Accounting High

Episode 235

FACULTY: Carla McCall, CPA aka Queen B

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this episode, Scotty interviews Carla McCall, CPA, managing partner of AAFCPAs and chair of the AICPA. Carla shares her innovative approach to the accounting profession, emphasizing a people-first culture that flips the traditional script of client and firm importance. She discusses the importance of technology integration, lessons learned from her career journey, and strategies implemented to create a supportive and inclusive workplace. Carla also touches on her work with the AICPA, the future of the accounting profession, and the challenges and rewards of leading through change.

📣 Shout Outs to Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, Herb Alexander, CannCount, Ron Baker, AICPA, AAFCPAs

Chapters:

🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗

Carla McCall, CPA

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlamccallaaf/

AAFCPAs

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/aafcpa/

📎 https://www.aafcpa.com/

CannCount

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/canncount/

📎 https://www.aafcpa.com/industries/cannabis-businesses/canncount/

Scotty OKR Scarano

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

Accounting High

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/

Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, Women In Accounting, Leadership, People First, Inclusion, Technology, ChangeMakers, AICPA, Innovation

Episode 234

FACULTY: Matt Kidd, CPA

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this throwback to Sons of CPAs, Scotty chats it up with Matt about his two CPA brothers, diving into how they each built successful practices, inspired by their CPA father. They talk about managing and transitioning CPA firms, incorporating wealth management, modernizing traditional practices, tax season, and client relationships. Tune in for a comprehensive view on growing a client-centric, million-dollar CPA practice, with insights on practical strategies and overcoming challenges in the accounting profession.

📣 Shout Outs: Shane Mason, Blunden, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, UltraTax, Karbon, Excello, Onvio, Thompson Reuters, Citrix, Buckingham Strategic Partners, Loring Ward, AICPA, AICPAENGAGE, Jon Gordon

⬇️ Video Referenced ⬇️

051 - Numbers and Love Letters (feat. Shane Mason, CPA/PFS, CFP, CPWA) (https://youtu.be/Pkn_JPfwl0k)

📚 Books Referenced 📚

The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy by Jon Gordon

(https://theenergybus.com/)

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser

02:12 Meet Matthew Kidd: The CPA Journey

02:30 Family of CPAs: The Kidd Legacy

02:50 The Value of Wealth Management

02:58 Matthew's Path to Becoming a CPA

07:26 Acquisitions and Practice Growth

14:15 Hard Numbers

24:02 Modernizing

25:43 Navigating Tax Laws and Old Tech

27:18 The Onvio Experience

29:50 Transitioning to Cloud-Based Systems

33:24 Launching Wealth Management Services

40:57 Marketing Wealth Management to Clients

45:17 The GetTo Foundation and Its Impact

47:54 Reflections on Accounting Practices and Margins

51:39 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗

Matt Kidd, CPA

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkiddcpa/

Blunden & Kidd Accounting & Consulting, P.C.

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/blunden-kidd-accounting-consulting-p-c/

📎 https://blundenkidd.com/

Scotty OKR Scarano

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

Accounting High

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/

Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, tax planning, financial advisory, CPA journey, wealth management, family business, accounting firm growth, hybrid work model, client relationships, CAS integration, professional development

Episode 233

FACULTY: Kendale King, CPA

CLASS: #AccountingHigh

Join us as Scotty interviews Kendale King, CPA from Los Angeles, who shares his inspiring journey from childhood entrepreneurship with his brother to a successful career in Hollywood accounting. Kendale discusses his transition from auditing roles at Deloitte to working in entertainment consulting with major companies like Netflix. His passion for accounting and entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch CPAcon, the first accounting olympics. Discover what Kendale is bringing to the accounting world in this episode!

📣 Shout Outs: CPACon, Deloitte, Chrysler, Morehouse College, Siegfried Seals Group, 21st Century Fox, Netflix, Earmark, Richard, Denise Freming, CalCPA, Dream Con

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser

01:55 Kendale's Background and Early Life

02:41 Choosing a Career Path

03:41 First Steps in Accounting

05:24 Early Entrepreneurial Ventures

09:31 Transition to Entertainment Industry

12:10 Experience at Netflix

14:27 Post-Netflix Career Moves

19:24 Introducing CPACon: Gamifying Accounting

29:42 Final Thoughts and Advice

🔗 Connect With Us On Linkedin! 🔗

Kendale King, CPA

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendale-king-cpa-💵-90916721/

KCK CPA

📎 https://www.kck-cpa.com/services

CPAcon

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpacon/

📎 https://www.thecpacon.com/

Scotty OKR Scarano

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

Accounting High

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/

Tags: Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Coaching, Accounting Tips, How To Run An Accounting Practice, CPACon, CP, accounting event, entrepreneurship, DreamCon, Los Angeles, networking

Episode 232

FACULTY: Becca Smith, MAAT

In this episode, Scotty interviews Becca Smith, MAAT an Education Leader at Xero. Learn about the global nuances of accounting practices, Xero’s educational initiatives, and community events like Xerocon and Xero roadshows. Hear updates about Xero’s innovative payment solutions, their AI companion JAX, and the evolution of financial technologies. Join us to learn how these advancements are shaping the future of accounting!

📣 Shout Outs: Xero, Xerocon, Bill.com, Xero JAX

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser

01:28 Introduction 

04:08 Transition to Xero 

08:52 Role at Xero and Education Focus 

15:03 Community Building and Events 

21:40 Personal Insights and Running 

23:36 Balancing Work and Hobbies 

23:49 Global Accounting Practices 

24:54 Payment Methods Evolution 

28:13 Tipping Culture Differences 

28:53 Xero's New Initiatives 

33:40 JAX AI Companion 

40:39 XeroCon Rap Performance

45:25 Conclusion

🔗 Connect With Us On Linkedin! 🔗

Becca Smith, MAAT

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/becca-smith-maat-79080190/

Xero

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/xero/

📎 http://www.xero.com

Scotty OKR Scarano

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

Accounting High

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/

Tags: Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Coaching, Accounting Tips, How To Run An Accounting Practice, Accounting Education, XeroCon, Becca Smith, Accounting AI, UK Accounting, Accounting Technology, Xero, Global Accounting

Episode 231

FACULTY: Kyle Geers, CPA

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this episode, join Scotty and Kyle Geers as they talk about his unique path from college water skiing enthusiast to managing a fully remote firm with $2 million in revenue. Hear how the founders of Zeroed In leveraged their skills to create profitable accounting practices, navigated communication and collaboration challenges, and utilized tools like Power BI and ClickUp. Discover insights on capacity planning, client service management, and fostering team growth through clear career paths.

📣 Shout Outs: Bridging the Gap, Grant Thornton, Xero, Zeroed In, QBO, NetSuite, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, Power BI, Power Query, Power Automate, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Microsoft 365, ClickUp. Zapier, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Roman Villard, Digital CPA

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser 

02:27 Kyle's Journey into Accounting 

04:46 Experiences at Grant Thornton 

09:46 Transition to Technical Accounting Advisory 

16:54 Building and Growing Zeroed In 

20:52 Using ChatGPT vs. Copilot 

21:37 Integrating Accounting Systems 

23:31 Client Onboarding and Ideal Profiles 

25:48 Roles and Responsibilities in the Firm 

29:37 Internal Communication and Team Meetings 

33:03 Final Tips for Students 

34:07 Partnership Dynamics and Challenges 

36:16 Networking and Professional Communities

🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗

Kyle Geers, CPA

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylegeers/

Zeroed-In Consulting

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeroed-in-consulting/

Scotty OKR Scarano

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

Accounting High

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/

Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, partnerships, remote work, technical accounting, entrepreneurship, business growth, advisory services, Microsoft tools, client management

Episode 230

FACULTY: Ashley Francis, CPA

CLASS: #TheGuide

In this episode, Scotty and Ashley Francis, CPA explore personal development strategies, including habit formation, overcoming people-pleasing, managing self-doubt and anxiety, especially in high-pressure situations like public speaking and even how ChatGPT could be your goto therapist.

📣 Shout Outs: Mike Sylvester, ChatGPT, Xero

⬇️Episodes Referenced ⬇️

187 AI Horror Stories: Shining a Light on the Dark Side of AI

(https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wAVjhBGQvgiydiOp2sPOj?si=y9Fn92lESam5N8QaftjFyQ)

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser

02:29 The Human Element in Automation

03:59 Embracing New Roles and Teaching

04:54 Personal Growth and Healthy Habits

11:33 The Power of ChatGPT

15:03 Overcoming Perfectionism and Self-Doubt

24:04 Public Speaking and Personal Reflections

26:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

30:12 The Power of Saying No

🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗

Ashley Francis, CPA

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-francis-seattle/

The Francis Group, PLLC

📎 https://francisgroupsea.com/

Scotty OKR Scarano

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

Accounting High

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/

Tags: The Guide, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Guidance, Vision, Firm Owners, Advice, AI in accounting, ChatGPT, mental health, professional growth, healthy habits, meditation, automation tools, firm management, perfectionism, stress management, public speaking, personal development, accounting tips, professional advice, healthy lifestyle, self-improvement, habit formation, career evolution, tax profession, CPA insights

Episode 229

FACULTY: Ashley Francis, CPA

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this episode, Scotty and Ashley Francis, CPA discuss her journey in becoming a CPA, building her niche practice focused on high-net-worth individuals, and exploring educational opportunities. Ashley shares her passion for accounting, spurred by early childhood experiences, and her growth from working in large accounting firms to running her own practice. She talks about her unique experience with trust and estate taxes, homeschooling her son, and the challenges and rewards of balancing a practice with educational endeavors.

Ashley and Scott do NOT discuss: AI, Jason Staats, or Automation!

📣 Shout Outs: Alicyn McLeod, Nicole Davis, Byron Patrick, Neil Stevenson, Ali Abdaal, Cal Newport, Deep Work, Misty Schachtell, Theatre of Public Speaking, Seattle Estate Planning Society, Matthew G Norton, Deloitte, Oura Ring, Twitter, AICPA Engage, Atlanta Tax, Jason Staats

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser

02:17 Introduction

05:01 The Role of Accountants in Society

13:47 Starting a Practice and Homeschooling

17:25 Building a Niche in Trust Taxes

21:05 The Power of Networking and Social Media

22:56 Balancing Practice and New Opportunities

28:10 Exploring White Labeling and Future Plans

🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗

Ashley Francis, CPA

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-francis-seattle/

The Francis Group, PLLC

📎 https://francisgroupsea.com/

Scotty OKR Scarano

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

Accounting High

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/

Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, Taxation Podcast, CPA Interview, Trust Taxes, Financial Planning, Accounting Career, Estate Planning, Homeschooling, Wealth Management, High Net Worth, Accounting High Podcast, Professional Guidance, Financial Advisory, CPA Firm, Course Creation, Business Strategy, Tax Professionals, Seattle Tax, Family Office, Social Media Networking, Tax Automation

Episode 228

FACULTY: Adam Hale, CPA

CLASS: #Shoperations

TITLE: $10M Model Cloud Accounting Firm, Beyond the Summit

In this episode of Accounting High, join the host and guest Adam Hale from Summit CPAs as they dive into the transformation from traditional accounting to advisory services. Adam discusses the journey of creating a successful model cloud accounting firm, emphasizing the shift from answering questions to asking them, the importance of building a niche, and the challenges of merging with a larger firm like Anders. He shares valuable insights on developing advisory services, maintaining culture in a distributed team, and growing a business by learning from failures. Whether you're starting out in the accounting field or looking to innovate within your firm, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration.

📣 Shout Outs: Summit CPAs, Anders CPAs + Advisors, Jody Grunden, Kenji Kuramoto, Matthew May, Acuity, Mike Meilinger, Virtual CFO, Navigate the Journey

⬇️Videos Referenced⬇️

Episode 47 - The Model Cloud Accounting Firm (feat. Jody Grunden, CPA)

(https://youtu.be/Q4r3CX3G1qk)

Episode 173 - Growing a Profitable Remote CFO Accounting Firm (feat. Jody Grunden, CPA)

(https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/accountinghigh/episodes/173-Growing-a-Profitable-Remote-CFO-Accounting-Firm-feat--Jody-Grunden--CPA-e294kjl) 

Episode 227 - $3.5M Firm with a Budget for Being Uncomfortable (feat. Mike Meilinger, CPA)

(https://youtu.be/7T6zsd0lxAI)

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser 

01:22 Introduction 

02:30 The Journey to Becoming a CPA 

04:19 Meeting Jody and Early Career 

08:14 Building the Firm Together 

12:00 Challenges and Growth 

15:34 Partnership Dynamics 

23:34 Advisory Services and Evolution 

26:06 The Turning Point: Realizing the Value of Advisory Services 

27:21 Building Confidence in Advisory Work 

28:51 Transitioning to a Value-Based Pricing Model 

30:25 Challenges in Training Advisors 

35:11 Creating a Systematic Approach to Client Meetings 

38:36 Accidentally Finding a Niche Market 

40:55 Embracing a Distributed Work Model 

42:40 Navigating the Competitive Landscape 

52:47 Advice for Aspiring Advisors

🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗

Adam Hale, CPA

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhalecpa/

Anders CPAs + Advisors

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpas-advisors/about/

📎 http://www.anderscpa.com

Scotty OKR Scarano

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

Accounting High

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/

Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, Cloud accounting, CPA firm, virtual CFO, advisory services, accounting podcast, business growth, financial advice, distributed work model, merger, partnership dynamics, entrepreneurial journey, remote work, private equity, firm culture, value-based pricing, business advisory, professional services

Episode 227

FACULTY: Mike Meilinger, CPA

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this episode, join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Mike Meilinger, a seasoned CPA and business coach who has transformed not only his accounting firm but also his health. Mike shares his incredible physical transformation and adopting extreme fitness regimes like 75 Hard. Gain valuable insights on balancing business success with personal health, the importance of emotional well-being, and why investing in discomfort can lead to growth in all aspects of life.

📣 Shout Outs: Gary Breka Health Routine, Bridging the Gap, Deloitte, Insignia, Strategic Coach, Buy Back Your Time, Dan Martell, Dan Sullivan, Geno Wickman, Quickbooks, Thomson Reuters, Certified Tax Coach, Dominique Molina, Rick Solomon, Monday, ClickUp, Citrix, UltraTax, Rightworks, Xero, Bill.com, Rootworks, Jason Staats, Summit CPA, Gusto, Jody Grunden, Eddie Priscilla’s Live Hard Program, Pinnacle Coaching, Gordon Caudle, Enlightened Business Advisors, Peter Attia, Brant Hansen

📚 Books Referenced 📚

Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

Unoffendable by Brant Hansen

Outlived by Peter Attia

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser 

02:52 Mike's Journey to Accounting 

04:49 Starting and Growing the Firm 

06:10 Strategic Coach and Business Principles 

13:51 Technology and Outsourcing 

24:00 Learning from the Best: Coaches and Systems 

24:34 Pricing and Engagement Lessons 

26:28 Sales and Hiring Strategies 

27:54 Journey to Health and Fitness 

31:10 The Importance of Self-Investment 

44:23 Emotional Health and Forgiveness 

46:54 Final Thoughts

🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗

Mike Meilinger

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemeilinger/

📎 https://www.meilinger.us/

Scotty OKR Scarano

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

Accounting High

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/

Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, firm growth, CPA success, business coaching, strategic coach, healthy lifestyle, bodybuilding, accounting firm, discomfort budget, tax planning, outsourcing, client relationships, Pinnacle coaching, fitness journey, health principles, entrepreneur tips, delegation strategies, emotional health, personal trainer, business systems, professional development

Episode 226

FACULTY: Dominic Piscopo, CPA

In this episode, Scotty chats with Domini Piscopo, the founder of Big4Transparency.com. Domini shares his journey from being a tax analyst at Deloitte to becoming an entrepreneur. He talks about the importance of transparency in the accounting profession, how his platform helps accountants understand salary expectations, and his future plans for Big4Transparency.

📣 Shout Outs: Big4Transparency, Bridging the Gap, Deloitte Canada, Rewind, Lil Dicky, Dave Byrd, Reddit, Robert Half, Fishbowl, Blind, Brandon Hall, Twitter/X, Tim Petrey

⬇️ *Videos Referenced* ⬇️

_$7.5M Small Town Big Fish Swimming with PE Sharks (feat. Tim Petrey, CPA)_

(https://youtu.be/yqekz3qv7oQ)

_Guide to Ground your Growth with Gratitude (feat. Tim Petrey, CPA)_

(https://youtu.be/g-OTO-3YWnI)

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser

02:46 Dominic's Journey into Accounting

09:29 Transition to Entrepreneurship

23:46 Business and Data Sharing

25:04 Demographics and User Engagement

25:28 Branding and Revenue Generation

28:39 Big Breakthroughs and Validation

31:12 Current Offerings and Future Plans

40:18 Podcasting and Networking

41:55 Final Thoughts and Advice

🔗 _Connect With Us On Linkedin!_ 🔗

*Dominic Piscopo, CPA*

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/

*Big4Transparency.com*

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/big4transparency-com/

📎 https://www.big4transparency.com/

*Scotty OKR Scarano*

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

*Accounting High*

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/

Tags: Accounting High, Accounting, Industry, Practice, Podcast, Guidance, Vision, Firm Owners, Advice, Compensation Database, Accountants, Dominic Piscopo, Big Four, Transparency, CPA, Salary Data, Accounting Industry, Public Accounting, Accounting Firms, Career Advice, Entrepreneurship, Accounting Careers, Financial Planning, Audit, Tax, FP&A, Reddit, Networking, Business Development