Podcasts about unique cpa

Episode 216 of The Unique CPA kicks off a three-episode CAS block, starting with Randy Crabtree's conversation with Christine Triantos. Christine, who has over 30 years of experience as one of the trailblazers of CAS within the profession, discusses its fundamentals, differentiating it from traditional accounting services like bookkeeping and write-ups. She highlights the importance of proactive guidance and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, and explores how her own service providers, Infinite Advisors and Infinite Ties, can smooth this process. Delving into best practices, pricing strategies, managing client expectations, and the significance of industry-specific niches, Christine emphasizes the value of effective client communication and the boon to work-life balance that maintaining a successful CAS practice can provide. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com  

Randy Crabtree welcomes Terrell Turner back to The Unique CPA for his third appearance in anticipation of the upcoming Bridging the Gap Conference 2025 in Denver, Colorado, July 22nd-24th. Terrell will be interviewing several participants this year as well as giving his own talk, as he did each of the first two years, and he and Randy take this opportunity to discuss the history and unique aspects that have come out of the conference as it's found its identity. Perhaps unsurprisingly for longtime listeners of The Unique CPA, community and relationship building are among the central themes. Randy and Terrell also preview a few sessions and speakers for the conference, including discussions on topics like vulnerability in leadership and redefining the accounting industry. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree connects with Carlos Garcia, co-founder of the Reframe Conference with his brother, former Unique CPA guest Hector, on Episode 214. Carlos's focus is on transforming how accounting professionals communicate with clients by promoting confidence and clear messaging. Sporting a certification in the “Exactly What to Say” methodology, which aids accountants in becoming strategic partners rather than mere compliance officers, Carlos emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and trust in interactions with both clients and your team, and delves into the impact of language on trust building. The Reframe Conference takes these important ideas into its mission to rebrand the accounting profession as innovative and forward-thinking. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Mike Whitmire returns to The Unique CPA to share his unique perspective on the profession on Episode 213. The co-founder and CEO of FloQast, Mike talks to Randy about the expansion and shift in responsibilities for controllers and others within accounting, going beyond traditional functions to include operational efficiency and strategic planning. Focusing on the impact of technology and AI in automating mundane tasks, Mike explains that accountants' ability to focus on more high value work is key to this transformation. Rather than the talent pipeline issue being a major concern, Mike emphasizes that by using oft-discussed themes of the show like mental health awareness, strong workplace relationships, and putting people in positions to do work they love, everyone can get more out of their careers and see increased engagement and fulfillment, which can benefit every person and organization from top to bottom. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 212 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree digs into an extraordinary alternative firm model with Jacob Schroeder, the founder and CEO of Ascend Consulting. In addition to balancing multiple businesses, Jacob's entrepreneurial journey has been informed by his passion for innovation and invention in the context of the accounting profession. Jacob's bold move to split Ascend Consulting into three separate firms to allow for separate focuses on advisory services, tax, and bookkeeping has so far been a resounding success, and he and Randy delve into the central role that collaboration, partnerships, and allowing each individual to focus on their strengths and passions have played in driving that success. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree goes in-house with Tri-Merit's Barry Devine, a veteran in the specialty tax incentive space, on Episode 211 of The Unique CPA. Renewable energy tax credits have come to the forefront as a way for nonprofits to fund community-strengthening projects, and Barry pulls from his extensive experience in leveraging these credits and incentives to illustrate the incredible opportunities that are out there right now. Highlighting the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on making these credits accessible to nonprofits, they discuss real-world examples Barry was a part of, including projects for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County and a Minnesota hospital, while delving into the legislative landscape and future prospects for renewable energy incentives. Barry's strong advice to CPAs on how to support their nonprofit clients in taking advantage of these lucrative credits is a must-listen. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree connects with business development specialist Chris Cocca on Episode 210 of The Unique CPA. The President of Strategic Sales and former actively practicing CPA, Chris now specializes in helping accounting firms grow and scale by identifying and leveraging their rainmakers, implementing effective business development processes, and formalizing sales methodologies. Focusing on efficiency in business development and highlighting the importance of having a sales leader within the firm, Chris emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to coaching salespeople and aligning business development with firm growth goals on a person-to-person level. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree welcomes Geni Whitehouse, an influential figure in the accounting profession known for her diverse roles including founder of The Impactful Advisor, ITA president, and winery consultant, on Episode 209 of The Unique CPA. Geni talks about things that made a difference in her career trajectory, highlighting her transition from an uninspired CPA to a passionate advocate for enhancing the accounting profession and the experiences of everyone involved. She stresses effective communication, the power of humor in public speaking, and the need to connect and make an impact. Geni's commitment to training and mentorship—and her experiences in stand-up comedy and TED Talks—underscore her mission to make accounting a better profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Questian Telka and Nancy McClelland join Randy on Episode 208 of The Unique CPA to discuss their new podcast, She Counts, aimed at addressing the unique experiences of women in the accounting profession. The podcast will focus on authentic conversations with subject matter experts and leaders in the profession, with discussions about breaking through isolation, challenging industry norms, both providing and receiving support and practical advice, #MeToo, mentorship, vulnerability, the importance of DEI, and more. Launching She Counts in mid-May, Questian and Nancy understand the need for intentional change in hiring and promotion practices and invite both women and men to join these important conversations through the podcast. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy hosts a very special Episode 207 of The Unique CPA, with now three-time guest Dawn Brolin. Dawn, the “Designated Motivator,” discusses her latest book, The Elevation of Empathy: Leading for the W.I.N., and she delves into how empathy transforms leadership, organizational culture, and mental health. Dawn's impactful personal stories about dealing with leaders who lack empathy highlights the importance of vulnerability, transparency, and intentionality if you want to be the kind of leader that people look up to and remember for the right reasons. Emphasizing the detrimental impact of poor leadership on mental well-being, the significance of positive mentorship, and the need for genuine care in professional relationships, Dawn's practical advice on practicing empathy is valuable currency when it comes to humanizing the accounting profession and the experiences of those who are in it. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree is joined by Annette Wehrli of Effectivity Consulting on Episode 206 of The Unique CPA to talk about aligning business strategy with people strategy. They discuss the significant challenge many accounting firms face: transitioning professionals from technical experts to effective leaders, the importance of identifying the right leadership types and styles, and the need for a balance of technical, visionary, thought, and people leadership within firms. Annette highlights storytelling, culture, and customized leadership training programs as ways to enhance individuals' innate leadership potential, seeing it as a path forward for the profession and aiding in its continued positive transformation as it addresses its talent attraction and retention challenges. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Entrepreneurial Data-Driven Growth Strategies are no longer optional—they're essential for scaling and sustaining a successful business. In this episode, we sit down with James Childress, a seasoned CPA and growth advisor, to explore how entrepreneurs can harness data to drive profitability, efficiency, and sustainable growth.For founders, startup leaders, and small business owners looking for answers to critical business challenges, this conversation is a goldmine. James helps you understand and implement Financial Systems for Entrepreneurs that support long-term success. He explains the power of Data-Driven Business Decisions and shares actionable insights on Scaling a Business with Systems, all rooted in decades of experience.We also explore the foundational wisdom of W. Edwards Deming Business Principles, and how they still apply in today's age of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and real-time analytics. If you're searching for guidance on Profitability Optimization for Startups, Entrepreneurship and Financial Planning, or Strategic Forecasting for Entrepreneurs, this episode answers your questions with clarity and expertise.Whether you're studying Enterprise Growth Strategies Class 12 Entrepreneurship, developing Growth Strategies in Entrepreneurship, or working in Data Analysis as a Data Analyst, this conversation will deepen your understanding and give you tools to grow.You'll walk away knowing how to align your data systems, improve Decision Making, and embrace Data-Driven Marketing strategies—all while building a more resilient and impactful business.

Randy Crabtree concludes his conversation on community with Nancy McClelland, The Dancing Accountant, on Episode 205 of The Unique CPA. They focus particularly on the vital role bookkeepers play in the accounting world, and the importance of collaboration between them and tax professionals. This, along with creating effective systems, are keys to building a culture of shared resources, proper communication, and continuous learning—essentially, forming stronger bonds within the community will lead to better results for service provider and client alike. Nancy highlights practical steps to educate small business owners, bookkeepers, and tax pros to foster better working relationships, underscoring the need to transform accounting's landscape through enhanced cooperation and training. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com  

Randy Crabtree kicks off a two part conversation with Nancy McClelland, the Dancing Accountant, on Episode 204 of The Unique CPA. Their discussion will conclude the series on the impact of community in the accounting profession, where they delve into Nancy's journey from bookkeeping to becoming a CPA and the evolution of her business and identity. Nancy shares her insights on how pivotal relationships are to everything she does as owner of a “hyperlocal” firm, and the inspiration behind her initiative, “Ask a CPA,” which aims to foster collaboration between bookkeepers and tax professionals. The discussion highlights how better connections within the profession can lead to a more efficient and more mentally healthy work environment, which increases productivity and satisfaction, ultimately benefiting everyone involved. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy continues his focus on community in accounting with Yuri Kapilovich on Episode 203 of The Unique CPA. Also known as #TheFunCPA, Yuri shares his mission to redefine accounting, making it more dynamic and engaging through his social media content, networking events, and YouTube series. Discussing his journey of building a full-service accounting firm with a focus on work-life balance, Yuri explains how he maintains a limited work schedule while providing high-value services to his clients. Yuri's continuing efforts to create unique and enjoyable networking events are just one of the many ways that he contributes to the accounting community. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Logan Graf returns to The Unique CPA to continue the show's focus on community in the accounting profession on Episode 202. The owner of Graf Tax and founder of Counter, Logan talks to Randy about the community he's built with Counter, which was inspired by his YouTube channel and the transparency he had around sharing his financials there. This had prompted a lot of questions for many people around the profession, especially those with an entrepreneurial bent, and Logan's response was to create a welcoming, supportive group for new and aspiring firm owners. Logan shares some of his insights on overcoming barriers in the profession, the need for accounting professionals to have confidence in themselves when approaching client interactions, and the impact innovative practices can have on the entire profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 201 of The Unique CPA kicks off a block of episodes focused on building community in the accounting profession, and to start, Randy talks with Ashley Carroll, founder of Operations House, about addressing burnout while driving firm profitability. Ashley details her mission to help accounting firms rethink their business structures and cultures and think of their employees more as human beings. Ashley recently introduced a “professional pep talk” initiative that provides support and encouragement to accounting professionals, and she discusses her own journey from accounting to operations, her mental health struggles, and her passion for fostering psychologically safe and profitable work environments. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

We have reached yet another mile episode of The Unique CPA, number 200, and Randy Crabtree joins producer Justin Grant to celebrate the show's journey. They reflect on the supportive community that has sprung up around the show, the Bridging the Gap Conference, and plans for the future, while having some fun too with a bloopers segment that's sure to make you laugh along with them. Randy also shares his thoughts on new directions for the podcast, such as becoming a go-to source for specialty tax news and analysis, and the rise of private equity in the accounting profession, before closing things out looking forward to the next hundred episodes. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree is joined by Dave Lane, founder of Grove & Grain Leadership, on Episode 199 of The Unique CPA. As a business executive, leader coach, keynote speaker, and fractional COO, Dave discusses his journey and philosophy around the concept of being a “force of awesome.” He elaborates on the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and identifying your true self for both personal fulfillment and professional success. Sharing methodologies and tools he uses, such as the “Listen, Reflect, and Ask” model, Dave seeks to help individuals and teams overcome challenges, improve their emotional intelligence, and foster a more cohesive and effective work environment, with focuses on the impact personal growth can have on business outcomes, and the importance of integrating personal passions with professional duties. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy welcomes Michael Haynes, go-to-market specialist and Director of Listen Innovate Grow, on Episode 198 of The Unique CPA. Michael explains how accounting firms can transition from transactional to advisory services, focusing on the importance of understanding client needs and conducting internal analysis to create a comprehensive go-to-market strategy. Michael instructs firms to identify their niche, develop the relevant advisory services, and leverage existing expertise for growth, as he stresses the importance of depth of expertise and strategic client engagement, shedding light on various advisory offerings and revenue opportunities. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 197 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree welcomes Greg Adams, Senior VP and CFO at the American Management Association and author of the novel Green Shade$. Greg discusses his career journey, his passion for the profession which served as inspiration for his novel—which features an accountant protagonist—and his advocacy for improving the image and perception of accountants. He emphasizes the importance of soft skills in the accounting profession and offers insights on how to address the declining number of CPA exam takers by improving the image and appeal of accounting as a whole. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 196 of The Unique CPA brings Liz Farr, a CPA and influential freelance writer, in conversation with Randy Crabtree. Liz discusses her diverse career path and how she transitioned from biochemistry to linguistics, then eventually to accounting, and finally writing within the profession. Taking a 30,000 foot view, they discuss the significant shifts happening in accounting such as innovative firm models, improvements in work-life balance, and the importance of a strong firm culture. Liz highlights the new generation's entrepreneurial approach and the increasing emphasis on leadership and technology integration, as both reflect on their personal experiences and the evolving landscape, expressing optimism about the future of the profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree hosts Brian Floriani on a special Episode 195 of The Unique CPA. The founder of Bernie's Book Bank, Brian shares his moving story behind how he founded the organization in memory of his father, with the goal of addressing educational inequity through book ownership. Brian discusses the significant impact of providing books to under-resourced communities and reveals that a small increase in literacy could dramatically boost the economy. He highlights the organization's achievements in Chicagoland, their expansion plans, and their commitment to efficient and sustainable operations. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 194 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree chats with Kelly Rohrs, founder of her own CPA firm and co-host of the podcast From Zero to Millions: Accounting Edition. Kelly shares her journey from working in a traditional CPA firm to establishing her own practice and the strategies she employed to make it a success, such as leveraging LinkedIn for exposure and building authentic relationships. Kelly has been recognized by CPA Practice Advisor, making their “Top 40 Under 40” list, and she shares her insights on boundary setting, discusses her efforts to help other professionals through her mastermind groups, known as Fiscal Minds, and her podcast, and she emphasizes the importance of openness to innovation, of community, and maintaining work-life balance, as keys to her continuing success. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Happy new year to The Unique CPA community! David Hartley joins Randy on Episode 193 to kick off 2025 with a chat about a timely topic: The profession's future and looking forward to the key things that will drive change within accounting. The Partner in Charge of Advisory at Anders CPAs and Advisors, David hits on the shift towards advisory services, emphasizing innovation and the future readiness of firms. Outlining Anders' proactive approach to strategic planning, compensation transparency, and technology integration, Dave also highlights the mental health and work-life balance initiatives at the firm while delving into the evolving importance of value over billable hours in the accounting industry. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree welcomes Megan Tarnow on Episode 192 of The Unique CPA to discuss Megan's unique niche: the intersection of nonprofits and QuickBooks. A speaker, trainer, and Top 100 Pro Advisor, Megan has lent a hand to numerous nonprofits over the years and even developed a Facebook group for nonprofit finance that boasts over 11,000 members. She explains the concept of fiscal sponsorship and its benefits, discussing tools like Ribbon which help streamline nonprofit administration, and she and Randy go over hypothetical and real-life examples of nonprofit operations and sponsorship, showcasing the vital aspects and potential challenges in running a nonprofit. If nonprofits intersect your accounting world this is an episode you don't want to miss. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Loren Fogelman joins Randy Crabtree on Episode 191 of The Unique CPA to reveal her keys to enhance accounting firm owners' earning potential while reducing their hours. Having transitioned from sports psychology to business coaching, Loren emphasizes the similarities between athletes and growth-minded firm owners, translating these similarities into concepts like value-based pricing and the importance of moving away from hourly billing to enhance earning potential without increasing hours worked. Loren shares actionable strategies including her Raise Your Rates formula and Good, Better, Best pricing model to help accountants price their services effectively. Underscoring the need for accountants to recognize their own value, Loren and Randy stress the need to adopt new pricing models to achieve a better work-life balance and financial success. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Join Randy in his conversation with Josh Malancuk, a state property tax specialist, on Episode 190 of The Unique CPA. Josh discusses his role and the complexities of property tax reductions for businesses. He highlights how most businesses overpay on taxes due to a lack of expertise in reviewing tax assessments and compliance, especially in particular states where the rules differ significantly from most others. Josh explains the importance of bringing in specialists to find savings and ensure accurate assessments, with 20% savings across the board not an uncommon result when collaborating in this fashion. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 189 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined by Anthony Venette of DeJoy to discuss the intricacies of succession, gift, and estate planning. Anthony shares insights from his career journey, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning for business continuity and ownership transfer, and he delves into succession planning's critical aspects, such as defining goals, internal vs. external transitions, and the impact of current legal landscape changes. Anthony outlines practical approaches for CPAs and offers examples of successful engagements, highlighting how important it is for just about any CPA to engage in early and ongoing planning to optimize outcomes for their clients. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 188 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree connects with Isaac Perdomo, co-founder of Opzer, with a focus on automation in the profession. Isaac explains how Opzer helps accounting firms streamline their operations through process mapping, optimization, and custom workflow automation. Randy points out that oftentimes, those who would benefit most from automation don't understand just how much time it can save, so they are reluctant to “take the plunge.” But from improving efficiency, enhancing client and team experiences, and gaining better insights, Isaac offers examples of automation in practice that have been more than worth it to his clients. Tune in and hear these valuable insights into how accounting firms can buy back their time and improve their operations through automation. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy welcomes Dan Berenholtz, co-founder and CEO of StanfordTax, to Episode 187 of The Unique CPA. Dan discusses how his company is revolutionizing the tax season process for accountants and clients alike. Detailing his passion for tech entrepreneurship, Dan explores StanfordTax's innovative approach to automating tax data collection, enhancing both client experience and accountant efficiency. He also highlights the integration of AI and future developments in tax technology that aim to make the profession more profitable and less time-consuming. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com  

Randy Crabtree talks to Lisa Simpson, Vice President of Firm Services at AICPA, on Episode 186 of The Unique CPA. Lisa stresses that essential transformations are needed to ensure a prosperous future for the profession. Fostering a healthy community of accounting professionals and critical shifts in the traditional business model are keys to staying relevant, as are leveraging technology and diversity to drive growth. As talent retention, compensation, and the importance of flexibility remain on the forefront of people's minds, Lisa encourages firm leaders to engage with these topics because unlike the recent past, there won't be another time when accounting students are “falling from the sky.” It will take major adaptations to keep your firm relevant in the coming age of change in the profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 185 of The Unique CPA, Randy digs into advisory platforms with David Snider, CEO and founder of Harness Wealth. Harness is one such platform making waves in the profession, and David, in discussing his journey from the real estate tech industry to tax and wealth management, explains how these worlds linked together for him to found Harness. Sharing his understanding of how technology can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of tax advisors, helping them to better serve their clients, David spotlights various industry challenges, the importance of specialization, and the need for innovation in the tax advisory space, all of which he has addressed in creating a unifying platform that can aid advisors in client acquisition and managing their practices more efficiently. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree returns to a very personally important topic to him, burnout, on Episode 184 of The Unique CPA. He sits down with specialist Anna Lovell-Nesmith to discuss the pervasiveness of burnout among accounting professionals. Anna shares her insights on recognizing and managing burnout, emphasizing the importance of time management, prioritization, and personalized strategies, which she provides through her work as a burnout specialist. Randy stresses the importance of creating awareness, and they agree it's vital to seek help when you need it and find joy both inside and outside of the office. No matter where you feel you are mentally, this is one episode you won't want to miss. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree engages in an enlightening discussion with Hitendra Patil, seven-time Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential Person, on Episode 183 of The Unique CPA. The President of Global F&A Services for Datamatics Business Solutions, Hitendra is an author and speaker who, like Randy, seeks to improve accounting as a whole. Highlighting the talent shortage and the evolving landscape of the profession amidst technological advancements and AI, Hitendra emphasizes the value of better narratives around the profession, especially as they relate to AI. He points at value pricing, client experience, outsourcing, and adapting business models as keys forward. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

We go back in time on this special five-year anniversary Episode 182 of The Unique CPA, as original guest Tim Jipping, founder of Journey Advisors & CPAs, returns to interview Randy Crabtree on the podcast's milestone show. Discussing the podcast's inception, evolution, and its impact on the accounting profession, Randy reflects on things that have surprised him about becoming a podcast host and the podcast “scene” in general, the influence guests like John Garrett, Josh Lance, Al-Nesha Jones and more have had on him, and the broader changes in the industry that the show has come to reflect as it has evolved, including improvements in work-life balance and the integration of tech. Join us for a nostalgic and insightful look back—and forward—at The Unique CPA. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 180 of The Unique CPA, Chris Williams, the CEO of System Six, joins Randy for a conversation about the direction modern accounting is headed. System Six is a cloud-based finance and accounting firm Chris acquired, and he shares his journey, from his background in investment banking and private equity. With a focus on strong company culture characterized by joy, collaboration, and flexibility, the conversation covers Chris's plans for the future of System Six, including potential acquisitions and expanding services to include tax and advisory offerings. Personal interactions are at the core of what Chris looks to do, with the desired effect being to maintain strong work culture while weathering the challenges of integrating new services and acquisitions. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Join us as we take a look back at six top rated episodes and guests to celebrate International Podcast Day on Episode 179 of The Unique CPA. Featuring Josh Lance, Allan Koltin, Tim Petrey, John Garrett, Eric Green, and Al-Nesha Jones, Randy reminisces about each guest and the impact they've had on the Unique CPA Community and the profession as a whole. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree is joined by Andrew Leck, CEO of MSI Global Alliance, on Episode 178 of The Unique CPA. An international association of lawyers and accountants, MSI brings professionals together, and Andrew discusses the thriving and collaborative community MSI has created, with a special emphasis on its benefits to mental and physical well-being. Integrating accountants and lawyers under one umbrella brings a host of advantages, especially in the modern accounting context of global expansion and the impact of private equity. Andrew himself started his career as an accountant, so his insights on the evolving partnership model and of cultural differences in international business are not to be missed. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 177 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree interviews Logan Graf, Chief Tax Officer and Founder of The Graf Tax Co. Logan took an unusual path to starting his own firm, with him jumping into the fully remote model in the middle of Covid, and he's continued on that unconventional trajectory by hiring his first employee through social media. Social media has been a key for Logan for both professional networking and marketing potential, as well as featuring prominently in his plans for expanding his firm's client base. Offering tips to expanding into specific niches, the episode explores the broader challenges and opportunities in the accounting profession from the perspective of a new, “modern” firm owner. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Lauren Bahr, VP of Finance at Occupier and podcast host, joins Randy to “bring the fun to finance” on Episode 176 of The Unique CPA. Lauren pursued her passion for startups, a sector she was exposed to during her time at PwC, ultimately leaving public accounting and further turning her energy towards educating others through her podcasts. Touching on the importance of creating a positive corporate culture, Lauren underscores the significance of relationships in building a thriving work environment. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 175 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree connects with John J. Fenton who discusses his transformative journey from college athletics to public accounting to leadership coaching. John served as managing partner at BDO USA, and his experience of the profession drives his insights on leadership, employee engagement, trust, and progressing beyond the billable hour. John has drawn upon his time as a college athlete and his black belt certification to help him better appreciate the role of mindfulness and continuous self-improvement in effective leadership. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

It's once again time to dive into the ERC and update the profession on its current status! Nick Pantaleo joins Randy Crabtree for a special live streamed Episode 174 of The Unique CPA where they delve into the Employee Retention Credit's journey. The two experts review the current state of play, with everything from legal updates, to IRS interpretations and processes, including their new risk assessment system, a second opportunity for amnesty, and further forecasting for the future. They then conclude their discussion by answering questions directly from the listeners! You won't want to miss this to find out how best to serve your clients as the era of the ERC reaches its twilight. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree is joined by Rafael Casas, Director of Strategic Alliances and Partnerships at QuickFee, on Episode 173 of The Unique CPA. Rafael opens by explaining QuickFee's mission to aid accounting and legal firms in accelerating AR while leading the way in the profession on thought leadership around mental health, AI and automation, technology, and more. Through these initiatives, Rafael hopes to elevate the accounting profession, and on those lines, he touches upon the value of intellectual curiosity, resourcefulness, and community collaboration. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 172 of The Unique CPA brings Jody Padar, The Radical CPA, into conversation with Randy Crabtree. They discuss the evolution of accounting technology, from the early days of cloud computing to the current advancements in artificial intelligence, all of which Jody has been at the forefront of. She shares her journey as an early adopter even back in the pre-internet days, her influential role in shaping accounting practices, and her current work at april, which develops innovative, AI-powered tax software. Stressing the importance of adapting to new tools and the potential future changes in accounting, Jody emphasizes the need for accountants to embrace these new technologies with the end goal being a happier profession with a healthier work-life balance. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy welcomes back Roman Villard from Full Send Finance for Episode 171 almost a year after the recording date of Roman's first appearance on The Unique CPA. They discuss the progress and growth Full Send has seen in nearly a year, including updates on new service lines, team expansion, and a re-focus of how to track what progress actually means for the firm and its clients. Roman stresses that looking at internal operations over revenue metrics means that they are measuring something that is more impactful than just making money for the firm, and discusses the successful implementation of a data intelligence vertical. They also touch upon maintaining a strong company culture and the positive impact of letting go of a major client for the sake of team well-being. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Roman Villard joins Randy Crabtree for Episode 170 of The Unique CPA to discuss his social media marketing approach and his founding of Full Send Finance. In a conversation recorded nearly a year ago, Roman discusses establishing his niche: Seed to Series B, primarily tech, startups. The key for Roman is his passion for working with early-stage companies, drawing from his family's entrepreneurial background and his own career choices. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, leveraging relationships for client acquisition, and his strategic use of social media for outreach and education. Roman won the “Social Media Influencer” of the 2024 Bridging the Gap conference, and shared that one of his goals nearly a year ago was to increase his social media presence. Well we have to say you did a great job, Roman, and Randy will be checking back in with you in the next episode to see how your plans have panned out over the past year! Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 169 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree connects with Katie Thomas, founder of Leaders Online, a marketing firm focused on business-to-accountants (B2A) services. They discuss Katie's journey from her entrepreneurial childhood to her professional experience in a Big Four accounting firm and her eventual venture into establishing Leaders Online to help accountants market their firms. Exploring the shift in marketing strategies for accounting firms, Katie emphasizes the importance of niche marketing, creating demand, and leveraging social media. Randy and Katie also touch on the evolving business development roles within firms, the necessity of following one's professional passion, and the critical role of a long-term marketing plan. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 217 FACULTY: Chayton Farlee CLASS: #TheGuide Join us in this enlightening episode where young accounting professional Chayton Farlee shares his journey of discovering the vibrant side of accounting beyond the classroom. Tune in to hear his insightful conversation on breaking free from the traditional 'Big Four' mindset, the importance of real-world experience, and his passion for making accounting both fun and impactful.

For our third and final bonus episode of The Unique CPA, Rob Brown from The Accounting Influencers talks to Kasidy Kersey and Robb Zbierski about their upcoming appearances at Bridging the Gap 2024. Kasidy, the founder of Marina Bay Yoga, will be the Wellness Coordinator for this year's Wellness Room, reprising her role from the 2023 edition. Bringing her own personal experience with burnout, her passion is to show overworked and stressed professionals how to better look after themselves. Robb Zbierski is a professional speaker, trainer and personal coach with Freedom Personal Development. The author of Train Your Brain for Success, Robb talks about taking an active role in managing your mind and thoughts and turning them towards working for you, rather than against you. Tune in to hear these last two guests' great insights, and be sure to attend Bridging the Gap 2024 to see them in person! Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com