Metric of the AI Erahttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-07/what-is-arr-behind-the-least-trusted-metric-of-the-ai-eraAI Tools Are Upending Typical Software Contractshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-03-25/ai-tools-are-upending-typical-software-contractsRep. Ilhan Omar Cites Accounting Error in $30 Million Financial Disclosurehttps://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/apr/18/rep-ilhan-omar-cites-accounting-error-30-million-financial-disclosure/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? 

What happens when AI starts doing the audit work itself? Blake and David dig into KPMG's prediction that routine audit testing could soon happen with almost no human auditors directly involved. They also cover the IRS's unfinished AI projects, the end of Direct File, new tax-on-tips rules, and why firms investing more in marketing are growing faster. Press play to hear what these shifts could mean for accountants, firms, and clients.Sponsors Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayWurthy - http://accountingpodcast.promo/wurthyChapters(00:00) - Audits Without Humans (00:22) - Tax Day Show Kickoff (02:30) - When Tax Day Hit Post Office (04:34) - E Filing Ends The Party (05:23) - This Week Top Stories (05:58) - Warehouse Fire Accounting Impact (08:52) - Compliance Time Cost (11:04) - No Tax On Tips Rules (13:44) - IRS AI Projects Stall (14:43) - Direct File Cost Debate (17:30) - Xero Os Buzzword Critique (20:32) - Can Ai Replace QuickBooks (21:23) - Reddit Claude Accounting System (22:45) - Firms Lose Stack Control (23:27) - AI Makes More Cleanup (23:58) - Tidwell Spreadsheet Accounting (25:13) - Tax Preparer Fraud Cases (27:17) - Big Four Audit Automation (30:58) - EY Office Mandate and Careers (34:01) - Firm Growth Marketing and AI (36:19) - Audit Lawsuits and Penalties (40:19) - Juno AI Tax Prep Funding (42:27) - Workers Skipping AI Review (44:36) - Agentic Frameworks and Omni (47:19) - Wrap Up and Free CPE  Show NotesHow Tax Day Turned Into Party Night at the Post Officehttps://www.history.com/articles/tax-day-partiesAmericans to Spend 11.6 Billion Hours Completing Federal Compliance Formshttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/03/16/americans-to-spend-11-6-billion-hours-completing-federal-compliance-forms/179866/IRS Publishes List of Jobs That Qualify for 'No Tax on Tips' Provisionhttps://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/13/irs-tax-on-tips-big-beautiful-bill.htmlIRS AI Projects Fall by the Wayside Due to Staff Cutshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-ai-projects-fall-by-the-wayside-due-to-staff-cutsIRS Inflated Direct File Costs by $45 Million in 2025https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/03/25/irs-inflated-direct-file-costs-by-45-million-in-2025/180237/Xero OS: Your Operating System for the Future of Autonomous Financehttps://blog.xero.com/news-events/xero-os-ai-native-operating-system/Tidwell — MCP Accounting Server (Reddit reference)https://www.tidwell.comWarehouse Worker Charged in $500M Arson Attack at Kimberly-Clark Distribution Centerhttps://abc7.com/post/employee-arrested-arson-kimberly-clark-distribition-center-destroyed-massive-fire-ontario/18851549/New Jersey Tax Preparer Sentenced in Largest COVID-19 Tax Relief Fraud Casehttps://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/new-jersey-man-sentenced-prison-largest-covid-19-tax-relief-fraud-scheme-countryPennsylvania Tax Preparer Jessica Cordero Faces Federal Charges in New Fraud Schemehttps://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/allentown-woman-and-two-others-charged-federal-court-wire-fraud-and-aggravated-identityIn This Critical Part of Audits, the Accountant's Role Is Shrinking Fasthttps://www.wsj.com/finance/accounting/auditors-ai-kpmg-pwc-ey-7f07d3a5KPMG Plans to Cut Up to 440 Audit Jobs in UKhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-27/kpmg-set-to-shed-hundreds-of-auditors-as-attrition-remains-lowEY Requiring U.S. Tax Staff to Work In-Person 12 Days a Monthhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/ey-requiring-us-tax-staff-to-work-in-person-12-days-a-monthAI Is Changing How EY Recruits, Develops and Promotes Employeeshttps://www.businessinsider.com/ey-ai-talent-career-paths-accounting-2026High-Growth Accounting Firms Spend Twice as Much on Marketinghttps://hingemarketing.com/blog/story/marketing-financial-services-the-2025-forecastEvergrande Liquidators and PwC Head to Courthttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/evergrande-liquidators-and-pwc-head-to-courtOntario Securities Commission Accuses KPMG of Botching Audits for Bridging Financehttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/ontario-securities-commission-accuses-kpmg-of-botching-audits-for-bridging-financeJuno Raises $12M Seed to Scale AI Tax Preparation Platformhttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/04/13/juno-raises-12m-seed-to-scale-ai-tax-preparation-platform-that-automates-90-of-busy-work/181502/AI Slop Survey: A Third of Workers Rarely Check AI Output Before Using Ithttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/04/08/ai-slop-survey-a-third-of-workers-rarely-check-ai-output-before-using-it/181191/Agentic AI Frameworks and Artifact's Omni Platform Launchhttps://www.artifact.buildNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast:

What if AI wipes out the entry-level accounting work firms have relied on for decades? Blake Oliver talks with Sikich managing principal Richard Lynch about the rise of the “super accountant,” why the pyramid-shaped firm may become a diamond, and how AI could force firms to rethink training, billing, and performance metrics. You'll hear what firm leaders must change now—and what happens to those who don't adapt.Chapters(00:00) - EAP 112 (07:41) - Training The Next Gen (09:39) - Rethinking Early Career Work (14:17) - Learning Review Without Doing (18:41) - Automated Tax Prep Reality (21:28) - Billable Hour Under Pressure (26:33) - Why Timesheets Persist (28:21) - Why Hours Persist (29:53) - Timesheets Trust and Control (30:53) - Preventing Burnout with Targets (32:30) - AI Breaks Time Productivity (34:39) - Shift from Production to Value (37:02) - New Metrics Client and Staff (39:13) - Revenue Incentives and Attribution (44:24) - Basketball Team Performance Model (46:33) - Hours Culture and Team Standards (51:34) - Leaders Choose Progression Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Richard Lynch, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardlynch/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What happens when AI starts doing more than answering questions? Blake and David dig into Perplexity's move into tax prep and bookkeeping, the IRS testing Palantir to help select audit targets, and why many firms still aren't seeing real ROI from AI. They also unpack the surprising success of Trump accounts and what all of this could mean for accountants, firm workflows, and the future of the profession.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casREFRAME 2026 - http://accountingpodcast.promo/reframe2026Wurthy - http://accountingpodcast.promo/wurthyChapters(00:00) - TAP 482 (02:37) - Trump Accounts Boom (07:22) - CPE With Earmark (08:38) - Perplexity Targets Taxes (12:32) - AI Agents And Moats (23:43) - Claude Cowork Bookkeeping (30:25) - Digits Outcome Pricing (30:58) - Digits Pay For Performance (31:25) - Zero Touch Guarantee (31:56) - Pricing Power Debate (32:20) - Switching GL Friction (33:11) - Reframe Conference Sponsor (34:26) - AI Security Banter (35:14) - IRS Palantir Snap Audits (39:09) - AI ROI Wrong Math (44:27) - Find The Bottleneck (46:14) - Automate Client Intake (48:02) - Claude PBC Workflow (54:40) - Weekly Close Discipline (56:13) - DHS Tax Extension Story (57:48) - Mentoring And Webinars (59:15) - Future Firm Tech Stack (01:01:45) - Wrap Up And CPE  Show Notes4 Million Children Have Been Signed Up for Trump Accounts with 1 Million Claiming the $1,000 Pilot Program Contributionhttps://www.irs.gov/newsroom/4-million-children-have-been-signed-up-for-trump-accounts-with-1-million-claiming-the-1000-pilot-program-contributionIntroducing Computer for Taxeshttps://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/introducing-computer-for-taxesThe IRS Wants Smarter Audits. Palantir Could Help Decide Who Gets Flaggedhttps://dnyuz.com/2026/03/30/the-irs-wants-smarter-audits-palantir-could-help-decide-who-gets-flagged/Digits Announces Outcome-Based Pricinghttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/digits-announces-outcome-based-pricingYour AI Business Case Is Built on the Wrong Mathhttps://www.cfo.com/news/your-ai-business-case-is-built-on-the-wrong-math-throughput-accounting-productivity/816014/Treasury and IRS Announce Tax Filing Relief to DHS Personnelhttps://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0431Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifieds REFRAME 2026 - http://accountingpodcast.promo/reframe2026Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

What does the data actually say about where accounting firms are headed? Blake Oliver talks with Chelsea Summers of Inside Public Accounting about the real numbers behind firm performance, pricing, staffing, offshoring, advisory growth, and AI adoption. You'll hear why top firms aren't just working people harder, how offshore teams are boosting margins, and why hourly billing may be the biggest obstacle to using technology well.Chapters(00:00) - EAP 112 (04:45) - Advisory vs compliance mix (09:40) - Capacity and burnout signals (18:27) - Pricing models and billable hour (25:08) - AI ROI and adoption blockers (29:37) - About IPA and closing Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guest, Chelsea SummersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseasummers620/Learn more about Inside Public Accountinghttp://insidepublicaccounting.comConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Can AI really prepare a tax return without a human touching the keyboard? Blake and David dig into a wave of new accounting tools that promise exactly that, from AI tax prep and bookkeeping agents to month-end automation. They're joined by Kenji Kuramoto of Basis to discuss what this means for firms, pricing, and jobs. Plus: the U.S. government's worsening balance sheet, Tether's long-awaited audit, and why token costs may become accounting's next big metric.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncChapters(00:00) - TAP 481 (02:34) - US Insolvency Breakdown (06:04) - Household Budget Analogy (07:49) - GAO Disclaimer Explained (08:37) - AI Tax Prep Agents (11:45) - Kenji Joins the Show (15:07) - Kenji New Role at Basis (19:40) - Basis Agents for CAS (25:36) - AI Skills and Pricing Shift (28:04) - Token Billing and FinOps (33:55) - Tokens Not Timesheets (34:17) - Delve Compliance Fallout (36:18) - Xero Adds Claude AI (38:16) - Who Really Owns Data (41:06) - Ramp Accounting Agent (45:19) - Ramp Budgets Reality Check (48:27) - Canopy Bookkeeping Module (53:11) - Billcom Agents Soapbox (55:09) - Audit Tech Fundraising (56:37) - Tether Finally Gets Audited (59:52) - Costco Tariff Refund Lawsuit (01:02:16) - Wrap Up And CPE  Show NotesThe Treasury just declared the U.S. insolvent. The media missed it.https://fortune.com/2026/03/23/us-government-insolvent-fiscal-crisis-fix/ TaxGPT AI agent aims to complete the whole tax returnhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/taxgpt-touts-ai-that-automatically-completes-returns-from-start-to-finish As Tax Deadline Approaches, Consumers Are Going to AI Before Filinghttps://www.pymnts.com/taxes/2026/as-tax-deadline-approaches-consumers-are-going-to-ai-before-filing/ AI Efficiency Gains Push Accounting Firms to Reimagine Pricinghttps://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/ai-efficiency-gains-push-accounting-firms-to-reimagine-pricing Accounting Jobs Requiring AI Skills Jump 67%https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/accounting-jobs-requiring-ai-skills-jump-67 Xero and Anthropic Collaborate to Bring AI-Powered Financial Intelligence to Millions of Small Businesseshttps://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326956055/en/Xero-and-Anthropic-Collaborate-to-Bring-AI-Powered-Financial-Intelligence-to-Millions-of-Small-Businesses Ramp Launches Accounting Agent to Automate Bookkeeping with Real-Time Closehttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ramp-launches-accounting-agent-to-automate-bookkeeping-with-real-time-close-302686214.html Ramp Launches Ramp Budgetshttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ramp-launches-ramp-budgets-302667840.html Canopy Unveils Canopy Bookkeeping to Eliminate Month-End Friction for Accounting and CAS Teamshttps://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20260211348515/canopy-unveils-canopy-bookkeeping-to-eliminate-month-end-friction-for-accounting-and-cas-teams Canopy Expands Tax Workflow With AI-Powered Tax Preparation Through New Filed Integrationhttps://www.getcanopy.com/blog/canopy-expands-tax-workflow-with-ai-powered-tax-preparation-through-new-filed-integration Double AI Journal Entrieshttps://doublehq.com/ai-journal-entries/ Tech News: Ramp, Canopy Both Announce AI-Powered Bookkeeping Solutions (includes Bill.com AI agents coverage)https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/tech-news-ramp-canopy-both-announce-ai-powered-bookkeeping-solutions Exclusive: Founded By 2 Brothers In Their 20s, YC-Backed Denki Raises $4.1M To Automate Financial Auditshttps://news.crunchbase.com/venture/yc-backed-denki-raise-financial-audit-automation-ai/ Tether Taps Big Four Firm KPMG for First Financial Audit of $184 Billion Stablecoin Issuerhttps://www.theblock.co/post/395423/tether-taps-kpmg-for-first-financial-audit Americans Are Demanding Refunds from the $180 Billion in Tariffs They Paid, Including Suing Companies Like Costcohttps://fortune.com/2026/03/13/americans-demanding-tariff-refunds-suing-costco-fedex/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details,

Can AI really handle accounting and tax work—or is it just creating new ways to fake compliance? Blake and David dig into allegations of fraudulent SOC 2 reports, how taxpayers are actually using AI for tax prep, and why tools like Claude are creeping into finance workflows. They also cover FAA staffing risks, threats to state accountancy boards, and what listeners should watch as AI reshapes trust in the profession.SponsorsDigits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/digitsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncChapters(00:00) - TAP 480 (01:28) - Sponsor Digits Overview (02:54) - LaGuardia Crash Breakdown (05:36) - Shutdown Staffing Fallout (07:58) - Livestream and CPE Plug (08:49) - Delve SOC 2 Allegations (15:57) - How Fake Audits Happen (20:49) - Sponsor Cloud Staffing (22:00) - Is Anyone Using AI (24:02) - AI for Tax Prep Examples (35:14) - AI Tax Advice Limits (36:04) - Tech Creates More Cleanup (36:41) - OnPay Payroll Sponsor (37:53) - Games To Beat Busy Season (40:42) - Florida Board Threat Averted (44:02) - UNC MAcc Sponsor (45:20) - Guess The Finance App (46:47) - Claude Targets Finance Workflows (50:29) - Will AI Replace The GL (55:07) - Women Partners Progress (01:00:50) - Wrap Up And CPE  Show NotesAir Traffic Audio Appears to Show Tower Was Dealing With Incident Before Crash (New York Times via DNYUZ)https://dnyuz.com/2026/03/23/air-traffic-audio-appears-to-show-tower-was-dealing-with-incident-before-crash/ Delve — Fake Compliance as a Service — Part I (DeepDelver on Substack)https://deepdelver.substack.com/p/delve-fake-compliance-as-a-service Delve Accused of Misleading Customers with 'Fake Compliance' (TechCrunch)https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/22/delve-accused-of-misleading-customers-with-fake-compliance/ What 81,000 People Want from AI (Anthropic)https://www.anthropic.com/research/what-people-want-from-ai WSJ Readers Share How They Are Using AI for Tax Prep (Wall Street Journal via TaxProf Blog)https://taxprofblog.aals.org/2026/03/09/wsj-readers-share-how-they-are-using-ai-for-tax-prep/ 10 Fun Games to Play at Work and Their Impact on Productivity (Small Business Trends)https://smallbiztrends.com/games-to-play-at-work/ FICPA Legislative Update: End of 2026 Session — HB 607 Did Not Advance (Florida Institute of CPAs)https://www.ficpa.org/news/1cee5313-ce07-47f2-841f-48a95344f6f5:legislative-update-end-of-session-still-pending Claude for Financial Services (Anthropic)https://www.anthropic.com/financial-services Glass Ceiling Shattered? Female Lead Engagement Partners in S&P 500 Audits (The CPA Journal)https://www.cpajournal.com/2026/03/13/glass-ceiling-shattered/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Will AI actually take accountants' jobs—or just change what their work looks like? Blake and David unpack the gap between AI hype and reality, from a LinkedIn challenge that found zero accountants replaced by AI to how firms like PwC and EY are shifting strategy. They also explore probabilistic audit opinions, AI agents in accounting workflows, and what professionals can do now to stay ahead.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncChapters(00:00) - TAP 479 (02:27) - Auditor Karaoke Protest (03:58) - Baby Where My Audit (07:14) - Reactions and Afroman (10:19) - Probabilistic Audit Opinions (14:57) - BDO Lawsuit and Liability (18:52) - Super Micro Fraud Signals (24:19) - Deterministic AI Checklists (30:16) - Checklist Driven AI Agents (31:28) - How LLMs Differ From Brains (33:00) - Puzzle Functions And Guardrails (36:06) - Prompting For Clarifying Questions (36:48) - UNC MAcc Sponsor Break (38:30) - PwC Goes AI First (41:46) - EY Bets On CPA Talent (43:27) - AI Exposure Index Reality Check (47:40) - Will Accounting Jobs Disappear (50:23) - Coan Paradox And Rising Standards (52:43) - AI As A Career Upskill (55:20) - Who Is Losing Work To AI (56:23) - Livestream Chat And Wrap Up  Show NotesMassachusetts Auditor DiZoglio Performs "Baby Where the Hell Is My Audit" Parodyhttps://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/16/metro/diana-dizoglio-auditor-legislature-audit-democrats/ Afroman Wins Defamation Lawsuit Filed by Ohio Police Officershttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/afroman-wins-lawsuit-ohio-police-raid-music-videos/ Would You Take a Probabilistic Audit Opinion?https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/would-you-take-a-probabilistic-audit-opinion BDO Faces Investor Lawsuit That Could Impact Other Firmshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/bdo-faces-investor-lawsuit-that-could-impact-other-firms Super Micro Computer Co-Founder Charged With Smuggling Nvidia AI Chips to Chinahttps://www.cnn.com/2026/03/19/politics/super-micro-computer-founder-charged-ai-chips-china Puzzle Launches AI Close for Accountants https://puzzle.io/blog/puzzle-accounting-ai PwC CEO: You Cannot Opt Out of AIhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pwc-ceo-you-cannot-opt-out-of-ai EY Doubles CPA Exam Bonus to $10K https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/ey-doubles-cpa-exam-bonus-to-10k Anthropic AI Labor Market Impacts Report https://www.anthropic.com/research/labor-market-impacts Microsoft AI Chief Gives It 18 Months for All White-Collar Work to Be Automatedhttps://fortune.com/2026/02/13/when-will-ai-kill-white-collar-office-jobs-18-months-microsoft-mustafa-suleyman/ Only 14% of UK Finance Leaders See Traditional Accounting Skills as Valuable for Next Generationhttps://www.theglobalrecruiter.com/only-14-per-cent-of-finance-leaders-see-traditional-accounting-skills-as-valuable-for-next-generation/ Accounting and Tax Staff Worry AI Threatens Jobshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/accounting-and-tax-employees-feel-ai-threatens-job-prospects AI's First Substitution: Freelancers (Ramp Economics Lab) https://ramp.com/velocity/ai-labor-market-impact-freelancers Record Number of Companies Are Ditching Old CEOs for Younger, Less Experienced Executives https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fired-record-number-companies-ditching-152914066.htmlNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/Overcast...

Blake sits down with Lawrence Zlatkin, VP of Tax at Coinbase, to unpack the state of crypto taxation. From how the IRS treats digital assets as property to the new 1099-DA, stablecoin reporting burdens, and the policy changes Coinbase is pushing for in Washington, this episode covers what tax pros need to know now and where the rules may be headed next.Chapters(00:00) - EAP 111 (02:11) - What is Form 1099-DA (03:08) - Reconciling 1099 data (03:53) - Why cost basis matters (08:29) - IRS use of gross proceeds (12:44) - Crypto tax basics (14:07) - Staking and 1099-MISC (15:36) - Stablecoins as property (17:43) - Reporting thresholds and privacy (22:42) - Policy priorities in DC (23:47) - De minimis and admin burden (28:34) - Charity and appraisal rules (30:15) - Foreign investment safe harbors (32:20) - Why Congress moves slowly (34:56) - Wrap-up and thanks Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guest Lawrence Zlatin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-zlatkin-880417bLearn more about Coinbasehttps://www.coinbase.comConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What do tariffs, war, AI agents, and a collapsed accounting startup have in common? This week, Blake and David connect the dots between rising economic pressure and rapid tech change. They break down the lopsided cost of drone warfare, small businesses getting crushed by tariffs, AI tools handling tax and bookkeeping tasks, and new details on Botkeeper's collapse. You'll hear what these shifts could mean for accountants, firms, and the future of the profession.SponsorsUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casChapters(01:27) - Sponsor Break UNC (02:46) - War Costs and Drones (08:58) - GPT 5.4 for Accountants (11:13) - AI Agent Files City Tax (15:23) - Claude Skill for Tax Prep (17:11) - Sponsor Break OnPay (18:55) - Gemini Makes Theme Music (22:33) - Uber CEO AI Clone (24:22) - Botkeeper Collapse Follow Up (31:13) - QuickBooks Integration Doubts (31:53) - Cloud Accountant Staffing Spot (32:59) - KPMG Earnings Leak Theory (37:23) - Zapier AI Guardrails (39:43) - 401k Hardship Withdrawals Rise (43:02) - Tariff Refunds and AI Lawsuits (46:27) - Trump v Trump IRS Lawsuit (48:43) - IRS Union Contract Termination (50:01) - Direct File Act Returns (51:56) - Meta 16B Tax Fight (54:33) - Trump Accounts Auto Enrollment (56:13) - Accounting Degrees Loan Limits (57:39) - CPE App and Sign Off  Show NotesIran's Drones Cost a Fraction of the U.S. Weapons Shooting Them Down https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/04/business/iran-drones-us-weapons-cost.html Introducing GPT-5.4 https://openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-5-4/ Breaking Up with TurboTax: How I Used Claude to File My Taxes for Free https://kachess.dev/taxes/ai/personal-finance/2026/02/27/breaking-up-with-turbotax.html Show HN: Claude Skill to Do Your Taxes https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47277164 Enrico Palmerino Explains Botkeeper's Fall https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/enrico-palmerino-explains-botkeepers-fall Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi Has an AI Clone https://www.fastcompany.com/91500087/uber-ceo-dara-khosrowshahi-has-an-ai-clone KPMG-Audited Companies Are Trading Strangely on Polymarket https://eventwaves.substack.com/p/kpmg-audited-companies-are-trading Zapier Updates: AI Guardrails & Governance Controls https://zapier.com/blog/february-2026-product-updates/ Record Numbers of Workers Are Raiding Their 401(k) Savings https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/401k-hardship-withdrawals-record-vanguard-2025 For Some Small Businesses, a Tariff Refund Isn't Worth the Pain of Pursuing It https://finance.yahoo.com/news/small-businesses-tariff-refund-isnt-worth-pain-pursuing-it.html Trump's IRS Lawsuit Offers Lessons on Privacy and Legal Process https://news.bloombergtax.com/tax-insights-and-commentary/trumps-irs-lawsuit-offers-lessons-on-privacy-and-legal-process Democrats Unveil Bill to Resurrect Direct File https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/democrats-unveil-bill-to-resurrect-direct-file I.R.S. Tactics Against Meta Open a New Front in the Corporate Tax Fight https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/business/irs-meta-tax-ireland.html IRS Should Open Trump Accounts for Eligible Children Automatically, AICPA Says https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2026/feb/irs-should-open-trump-accounts-for-eligible-children-automatically-aicpa-says/ NASBA Urges U.S. Department of Education to Restore "Professional" Status for Accounting Degreeshttps://nasba.org/blog/2026/03/05/status-for-accounting-degrees/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merch

What really happens after private equity buys your CPA firm? ParkerGale partner Devin Mathews joins Blake to unpack why partners cheer while staff chafe, how PE drives returns (bill rates, utilization, acquisitions), and what managers should demand: a clear value‑creation plan and a path to upside. They also dig into AI's true impact—raising the ceiling, squeezing entry‑level work—and why this might be your cue to start an AI‑first firm.Chapters(00:00) - Private Equity Meets AI (02:04) - Survey Shock Partners vs Staff (04:18) - How PE Boosts Profits (06:17) - Culture Clash and KPIs (09:29) - The New Owner Speech (23:15) - Lessons From Vets and Dentists (25:50) - Pricing Power and Workload (26:39) - How Firms Decide to Sell (27:12) - Deal Tensions Surface (27:25) - LOI And Data Deep Dive (28:20) - Pricing Pressure And Client Cuts (29:48) - Spreadsheet Management Shock (33:20) - Career Paths And Trust (35:02) - Demand The Value Plan (37:13) - Three Problems To Fix (40:00) - AI Threat Or Tailwind (41:35) - AI Reality Check (45:17) - Entry Level Gets Harder (48:47) - Start An AI First Firm (50:56) - Podcast And Farewell Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guest, Devin MathewsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinmathewsLearn more about ParkerGalehttps://www.parkergale.com/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Can an AI prep a partnership return on its own? Blake and David dig into Basis's $100M unicorn claim, Intuit's OpenAI/Anthropic tie-ups and Claude Cowork, and what it means for firms. They also cover how to capitalize on tariff refund lawsuits, the Senate's push to regulate tax preparers, and the SEC weighing twice-a-year reporting—plus a quick warning about the fake “IRS locker” scam. You'll learn where AI helps now, what to watch, and how to advise clients.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncChapters(00:00) - Welcome and Headlines (01:51) - Sponsor Cloud Staffing (03:10) - Tariffs Legal Fallout (05:50) - Refund Lawsuit Wave (09:02) - Basis AI Unicorn (15:23) - Intuit Earnings AI Blitz (25:59) - Claude Cowork Automation (32:16) - Managing Agents at Work (34:21) - AI PR Pay Boom (36:46) - AI Agents for Accounting (37:39) - SaaS Giants vs AI (39:01) - Finance Grade AI Trust (41:22) - IBM COBOL Shockwave (43:03) - Audit Enforcement Drop (44:34) - Regulating Tax Preparers (45:40) - Twice a Year Reporting (48:36) - Prediction Market Tax Bet (50:43) - Washington CPA Outsourcing (54:37) - IRS Onboarding Fumbles (55:32) - Crypto Fat Finger Disaster (01:00:01) - IRS Locker Scam Warning (01:02:13) - Livestream Q&A Wrap (01:06:19) - Book and Earmark Outro  Show NotesSupreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Sweeping Tariffshttps://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-strikes-trumps-tariffs-major-blow-president-rcna244827Trump's New Tariffs Under Section 122 Are Probably Also Illegalhttps://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/01/business/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-section-1221,800+ Companies Suing for $130 Billion in Tariff Refundshttps://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/1800-companies-are-suing-for-130b-in-tariff-refunds/503034AI-for-Accounting Startup Basis Hits $1.15 Billion Valuationhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-24/ai-for-accounting-startup-basis-hits-1-15-billion-valuationIntuit and Anthropic Partner to Bring Custom AI Agents to Consumers and Businesseshttps://investors.intuit.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1305/intuit-and-anthropic-partner-to-bring-trusted-financial-intelligence-and-custom-ai-agents-to-consumers-and-businessesIntuit Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcripthttps://www.fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/02/26/intuit-intu-q2-2026-earnings-call-transcript/IBM Shares Plunge as Anthropic Touts COBOL Modernization Effortshttps://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/23/ibm-is-the-latest-ai-casualty-shares-are-tanking-on-anthropic-cobol-threat.htmlAI Won't Replace Accounting Platforms — It Will Make Them More Importanthttps://diginomica.com/ai-wont-replace-accounting-platforms-it-will-make-them-more-importantAudit Enforcement Plummeted Last Yearhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/audit-enforcement-plummeted-last-yearSenate Finance Committee Proposes to Regulate Tax Preparers, Improve IRS Administrationhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/senate-finance-committee-proposes-to-regulate-tax-preparers-improve-irs-administrationSEC to Fast-Track Proposal for Semi-Annual Public Company Reportinghttps://www.cohenmilstein.com/sec-to-propose-rule-easing-financial-reporting-frequency-from-quarterly-to-semiannual/Tax Nerd Bets Life Savings Against DOGE on Kalshi — and Winshttps://techcrunch.com/2026/02/25/an-accountant-won-a-big-jackpot-on-kalshi-by-betting-against-doge/Should We Be Concerned That More Than Half of New CPA Licenses in Washington State Went to International Candidates?https://www.goingconcern.com/should-we-be-concerned-that-more-than-half-of-new-cpa-licenses-issued-in-this-state-last-year-went-to-international-candidates/IRS Failed to Equip New Hires in 2024https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-failed-to-equip-new-hires-in-2024South Korean Crypto Exchange Bithumb Accidentally Gives Away $40+ Billion in Bitcoinhttps://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/07/south-korean-crypto-firm-accidentally-sends-out-44-billion-in-bitcoin.htmlMichigan Man Loses $1 Million in IRS Impersonation Scamhttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/23/michigan-man-loses-1-million-in-irs-scam/178591/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcas...

SCOTUS just struck down Trump's global tariffs—so who gets the $133B back, and how can firms capture advisory fees helping clients claim refunds? Blake and David unpack importer-of-record refunds, contingency-fee questions, and why “that's pure profit.” Plus: taxpayers' trust in AI tax prep is falling, creators' $205B economy is a prime niche, TurboTax's Uber-to-the-office play, Big Law's $3,400/hour AI squeeze, and Dawn Brolin's nonprofit sending first-timers to conferences you can support.SponsorsDigits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/digitsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncChapters(00:00) - TAP 476 (02:53) - Who Gets the Tariff Refunds? Importer of Record & Profit Impact (05:28) - Big Opportunity for Accounting Firms: Tariff Refund Advisory & Fees (08:55) - Flashback Clip: We Called the Tariff Ruling Months Ago (12:59) - Sponsors + Trump's Next Move: New Tariff Authority Workarounds (15:04) - Live Q&A: If Tariffs Were Passed to Buyers, Who Gets Paid Back? (16:46) - IRS Update: Average Refunds Up, But Median Still Unknown (18:13) - Taxpayers Trust AI Less for Filing + Creator Economy Tax Niche (22:13) - TurboTax + Uber Rides: The Customer Experience Arms Race (27:12) - Sponsor Break + Business Tax Shift: FASB Country-by-Country Disclosures (30:19) - IRS Still Drowning in Paper: Digitization Goals Missed (31:41) - Gambling Loss Deduction Cut to 90%: Why Break-Even Gamblers Still Owe Tax (32:58) - Skims vs. New Jersey: Sales Tax ‘Technical Error' and the $200K Penalty (34:06) - Big Law's Billable Hour Squeeze: AI Cuts Hours, Partners Jack Up Rates (36:12) - DIY Legal Work with ChatGPT: When a $30 Subscription Replaces a Lawyer (37:51) - Big Tech's AI Data Centers Create a Depreciation Blind Spot for Investors (41:50) - KPMG Partner Fined for Using AI to ‘Cheat' on an AI Exam (43:21) - Congress Targets the Pentagon's Audit Failures: The ‘RECEIPTS Act' (47:52) - Only 2–3 Hours of Deep Work a Day: Meetings, App Overload, and Hybrid Teams (50:17) - Interview: Accounting Cornerstone Foundation Helps First-Timers Attend Conferences (52:09) - How the Foundation Works: Funding, Emotional Support, and Picking Awardees (56:36) - Impact Stories & What's Next: Alumni Mentorship, Fundraising, and Growing the Mission (01:00:16) - Wrap-Up: How to Support + Earn CPE/CE Credits in the Earmark App  Show NotesSupreme Court Rules 6-3 That IEEPA Does Not Authorize the President to Impose Tariffshttps://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf Supreme Court Strikes Down Most of Trump's Tariffs in a Major Blow to the Presidenthttps://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-strikes-trumps-tariffs-major-blow-president-rcna244827 Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs — What Now?https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/client-alerts/20260220-supreme-court-strikes-down-ieepa-tariffs-what-now IRS Average Refunds Up $200 This Filing Seasonhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/taxpayers-hesitant-to-trust-ai-to-prepare-tax-returns Most Taxpayers Trust Tax Pros Over AI for Tax Preparation, Survey Findshttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/19/most-taxpayers-trust-tax-pros-over-ai-for-tax-preparation-survey-finds/178412/ Online Creators Worried About Finances and Income Taxes — A Growing Opportunity for Tax and Accounting Proshttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/19/online-creators-worried-about-finances-and-income-taxes-a-growing-opportunity-for-tax-accounting-pros/178423/ Intuit TurboTax Delivers the Ultimate "Done-For-You" Tax Experience Powered by AI and Human Intelligence With Uber Rideshttps://investors.intuit.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1304/intuit-turbotax-delivers-the-ultimate-done-for-you-tax-experience-powered-by-ai-and-human-intelligence-with-uber-rides US Companies Pay More Taxes Abroad Than Herehttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/us-companies-pay-more-taxes-abroad-than-here IRS Falls Far Short on Paperless Processing Goalhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-falls-far-short-on-paperless-processing-goal Will the OBBBA Gambling Deduction Change Be Reversed?https://www.natptax.com/news-insights/blog/will-the-obbba-gambling-deduction-change-be-reversed/ Kim Kardashian's Clothing Company Settles New Jersey Sales Tax Allegationshttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/01/20/kim-kardashians-clothing-company-settles-new-jersey-sales-tax-allegations/176590/ Big Tech Accounting Creates a Blind Spot in the AI Boomhttps://news.futunn.com/en/post/68828373/big-tech-accounting-creates-a-blind-spot-in-the-ai KPMG Partner in Australia Fined Over Using AI to Pass AI Testhttps://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/02/16/kpmg-partner-in-australia-fined-over-using-ai-to-pass-ai-test/ Lawmakers Seek to Penalize DoD if It Fails to Pass a Clean Audithttps://federalnewsnetwork.com/congress/2026/02/lawmakers-seek-to-penalize-dod-if-it-fails-to-pass-a-clean-audit/ New Hubstaff Research Finds Workers Average Only 2–3 Hours of Focus Time Per Day

Which accounting firms really deliver sane hours and happy teams? Dom Piscopo (Big Four Transparency) reveals this year's best—and worst—by job satisfaction and hours, including surprising outliers. Blake and David also unpack how AI startups are carving up PwC-style services, why Hazel AI rattled wealth managers and Intuit/Xero stocks, and where GLs still hold a moat. Plus, a practical way to use AI for W‑4/withholding—and an accountant's take on Carvana's too-good-to-be-true margins.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncFutureViews System - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bezChapters(01:19) - Pets, Candy, Jewelry & Prefixed Dinners: Where the Money Goes (03:14) - Live Chat Shoutouts + Today's Guest Tease: Big Four Transparency (05:53) - Yours, Mine & Ours: How Couples Split (or Merge) Money (08:56) - Financial Secrets vs. “Cheating”: The Bankrate Survey Findings (11:01) - Meet Dom Piscopo + 2025 Best/Worst Firms by Job Satisfaction (15:43) - How the Rankings Work: Sample Size, Methodology & Office Variance (19:28) - Service Lines Compared: Tax vs Audit vs Advisory Satisfaction Trends (22:28) - Hours Worked Rankings + Do Hours Actually Drive Happiness? (25:04) - Where the Big Four Land: Satisfaction & Hours Benchmarks (26:51) - AI Disruption Debate: “Every PWC Webpage Is a $10B Startup” Tweet (28:47) - AI Startups vs QuickBooks: The SaaS Attack Cycle Restarts (29:55) - Hazel AI Shakes Wealth Management: Tax Planning at Scale (32:19) - Consumers Trust AI Money Advice + A Withholding/W-4 Use Case (35:11) - “Good Enough” AI: How Firms Can Productize & Review AI Work (36:38) - What Humans Still Do: Taste, Comfort, and Serving the Underserved (41:51) - Intuit & Xero Stocks Drop: CEOs Defend the Data-and-Trust Moat (45:11) - TurboTax Disruption? Building Tax Engines with AI Agents (46:52) - Vibe Coding Reality Check: Small Tools Now, ERPs Much Later (51:32) - Carvana Accounting Red Flags: When Margins Don't Add Up (56:04) - Wrap-Up: Big Four Transparency + CPE Credits via Earmark  Show NotesValentine's Day Spending Expected to Reach New Records https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/valentine-s-day-spending-expected-to-reach-new-records Survey: Most Couples Keep At Least Some Of Their Money Separate https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/couples-finances/ Survey: 2 In 5 Americans In A Relationship Have Kept A Financial Secret From Their Partner https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/financial-infidelity-survey-2025/ AI Tax App Crashes Financial Stocks on Wall Street https://cpatrendlines.com/2026/02/10/ai-tax-app-crashes-financial-stocks-on-wall-street/ Americans Are Asking AI for Money Advice, But Should They Trust It? https://www.bestmoney.com/financial-advisor/learn-more/do-americans-trust-fin-ai 82% trust AI for financial information and guidance https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/82-trust-ai-for-financial-information-and-guidance Intuit Is Down 33% Year to Date. Here's Where the Stock Could Be Headed in 2026 https://www.tikr.com/blog/intuit-is-down-33-year-to-date-heres-where-the-stock-could-be-headed-in-2028 Intuit Stock Is Down 24% Already In 2026. Time to Buy? https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/01/30/intuit-stock-is-down-24-already-in-2026-time-to-bu/ Xero (ASX:XRO) Shares Crash 13% in Tech Selloff—Broker Urges Hold https://kalkine.com.au/news/technology/xero-asxxro-shares-crash-13-in-tech-selloffbroker-urges-hold Xero share price slides 14% in a week — what to watch next for ASX:XRO https://ts2.tech/en/xero-share-price-slides-14-in-a-week-what-to-watch-next-for-asxxro/ I've tested and ranked the 10 best vibe coding tools in 2026 https://www.techradar.com/pro/best-vibe-coding-tools Your Complete Guide To Vibe Coding Tools In 2026: Build Apps Just By Talking To AI https://softtechhub.us/2026/02/11/guide-to-vibe-coding/ AI startup Replit launches feature to vibe code mobile apps https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/15/ai-startup-replit-launches-feature-to-vibe-code-mobile-apps.html Vibe coding - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibe_coding What's actually driving Carvana's margins? https://www.cfo.com/news/whats-actually-driving-carvana-margins-ernie-garcia-drivetime-bridgecrest-zach-shefska-ray-shefska-/810911/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsori...

What happens when AI starts cutting audit bills? Blake and David unpack KPMG's push for a 14% fee cut from Grant Thornton, Botkeeper's shutdown versus Pilot's “AI accountant,” and how agents like Claude are already doing real client work. You'll hear why entry-level roles are vanishing, what tax pros need to know about the IRS's new e-payment push and Tax Pro Account upgrades, plus a fun detour: DJ John Summit's Tax Day album.SponsorsUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casChapters(00:00) - KPMG's AI-Driven Audit Fee Reduction (00:28) - Welcome to the Accounting Podcast (00:53) - Blake's First Time at the Waste Management Open (02:00) - John Summit: From Accountant to DJ Superstar (04:39) - John Summit's Accounting-Themed Album (09:44) - Earmark CPE: Easy CPE Credits for Accountants (12:34) - The Rise and Fall of AI Bookkeeping Startups (24:48) - Pilot's Autonomous AI Accountant (26:50) - Partnering with Accounting Firms (29:59) - AI in Bookkeeping and Accounting (33:33) - Impact of AI on Accounting Jobs (40:27) - Trump's $10 Billion Lawsuit Against the IRS (44:40) - IRS Updates and Tax Pro Accounts (49:53) - KPMG's AI Acquisition (51:14) - Airlines Save Millions with Weight Loss Drugs (52:58) - Conclusion and CPE Information  Show NotesKPMG pressed its auditor to pass on AI cost savings https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/02/06/kpmg-pressed-its-auditor-to-pass-on-ai-cost-savings/Botkeeper is Closing Its Doors https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/09/botkeeper-is-closing-its-doors/177677/Botkeeper shuts down https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/botkeeper-shuts-downAnthropic AI Tool Sparks Selloff From Software to Broader Market https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-03/legal-software-stocks-plunge-as-anthropic-releases-new-ai-toolAI fears pummel software stocks: Is it 'illogical' panic or a SaaS apocalypse? https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/06/ai-anthropic-tools-saas-software-stocks-selloff.htmlPilot launches fully autonomous AI bookkeeper https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pilot-launches-fully-autonomous-ai-bookkeeperPilot Rolls Out Fully Autonomous AI Accountant https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/04/pilot-rolls-out-fully-autonomous-ai-accountant/177453/Pilot Unveils AI Accountant https://pilot.com/blog/pilot-unveils-ai-accountant-a-major-leap-toward-artificial-general-intelligence-in-accountingStartup Accrual Officially Launches with $75M in Funding to Bring AI-Native Automation to Accountinghttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/05/startup-accrual-officially-launches-with-75m-in-funding-to-bring-ai-native-automation-to-accounting/177600/Tax platform Accrual launches with AI automation support for all forms https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/tax-platform-accrual-launches-with-ai-automation-support-for-all-formsAccrual Launches with $75 Million to Bring AI-Native Automation to Accountinghttps://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205968515/en/Accrual-Launches-with-$75-Million-to-Bring-AI-Native-Automation-to-AccountingGoldman Sachs leads $75 million funding round for Fieldguide, an AI-native accounting and audit platformhttps://fortune.com/2026/02/02/goldman-sachs-fieldguide-accounting-cpa-ai-software-platform-venture-capital/Fieldguide Raises $75M Series C Round to Boost Audit and Advisory Firms' Agentic AI Capabilitieshttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/02/fieldguide-raises-75m-series-c-round-to-boost-audit-and-advisory-firms-agentic-ai-capabilities/177323/Fieldguide Raises $75M Series C from Goldman Sachs to Help Audit and Advisory Firms Grow with Agentic AIhttps://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/04/3232133/0/en/Pilot-Unveils-AI-Accountant-A-Major-Leap-Toward-Artificial-General-Intelligence-in-Accounting.htmlTrump, two sons, Trump Org sue IRS, Treasury for $10 billion over tax records leak https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/29/trump-sues-irs-and-treasury-for-10-billion-over-leak-of-tax-records.htmlTrump sues IRS and Treasury Department for $10 billion over leaked tax records https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-sues-irs-treasury-department-10-billion-leaked-tax-records-rcna256626Trump Sues Treasury and IRS for $10 Billion Over Tax Data Leak https://www.taxnotes.com/featured-news/trump-sues-treasury-and-irs-10-billion-over-tax-data-leak/2026/01/30/7txmzKPMG Brings Aboard AI Development Platform PrivateBlok https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/09/kpmg-adds-ai-development-platform-privateblok/177729/KPMG acquires PrivateBlok, team will support AI developments https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/kpmg-acquires-privateblok-team-will-support-ai-developmentsKPMG Bolsters AI Product Development Function...

Could AI wipe out half of entry-level accounting roles? Blake and David recount a brazen “courier scam” on David's porch to unpack how deepfakes and spoofed calls fuel today's fraud (“less than 10% can tell AI video from real”). You'll learn practical controls—family code words, approval workflows—plus hands-on AI updates: Claude's Excel plugin and desktop agent, Gusto payroll in ChatGPT, and a prompt that forces AI to ask clarifying questions and wait for “go.”SponsorsUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncEarmarkCPE - http://accountingpodcast.promo/earmarkOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayChapters(02:02) - Personal Fraud Story: A Cautionary Tale (03:35) - Elder Fraud and AI-Driven Scams (06:53) - AI's Impact on Fraud and Security (11:39) - AI Tools for Accountants (19:40) - Earmark: CPE for Listening to Podcasts (22:01) - AI's Threat to Entry-Level Jobs (27:11) - AI Agents in Payroll and HR (35:20) - The Future of AI in Blue Collar Jobs (38:18) - AI's Role in Government Efficiency (39:52) - Simplifying the Tax Code with AI (41:42) - Payroll Innovations and AI (49:18) - Intuit's Career Pipeline Program (51:24) - Xero's New Features and AI Integration (58:48) - Conclusion and Upcoming Topics  Show NotesAI fakery turbo-charging fraud, cyber attacks https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/ai-fakery-turbo-charging-fraud-cyber-attacksThe Turing Reel https://runwayml.com/research/theturingreelThe Adolescence of Technology https://www.darioamodei.com/essay/the-adolescence-of-technologyLong-term Fears Build As 60% of U.S. Workers Say AI Will Cut More Jobs Than It Adds In 2026 https://allwork.space/2026/01/long-term-fears-build-as-60-of-u-s-workers-say-ai-will-cut-more-jobs-than-it-adds-in-2026/ADP® Accelerates AI Leadership with Launch of New AI Agents Designed to Solve Workforce Challenges https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adp-accelerates-ai-leadership-with-launch-of-new-ai-agents-designed-to-solve-workforce-challenges-302672772.htmlExclusive: Gusto launching payroll inside ChatGPT https://www.thisweekinfintech.com/exclusive-gusto-launching-payroll-inside-chatgpt/Trump DOT Plans to Use Google Gemini AI to Write Regulations https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-artificial-intelligence-google-gemini-transportation-regulationsIntuit Launches New Career Pipeline Program to Empower the Next Generation of Accountants in the AI Era https://investors.intuit.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1296/intuit-launches-new-career-pipeline-program-to-empower-the-next-generation-of-accountants-in-the-ai-eraNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Are you accidentally breaking CPA rules across state lines? Guest Lindsay Patterson, CPA CIA breaks down the new mobility landscape after alternative licensure paths—and the surprising data firms must track to avoid fines, failed peer reviews, and redoing audits. Plus: Congress's Fiscal State of the Nation bill, Deloitte's PR storm, QuickBooks' AI reconciliation, and what's driving a rebound in accounting majors. Walk away knowing where to get licensed, what triggers penalties, and how to protect your firm.SponsorsTaxBandits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/taxbanditsEarmark - http://accountingpodcast.promo/earmarkOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncChapters(00:00) - Introduction and CPA Email Incident (00:33) - AI in QuickBooks: A Game Changer? (06:00) - Live Stream Shoutouts and YouTube Promotion (06:54) - New Legislation: Fiscal State of the Nation Act (10:37) - CPA Mobility and Alternative Pathways (11:47) - Guest Segment: Lindsay Patterson on CPA Mobility (33:13) - Deloitte's Bad Week: Controversies and Criticisms (35:58) - CPA Firms in Trouble: The Zwick CPA Case (40:05) - Jerome Powell's Defiant Statement (44:29) - Why Accountants Leave Public Accounting (51:24) - Listener Emails and Final Thoughts (52:08) - The Future of Accounting Jobs (55:12) - Private Equity in CPA Firms  Meet Lindsay Patterson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaypatterson/Show NotesAICPA Urges Congressional Support for Fiscal State of the Nation Act https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/aicpa-urges-congressional-support-for-fiscal-state-of-the-nation-actBarr Reintroduces Bipartisan Fiscal State of the Nation Act to Strengthen Oversight of Government Spending https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?id=EDF451C5-EEAE-44D7-85A8-2B714E9D7822For CPAs, one license — and 55 rulebooks https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/for-cpas-one-license-and-55-rulebooksDeloitte's Disturbing Pattern Allegedly Cost Americans Health Coverage, Delayed Benefits, and the US Government $74Bhttps://www.ibtimes.co.uk/deloittes-disturbing-pattern-allegedly-cost-americans-health-coverage-delayed-benefits-us-1773010Deloitte to ramp up India operations with 50,000 new hires https://www.internationalaccountingbulletin.com/news/deloitte-hiring-india/PCAOB Sanctions Audit Firm, an Owner of That Firm, and a Former Audit Manager for Multiple Violations of PCAOB Rules and Standardshttps://pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/pcaob-sanctions-audit-firm--an-owner-of-that-firm--and-a-former-audit-manager-for-multiple-violations-of-pcaob-rules-and-standardsPCAOB bars Zwick CPA, owner and manager https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pcaob-bars-zwick-cpa-owner-and-managerTurnover Experiences in Public Accounting and Alumni's Decisions to 'Give Back' https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4266300U.S. Accounting Undergraduate Enrollment Rises for Third Straight Year https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-accounting-undergraduate-enrollment-rises-for-third-straight-year-302665511.htmlAccounting undergrad enrollment rises for third year https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/accounting-undergrad-enrollment-rises-for-third-yearCapital One to Acquire Brex https://investor.capitalone.com/news-releases/news-release-details/capital-one-acquire-brexCapital One is buying startup Brex for $5.15 billion in credit card firm's latest deal https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/22/capital-one-is-buying-startup-brex-for-5point15-billion-in-credit-card-firms-latest-deal.htmlFlorida Republican candidate suggests 'sin tax' for OnlyFans creators https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/5691927-florida-governor-candidate-sin-tax/Florida gubernatorial candidate proposes 50% "sin" tax on OnlyFans creators; top earner Sophie Rain pushes backhttps://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-onlyfans-tax-proposal-james-fishback-sophie-rain/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: h...

Carla McCall shares insights on the challenges faced by the accounting profession, including workload, work-life balance, and the AICPA's role. She addresses misconceptions about the responsibilities of the AICPA, discusses her firm's approach to managing work hours and culture transformation, and highlights the need for creative solutions to attract new talent. The discussion also explores the systemic issue of overwork in large accounting firms and the potential measures that could alleviate these pressures.Meet Our Guest, Carla McCallhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carlamccallaaf/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Are we causing our own busy-season chaos? Blake and David break down a simple scheduling system that spreads tax work, trains clients, and slashes extensions. They debate Congress's barcode bill vs. e-filing, unpack a poll showing GOP support for a millionaire's tax, and ask what AI really changes when managers still have to review the bots. Plus: IRS CI's latest wins, whistleblower e-filing, and a Britney tax fight.SponsorsDigits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/digitsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayTaxBandits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/taxbanditsUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncChapters(01:11) - AI and Survey Creation (02:30) - Google's Personal Intelligence (05:11) - IRS Defunding and Workforce Reduction (06:51) - CPA Trendlines Busy Season Barometer (11:12) - Barcode Efficiency Act (15:24) - IRS Criminal Investigations (17:24) - Payroll Headaches and OnPay (18:56) - SBA and IRS Employee Fraud (21:41) - IRS Whistleblower Office (23:08) - Britney Spears vs. IRS (24:04) - Washington State Millionaires Tax (27:01) - Busy Season Is Self-Inflicted (30:44) - Livestream and CPE Credits (31:24) - UNC Kenan-Flagler MAC Program (32:38) - A New Year's Eve Pink Eye Adventure (33:20) - AI Prescriptions in Utah (35:03) - Trust in Accountants at Historic Lows (39:13) - Listener Mail: Advisory Services and Online Degrees (45:30) - The CPA Exam: Challenges and Changes (01:03:17) - Closing Remarks and Earmark App Growth  Show NotesAre Washingtonians Finally Ready for a State Income Tax? https://www.dhmresearch.com/are-washingtonians-finally-ready-for-a-state-income-tax/ Guess Who Supports a Millionaires Tax in Washington State? Republicans, Poll Finds https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/01/14/guess-who-supports-a-millionaires-tax-in-washington-state-republicans-poll-finds/176337/ Barometer: Firms Brace for a Tough Tax Season https://cpatrendlines.com/2025/10/01/barometer-firms-brace-for-a-tough-tax-season/ IRS Advisory Council blasts defunding of agency https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-advisory-council-blasts-defunding-of-agency IRS Advisory Council report defends workers, criticizes budget and staff cuts https://www.thetaxadviser.com/news/2026/jan/irs-advisory-council-report-defends-workers-criticizes-budget-and-staff-cuts/ Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council PUBLIC REPORT January 2026 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5316.pdf Lengthy grudge motivated Brown mass shooting, MIT professor killing: Sources https://abcnews.go.com/US/lengthy-grudge-motivated-brown-mass-shooting-mit-professor/story?id=128961044 A Reddit post helped find MIT and Brown shooting suspect. Here's what we know https://www.npr.org/2025/12/19/nx-s1-5649528/brown-mit-shooter-what-we-know Former SBA and IRS Employee Charged with Using Government Positions to Steal Millions from COVID Relief Programshttps://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/former-sba-and-irs-employee-charged-using-government-positions-steal-millions-covid Hampton woman accused of using federal jobs to steal pandemic relief funds https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/hampton-woman-accused-using-federal-jobs-steal-pandemic-relief-funds House advances bill to speed tax return processing via barcodes https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/house-advances-bill-to-speed-tax-return-processing-via-barcodes BARCODE Efficiency Act Brings Overdue Modernization to the IRS https://atr.org/barcode-efficiency-act-brings-overdue-modernization-to-the-irs/ Utah and Doctronic Announce Groundbreaking Partnership for AI Prescription Medication Renewalshttps://commerce.utah.gov/2026/01/06/news-release-utah-and-doctronic-announce-groundbreaking-partnership-for-ai-prescription-medication-renewals/ Utah allows nation's first AI drug prescriptionshttps://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/07/utah-ai-drug-prescriptions-doctronic Nurses Continue to Lead in Honesty and Ethics Ratings https://news.gallup.com/poll/700736/nurses-continue-lead-honesty-ethics-ratings.aspx Americans' Ratings of U.S. Professions Stay Historically Low https://news.gallup.com/poll/655106/americans-ratings-professions-stay-historically-low.aspx Britney Spears disputes $600K tax claimhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/britney-spears-disputes-600k-tax-claim Britney Spears Fighting With IRS Over $600,000https://www.tmz.com/2025/12/19/britney-spears-fighting-with-irs-taxes/ Right Now, Managing AI Agents is About as Much Work as Managing Humans. Just Different Work.https://www.saastr.com/right-now-managing-ai-agents-is-about-as-much-work-as-managing-humans/ The 'Godfather of SaaS' says he replaced most of his s...

Raids replaced audits, and guns replaced spreadsheets. Blake and David connect the dots from Minnesota's sprawling public-assistance fraud to a decade of IRS budget cuts and ICE crackdowns. You'll learn why enforcement shifted from prevention to raids, what California's one-time billionaire tax really proposes, how new AICPA rules could hit PE-backed firms, and why a botched audit didn't cost PwC its client, plus one pro tip to level up your Excel game.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayTaxBandits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/taxbanditsUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncChapters(00:00) - TAP 470 (00:33) - Minnesota Fraud Scandal Overview (03:18) - Historical Context and IRS Budget Cuts (08:34) - IRS and ICE Collaboration Issues (10:39) - Impact of Budget Cuts on Fraud (20:56) - Current Events and Political Reactions (26:17) - California Billionaire Tax Act (27:58) - Billionaire Tax Proposal Discussion (29:01) - Challenges of Implementing Wealth Tax (29:58) - Practical Concerns and Comparisons (34:24) - VRBO's Legal Battle with Michigan (36:46) - Private Equity and CPA Firms (47:17) - UNC Master of Accounting Program (51:11) - Excel World Championships Insights (55:27) - Earmark App for CPE Credits  Show NotesJudge hits pause on IRS sharing taxpayer information with ICE https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/judge-issues-order-blocking-irs-sharing-taxpayer-information-ice-rcna245262Federal Agents Pepper Spray Protesters During Tucson Taco Giro Raid https://www.themarshallproject.org/2025/12/05/tucson-ice-raid-protests-taco-giroPoll: Nearly Half of Americans Think Their Financial Security Is Worsening https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/12/29/poll-nearly-half-of-americans-think-their-financial-security-is-worsening/175587/California Billionaire Tax Act (2026 Billionaire Tax Act - PDF) https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/25-0024A1%20(Billionaire%20Tax%20).pdfVrbo Parent Company Sues Michigan Over $18.8 Million Tax Bill https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/01/02/vrbo-parent-company-sues-michigan-over-18-8-million-tax-bill/175675/AICPA Seeks Comment on Ethics Rules Update for Alternative Practice Structures https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/aicpa-seeks-comment-on-ethics-rules-update-for-alternative-practiceWH Smith asks shareholders to support PwC despite audit error https://www.internationalaccountingbulleteen.com/news/wh-smith-support-pwc-audit-error/I won the Microsoft Excel World Championship. Here's what every office worker should know about Excel. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/won-microsoft-excel-world-championship-093001306.htmlNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

AI won't replace accountants—but AI-enabled firms will outcompete them. Blake Oliver sits down with Thomson Reuters' Elizabeth Beastrom and Kirat Sekhon to map the end-to-end tax workflow, from document intake and auto-population (SurePrep) to delivery and e-sign (SafeSend), and into year-round advisory with CoCounsel and Ready to Advise. Learn how to “kill the questionnaire,” free staff from data entry, build an open tech stack, and turn tax prep into subscription advisory.Chapters(02:49) - Technology Expectations of New Accountants (03:38) - The Shift from Desktop to Cloud-Based Tax Software (05:14) - Thomson Reuters' Approach to Customer-Centric Tax Technology (05:55) - Automation and AI in Tax Workflow (10:58) - The Role of SurePrep in Data Entry Automation (18:34) - Advisory Services and Ready to Advise (24:53) - AI in Onboarding and Knowledge Transfer (25:35) - Empowering Junior Associates with AI (26:41) - AI in Education and Talent Attraction (30:40) - AI's Role in Tax and Accounting (33:58) - The Future of AI in Tax Preparation (41:59) - AI-Driven Advisory Services (47:41) - Practical Steps for Tax Firms to Embrace AI Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our GuestsElizabeth Beastromhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-beastrom/Kirat Sekhonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kirat-sekhon-2172022/Learn more about Thomson Reutershttp://thomsonreuters.com/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Think AI will free you from ‘mundane bookkeeping' so you can do advisory? Blake and David say it's the opposite. Hear how owners already use AI as a de facto CFO, why drafting narratives—not matching bank feeds—is the real win, what the ‘AI premium' means in a billable-hour world, and the two numbers firm owners should track in 2026: monthly recurring revenue and bottom-line profit.SponsorsUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayTaxBandits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/taxbanditsChapters(01:35) - News Highlights and Sponsor Acknowledgements (03:56) - AI in Small Business Accounting (07:04) - AI's Impact on Accounting Tasks (10:01) - Thought Leader Survey on AI in Accounting (19:56) - AI Premium and Job Automation (25:27) - Survey Answers from Accounting Thought Leaders (25:54) - AI's Role in Strategy and Decision Making (28:24) - Impact of AI on Competitive Landscape (30:50) - AI's Effect on Costs in Accounting Firms (31:54) - AI Replacing Staff Accountants (33:24) - Personal Job Security and AI (41:05) - AI Influencers and Future Experiments (49:24) - Conclusion and CPE Information  Show NotesThese Small-Business Owners Are Putting AI to Good Use https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/small-business-ai-chatgpt-prompts-0c9a95c4 AI Thought Leaders Survey 2026: Process Predictions https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/ai-thought-leaders-survey-2026-process-predictions Tech Spending Outpacing People Spending as Firms Adopt AI https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/tech-spending-outpacing-people-spending-as-firms-adopt-ai How Much is the 'AI Premium?' https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/how-much-is-the-ai-premium AI Can't Replace Accountants. When Could It? https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/ai-cant-replace-accountants-when-could-it Accounting in 2026: The Year Ahead in Numbers https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/accounting-in-2026-the-year-ahead-in-numbers AI Vending Machine Lost $1,000 to Social Engineering https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/anthropic-ai-claude-vending-machine-c7baef6f Anthropic's Project Vend Phase 2 https://www.anthropic.com/research/project-vend-2 Trump Commutes Sentence of Private Equity CEO Convicted of Fraud https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/01/politics/david-gentile-trump-pardon Trump Commutes 7-Year Prison Sentence of Former Private Equity CEO David Gentile https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-commutes-7-year-prison-sentence-former-private-equity-ceo-david-rcna246744 California's Controversial Wealth Tax Proposal Leaves Billionaires With Little Way Out https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/08/california-wealth-tax-proposal-leaves-billionaires-with-little-way-out.html California Could Impose a Billionaire Tax. Here's How It Would Work https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-billionaire-tax-ballot-initiative-how-it-works/ New Tax on the Wealth of Billionaires https://lao.ca.gov/BallotAnalysis/Initiative/2025-024Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

How does $95 million go missing at a bank—and still get a clean audit? Blake and David unpack the Evolve Bank/Synapse meltdown, what auditors missed, and how SOC reports fall short. Plus: the penny shortage pushing cash rounding at the register, the shocking stat that even 29% of partners don't know partner pay, and the case for semiannual reporting. Walk away with practical takeaways for clients, staff, and your own firm.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayChapters(00:44) - The Penny Shortage Crisis (03:52) - Evolve Bank's $95 Million Scandal (17:12) - Earmark CPE and Other Podcast Recommendations (22:00) - Partner Salaries and Compensation Transparency (28:27) - Data Breach at SAX Accounting Firm (33:28) - Semi-Annual Reporting Debate (36:25) - Debating Semi-Annual Reporting (37:38) - Quarterly Reporting Games (38:25) - LinkedIn Comment: The Case for Quarterly Reports (39:11) - The Value of Financial Statements (39:58) - Challenges in Modern Accounting (46:57) - 2026 Accounting Predictions (52:01) - AI's Impact on Bookkeeping (01:09:08) - Closing Thoughts and Farewell  Show NotesSquare Enables Penny Rounding https://squareup.com/us/en/press/penny-rounding CFPB Allocates $46 Million To Synapse/Evolve Victims In First-Ever Fintech Bailout https://fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/p/cfpb-allocates-46-million-to-synapseevolve The 2025 Accounting Today Salary Survey https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/the-2025-accounting-today-salary-survey The Ultimate 2026 Accounting Salary Guide https://blog.workday.com/en-us/ultimate-2026-accounting-salary-guide.html Deloitte's CTO: companies are spending 93% on tech and only 7% on people and that has to change https://fortune.com/2025/12/15/deloitte-cto-bill-briggs-what-really-scares-ceos-about-ai-human-resources/ Accounting firm waited 18 months to announce breach https://cybernews.com/security/sax-data-breach-quarter-million-exposed/ Should Public Companies Move to Semi-Annual Reporting? https://www.cpajournal.com/2025/12/19/should-public-companies-move-to-semi-annual-reporting/ United States Mint Hosts Historic Ceremonial Strike for Final Production of the Circulating One-Cent Coin https://www.usmint.gov/news/press-releases/united-states-mint-hosts-historic-ceremonial-strike-for-final-production-of-the-circulating-one-cent-coinNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Is private equity turning firms into a 'dumpster fire'? Blake and David unpack Accounting Today's survey showing partners are upbeat while staff are sour on PE. They hit Andersen's $176M IPO, why Big Four ties to Big Tech raise independence questions, and how AI could finally kill the billable hour. Plus, what tax pros really charge in 2025 - and the wild 'Middle Finger Ranch' fraud.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casChapters(00:56) - Private Equity in Accounting Firms (01:51) - Sponsor Message: OnPay Payroll Solutions (04:15) - Arthur Andersen's Legacy and IPO (07:45) - Private Equity Survey Results (21:04) - Big Four and Tech Giants (28:25) - Pricing Models for CAS Engagements (30:22) - Tax Preparers' Fees Breakdown (36:12) - Cloud Accountant Staffing (37:34) - Economic Growth and Consumer Spending (40:26) - Fraud Stories: Middle Finger Ranch and More (43:24) - PCAOB Budget Cuts and Enforcement Actions (52:29) - IRS Readiness for Tax Season (53:43) - Conclusion and Upcoming Topics  Show NotesPE in accounting firms: From 'dumpster fire' to excitementhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pe-in-accounting-firms-from-dumpster-fire-to-excitement Andersen Group Shares Gain 47% After $176 Million US IPOhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-17/andersen-group-shares-jump-34-after-176-million-us-ipo Andersen goes public, hits $2.6B valuationhttps://thefinancestory.com/andersen-group-ipo-2-6b-valuation The Big Four consulting firms are embedded in Big Tech. Here's who audits each of the Magnificent 7 companieshttps://www.businessinsider.com/big-four-accounting-audits-magnificent-seven-financial-records-2025-12 What do tax preparers charge? https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/what-do-tax-preparers-charge How much do tax professionals charge in 2025? Insights from NATP's Fee Studyhttps://www.natptax.com/news-insights/blog/how-much-do-tax-professionals-charge-in-2025-insights-from-natp-s-fee-study/ U.S. economic growth surges in third quarter to 4.3%https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/12/23/gdp-economy-consumer-spending/ The US economy expanded at the fastest pace in two years as wealthier Americans kept spending https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/23/economy/us-gdp-q3 Kansas accountant diverted family funds to fictitious 'Middle Finger Ranch'https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-accountant-diverted-family-funds-to-fictitious-middle-finger-ranch/ Kansas Accountant, Who Created Fictitious 'Middle Finger Ranch' for Fraud Scheme, Sentenced to 4 Years in Jailhttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/12/04/kansas-accountant-who-created-fictitious-middle-finger-ranch-for-fraud-scheme-sentenced-to-4-years/174381/ PCAOB to tighten budget in 2026 https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pcaob-to-tighten-budget-in-2026 PCAOB Approves 2026 Budget https://pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/pcaob-approves-2026-budget Accounting Firms Must Stop Charging for Timehttps://cpatrendlines.com/2025/12/02/accounting-firms-must-stop-charging-for-time/ Dirty money gangster jailed over plot worth almost £12mhttps://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/dirty-money-gangster-jailed-over-36410033 PCAOB Sanctions CPA for Violations Related to Audit Evidence and Her Former Audit Firm for Quality Control Issueshttps://pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/pcaob-sanctions-cpa-for-violations-related-to-audit-evidence-and-her-former-audit-firm-for-quality-control-issues Ahead of Tax Filing Season, Warren, King, 15 Senators Warn of Tax Filing Chaos After Trump Admin Attacks on IRShttps://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-tax-filing-season-warren-king-15-senators-warn-of-tax-filing-chaos-after-trump-admin-attacks-on-irsNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info?&n...

Sponsors Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relayOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayChapters(00:47) - Jeffrey Epstein's CPA and Lawyer (03:10) - Wall Street Journal Article on Epstein's Associates (05:58) - Discussion on Epstein's Financial Operations (14:25) - Trump's Executive Order on Cannabis Businesses (18:16) - Tax Implications for Gambling and Prediction Markets (20:47) - IRS Criminal Investigations Unit Record Year (25:13) - Lawyer Sues IRS to Recognize Dog as Dependent (28:09) - Trump's New US Tech Force (29:27) - Trump's Hiring Plans and Tech Startups (30:22) - Startup Fraud in Tax Accounting (34:23) - Intuit and Circle Partnership (36:38) - AI and Stablecoin Payments (44:16) - AI's Impact on Accounting Jobs (51:24) - AI-Powered Fraud in Finance (55:59) - Closing Remarks and Announcements  Show NotesThe CPA and the Lawyer Who Served Jeffrey Epstein—and Control His Fortune and Secrets https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-cpa-and-the-lawyer-who-served-jeffrey-epstein-and-control-his-fortune-and-secretsTaking a gamble on prediction market taxation https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/taking-a-gamble-on-prediction-market-taxationLawyer sues IRS to recognize pets as dependents https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/lawyer-sues-irs-to-recognize-pets-as-dependentsSEC Charges Shiloh Luckey https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-26424The FBI is investigating a startup founder accused of using VC money to pay for her house and a Caribbean wedding https://techstartups.com/2025/12/16/the-fbi-is-investigating-a-startup-founder-accused-of-spending-5-5-million-in-vc-funding-on-a-house-and-caribbean-wedding/Intuit taps Circle's USDC to add stablecoin payments across TurboTax and QuickBooks https://www.theblock.co/post/383184/intuit-circle-usdc-stablecoin-payments-turbotax-quickbooksIntuit and Circle Partner to Unlock the Future of Money Movement with Stablecoins https://investors.intuit.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1292/intuit-and-circle-partner-to-unlock-the-future-of-money-movement-with-stablecoinsAI Is Reshaping Accounting Jobs by Doing the "Boring" Stuff https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/ai-reshaping-accounting-jobs-doing-boring-stuffHuman + AI in Accounting: Early Evidence from the Field https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/working-papers/human-ai-accounting-early-evidence-fieldIRS-CI issues fiscal year 2025 annual report showcasing banner investigative results https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-ci-issues-fiscal-year-2025-annual-report-showcasing-banner-investigative-resultsIRS Criminal Investigation uncovers $10.6B in financial crimes https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-criminal-investigation-uncovers-10-6b-in-financial-crimesDext warns businesses over losses from ChatGPT-style financial advice https://fintech.global/2025/12/18/dext-warns-businesses-over-losses-from-chatgpt-style-financial-advice/ChatGPT tax advice already costing UK firms, say accountants https://itbrief.co.uk/story/chatgpt-tax-advice-already-costing-uk-firms-say-accountantsTrump admin to hire 1,000 specialists for 'Tech Force' to build AI, finance projects https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/15/trump-ai-tech-force-amazon-apple.htmlOPM Launches US Tech Force to Implement President Trump's Vision for Technology Leadershiphttps://www.opm.gov/news/news-releases/opm-launches-us-tech-force-to-implement-president-trumps-vision-for-technology-leadership/Double Raises $6.5 Million Series A from Album Ventures, Jack Altman, and Y Combinator to Double Accountants' Productivity https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251210027851/en/Double-Raises-$6.5-Million-Series-A-from-Album-Ventures-Jack-Altman-and-Y-Combinator-to-Double-Accountants-ProductivityZoho announces enterprise billing, spend management products https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/zoho-announces-enterprise-billing-spend-management-productsZoho Announces Zoho Spend and Zoho Billing Enterprise Edition https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251218170986/en/Zoho-Announces-Zoho-Spend-and-Zoho-Billing-Enterprise-Edition-Offering-Large-Businesses-Greater-Control-and-Flexibility-Over-Billing-Operations-and-Company-Spend-as-They-ScaleAI giving scammers new tricks, enhancing old ones https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/ai-giving-scammers-new-tricks-enhancing-old-onesFrom secure to spooked: White-collar workers face rising job fears https://www.businessreport.com/article/from-secure-to-spooked-white-collar-workers-face-rising-job-fears

You open Excel daily, but are you using AI to make it work for you? While 58% of professionals have tried AI, only 17% use it regularly—a missed opportunity. Join CPA Kyle Ashcraft in this hands-on webinar to learn vibe coding—a no-programming approach using Cursor AI to automate repetitive Excel tasks. Watch Kyle transform messy spreadsheets, organize GL data, and reconcile transactions with simple AI prompts while keeping data secure. You'll get three ready-to-use scripts plus a framework to automate countless tasks and reclaim hours weekly.(Originally recorded on October 20, 2025, on Earmark Webinars+)Chapters(02:18) - Meet Kyle Ashcraft and His AI Journey (02:31) - The Importance of AI in Accounting (03:30) - Kyle's Background and CPA Review (04:38) - Live Webinar and Audience Interaction (05:12) - Kyle's AI Projects and Cursor Introduction (07:39) - Data Privacy Concerns with AI (17:18) - Practical AI in Excel: Examples and Demonstration (20:03) - Getting Started with Cursor (23:55) - First Cursor Project: Cleaning Up Excel Data (31:38) - Jumping into Financial Document Verification (32:50) - Exploring Cursor's Privacy Settings (33:48) - Understanding Data Retention Policies (36:23) - Comparing Excel Files with Cursor (36:48) - Analyzing Complex GL Details (42:22) - Using Cursor for Recurring Accounting Tasks (49:20) - Leveraging AI for Audit and Analysis (50:53) - Practical Tips for Implementing Cursor (53:56) - Q&A: Advanced Cursor Features (59:04) - Conclusion and Next Steps Earn CPE for this episode: https://www.earmark.app/c/2854Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appResourcesIntro to Cursor PDF Guide - https://mcusercontent.com/02dbcae4a3e3f15021db25a0c/files/deff5647-e0a3-51d7-4225-cf8b3a48532d/Cursor_AI_Quick_Guide.pdfWebinar presentation - https://ai.maxwellstudy.com/Connect with Our Guest, Kyle Ashcraft, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-ashcraft-cpa-7638a42aLearn more about Maxwell CPA Reviewhttps://maxwellcpareview.com/Connect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Will IRS agents have to watch OnlyFans to police the new “no tax on tips” deduction? Blake and David unpack the wild twist: a study showing that women-led audit teams deliver higher-quality work at lower fees, and why AI could finally kill the billable hour. They hit PCAOB's AI/PE crackdown, KPMG's AI exam cheating, AI‑written financial reports, Meta's off‑balance‑sheet data center, the IRS Math Act, and new child investment accounts. Walk away with policy context and practical tech takeaways.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayACFE - http://accountingpodcast.promo/acfe Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casChapters(01:15) - New Tax Deduction for Digital Content Creators (02:27) - IRS Agents and OnlyFans Content (04:39) - IRS Telework Policy Changes (06:15) - Earmark CPE and Listener Interaction (09:25) - President's Statement on Federal Income Tax (13:15) - IRS Math Act and Senator Justice's Tax Issues (16:03) - Trump Accounts and PCAOB Scrutiny on AI (24:20) - Audit Quality and Gender Diversity (28:30) - KPMG AI Cheating Scandal (30:51) - AI's Impact on Time Savings in Various Industries (32:56) - The Role of AI in Accounting and Its Limitations (34:26) - AI in Financial Reporting and Business Processes (36:44) - The Decline of the Billable Hour Due to AI (47:01) - Meta's Controversial Accounting Practices (50:56) - Pilot's New Partner Program for Accountants (58:58) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts  Show NotesComing soon!Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Blake Oliver about his new book, Building a Sustainable Accounting Firm, and the shift from transactional, hourly-based accounting to outcome-driven, productized services. Blake explains how firms can escape the "transactional treadmill" by redesigning pricing, redistributing workload to reduce seasonality, and adopting recurring, standardized service packages that elevate client experience. About Blake Oliver Among many other things, Blake founded Earmark so listeners can earn continuing professional education credits for listening to his shows and many more accounting and tax podcasts. The goal of the Earmark app is to make it easy and fun for fellow CPAs to learn and earn CPE every week. Because if you learn every week, it's easy to get the hours you need without stress. And we could all use a little less stress in our lives. Connect with Blake on LinkedIn Learn more about the Earmark app Learn more about Blake's new book Thank you to our show sponsor, Canopy! Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals, and more. Check out getcanopy.com. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

Are accountants no longer “professionals”? We unpack the DOE proposal that could slash grad loan limits—and what AICPA/NASBA plans to do about it. Plus: Deloitte's AI-made citations, EY's audit turnaround, PwC's end‑to‑end AI audit ambitions, and OpenAI's circular investment into accounting rollups. We also cover Xero's new auto‑reconcile, Intuit's small‑biz data ad play, and two practical wins: Google's shared inboxes and unexpected networking tactics for landing that first job.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casACFE - http://accountingpodcast.promo/acfeOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Overview (00:44) - Headline: Accountants No Longer Professionals? (02:18) - Department of Education's Proposal and Reactions (03:50) - Implications for Accounting Students and Professionals (09:28) - Deloitte's AI Work Swap Controversy (12:46) - EY's Audit Quality Improvements (20:56) - Economic Update: Tariffs and Job Market (34:02) - Circular AI Investments: A Closer Look (36:31) - AI Tools for Accountants: New Features (39:32) - Xero's New Pricing and AI Policies (49:13) - PWC's AI-Driven Audit Automation (52:39) - Google Workspace Shared Inboxes (55:49) - Dissolution of the Department of Government Efficiency (56:47) - Career Networking Tips for Accountants (01:01:16) - Outsourcing Talent: A Global Perspective  Show NotesDepartment of Education Accounting Professional Degree Classificationhttps://www.newsweek.com/full-list-degrees-professional-trump-administration-11085695 Accountants Inexplicably Deemed "Not Professional" Under OBBBA Student Loan Rules https://www.goingconcern.com/accountants-inexplicably-deemed-not-professional-under-obba-student-loan-rules/ Department of Education Unclassifies Accounting as a Professional Degree https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/11/24/department-of-education-unclassifies-accounting-as-a-professional-degree/173875/ Deloitte allegedly cited AI-generated research in a million-dollar report for a Canadian provincial government https://fortune.com/2025/11/25/deloitte-caught-fabricated-ai-generated-research-million-dollar-report-canada-government/ Major N.L. healthcare report contains errors likely generated by A.I. https://theindependent.ca/news/lji/major-n-l-healthcare-report-contains-errors-likely-generated-by-a-i/ N.L. asks Deloitte to carry out review after 'incorrect' citations found in $1.6M provincial health planhttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nl-deloitte-citations-9.6990216 OpenAI's investment into Thrive Holdings is its latest circular deal https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/openais-investment-into-thrive-holdings-is-its-latest-circular-deal/ Thrive-backed accounting firm Crete to spend $500 million in AI roll-up https://finance.yahoo.com/news/thrive-backed-accounting-firm-crete-130200467.html Crete PA plans $500 million spend to buy and upgrade accounting firms with AI https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/crete-pa-plans-500-million-spend-to-buy-and-upgrade-firms-with-ai OpenAI takes an ownership stake in Thrive Holdings to accelerate enterprise AI adoption https://openai.com/index/thrive-holdings/ Trump Tariffs: The Economic Impact of the Trump Trade War https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/trump-tariffs-trade-war/ IEEPA Tariffs Are Down from April Threatshttps://taxfoundation.org/blog/ieepa-tariffs-rates-down-april-threats/Intuit SMB MediaLabs Audiences Now Available on The Trade Desk Platform https://investors.intuit.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1288/intuit-smb-medialabs-audiences-now-available-on-the-trade-desk-platform-connecting-advertisers-with-small-and-mid-market-businesses Intuit SMB MediaLabs | Advertising Networkhttps://medialabs.intuit.com/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/AppleP...

Do money talks make your family squirm more than politics? In this Thanksgiving mailbag, Blake and David dig into a Bankrate survey on taboo money chats, the grim 2026 grad job market, and the maze of CPA experience sign-offs after NASBA's program vanished. You'll hear practical career advice (big firm vs. small, starting bookkeeping), what AI can and can't do for accountants today, plus news on audit partners' outlook and tariff shifts hitting grocery bills.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casChapters(01:14) - Listener Mailbag: Top Messages of the Year (02:05) - Thanksgiving Dinner Conversations: Money vs. Politics (06:11) - Listener Questions: CPA Licensing Challenges (12:07) - NASBA Data Issues and CPA Exam Pass Rates (13:24) - Economic Optimism Among Audit Partners (17:22) - Political News: Tariff Rollbacks (19:03) - Career Advice for Accounting Students (26:47) - AI's Impact on Accounting Careers (27:34) - AI's Current Capabilities and Limitations (31:10) - Future of AI in Accounting (34:49) - Challenges in Accounting Education (40:51) - Listener Mail and Feedback (46:23) - Accounting News and Stories  Show NotesCompanies Predict 2026 Will Be the Worst College Grad Job Market in Five Years https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/2026-graduates-job-market-7928bcd7 Survey: Americans would rather discuss politics or religion than what's in their bank accounts https://www.bankrate.com/banking/financial-taboos-survey/ Audit partners feel more optimistic about economy https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/audit-partners-feel-more-optimistic-about-economy Trump lowers tariffs on coffee, beef and fruits, as Americans' concerns about affordability grow https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/14/economy/lower-tariffs-coffee-beef-bananas-produce Georgia Accountant Arrested After Allegedly Tearing Down Trump Sign, Shooting at North Carolina Man's Househttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/10/24/georgia-accountant-arrested-after-allegedly-tearing-down-trump-sign-shooting-at-north-carolina-mans-house/171649/ Measuring AI Ability to Complete Long Tasks https://metr.org/blog/2025-03-19-measuring-ai-ability-to-complete-long-tasks/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsCollective by DBA - https://collective.cpa/ Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Blake breaks down how AI can help with cost segregation and explains why AI currently works best on tasks that take humans 2-5 minutes. Michael Burry is betting against AI companies, claiming they're manipulating earnings by stretching server depreciation from 3-4 years to 5-6 years, adding billions to their bottom lines. Also covered: Intuit's $100 million annual OpenAI deal to integrate QuickBooks and TurboTax into ChatGPT, new bank evidence in the Rippling corporate espionage case, and a survey showing 10% of adults are acting on AI tax advice despite error rates up to 50%.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relayCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casChapters(00:00) - Welcome to The Accounting Podcast (00:49) - Blake's Illness and Recovery (02:05) - Upcoming Topics (04:06) - Cost Segregation Explained (06:46) - AI in Cost Segregation (11:15) - AI's Current Capabilities and Limitations (19:10) - Intuit's OpenAI Deal (22:01) - Intuit's Strategy and Industry Implications (30:12) - Michael Burry's New Bet Against AI (31:21) - Depreciation and AI Companies (39:15) - Rippling vs. Deel: Corporate Espionage (42:44) - New Jersey's Alternative Pathways Bill (44:39) - AI's Role in Tax and Investing Advice (47:37) - Defining Audit Quality: PCOB's New Initiative (51:56) - FASB's Costly Lease Standard (56:13) - Ancient Accounting Systems in Peru (58:45) - Conclusion and Viewer Interaction  Show NotesComing soon!Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsCollective by DBA - https://collective.cpa/ Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Earmark Media Presents a bonus episode of Earmark Podcast:Live from Boston on the final stop of the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with James Erving from Fathom and Chris Macksey from Prix Fixe Accounting to explore what advisory services really mean beyond bookkeeping and compliance. Chris shares how his firm requires advisory for all restaurant clients, using industry expertise and operational metrics to guide decisions on everything from menu pricing to expansion timing. The conversation covers the difference between delivering information versus being integral to decision-making, with insights on forecasting, benchmarking, and why visual KPIs help clients with low financial literacy understand their business performance.Meet Our GuestsJames ErvingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameserving/Learn more about FathomOfficial website: http://fathomhq.comChris MackseyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmacksey/Learn more about Prix Fixe AccountingOfficial website: https://prixfixe.accountants/Need CPE?Get CPE for this episode: https://earmark.app/c/2912Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Earmark Media Presents a bonus episode of Earmark Podcast:On the fifth stop of the Advisory Amplified tour in Atlanta, Blake sits down with Lisa Gilreath of Acuity and Valerie Heckman of OnPay to discuss what empathetic leadership actually looks like in an industry notorious for long hours and tight deadlines. The conversation covers everything from recognizing when team members are struggling to handling toxic high performers, with real talk about building slack into capacity planning and why unused PTO is a red flag. Lisa and Valerie share concrete steps for creating a culture where people feel supported enough to lean in when it matters most.Meet Our GuestsValerie HeckmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieheckman/Learn more about OnPayOfficial website: https://onpay.comLisa GilreathLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-gilreath-2ba506a/Learn more about SorrenOfficial website: https://sorren.com/Need CPE?Get CPE for this episode: https://earmark.app/c/2909Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Earmark Media Presents a bonus episode of Earmark Podcast:Live from Austin on the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with Madeline Reeves of Fearless Foundry and Wesley McDonald of Relay to explore what it truly means to be a renegade in accounting: firms that lead clients to somewhere new rather than settle for "the way things have always been done." The conversation explores why top firms aren't afraid to say no to the wrong clients, how transparency in compensation and career pathways can address the talent crisis, and the hard-won lessons learned about building cultures of collaboration over competition.Meet Our GuestsMadeline ReevesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinefearless/Learn more about Fearless FoundryOfficial website: http://www.fearlessfoundry.comWesley McDonaldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmcdonald48/?originalSubdomain=caLearn more about RelayOfficial website: https://relayfi.comNeed CPE?Get CPE for this episode: https://earmark.app/c/2880Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Earmark Media Presents a bonus episode of Earmark Podcast:Blake sits down with Mary Delaney, CEO of Karbon, and Kenji Kuramoto, co-founder of Acuity, to explore how standardizing workflows can unlock growth without sacrificing the artistry of advisory work. They discuss Karbon's acquisition of Aider, the power of time studies to identify automation opportunities, and why getting senior advisors to embrace process requires framing workflow as empowerment rather than micromanagement. Kenji shares lessons from building Acuity's advisory practice and why workflow due diligence became critical during their 14-firm merger with Sorren.Meet Our GuestsMary DelaneyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marywdelaney/Learn more about KarbonOfficial website: http://karbonhq.comKenji KuramotoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenjikuramoto/Learn more about AcuityOfficial website: https://acuity.coNeed CPE?Get CPE for this episode: https://earmark.app/c/2877Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Is private equity eroding the soul of the accounting profession? Blake and David unpack NASBA's PE task force, the BDO–First Brands meltdown, and why ‘appearance of independence' matters. They also break down the end of IRS Direct File, Intuit's TurboTax stores, the Supreme Court's skepticism of Trump tariffs, and a new IRS notices law. Plus: AI agents that fall for scams. Learn what these shifts mean for firms, auditors, and your clients this tax season.SponsorsRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relay Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casBILL - http://accountingpodcast.promo/billChapters(00:00) - Welcome to The Accounting Podcast (01:16) - Viral Tweet and Personal Anecdotes (01:53) - Interview with Furloughed IRS Lawyer (05:45) - Government Shutdown Economic Impact (10:11) - Intuit's New Retail Stores and IRS Direct File Shutdown (14:30) - IRS Leadership and Controversies (17:28) - Trump's Pardons and IRS Math and Taxpayer Help Act (24:53) - Supreme Court Hearing on Tariffs (31:17) - Major Authority and the Power of the Purse (32:03) - AI Agents Falling for Scams (35:32) - NASBA's Private Equity Task Force White Paper (37:02) - Concerns Over Auditor Independence (49:10) - BDO and First Brands Scandal (01:02:35) - Wrap up and Final Thoughts  Show NotesLongest Shutdown in History Costs U.S. Economy About $15 Billion Each Week https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/11/05/longest-shutdown-in-history-costs-u-s-economy-about-15-billion-each-week/172368/IRS tells states Direct File 'will not be available' in 2026 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/it-modernization/2025/11/irs-direct-file-will-not-be-available-in-2026-agency-tells-states/Intuit to open 20 brick-and-mortar TurboTax stores+officeshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/intuit-to-open-20-brick-and-mortar-turbotax-stores-officesSocial Security, IRS Leader Bisignano Panned After Fiserv Stock Tanks https://401kspecialistmag.com/social-security-irs-leader-bisignano-panned-after-fiserv-stock-tanks/Trump Tariffs Face Supreme Court Challenge From Chicago Toymaker https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-11-02/trump-tariffs-face-supreme-court-challenge-from-chicago-toymakerSupreme Court justices appear skeptical that Trump tariffs are legal https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/05/supreme-court-trump-trade-tarrifs-vos.htmlAICPA Applauds the Passage of the IRS Math and Taxpayer Help Act https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/aicpa-applauds-the-passage-of-the-irs-math-and-taxpayer-help-actFirst Brands founder accused of looting company https://fortune.com/2025/11/05/first-brands-bankruptcy-founder-allegations-patrick-james/Are Alternative Practice Structures in Private Equity Considerations and Questions for Boards of Accountancy (NASBA White Paper) https://nasba.orgMicrosoft Gave AI Agents Fake Money to Buy Things Online. They Spent It All on Scams https://decrypt.co/347709/microsoft-ai-agents-fake-money-buy-online-they-spent-scamsNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsCollective by DBA - https://collective.cpa/ Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Earmark Media Presents a bonus episode of Earmark Podcast:Most accounting firms are dramatically underpricing their services, but the fear of losing clients keeps them stuck. Marie Greene and Ryan Embry join Blake for a live conversation in LA about spotting underpricing, having the repricing conversation, and why your worst clients are often the most price-insensitive. Plus, a live role-play demonstration of how to navigate a difficult pricing conversation.Meet Our GuestsRyan EmbreeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-embree-9463b286/Learn more about Ignitionhttp://ignitionapp.comMarie Greene, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariegreene/Learn more about Connected Accountinghttp://connectedaccounting.coNeed CPE?Get CPE for this episode: https://earmark.app/c/2866Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Alicia is joined by Blake Oliver and David Leary from The Accounting Podcast, fresh from Intuit Connect with detailed notes on everything announced for QuickBooks Online and the accounting profession. The discussion covers Intuit's consolidation strategy to reduce reliance on third-party apps, the new tiered pricing structure for the Intuit Accountant Suite launching in 2026, and how AI agents are currently performing in bank feeds and transaction categorization. They also examine QuickBooks' move into CRM and marketing tools, the role of QuickBooks Live in Intuit's strategy, and what alternatives small businesses and accountants might consider.SponsorsDigits - https://uqb.promo/digits(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (04:15) - The New Customer Hub and MailChimp Integration (05:43) - Concerns About AI and QuickBooks Ecosystem (10:59) - ProAdvisors' Role in the AI Era (19:01) - Addressing Reporting and Automation Issues (26:57) - The Future of QuickBooks Online Accountant (27:11) - Introduction to QBO A Refresh (27:35) - New Features and Paid Tiers (28:38) - Intuit Accountant Suite Overview (29:54) - Core and Accelerate Versions (30:08) - Client Management and Dashboards (32:36) - Practice Management Tools (33:15) - Intuit's Market Strategy (37:18) - ProAdvisor and QuickBooks Live (38:21) - Quicken's Comeback (41:25) - AI and Automation in Accounting (51:43) - Intuit's Future Plans and Innovations (54:35) - Conclusion and CPE Information LINKSProducts, Services, and Inventory, Nov 18: http://royl.ws/qbo-Inventory?affiliate=5393907QB Payments Merchant Services, Nov 25: http://royl.ws/QB-Payments-Course?affiliate=5393907BUY ALICIA'S NEW BOOK!https://www.amazon.com/QuickBooks-Online-Bootcamp-Setup-Time-ebook/dp/B0FWZ2NHTQ/Companion Course on Royal Wise:https://learn.royalwise.com/visitor_catalog_class/show/153822/QuickBooks-Online-BootcampWe want to hear from you!Send your questions and comments to us at unofficialquickbookspodcast@gmail.com.Join our LinkedIn community at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14630719/Visit our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@UnofficialQuickBooksPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Sign up to Earmark to earn free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/onboarding 

Alicia Katz Pollock joins the show fresh from Intuit Connect with detailed notes on everything announced for QuickBooks Online and the accounting profession. The discussion covers Intuit's consolidation strategy to reduce reliance on third-party apps, the new tiered pricing structure for the Intuit Accountant Suite launching in 2026, and how AI agents are currently performing in bank feeds and transaction categorization. They also examine QuickBooks' move into CRM and marketing tools, the role of QuickBooks Live in Intuit's strategy, and what alternatives small businesses and accountants might consider.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas Rippling - http://accountingpodcast.promo/ripplingBILL - http://accountingpodcast.promo/billChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:56) - Intuit Connect Conference Overview (01:32) - Changes in QuickBooks and Intuit's Strategy (02:03) - AI Integration in QuickBooks (05:26) - The New Customer Hub and MailChimp Integration (06:54) - Concerns About AI and QuickBooks Ecosystem (12:10) - ProAdvisors' Role in the AI Era (19:44) - Addressing Reporting and Automation Issues (27:43) - The Future of QuickBooks Online Accountant (28:21) - New Features and Paid Tiers (29:24) - Intuit Accountant Suite Overview (30:40) - Core and Accelerate Versions (30:54) - Client Management and Dashboards (33:22) - Practice Management Tools (34:01) - Intuit's Market Strategy (38:04) - ProAdvisor and QuickBooks Live (40:31) - Quicken's Comeback (43:34) - AI and Automation in Accounting (53:52) - Intuit's Future Plans and Innovations (56:44) - Conclusion and CPE Information  Show NotesComing soon!Listen and Subscirbe to The Unofficial QuickBooks Accountants Podcast!https://uqb.show/subscribeConnect with Alicia Katz Pollock!https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciakatzpollock/https://royalwise.com/ Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsCollective by DBA - https://collective.cpa/ Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Earmark Media Presents a bonus episode of Earmark Podcast: Recorded live in Seattle at the first stop of the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with Madeline Reeves (Fearless Foundry) and Lynette O'Connell (Burnout Bestie) to discuss the hard truths about burnout in accounting. Madeline shares how losing half her agency's revenue in 30 days forced her to stop trying to be likable and start building the business she actually wanted, while Lynette explains why nobody was coming to save her after scheduling overnight work shifts to keep up. They break down the three categories of burnout symptoms most accountants miss, why this profession attracts people whose love language is acts of service, and how to stop being the glue holding everything together.Connect with the Guests:Madeline ReevesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinefearless/Learn more about Fearless FoundryOfficial website: http://www.fearlessfoundry.comLynette Oss ConnellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnette-oss-connell-cpa/Learn more about Burnout BestieOfficial website: https://www.burnoutbestie.com/Need CPE?Get CPE for this episode: https://earmark.app/c/2858Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Blake and David cover BDO's legal threat against Going Concern over independence questions, Crowe hiring an investment bank to explore private equity options, and Trump pardoning Binance founder after the crypto venture made his family richer than their entire property portfolio. Plus, tariffs create a paperwork nightmare for small businesses, accounting ranked 90th out of 100 best jobs, a film production accountant who embezzled $2 million for Vegas stays and sugar daddy payments, and the Supreme Court hearing arguments on whether Trump's tariffs amount to an illegal $3 trillion tax.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas Rippling - http://accountingpodcast.promo/ripplingChapters(00:00) - Welcome to the Accounting Podcast Live from Intuit Connect (01:16) - Top Story: BDO vs. Going Concern (05:02) - The Fraud Triangle and Independence in Accounting (08:21) - BDO's Response to Allegations (18:02) - Accountants Rank 90th Best Job in the US (19:38) - Stablecoins and Treasury Management (20:28) - Trump Pardons Binance Founder (24:29) - Positive Hiring Outlook in Accounting (25:41) - Impact of Trump's Tariffs (28:44) - Challenges for Small Businesses Due to Tariffs (32:46) - Workplace Friendships and Pay Cuts (34:35) - App News: Keeper Rebrands to Double (37:53) - AI Adoption in Accounting (45:25) - Fraud in Film Production Accounting (48:15) - Private Equity in Accounting Firms (50:49) - Conclusion and Upcoming Events  Show NotesA Message from CEO Wayne Berson to BDO USA Professionals https://www.bdo.com/insights/press-releases/a-message-from-ceo-wayne-berson-to-bdo-usa-professionalsAuditor BDO Cuts Jobs With Focus on Managing Apollo Debt https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-11/auditor-bdo-cuts-jobs-with-focus-on-managing-apollo-debtAccountants Hold the 90th Best Job in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Rankinghttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/10/27/accountants-hold-the-90th-best-job-in-u-s-news-world-reports-2025-ranking/171733/Accountant - Career Rankings, Salary, Reviews and Advice https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/accountantTrump pardons Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, aka "CZ" https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/23/trump-pardons-binance-founder-cz-zhao.htmlThe Accounting Firm Weighing Private-Equity Ownership After Years of Ignoring Calls https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-accounting-firm-weighing-private-equity-ownership-after-years-of-ignoring-calls-8b7377fcCrowe Ponders PE Investment Amid Middle Market Firm Shake-Up https://news.bloombergtax.com/financial-accounting/crowe-ponders-pe-investment-amid-middle-market-firm-shake-upThe Disproportionate Effects of Declining Interest Within Different Accounting Fields: An Uneven Pipeline (CPA Journal)https://www.cpajournal.com/2025/10/22/the-disproportionate-effects-of-declining-interest-within-different-accounting-fieldsMovie Accountant Charged with Embezzling Nearly $2M From Indie Films https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/08/12/movie-accountant-charged-with-embezzling-nearly-2m-from-indie-films/167240/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsCollective by DBA - https://collective.cpa/ Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

What if a “stable” coin wasn't? Blake and David unpack Paxos's accidental minting of $300 trillion in PayPal USD—and what it reveals about stablecoin “pegs.” They also dig into proposals to weaponize IRS Criminal Investigations, NASBA's flawed CPA exam data, and small-business headaches from forced AI rollouts in QuickBooks. Plus: Ripple's treasury move, whether AI can run a $1M solo firm, and smart guardrails for using AI without breaking your books.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relayBill.com - http://accountingpodcast.promo/billCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casChapters(01:12) - Celebrating Spreadsheet Day (04:40) - Remote Work and Flexibility in Accounting (05:50) - Live Stream Interaction (06:16) - Political Discussion: IRS Overhaul (18:12) - NASBA Data Issues (24:51) - AI in Accounting: QuickBooks and Docket (41:28) - Upcoming Events and Conferences (42:38) - Navigating Conferences: Tips and Challenges (43:16) - The Future of Earmark: Audio Books and Discounts (46:21) - Chicago Teachers Union Audit Controversy (48:52) - Stablecoins and Cryptocurrency Concerns (56:09) - AI and the Future of Accounting (57:32) - The Talent Shortage in Accounting (01:03:30) - The CPA Exam and the Future of the Profession (01:16:48) - Government Shutdown and Its Impact (01:18:48) - Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement  Show NotesTrump Administration Plans IRS Overhaul to Target Left-Leaning Groups (Wall Street Journal) https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-admin-plans-irs-overhaul-probe-left-leaning-groups-more-easily-wsj-reportsNew CPA Success Index is DOA: NASBA's data behind the index no longer holds up https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/cpa-success-index-is-doa-nasbas-data-behind-the-index-no-longer-holds-upDocyt Launches Mission to Create the 'Million Dollar Accountant' https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/10/15/docyt-launches-mission-to-create-the-million-dollar-accountant/170851/Ripple Acquires GTreasury for $1 Billion https://www.gtreasury.com/news/ripple-acquires-gtreasuryPaxos Accidentally Mints $300 Trillion 'Excess' PayPal Stablecoin https://www.pymnts.com/cryptocurrency/2025/paxos-accidentally-mints-300-trillion-excess-paypal-stablecoin/Dozens of Arkansas cities still without state funds over missing audits https://www.ktlo.com/2025/10/13/dozens-of-arkansas-cities-still-without-state-funds-over-missing-auditsChicago Teachers Union members sue union bosses over missing financial reports https://www.illinoispolicy.org/chicago-teachers-union-members-sue-union-bosses-over-missing-financial-reports/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsCollective by DBA - https://collective.cpa/ Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Could an AI catch what auditors and a CFO missed? This week, Blake and David unpack how a founder used Claude to scan QuickBooks and uncover a $2.1M embezzlement in 18 minutes. They also tackle Deloitte's AI ‘workslop' refund, shutdown-driven IRS and air travel woes, the IRS's new “CEO” and crypto ties, OpenAI's personal finance play, EY's audit rebound, BDO's ESOP squeeze, and crypto funds courting CPA clients.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas Rippling - http://accountingpodcast.promo/ripplingAssembly - http://accountingpodcast.promo/assemblyChapters(01:35) - Deloitte's AI Report Scandal (09:05) - Government Shutdown Impact on IRS and Air Travel (23:56) - AI in Accounting: Risks and Opportunities (34:49) - Competing with the Status Quo (35:38) - Pricing Bookkeeping Services (36:31) - Standardizing Services Based on Price (37:14) - Client Needs vs. Service Offerings (38:00) - The Monthly Close Obsession (40:01) - Broken Charts in Financial Reports (43:15) - Cracker Barrel Logo Controversy (47:08) - EY's Audit Quality Turnaround (49:53) - Crypto Investment Schemes (55:48) - BDO's Financial Struggles (01:00:34) - Conclusion and Announcements  Show NotesDeloitte to partially refund Australia for report with apparent AI-generated errors https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/deloitte-partially-refund-australian-government-report-apparent-ai-126281611Claude Exposed My Co-Founder's $2M Theft — AI Evidence Turned Into Lawsuit https://techbullion.com/claude-exposed-my-co-founders-2m-theft-ai-evidence-turned-into-lawsuit/New Research: 20% of Americans use AI tools 10X+/month, but growth is slowing and traditional search hasn't dippedhttps://sparktoro.com/blog/new-research-20-of-americans-use-ai-tools-10x-month-but-growth-is-slowing-and-traditional-search-hasnt-dipped/The Danger of Bad Charts https://www.cpajournal.com/2025/10/10/the-danger-of-bad-charts-2/Cracker Barrel's logo controversy was driven by bots https://www.nrn.com/casual-dining/cracker-barrel-s-logo-controversy-was-driven-by-bots-what-operators-should-learn-from-thisOur commitment to audit quality — Ernst & Young LLP's 2025 report https://www.ey.com/en_us/assurance/audit-quality-reportEY drops clients to improve audits after leading Big Four in deficiencies https://www.cfobrew.com/stories/2024/08/27/ey-drops-clients-to-improve-audits-after-leading-big-four-in-deficienciesOpenAI Buys Personal Finance App Roi https://www.pymnts.com/acquisitions/2025/openai-buys-personal-finance-app-roi/With its latest acqui-hire, OpenAI is doubling down on personalized consumer AI https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/03/with-its-latest-acqui-hire-openai-is-doubling-down-on-personalized-consumer-ai/BDO USA Expands Professional Services Capabilities Through HORNE https://www.bdo.com/insights/press-releases/bdo-usa-expands-professional-services-capabilities-through-horneAuditor BDO Cuts Jobs With Focus on Managing Apollo Debt https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-11/auditor-bdo-cuts-jobs-with-focus-on-managing-apollo-debtNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsCollective by DBA - https://collective.cpa/ Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe ...

Chapters(00:00) - AI-Driven CEO Impersonator Scams (00:38) - WNBA Commissioner Controversy (07:04) - Standardizing Tech Stacks in Accounting Firms (13:06) - AI's Role in Accounting and Client Management (18:27) - IRS Shutdown and Economic Implications (25:49) - Fraud Stories and AI-Generated Scams (33:31) - Alternative CPA Pathways in California and New Jersey (34:32) - California's New CPA Pathways (35:45) - US News & World Report Rankings (37:38) - Tech Fundraising and Innovations (37:56) - Bill's Cybersecurity Awareness Month (40:33) - Dual Entry's $90 Million Series A (43:35) - AI and ERP Systems (50:58) - Avalara's AI Tax Compliance Agents (53:01) - Ignition's AI-Powered Pricing Tool (01:01:20) - Paycom's Layoffs and AI Automation (01:05:00) - Conclusion and Upcoming Events  Show NotesComing soon!Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page