The Independent CPA Firm Podcast: Your Source to Thrive in Today’s Market

What does it take to grow an independent CPA firm while the profession is changing around you?

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, Dave Kells sits down with Kevin O’Leary, Managing Partner of the Albany office of MMB + CO and Past President of the New York State Society of CPAs, to discuss how independent firms can embrace change without giving up control.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand how AI can improve efficiency while creating more opportunities for professionals to become trusted advisors
• Explore why human relationships and face-to-face client interactions become even more important as technology advances
• Learn how expanding advisory services can create new opportunities for organic growth
• Discover how global talent and offshoring can complement technology and local recruiting strategies
• Understand why independent firms must continue investing in people, technology, and new capabilities rather than maintaining the status quo

Listen to the full episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast!

#IndependentCPAFirmPodcast #CPAProfession #ArtificialIntelligence #GlobalTalent #FirmGrowth

Are you building your people strategy before there’s a crisis—or waiting until your best employees start walking out the door?

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells sits down with Rebecca Himango, CPA, PHR, Founder of IlluminHR, to discuss why independent CPA firms need to be more intentional about their people, culture, and HR infrastructure as they grow.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn why firms should build their people infrastructure before turnover or performance issues arise
• Understand how values and culture should shape recruiting, compensation, career paths, and performance management
• Discover how structure can protect—not diminish—the culture that makes an independent firm unique
• Explore strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining talent in a changing accounting profession
• Understand why independent firms must become more intentional about their people strategy to remain competitive

Listen to the full episode!

#IndependentCPAFirm #AccountingLeadership #TalentStrategy #FirmCulture #FirmGrowth

How do you become more than your client’s accountant?

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells is joined by Whitman Advisory’s Pete Caltabiano and Mike Zaremski to discuss how independent CPA firms can expand their value through strategic advisory, talent solutions, and trusted partnerships that help clients solve bigger business challenges.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Recognize when clients need strategic financial leadership beyond traditional accounting
• Learn how fractional CFO, executive recruiting, and funding solutions work together to support client growth
• Discover practical ways to expand your firm’s advisory services and strengthen client relationships
• Explore how AI can improve efficiency while keeping people at the center of client service
• Understand how strategic partnerships help independent firms compete, grow, and remain indispensable advisors

Listen to the full episode!

#IndependentCPAFirm #AccountingLeadership #AdvisoryServices #FirmGrowth #TrustedAdvisor

What does it take for an independent CPA firm to scale without losing what makes it unique?

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells speaks with Alice Lerman, Wendy Barlin, and Michael Wegh of Roth&Co about the investments, infrastructure, and leadership decisions that support sustainable growth.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why strong leadership and infrastructure are essential before expansion
• Learn how industry specialization and CAS services can differentiate an independent firm
• Explore why people and processes should come before technology and AI
• Discover what makes offshoring successful as a long-term talent strategy
• See how culture, flexibility, and client relationships support firm growth

Listen to the full episode to learn how Roth & Company is building a stronger, more scalable firm while remaining fiercely independent!

#IndependentCPAFirm #AccountingLeadership #CAS #FirmGrowth #FutureOfAccounting

How can independent CPA firms evolve without losing the relationships and values that set them apart?

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells sits down with Seth Fineberg, Founder of Accountants Forward, to discuss how firms can use AI more strategically, move beyond transactional work, and build stronger trust with clients, employees, and technology partners.

In this episode, you will be able to:
• Understand how AI is reshaping the way CPA firms work and serve clients
• Learn why advisory services are becoming essential to long-term growth
• Explore how independent firms can compete by investing in people and technology
• Discover why flexible, short-term planning matters in a rapidly changing profession
• See how trust and better communication can strengthen client and vendor relationships

Listen to the full episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast to learn how your firm can stay relevant, competitive, and independent!

#IndependentCPAFirm #AIinAccounting #AdvisoryServices #AccountingLeadership #WhitmanAdvisory

What does it really take to build an independent CPA firm that thrives for the long term?

On this episode of the Independent CPA Firm Podcast, Dave Kells sits down with Paul Weinberg, Founder and Managing Partner of Weinberg Partners, Ltd, to discuss the mindset, strategies, and investments that have helped his firm grow for nearly four decades while remaining proudly independent.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn how to build sustainable, long-term growth without relying on outside capital.
• Discover why investing in people, culture, and client relationships creates a lasting competitive advantage.
• Understand how AI and technology can improve efficiency while strengthening client service.
• Explore practical approaches to remote work, staff development, and succession planning.
• Gain insights into why staying independent allows firms to control their future and grow on their own terms.

Listen to the full episode to learn Paul’s playbook for building an independent CPA firm that stands the test of time!

#IndependentCPAFirm #CPAFirmGrowth #AccountingLeadership #PracticeManagement #WhitmanAdvisory

Can independent CPA firms continue to grow without sacrificing their culture or control?

In this episode of the Independent CPA Firm Podcast, Dave Kells sits down with George Forsythe, Managing Partner of WellsColeman, to discuss how his firm has grown organically while staying independent, investing in technology, and building a people-first culture that attracts both clients and talent.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn how an independent CPA firm grew from $2 million to over $10 million through organic growth.
• Discover why investing in technology and AI can strengthen—not replace—the value accountants provide.
• Understand how a strong culture drives talent retention, flexibility, and long-term success.
• Explore practical strategies for balancing onshore teams, offshore resources, and emerging technologies.
• See why focusing on sustainable growth and enterprise value creates stronger firms for the future.

Independence isn’t about standing still—it’s about making intentional investments that help your firm grow on your own terms.

Listen to the full episode now!

#IndependentCPAFirm #CPAFirmGrowth #AccountingLeadership #PracticeManagement #WhitmanAdvisory

Are independent CPA firms being left behind—or are they simply missing the right resources?

On this episode of the Independent CPA Firm Podcast, Dave Kells is joined by Denise Bethel of the California Society of CPAs and Derrol Moorhead of the Colorado Society of CPAs to discuss how state societies are helping independent firms stay competitive through technology, collaboration, education, and community.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn how state societies are building programs specifically for independent CPA firms.
• Discover practical ways smaller firms can adopt AI and new technology without overspending.
• Understand why peer collaboration is one of the biggest advantages for firm growth.
• Explore strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining the next generation of accounting professionals.
• Find resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs that can help your firm thrive while remaining independent.

Listen to the full episode!

#IndependentCPAFirm #CPAFirmGrowth #AccountingLeadership #PracticeManagement #WhitmanAdvisory

Why More CPA Firms Are Choosing Employee Ownership to Stay Independent

What if you could grow your firm, reward your people, and maintain independence—without turning to private equity?

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, Dave Kells sits down with Brian Lang, CEO of SSC CPAs & Advisors, to discuss SSC’s journey to becoming a 100% employee-owned CPA firm and how the ESOP model is driving growth, engagement, and long-term value.

In this episode, you will be able to:
• Understand how an ESOP supports succession planning and firm independence
• Learn how employee ownership strengthens culture, retention, and accountability
• Discover SSC’s approach to growth through talent, M&A, and geographic expansion
• Explore the role of technology, AI, and transparency in building a stronger firm
• See how shared ownership aligns employees around long-term success

Whether you’re considering an ESOP or exploring alternatives to private equity, this episode offers valuable insights for independent firm leaders.

Listen to the full episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast!

#CPAFirms #ESOP #EmployeeOwnership #AccountingLeadership #FirmGrowth

How do you scale a CPA firm, invest in technology, and compete with private equity—without losing your culture?

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, Dave Kells sits down with Sara Dayton and Stephanie Wilkinson of Lumsden McCormick to break down how they’re building a high-performing, people-first firm—while staying independent and growing fast.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand how a strong culture directly impacts retention, growth, and firm performance

• Learn how to evaluate and invest in the right technology without overcomplicating your stack

• Discover how firms are using AI to improve efficiency while shifting toward advisory work

• See how offshoring can be used strategically to balance workloads—not just reduce costs

• Identify practical growth strategies—from organic growth to selective M&A—without sacrificing culture

Listen to the full episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast to learn how to scale your firm the right way—without giving up control!

#CPAFirms #AccountingLeadership #FirmGrowth #AIinAccounting #TalentStrategy