BeansTalk

In this episode, Robert Stephens breaks down how to turn financial data into an actionable business strategy. This episode explores how to go beyond surface-level reports to uncover insights that drive smarter decisions, stronger forecasting, and long-term growth. Whether you're scaling a startup or leading an established business, this conversation will help you use your numbers as a tool, not just a report card.

About Our Guest
Robert Stephens, CPA, is a Partner with Mauldin & Jenkins in the Atlanta office. He brings 30+ years of fractional Chief Financial Officer experience to growing privately held businesses and non-profit organizations. 

About Our Host
Brandon Smith, CPA, is a Partner based in the Atlanta office and the Advisory Practice Leader.

Learn more about our Outsourced Accounting and CFO services here: https://www.mjcpa.com/services/consulting-advisory-services/outsourced-accounting-and-cfo-services/

In this episode, Brandon Smith and Aleisa Howell explore what the nonprofit world can teach us about redefining success beyond just revenue and margins. Aleisa shares surprising insights on how impact-focused metrics, mission-aligned financial strategies, and values-driven leadership can unlock sustainable business growth. Whether you're a business owner or leader, you'll walk away with practical ways to measure what truly matters without sacrificing profitability.

About Our Guest
Aleisa Howell is a Partner with Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, who specializes in the not-for-profit and governmental practice. She serves on the Georgia Society of CPA's Not-For-Profit Task Force and as a technical reviewer and committee member for the National Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) in the CAFR certificate of excellence in financial reporting program.

About Our Host
Brandon Smith, CPA, is a Partner based in the Atlanta office and the Advisory Practice Leader.

Learn more about our Nonprofit services here: https://www.mjcpa.com/industries/nonprofits/

Explore how evolving tax laws, cutting-edge AI, and a modernizing IRS are transforming business strategy. "Beyond the Return" goes past compliance to uncover the tools, trends, and insights shaping the future of finance and decision-making—including the sweeping implications of The One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

About Our Guest
Brent Ullrich is a Partner with Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, with over 15 years of experience in many areas of taxation and industries, most notably in healthcare, real estate, private equity, technology and professional services. He also serves as the Firm’s Tax Strategy and Research Leader, which offers technical guidance and identifies planning opportunities for the firm to support clients on complex issues across a range of technical tax areas.

About Our Host
Brandon Smith, CPA, is a Partner based in the Atlanta office and the Advisory Practice Leader.

Learn more about our Strategic Tax services here: https://www.mjcpa.com/services/consulting-advisory-services/strategic-tax-services/

Uncertainty isn’t just a threat, it’s an opportunity. In this episode, we explore how business leaders turn risk into strategic advantage, with practical insights on navigating change, uncovering hidden value, and building resilience.

About Our Guest
Craig Carter is a director with Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC. Craig is a business leader and advisor with 39+ years of experience, most recently leading Internal Audit Executive Services (IAES) to help organizations strengthen risk coverage and internal audit effectiveness.

About Our Host
Brandon Smith, CPA, is a Partner based in the Atlanta office and the Advisory Practice Leader.

Learn more about our Internal Audit services here: https://www.mjcpa.com/services/consulting-advisory-services/internal-audit/ and Strategic Planning Services here: https://www.mjcpa.com/services/consulting-advisory-services/strategic-planning-business-plans/

In this episode, we get a glimpse into the world of state and local taxes, breaking down the key concepts that every business owner and taxpayer should understand. From navigating nexus and determining tax obligations to leveraging tax credits and incentives, we cover it all.

About Our Guest
Jeff Dorris, CPA, is a Partner who leads our specialty tax practice and specializes in consulting and advisory services in all aspects of state taxation, including income, franchise, and sales and use tax.

About Our Host
Brandon Smith, CPA, is a Partner based in the Atlanta office and the Advisory Practice Leader.

Learn more about our tax consulting & advisory services here: https://www.mjcpa.com/services/tax/tax-consulting-advisory-services/ and specialty tax services here: https://www.mjcpa.com/services/consulting-advisory-services/specialty-tax/

How do emerging technologies impact cybersecurity? In this episode, we’ll explore the risks organizations face and share expert insights on minimizing exposure, strengthening defenses, and staying ahead in today’s digital world.

About Our Guest
Jameson Miller, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CCP, CCA, is a Partner in the Chattanooga, TN, office and has been with the Firm since 2006. He has experience performing information systems regulatory compliance and framework reviews, System and Organization Controls (SOC 1, 2 and 3) Examinations, and cybersecurity assessments for information systems.

About Our Host
Brandon Smith, CPA, is a Partner based in the Atlanta office and the Advisory Practice Leader.

Learn more about our cybersecurity examination services here: https://www.mjcpa.com/services/consulting-advisory-services/link-pageit-cybersecurity/ and SOC reporting services here: https://www.mjcpa.com/services/consulting-advisory-services/system-and-organization-controls-soc-reporting/

This episode breaks down key insights on navigating each phase of a transaction, highlighting the best practices for optimizing business value, managing challenges, and making informed decisions. Whether you're a business owner or an advisor, learn tips to find success through the transaction process.  

About Our Guests

Tom Houlihan is a Managing Director at Mauldin & Jenkins where he is responsible for leading the Transaction Advisory and Valuation Practice. With over 20 years of transaction experience Tom has provided support for clients on over $3 billion of transactions for a variety of purposes and across a broad range of industries. 

Andrew Denham is a Manager at Mauldin & Jenkins who leads our business development practice. He works with many professionals and business owners for business planning and transaction planning.

About Our Host

Brandon Smith, CPA, is a Partner based in the Atlanta office and the Advisory Practice Leader. 

In this episode, we’ll uncover the advantages of outsourced accounting services. Hear from industry experts about how these solutions can lead to improved financial decision-making and drive operational efficiency.

About Our Guest
Robert Stephens, CPA, is a Partner with Mauldin & Jenkins in the Atlanta office. He brings 30+ years of fractional Chief Financial Officer experience to growing privately held businesses and non-profit organizations. 

About Our Host
Brandon Smith, CPA, is a Partner based in the Atlanta office and the Advisory Practice Leader.

Learn more about our Outsourced Accounting and CFO Services here: https://www.mjcpa.com/services/consulting-advisory-services/outsourced-accounting-and-cfo-services/