The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about the rapid acceleration of AI and how it is reshaping the accounting profession, from audit and compliance work to more advisory-focused roles. They explore the importance of maintaining the "soul" of a business in an increasingly automated world, discuss the rise of AI agents and emerging technologies, and share insights on how accountants can adapt by leaning into their uniquely human strengths.

Current events —

• KPMG closes U.S. federal audit practice, trims advisory staff
• META Lays off about 10% its workforce

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• Company Retreat
• The Pitt

Member spotlight —

• Thrive Business Services

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• The Sacred Ritual of Month-End (An Accountant's Comfort Blanket)

Thank you to our show sponsor, Digits! Digits is the world's first agentic general ledger. It is accounting software that works for you. Built from the ground up for the AI era, Digits automates bookkeeping in month end, shifting your team from data entry to review and advisory. Visit Digits.com to get started today.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Debra about the power of relationships in accounting, why bookkeepers and accountants are often the true drivers behind their clients' dreams, and how human connection creates lasting value far beyond tax returns and reconciliations. Debra shares the inspiration behind her podcast, Bookkeepers on Fire, her philosophy on advisory conversations, and how AI is freeing firms from tedious tasks so they can focus more on strategy, leadership, and client trust.

About Debra Kilsheimer Debra Kilsheimer is a Curiosity Powered Advisor, Speaker and creative thinker based in Port Orange. She challenges the norm! She is a Top 100 ProAdvisor, Top 10 ProAdvisor, Woodard CAS Winner, and an Intuit Accountant Council alumni. Behind the Scenes (BSFS) is a Port Orange, Florida firm helping business owners stay on top of bookkeeping, accounting, payroll and tax prep. We streamline the work so you can make faster decisions with fewer surprises.

• Learn more about Behind the Scenes (BSFS)
• Connect with Debra on LinkedIn

Thank you to our show sponsor, Canopy! Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals, and more. Check out getcanopy.com.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about the rapid evolution of AI, payments, and pricing models in the accounting technology space. They explore Intuit's move toward real-time FedNow payments, the rise of outcome-based AI pricing, and how firms can adapt by focusing on value, process discipline, and proactive decision-making rather than fear or hesitation.

Current events —

• Intuit becomes FedNow Certified
• Digits Announces Outcome-Based Pricing

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• Project Hail Mary
• The Man Without a Face

Excellent things we learned —

• Export your prompt history from ChatGPT and import it into Claude

Member spotlight —

• Essential Bookkeeping Solutions

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• Why Accountants Undercharge Without Realizing It

Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced pros, access to skill building and resources and a community to continually inspire your practice's transformation.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Kacee Johnson about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the accounting profession far beyond simple efficiency gains. They discuss the difference between firms that are reacting to AI with quick-fix tools versus those strategically rethinking their entire operating model, including pricing, staffing, advisory services, and client expectations. Kacee also shares insights on AI hype versus reality, the future of advisory-focused firms, and the mission behind the new AI Native Accounting Foundation to help firms navigate AI adoption responsibly and effectively.

About Kacee Johnson Kacee is a fintech innovation leader who lives at the intersection of emerging tech and practical transformation. She has been honored as CPA Practice Advisor's Top 25 Thought Leaders, Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential, AICPA's Most Powerful Women, and is a Certified Corporate Director from NACD. As an independent nonprofit, the AI Native Accounting Foundation equips firms and finance teams to adopt AI with confidence through education, research, and recognition thereby moving the profession past hype and into practice.

• Learn more about the AI Native Accounting Foundation
• Connect with Kacee Johnson on LinkedIn

Thank you to our show sponsor, Digits! Digits is the world's first agentic general ledger. It is accounting software that works for you. Built from the ground up for the AI era, Digits automates bookkeeping in month end, shifting your team from data entry to review and advisory. Visit Digits.com to get started today.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Matt Tait about Decimal's evolution from a fast-growing, tech-enabled CAS practice into a franchise model designed to empower accounting and bookkeeping firm owners. Matt shares why Decimal sold its direct services business to focus entirely on helping small firms scale through a turnkey operating system that combines staffing, AI-powered tools, technology, processes, and community support. The conversation also explores the future of the accounting industry, including the impact of AI, private equity, outsourcing, and the growing need for firm owners to think like business owners rather than practitioners.

About Matt Tait Matt Tait has spent his career as an entrepreneur, having previously launched two technology companies. He's always focused on helping businesses, making it easier for them to operate while creating great customer experiences. Continuing a people-first theme driven by technology, Matt launched Decimal with his Co-Founder Jacob Cloran to solve financial operations, bookkeeping, and tax for small and medium-sized businesses. Now they're expanding the mission to help small accounting firms succeed through franchising.

• Learn more about Decimal
• Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

Thank you to our show sponsor, Zoho! Zoho is a unique and powerful software suite to transform the way you work, designed for businesses of all sizes, built by a company that values your privacy.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Dr. Sabrina Starling about how business owners can reclaim time and increase profitability by focusing on high-value work, empowering their teams, and adopting a "$10,000 hour" mindset. They explore common missteps like failing to delegate, overcomplicating services, and misunderstanding client needs, while emphasizing the importance of human connection in an AI-driven world. The conversation also highlights strategies for hiring A-players and building a business that supports life, not the other way around.

About Dr. Sabrina Starling Sabrina Starling, Ph.D., PCC, BCC, The Business Psychologist, is the international bestselling author of How to Hire the Best and The 4 Week Vacation®. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur.com, and Thrive Global. She is the founder of Tap the Potential and cohost of the Profit by Design Podcast, globally ranked in the top 5% of most popular shows by Listen Notes. Listed in The Daily Hustle's Top 50 Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2022, Dr. Sabrina is on a mission to send 10,000 entrepreneurs on a 4 Week Vacation® in 10 years.

• Discover How To Make Your Time Worth $10,000 An Hour
• TEDx Talk: From Burnout to Balance: Redefining Success in Work and Life
• Tap the Potential LLC
• Connect with Dr. Sabrina on LinkedIn

Thank you to our show sponsor, Puzzle! Puzzle is the next generation firm: AI-powered, human-led. Puzzle replaces manual QuickBooks workflows with AI-driven books built for review, approval, and audit-ready accountability. Learn more at Puzzle.io.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about the rapid evolution of AI, highlighting new developments like Xero's partnership with Anthropic and the growing role of AI agents in business operations. They explore how AI is shifting from simple assistance to performing complex tasks, while emphasizing the continued need for human oversight, judgment, and ethical responsibility. The conversation also balances excitement with caution, urging professionals to adopt AI strategically while staying informed about its risks and limitations.

Current events —

• Xero and Anthropic Team Up on AI for Small Businesses
• Microsoft Released a Report titled "2025: The Year the Frontier Firm is Born"

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• The Good Place
• The PITT

Excellent things we learned —

• Use artifacts to visualize and create AI apps without ever writing a line of code
• A World Without Work by Dr. Daniel Susskind

Member spotlight —

• Karem Ospino of Ospino Consulting

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• What Accounting Websites Get Wrong + What Pros Recommend

Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced pros, access to skill building and resources and a community to continually inspire your practice's transformation.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about the surge in accounting firm mergers and acquisitions alongside major industry shifts, including Microsoft entering the accounting space with AI-driven platforms. They explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping work by replacing tasks, not entire jobs, while emphasizing the growing importance of human judgment, relationships, and adaptability.

Current events —

• 14 Firm Acquisitions in the last 30 days (see the bottom of the show notes for a full list)
• Microsoft sponsors Scaling New Heights for the first time in our 17 year history

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• The Iron Giant
• Avengers: Infinity War

Excellent things we learned —

• Using the clipboard
• A World Without Work by Dr. Daniel Susskind

Member spotlight —

• Lana Jo Hill of Hill Bookkeeping and Consulting

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• Make the Case to Attend Scaling New Heights 2026 + Template

Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced pros, access to skill building and resources and a community to continually inspire your practice's transformation.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

Full list of acquisitions mentioned by Heather:

• March 17, 2026: EisnerAmper and Price, Reuben, and Associates, LLP. EisnerAmper announced that the Calabasas firm joined its restaurant advisory practice.
• March 16, 2026: Xeinadin and Gregory Priestley & Stewart. Xeinadin announced its acquisition of GP&S, a Long Eaton accountancy and business advisory practice serving owner managed businesses across the Midlands.
• March 11, 2026: Doeren Mayhew and Berman Hopkins CPAs & Associates, LLP. Doeren Mayhew said it acquired the Florida based top 300 CPA firm, expanding its Central Florida footprint.
• March 9 and 10, 2026: TC Group and Little and Neal. TC Group announced the acquisition of Ferryhill practice Little and Neal to strengthen its North East presence.
• March 5, 2026: Carr, Riggs & Ingram and CFO Hub. CRI announced that San Diego based CFO Hub joined the CRI Family of Companies.
• March 3, 2026: Armanino and MSTiller. Armanino announced that MSTiller joined the firm, adding a Southeast focused accounting firm with offices in Georgia and New York.
• March 3, 2026: BK Plus and Crowther Chartered Accountants. BK Plus announced the addition of Crowther Chartered Accountants in Huddersfield, expanding its Yorkshire footprint.
• March 2, 2026: Xeinadin and Accountancy Cloud. Xeinadin announced it acquired London based Accountancy Cloud, a practice focused on startup and venture backed businesses.
• February 26, 2026: Sorren and Connected Accounting. Sorren said Connected Accounting joined the firm, giving it a California presence and broader technology driven accounting capabilities.
• February 25, 2026: UHY and Larson Tax Partners. UHY announced the acquisition of St. Louis based Larson Tax Partners to expand its Midwest and national tax capabilities.
• February 23, 2026: Doeren Mayhew and Dent Moses, plus Impact Technology Group. Doeren Mayhew announced its acquisition of Birmingham based CPA firm Dent Moses and its affiliate Impact Technology Group, expanding into Alabama.
• February 20, 2026: UHY and CMJ LLP. UHY announced the addition of Queensbury, New York CPA firm CMJ LLP, expanding in New York's Capital Region.
• February 19, 2026: Pinion and TCA. Pinion announced its intent to merge with TCA, with the proposed combination expected to take effect April 1, 2026.
• February 19, 2026: Haefele Flanagan and Mig Murphy Sistrom, CPA, PC. Haefele Flanagan announced it acquired the Durham, North Carolina nonprofit accounting and advisory firm.

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about recent developments in AI-powered audit tools, shifting software strategies, and what these changes mean for accounting firms of all sizes. They also explore lessons from pop culture on leadership and workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with stated values. The conversation rounds out with insights on emerging AI protocols and how firms can better structure both their work and client relationships for long-term success.

Current events —

• Auvenir separates from Deloitte
• Intuit launches Construction ERP as part of Enterprise ES

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• Bugonia
• Age of Ultron

Excellent things we learned —

• MCP stands for Model Context Protocol
• The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy

Member spotlight —

• Mercury Business Associates

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• The Art of Truly Not Working

Thank you to our show sponsor, Zoho! Zoho is a unique and powerful software suite to transform the way you work, designed for businesses of all sizes, built by a company that values your privacy.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with April Rinne about how our early life experiences shape our relationship with change and how fear versus hope influences how we respond to uncertainty. They explore April's concept of a "flux mindset," including practical strategies like embracing a portfolio career and learning to "run slower" to navigate today's fast-paced, AI-driven world. The conversation highlights how accounting professionals can build resilience and adaptability by reframing change as an opportunity for growth.

About April Rinne April Rinne is a change navigator: she helps individuals and organizations rethink and reshape their relationships with change and uncertainty. She's a trusted advisor, speaker, investor, lawyer, global development executive, adventurer (100+ countries) and insatiable handstander. She is ranked one of the 50 leading female futurists in the world and is a Harvard Law School graduate, a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, a member of the Silicon Guild and Thinkers50 Radar, and author of the international bestseller Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change.

• Learn more about April Rinne
• Connect with April on LinkedIn

Thank you to our show sponsor, Puzzle! Puzzle is the next generation firm: AI-powered, human-led. Puzzle replaces manual QuickBooks workflows with AI-driven books built for review, approval, and audit-ready accountability. Learn more at Puzzle.io.

Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast