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

Are you confident your firm could withstand a cyber incident—or are there risks hiding in plain sight?

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, Dave Kells sits down with Joseph Harford, President and Founder of Reclamere, to uncover the real cybersecurity gaps many CPA firms overlook—and what it takes to stay protected in a rapidly evolving landscape.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the most common (and overlooked) cybersecurity risks inside CPA firms

• Learn why internal behaviors—not just external threats—are the biggest vulnerability

• Discover how to assess your firm’s current level of cyber readiness

• Identify the role of AI in cybersecurity—and why it requires a clear strategy

• See how cybersecurity can strengthen client relationships and create new advisory opportunities

Listen to the full episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast to learn how to strengthen your firm’s cybersecurity and future-proof your operations!

#CPAFirms #Cybersecurity #AccountingLeadership #RiskManagement #AIinAccounting

Are you making decisions based on real data—or just gut feel?

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells sits down with Don Kreye, Business Development Manager at ABDO, to unpack why data visibility is becoming a true competitive advantage for CPA firms. As competition increases and margins tighten, firms that can access, understand, and act on their data are the ones pulling ahead.

From improving profitability to strengthening firm value, this conversation dives into how better reporting leads to better outcomes.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why legacy reporting systems are holding firms back

• Learn how real-time data can improve decision-making across your firm

• Identify your most and least profitable clients using better analytics

• See how data can drive productivity, reduce write-offs, and increase margins

• Discover how better reporting can increase firm value and competitiveness

Listen to the full episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast to learn how smarter data can transform the way your firm operates and grows!

#IndependentCPAFirm #AccountingLeadership #DataDriven #FirmGrowth #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

What truly keeps people at a firm—and what drives sustainable growth in today’s competitive market? In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells is joined by Mark Kovaleski, Managing Partner, and Erika Stork, Senior Manager of MMB+CO, to explore how culture, flexibility, and intentional growth strategies are shaping the future of their firm.

From talent retention to AI adoption and M&A strategy, this conversation highlights what it takes to build a firm where people want to stay—and grow.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why retention—not just recruiting—is the biggest talent strategy today

• Learn how firm culture directly impacts employee satisfaction and client experience

• Explore how flexible work models support both performance and work-life balance

• Discover how firms are approaching AI and automation to improve efficiency

• See how thoughtful M&A and growth strategies can strengthen—not disrupt—culture

Listen to the full episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast to learn how leading firms are building teams, culture, and growth that last!

#IndependentCPAFirm #AccountingLeadership #FirmCulture #TalentStrategy #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

As CPA firms grow, complexity grows with them. More clients, more engagements, and more regulatory expectations mean that the old manual ways of managing risk and compliance can quickly become a bottleneck. In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, Dave Kells sits down with Jey Purushotham from Intapp to discuss how firms can rethink their processes and use technology to support smarter, scalable growth.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why compliance processes often become the hidden bottleneck in growing firms

• Learn how better client acceptance and risk management systems reduce costly mistakes

• Discover how technology can streamline the engagement lifecycle from prospecting to delivery

• Explore why firm leaders must think differently about risk, compliance, and scalability

• See how improving compliance velocity can support faster, more sustainable firm growth

Listen to the full episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast to learn how firms can grow while staying efficient, compliant, and competitive.

#IndependentCPAFirm #AccountingTechnology #FirmGrowth #CPAStrategy #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

How do you grow a CPA firm without losing the personal relationships that built it in the first place? In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, Dave Kells sits down with Bobby Greco, Co-CEO of CSI Group, to discuss how their firm has expanded to more than 20 locations while staying focused on client service, culture, and strategic acquisitions.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why focusing on middle-class clients can be a powerful growth strategy

• Learn how referrals and client satisfaction fuel sustainable firm expansion

• Discover the playbook for acquiring and integrating smaller CPA practices

• See why culture and relationships matter more than numbers in M&A deals

• Explore how firms can scale while still being the “first call” for their clients

Listen to the full episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast to hear how client-first thinking can drive long-term growth and scalability.

#IndependentCPAFirm #CPAFirmGrowth #AccountingLeadership #CPAStrategy #FirmScaling

Are you future-proofing your firm—or falling behind the curve?

AI and outsourcing aren’t just buzzwords—they’re survival tools. In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells sits down with the Chief Vision Architect of SPNX Consulting, Karan Gupta, for a game-changing look at what it takes to scale in 2026 and beyond.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand how offshore 4.0 and AI can reduce reliance on headcount

• Discover the truth behind AI “magic” and how real firms are implementing it today

• Learn how to structure an AI-native outsourcing center from day one

• Identify process mistakes firms make when outsourcing and how to fix them

• Hear why small and midsize firms must evolve—or risk becoming obsolete

Listen now to hear how the smartest firms are building global capacity with less, not more!

#IndependentCPAFirm #AccountingInnovation #OutsourcingStrategy #AIPoweredFirms #FutureOfAccounting

Can you really scale your CPA firm—without giving up control?

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells is joined by Joel Cooperman, CEO of Citrin Cooperman, for a powerful conversation on how firms can build for long-term success. From reinvesting in talent to finding the right partners (not just deals), Joel shares the mindset, strategies, and hard-won lessons from scaling one of the most respected firms in the industry.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn why reinvesting in your firm—not extracting profits—is key to growth

• Understand the difference between finders, minders, and grinders—and why it matters

• Discover how organic growth extends far beyond new client acquisition

• Explore how firm culture, coaching, and personalization drive retention and results

• Hear a behind-the-scenes look at how 65+ successful M&A deals were executed

Listen now and walk away with practical strategies for building a stronger, smarter CPA firm!

#IndependentCPAFirm #FirmLeadership #AccountingGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

Tired of outdated succession models?

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells sits down with Michelle Hammond, Chief Strategy Officer at SSC CPAs and Advisors, to explore how their ESOP structure, offshoring strategy, and people-first culture fuel sustainable growth—without giving up control.

 In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn how ESOPs can support succession planning and partner transitions

• Discover how employee ownership drives retention, culture, and leadership

• Explore how offshoring can relieve pressure on your domestic team

• Understand how SSC builds consistency with firm-wide service models

• Hear how consulting and advisory work powers long-term organic growth

Listen now and find out how to lead your firm forward—on your own terms!

#IndependentCPAFirm #ESOP #SuccessionPlanning #Offshoring #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

What does it really take to grow—and stay strong—in today’s accounting landscape?

In this episode, host Dave Kells talks with Steve McDonald, Managing Partner at ABDO, about building a thriving firm without losing sight of culture, people, and long-term strategy. From navigating growth and technology to leadership development and succession planning, Steve shares how ABDO continues to evolve while staying true to its values.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn how to balance firm growth with culture and accountability

• Understand why leadership development and succession start on day one

• Explore how to leverage AI and innovation without losing the human element

• Discover the KPIs and metrics that truly drive firm performance

• Hear how hybrid work and intentional communication strengthen culture

Listen now to hear how one firm built lasting success through strategy, culture, and continuous improvement!

#CPAstrategy #FirmGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #AccountingInnovation #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

Thinking About Wealth Management? Start Here.

In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells sits down with Dennis Covington, Managing Partner at Savant Wealth Management, to explore how CPA firms can expand their services—and deepen client relationships—by integrating wealth management through a TAMP model. From time leverage to tech integration and compliance, this conversation breaks down what it really takes to get started.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand what a TAMP is and how it supports firm efficiency

• Learn how CPAs can offer holistic advice without sacrificing independence

• Explore the tools, costs, and steps to start an RIA or integrate wealth services

• Discover how white-labeled solutions help you stay front and center with clients

• Recognize why CPAs are uniquely positioned as long-term financial advisors

Listen now and uncover how your firm can do more—for your best clients—without burning out your team.

#CPAstrategy #WealthManagement #TAMP #AccountingGrowth #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast