What if private equity could transform accounting firms without sacrificing their independence? David Wurtzbacher, founder of Ascend, shares how his "anti-rollup" model allows firms to maintain their identities while accessing enterprise-level resources. Discover why transitioning firm leaders from client work to true CEO roles unlocks explosive growth, and how employee equity ownership creates alignment across organizations. With CPAs needing to be 2.7 times more productive by 2035, David reveals practical strategies for talent acquisition, business development, and technology that are helping mid-sized firms not just survive but thrive in an increasingly complex profession.
Chapters

• (01:07) - Understanding Ascend's Vision

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Connect with Our Guest, David Wurtzbacher

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwurtzbacher/

Learn more about Ascend

Website: https://www.ascendtogether.com/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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

What happens after the ink dries on an accounting firm acquisition? Michael Ly and Ashley Rhoden reveal why many buyers overinvest in the purchase but underinvest in the crucial integration phase. Drawing from their hard-won experiences—both successful and unsuccessful—they walk through how to develop a comprehensive 100-day integration plan that begins during due diligence. You'll learn why keeping key employees is the difference between retaining and losing clients, how to effectively communicate changes to minimize disruption, and when to choose between a full roll-up versus platform approach. Whether you're considering an acquisition or have one in progress, this practical roadmap helps you navigate the complexities of merging firms.

Chapters

• (00:51) - Meet the Guests: Michael and Ashley

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Connect with Our Guests:

Michael Ly

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelly/
Website: https://www.reconciled.com/

Ashley Rhoden

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyrhodenmba/
Website: https://highrock.co

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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

What if the solution to accounting's talent shortage has been hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Navy veteran Mark Steinhoff reveals how the precision required to maintain life support systems on submarines directly translates to accounting excellence. Having managed critical oxygen systems hundreds of feet underwater, Mark now applies that same meticulous attention to detail as an accountant for a water utility. With the profession facing a 70,000-person annual deficit while 200,000 service members transition to civilian life each year, discover how military experience with procedures, documentation, and quality assurance creates natural accounting professionals—and why veterans might be the untapped talent pool accounting desperately needs.

Chapters

• (01:09) - Transitioning from Military to Accounting

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Connect with Our Guest, Mark Steinhoff

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marknsteinhoff/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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

What if the numbers we use to measure audit quality are fundamentally flawed? PCAOB Board Member Christina Ho reveals why the headline-grabbing 46% deficiency rate in public company audits deserves serious scrutiny. In this candid conversation, Ho explains why smaller audit firms face disproportionate regulatory burdens, how the PCAOB's inspection approach may distort quality metrics, and why less than 5% of "deficient" audits result in incorrect opinions. She also shares her experience of being publicly criticized by Senator Elizabeth Warren for challenging the status quo. Whether you're an auditor, investor, or financial professional, this insider perspective will transform how you interpret future audit quality statistics.

Chapters

• (00:58) - Explaining the PCAOB

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Connect with Our Guest, Christina Ho

https://pcaobus.org/about/the-board/board-bios/christina-ho

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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

In this episode, Blake Oliver interviews Nicolas Boucher, one of LinkedIn's top finance thought leaders, who demonstrates how AI tools like ChatGPT and Python can dramatically accelerate financial data analysis and reporting while maintaining confidentiality. Nicolas shows how finance professionals can create instant analyses and dashboards, integrate AI with existing systems, and automate repetitive tasks to save time and advance their careers.

Chapters

• (00:00) - Nicolas Boucher's Journey and AI in Accounting

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Download the Earmark CPE App
 
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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/

Join leaders from the Illinois, New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania state CPA societies as they explore recent and proposed CPA licensure changes. Discover the latest state-by-state updates, timelines, and resources you need to stay on track. We address the 150-hour rule, potential alternative pathways, and practical mobility and reciprocity concerns. Whether you’re a student or a candidate, gain real-world guidance to confidently navigate your journey toward the CPA license.

(Originally recorded on March 4, 2025, on Earmark Webinars+)

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Earning CPE Credit

Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast

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https://earmark.app/

Download the Earmark CPE App
 
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Connect with Our Guests

Geoffrey Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-brown-cae-9039484
Jen Cryder - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencryder
Denise Froemming - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-leduc-froemming-
Calvin Harris Jr. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinhjr
Jodi Ann LaFreniere Ray - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiannlafreniereray
Shelly Weir - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellysiceloff

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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

Ever wondered why there's so much questionable tax advice circulating on social media? In this eye-opening episode, Blake Oliver sits down with Jasmine DiLucci, a rare triple-threat professional - attorney, CPA, and enrolled agent with nearly 500,000 YouTube subscribers.

Jasmine pulls back the curtain on why tax misinformation spreads like wildfire online and reveals the number one reason tax strategies fail (even legitimate ones): poor implementation and documentation. Through her journey from taking over her parents' small practice to building a multi-million dollar firm, she shares hard-earned wisdom about scaling a tax practice and finding team members who can uphold your standards.

You'll discover how Jasmine unexpectedly found that her social media presence attracted not just clients, but exceptional talent to her firm. She also provides practical insights on tax resolution work, dealing with the IRS, and resources that can help tax professionals level up their expertise. Whether you're a tax practitioner looking to grow or a business owner wanting to avoid tax pitfalls, this conversation delivers valuable takeaways that could save you thousands in an audit.

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• (00:00) - Introduction to Jasmine DiLucci

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Connect with Our Guest, Jasmine DiLucci

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminedilucci/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DiLucciCPA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diluccicpas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diluccicpa
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diluccicpa

Learn more about DiLucci CPA Firm

https://dilucci.com/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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

Noah Buxton, CEO of The Network Firm, returns to continue the conversation on the evolving world of digital assets. Blake and Noah examine how digital assets have expanded beyond cryptocurrencies to include tokenized real-world assets like real estate and commodities. Noah explains how blockchain technology could revolutionize asset trading and ownership verification and dives into "proof of reserves" reports, highlighting both the importance and current limitations of these reports in protecting investors. He also shares some insights into the growing opportunities for CPAs in the digital asset space, including how firms can develop expertise in blockchain attestation services.

Chapters

• (01:12) - Exploring the Digital Assets Space

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Connect with Our Guest, Noah Buxton

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/noahbuxton

Learn more about The Network Firm

Website: https://www.thenetworkfirm.com/about-us

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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

Blake challenges guest Noah D. Buxton, Co-Founder and CEO of The Network Firm, to make the case for Bitcoin’s lasting value. They explore the nature of money, the complexities of digital scarcity, the inevitability of tokenized real-world assets, and the forces driving institutional interest in cryptocurrency. This candid exchange offers insights into what truly underpins Bitcoin’s worth, how regulators and investors view it, and why blockchain technology is poised to reshape finance as we know it. Whether you’re a skeptic or believer, this discussion reveals the evolving landscape of digital assets.

(Originally recorded on December 12, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+)

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• (00:52) - Bitcoin's Current Market Status

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Connect with Our Guest, Noah Buxton

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/noahbuxton

Learn more about The Network Firm

Website: https://www.thenetworkfirm.com/about-us

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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

Join Blake Oliver as he interviews Yuri Kapilovich, a CPA who's cracked the code on balancing work and life in accounting. Discover how Yuri maintains a thriving practice while working just 10-15 hours per week outside tax season and a maximum of 40 hours during crunch time. Learn actionable strategies for setting the right fees, optimizing workflows, and prioritizing fun and family without sacrificing success. Yuri will share his insights on transforming accounting from a grueling profession into an enjoyable and rewarding career. This webinar will equip you with practical tools to revolutionize your work-life balance and rediscover the joy in accounting. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your career more fulfilling and efficient!

(Originally recorded on December 4, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+)

Sponsor
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• (00:00) - Planning Babies Around Tax Season

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Connect with Our Guest, Yuri Kapilovich
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ykapilovich/

Learn more about The Fun CPA
https://www.thefuncpa.co/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/