Wayne Berson, CEO of BDO USA, joins Blake and guest host, David Leary, to discuss BDO's recent transition to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), making it the first major accounting firm to implement an ESOP structure. They discuss how the ESOP aims to attract and retain talent in the accounting profession and provide employees at all levels with an ownership stake in the firm. Chapters
(00:44) - Why do an Employee Stock Ownership Plan(ESOP) now?

(09:06) - BDO borrowed $1.3 billion - what is that money for?

(14:52) - How will ESOP benefit staff?

(19:06) - Is there a way to pull money out of the ESOP without leaving?

(29:15) - How do you become a partner at BDO?

(31:25) - What are my options when I'm a partner at BDO?

(35:54) - What are your thoughts on the talent shortage and the 150-hour rule?

(47:47) - What advice do you have for other firms thinking of becoming an ESOP?
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Connect with Our Guest, Wayne Berson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayneberson/ Learn more about BDO Website: https://www.bdo.com/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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Becoming Employee-Owned: How BDO Broke Out of the Partner Model

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Thinking of selling your practice? Join us as serial acquirer Michael Ly shares an insider’s guide to preparing, pricing & selling your accounting firm. Learn how to value your firm for maximum sale price, find the right buyer, negotiate win-wins, protect clients through transition, and structure creative deals - whether nearing retirement or just exploring options. Get practical tips from an active buyer on ensuring a smooth exit on your terms. (Originally recorded on March 26, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+)  Sponsor
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Chapters
(01:34) - The Evolution of Reconciled: A Modern Accounting Firm

(03:49) - Insights on Buying and Selling Accounting Firms

(04:20) - Determining the Right Time to Sell Your Accounting Firm

(09:45) - Maximizing Your Firm's Value Before Selling

(16:54) - Adopting Modern Technology and Billing Models

(23:05) - Understanding Firm Valuation and Buyer Insights

(28:33) - Strategies for Enhancing Firm Valuation

(30:25) - Evaluating Potential Buyers: What to Look For

(32:12) - Client Retention and Revenue Strategies Post-Acquisition

(36:33) - Valuation Insights: Navigating Firm Sales

(41:20) - Optimizing Earn-Out Structures for Sellers

(43:45) - Non-Compete Agreements: Protecting Your Business Post-Sale

(46:12) - Common Mistakes Sellers Make and How to Avoid Them

(50:21) - Tax Optimization Strategies for Selling Your Firm

(54:04) - The Future of Accounting M&A; Market

(56:34) - Closing Remarks and Resources for CPE
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Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app 
Connect with Our Guest, Michael Ly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelly
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michael_ly_?lang=en Learn more about Reconciled
Website: https://www.reconciled.com/about Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

How to Sell Your Accounting Firm

In an era where the right software can make or break your accounting firm, choosing the right apps is essential. In this webinar, Blake Oliver, CPA, draws on his experience as a firm founder to guide you through the essential software that will streamline your operations, upgrade your client experience, and drive future growth. This session is designed to cut through the clutter of the ever-expanding app marketplace, providing you with a curated list of applications indispensable for modern accounting practices. Join us to discover how these apps can streamline your workflows, enhance your service delivery, and set your firm on a path to success. (Originally recorded on March 6, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+)  Sponsor
Client Hub - https://earmarkcpe.promo/clienthub
Chapters
(00:00) - The 5 Apps You Need In Your Accounting Firm sequence
(01:55) - Why Choosing the Right Software Matters
(05:27) - Diving Deep into Proposal Management Software
(14:08) - Workflow Apps: The Backbone of Firm Operations
(29:08) - Exploring General Ledger Applications
(31:07) - Optimizing Accounting Systems with FreshBooks and Xero
(31:33) - Designing Your App Stack for Efficient Accounting
(32:30) - Choosing the Right General Ledger Systems for Your Clients
(33:02) - Streamlining Client Onboarding with a Standardized Tech Stack
(34:28) - The Importance of Payroll Apps in Accounting Firms
(35:04) - Exploring the Best Payroll Software Options
(39:34) - Bill Pay Apps: Enhancing Client Services
(43:39) - Integrating AI and ChatGPT into Your Accounting Firm
(45:14) - Best Practices for App Integration and Tech Adoption
(56:04) - Concluding Remarks and Next Steps for Your Firm
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Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app 
Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

The 5 Apps You Need In Your Accounting Firm

The CPA profession faces an identity crisis, with challenges in the candidate pipeline, non-attest services' role, and CPE's effectiveness. This webinar explores the impact of the fifth-year requirement, the value of consulting services, the need for engaging CPE, and the use of the CPA designation in non-traditional roles. Join our expert panel as we discuss solutions to navigate the profession's challenges and opportunities and redefine the CPA identity in an ever-changing landscape. (This episode originally aired on April 9, 2024 on Earmark Webinars+)  Sponsor
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Chapters
(01:11) - Exploring the CPA Identity Crisis

(03:11) - Challenges in the CPA Profession: Enrollment Decline and Talent Shortage

(05:20) - Rethinking Education and Work Experience in Accounting

(08:17) - The Future of Accounting: Automation, Advisory Services, and the CPA Role

(10:02) - The Split Between Audit and Advisory Services in Accounting Firms

(12:23) - Addressing the Pipeline Problem and Work Culture in Accounting Firms

(29:52) - Reimagining the CPA Profession and Certification

(32:36) - Exploring the Work-Life Balance in Accounting

(33:20) - Engaging with Live Stream Viewers and Discussing Regulatory Solutions

(33:41) - The Debate on Auditor Work Hours and Firm Practices

(34:39) - CBIZ's Unique Position in the Professional Services Industry

(35:47) - The Role of Regulators and Proposals for Reform

(36:54) - The Case for Government-Run Audits

(37:31) - Rethinking Overtime and Compensation in Accounting

(51:41) - Addressing the CPA Identity Crisis and Recommendations

(57:48) - Concluding Remarks and Future Directions

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Connect with Our Guests David  Bergstein, CPA, CITP, CGMA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbergstein/ Steven Sacks, CPA, CGMA, ABC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenesacks/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Navigating the Identity Crisis in the CPA Profession

Audit is at a crossroads. Commoditization and compliance mentalities have diminished its value. Now, auditors face an existential crisis. How can assurance stay relevant? Join Alan Anderson and Blake Oliver as they tackle pressing questions on audit's failure to innovate and chart a new direction focused on value-added assurance. You’ll get a dynamic diagnosis of threats plus practical ideas to transform the profession before external forces make change urgent. Discover what’s at stake if audit no longer matters and how leadership today can write a better tomorrow. (This episode originally aired on February 28, 2024 on Earmark Webinars+)  Sponsor
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Chapters
(00:00) - EAP 66
(01:57) - The Crossroads of Auditing: Challenges and Innovations
(03:21) - Embracing Technology: The Future of Efficient Auditing
(06:26) - Redefining the Audit Process: Closing the Expectation Gap
(15:24) - Understanding Business Through Audits: The Value of Insight
(27:38) - The Commoditization of Audits: A Call for Change
(31:41) - Exploring the Flexibility in Auditing Standards
(32:19) - The Shift Towards a More Rules-Based Approach
(32:55) - The Impact of Standardized Methodologies on Auditing
(33:48) - Revitalizing Auditing: Injecting Fun and Quality
(36:16) - Addressing the Pipeline Issue: Making Auditing Appealing
(41:04) - The Importance of Planning in Auditing
(46:19) - Challenging the Billable Hours Model
(50:53) - Leveraging Technology to Transform Auditing
(52:38) - Concluding Remarks and Resources
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Connect with Our Guest, Alan Anderson Website: https://www.accountabilityplus.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-anderson-0ab74227/ 
Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Making Audit Matter Again: The Future of Assurance

Do you have clients living or working abroad who could save big on their taxes? In this episode, expat tax specialist Vincenzo Villamena outlines creative strategies US citizens overseas can use to legally reduce their tax burden. Learn how your expat clients can exclude $120,000 in foreign earned income, set up offshore corporate structures to cut their tax rate in half, eliminate 15% self-employment tax, and more.  Sponsor
ShareFile - https://earmarkcpe.promo/sharefile
Chapters
(00:50) - Welcome Vincenzo to the Show

(01:51) - Exploring Expat Taxation with Vincenzo Villamena

(03:28) - Vincenzo's Journey from Corporate America to Entrepreneurship Outside of the US

(09:54) - The Remote Work Revolution and Its Impact

(12:37) - Navigating the Complex World of Expat Taxes

(13:01) - Where are Most of Your Clients?

(15:06) - Strategies for Expats to Optimize Taxes

(24:11) - Understanding Corporate Structures and Tax Deferral

(24:21) - The Good, the Bad, and the Planning of Tax Strategies

(28:19) - What Work Do We Have to Do to Get These Benefits?

(30:24) - Comprehensive Service Offerings: From Setup to Compliance

(31:58) - How Do You Charge For Your Services?

(33:13) - The Exponential Savings of Offshore Structuring

(35:37) - Exploring the Vibrant Culture of Carnival in Brazil

(37:23) - Building a Strong Remote Team Culture

(41:58) - Leveraging Technology for Remote Collaboration

(45:05) - A Day in the Life of an Expat Entrepreneur

(50:39) - The Transformative Experience of Living Abroad

(53:24) - Wrapping Up: Insights from an Expat Tax Expert
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Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app 
Connect with Our Guest, Vincenzo Villamena Website: https://onlinetaxman.com/
Website: https://globalexpatadvisors.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/online-taxman/
Twitter: Guest Twitter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnlineTaxman?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Instagram: https://instagram.com/onlinetaxman?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm;_source=qr Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Becoming Employee-Owned: How BDO Broke Out of the Partner Model

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