Off the Ledger

Ever thought about getting involved in political advocacy, but wondered if it really made any difference? This month, Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow sits down with Joe to assure us how and why advocacy efforts have an impact on the CPA profession and our daily lives.

This month, we’re talking about the stuff upon which the American Dream is built – Financial Empowerment and Economic Mobility. Priscilla Perkins, CEO and Gabrielle Thomas, COO from the Accounting Aid Society talk to Joe about why they are passionate about helping others recognize the tools available to them to help achieve that dream.

It’s not often that the student becomes the master and then becomes the student again, but in our current CPA environment, this might be all too familiar. Join Joe as he talks with Adam Schubatis, CPA, audit senior manager from KPMG about how new CPAs can learn as they start their new careers, but also what they uniquely bring to the table.

Professional networking and finding a soul mate just don’t compare, right? Oh, but they do! Find out how as Joe sits down with MICPA board member Matthew Kidd, CPA, Blunden & Kidd Accounting & Consulting PC, to talk about all things networking, from best practices for newcomers to its future. And who knows, you might just get some good relationship tips, too.

Can you imagine doing your job without a computer? Our guest, MICPA Board Member Jamie Lopiccolo, CPA, CGMA, Capocore Professional Advisors, has been there. Listen in as Joe and Jamie discuss the way technology has evolved and changed the accounting profession, and make some predictions about where it could take the profession in the future.

This month’s guest, Alan Young, CPA, MST, and CGMA, Managing Partner of Alan C. Young and Associates tells us, “Entrepreneurs are made by either a dream or necessity.” For Alan, it was a bit of both. Join us as Alan sits down with Joe to share his experience in starting a minority-owned firm, and why this exceptionally diverse firm was as much of an opportunity as it was a necessity.

Remember reading “Choose Your Own Adventure” books when you were a kid? Having the CPA designation is a lot like that – it offers so many options and “adventures” for your career, and the chance at many new beginnings.  Join us as Joe sits down with Deborah Habel, CPA and professor at Wayne State University to talk about shoulder pads, serendipitous decisions and the adventures she encountered on her career path.

Cliché? Maybe. True? For sure. Flipping the calendar to a new year offers each of us a fresh start. This month, Joe sits down with MICPA President and CEO, Bob Doyle, to hear his thoughts on resolutions, mindfulness, and appreciating both the good and bad in our lives. If you are looking for inspiration to start 2022 off on the right foot, this episode is a great place to begin!

Have you ever looked at your career and thought, “There must be a better way to do this”? Do you want to take what you’ve learned and break the mold? This month, Joe sits down with Kaleb Grapp, CPA and Aaron Lerash, CPA, partners of Grapp Lerash, to talk about what sparked their entrepreneurial fire and discuss their journey to pursue their passion and start their own firm.

Is it just me, or does it feel like it’s a little harder to get noticed in a virtual or hybrid work environment? This month, Joe talks to Victor Hicks, Owner and Managing Principal of Lumin Financial, about ways to seize and create opportunities for career growth while working virtually.