The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Jeff about the future of AI in accounting and how predictive models can transform bookkeeping accuracy. Jeff shares how his company, Digits, leverages AI not to replace accountants but to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and give professionals more time for higher-value work. They also explore the difference between generative and predictive AI, the role of accountants in reviewing outputs, and why firms must adapt quickly or risk being outpaced by competitors.

About Jeff Seibert Jeff Seibert is the co-founder and CEO of Digits, where he's building the world's first AI-powered accounting platform for startups and small businesses. Jeff is also a frequent presenter on both entrepreneurial and technical topics and has lectured at Stanford, Harvard, MIT, and Tufts, as well as keynoted Scaling New Heights, Twitter Flight, AppsWorld, AnDevCon, EclipseCon, and others.

Learn more about Jeff at:

• JeffSeibert.com
• Twitter
• 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, Heather speaks with Madeline Reeves about the evolution of advisory services in accounting and how firms can confidently transition from transactional work to advisory relationships. Madeline shares insights from her Advisory Amplified Roadshow, a national event series designed to give accounting professionals practical tools for productizing advisory services, building stronger client connections, and leveraging AI to unlock efficiency.

About Madeline Reeves Madeline Reeves' career has centered around working with accounting firms to help elevate understanding by providing education & coaching around cloud based technology.

Learn more about Madeline Reeves and Advisory Amplified at this link.

Thank you to our show sponsor, CorpNet! CorpNet is the trusted leader in business formation and compliance services, offering one of the best tools for accountants, CPAs and tax professionals nationwide. The CorpNet Partner Program, 10X her firms revenue by helping clients form a business, register for payroll taxes, maintain compliance and more.

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

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe speak about upcoming regulatory changes that could ease the burden on government contractors and the potential disruption of the proposed HIRE Act, which would heavily tax outsourced accounting labor. They also dive into how the profession must adapt to staffing shortages, the evolving role of CPAs and noncredentialed accountants, and the transformative impact of AI on jobs.

Current events —

• White House proposes to get rid of 60 accounting requirements for contractors
• Will the HIRE Act hurt outsourcing?

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• Heather mentioned the movie "Her"
• Joe mentioned the miniseries "aka Charlie Sheen"

Excellent things we learned —

• Fourlane CX: Cloud Interface For QuickBooks Desktop
• A World Without Work: Technology, Automation, and How We Should Respond

Member spotlight —

• Brittany Byrd presented by Lamont Nesbitt, Practice Advancement Coach at Woodard

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• Next-Level Bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online: Going Beyond the Basics

Thank you to our show sponsor, CorpNet! CorpNet is the trusted leader in business formation and compliance services, offering one of the best tools for accountants, CPAs and tax professionals nationwide. The CorpNet Partner Program can 10X your firms revenue by helping clients form a business, register for payroll taxes, maintain compliance and more.

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

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe speak about the Supreme Court's pending decision on tariffs, how it could trigger massive refunds for businesses, and why accountants need to prepare now. They also discuss Ernst & Young's $1 billion investment in AI, exploring how automation might relieve staffing shortages while reshaping the profession.

Current events —

• Refunds on Tariffs if Supreme Court rules them Unconstitutional
• Ernst & Young (EY) pledged $1 billion to advanced AI and workforce development

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars
• Joe mentioned Game of Thrones

Excellent things we learned —

• The Case for Using Small Language Models
• The JOLT Effect: How High Performers Overcome Customer Indecision

Member spotlight —

• Jane Watkins

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• Better Questions. Better Hires. Stronger Firms.

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 Byron Patrick about how AI is reshaping accounting education, professional development, and even everyday problem-solving. Byron shares insights from co-founding TB Academy, which offers hands-on courses in AI foundations and case studies for accountants, and highlights favorite AI tools like Gamma.app and Google's Notebook LM.

About Byron PatrickByron K. Patrick, CPA, is an innovator who thrives at the intersection of accounting and technology. Rejecting traditional accounting roles early on, Byron founded Simplified Innovations, an IT firm built specifically for CPAs. He expanded his impact at Botkeeper, leading the charge in adopting AI to revolutionize bookkeeping. And moved on to transform how accounting firms handle quality assurance through automated technology as CEO of VERIFYiQ. For decades, Byron has been a respected national speaker and writer, translating complex accounting technology topics into practical guidance. As co-founder of TB Academy, Byron equips accountants with generative AI skills, empowering them to become tech-enabled industry leaders. He frequently shares his insights nationwide, making advanced technology approachable and practical for finance professionals. Outside the accounting-tech scene, Byron lives on a horse farm, balancing family, dogs, horses, and a passion for helping accountants redefine their profession.

Learn more about Byron at:

• TB Academy
• LinkedIn
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Instagram

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, Heather and Joe speak about the Gen Z workplace, Microsoft's research on which jobs are most vulnerable to AI disruption, and how accountants can interpret numbers much like mathematicians describe the inexpressible. They also share TV and movie quotes that highlight the importance of continuous learning, spotlight a Woodard member's practice transformation, and discuss hiring strategies that ensure stronger, more intentional teams.

Current events —

• GenZ needs extra praise
• Jobs Most at Risk from AI - Report from Microsoft

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• Heather mentioned Foundation
• Joe mentioned Game of Thrones

Excellent things we learned —

• You can switch between ChatGPT models

Member spotlight —

• Vicky D Henry, CPA

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• Interviewing on Purpose - Great Hires Through Better Questions

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 speaks with Lisa Rothstein about the power of visual storytelling and how even simple drawings can transform complex financial conversations. Lisa, a New Yorker cartoonist and author of Drawing Your Genius, explains her "three C's" framework—character, concepts, and context—as tools to make abstract ideas tangible, engaging, and memorable.

About Lisa RothsteinLisa Rothstein is a New Yorker cartoonist and author of "Drawing Out Your Genius" who helps business professionals communicate using simple drawings.

Learn more about Lisa at:

• Amazon

Thank you to our show sponsor, Brex! Brex accounting partners close clients books faster, earn rewards for referrals and attract new customers all on Brex. Brex's integrated platform provides numerous accounting automation benefits, which enable your accountants to focus on premium advisory services, help clients close the books faster and elevate the overall client experience. To become a Brex accounting firm, visit brex.com/partners/accounting to apply.

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 latest IRS leadership turnover and the growing shift in CPA licensure requirements, including Illinois' move from the 150-hour to the 120-hour rule. They also share insights on how AI is reshaping opportunities in the profession, discuss the value of niching for accounting firms, and reflect on lessons from pop culture quotes.

Referenced during the show:

Current events —

• Billy Long out as IRS commissioner after less than two months
• Illinois signs new CPA pathways bill

TV/Movie quote of the week —

• Heather mentioned The White Lotus, Season Three
• Joe mentioned 21

Excellent things we learned —

• Clients Demand Niche Know-How, and They're Willing to Pay for It

Member spotlight —

• Vicky D Henry, CPA
• Thrive Business Services

The Woodard Report article of the week —

• Nailing Your Niche: Stop Taking Everyone as a Client

Thank you to our show sponsor, Bill, your financial operations platform. Bill is the intelligent way to create and pay bills, send invoices, manage expenses, control budgets and access the credit your business needs to grow all in one platform.

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

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Ed Kless about Threshold, the philosophy behind it, and why transformation is the next evolution for professional services. They explore the progression of economic value—from commodities to transformation—emphasizing that true change means guiding clients to become something new, not just delivering services. Ed explains how accountants and advisors can embrace this revelation to move beyond transactions, avoid burnout, and position themselves for lasting impact.

Read the Threshold REVELATION at this link.

About Ed Kless Ed Kless is the co-founder of Threshold, a professional community dedicated to reimagining the future of advisory services through transformation and philosophy. He is also the co-host of the long-running podcast The Soul of Enterprise, where he and Ron Baker explore topics at the intersection of business, economics, and human flourishing. With decades of experience in business strategy, software, and professional development, Ed has become a sought-after speaker and consultant for firms seeking to move beyond traditional service models. His work emphasizes guiding professionals to embrace transformation, align with higher principles, and create lasting impact for their clients.

Learn more about Ed at:

• LinkedIn
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Facebook

Thank you to our show sponsor, Bill, your financial operations platform. Bill is the intelligent way to create and pay bills, send invoices, manage expenses, control budgets and access the credit your business needs to grow all in one platform.

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

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Ron Baker about the ethics of pricing and how lessons from airline yield management can apply to accounting practices. They explore the "good, bad, and ugly" sides of dynamic and AI-driven pricing, the distinction between price transparency and pricing transparency, and the importance of maintaining adaptive capacity to serve top clients. Drawing parallels to hotels' pricing integrity, they emphasize that firms should focus on delivering transformative outcomes rather than selling every available hour.

About Ron Baker Ronald J. Baker started his CPA career in 1984 with KPMG's Private Business Advisory Services in San Francisco. Today, he is the co-founder of Threshold—a professional firm operating in the transformation economy—and podcast co-host of The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Transformation Economy. He is also the author of Time's Up!: The Subscription Business Model for Professional Firms

Learn more about Ron at:

• LinkedIn
• X (formerly Twitter)

Thank you to our show sponsor, CorpNet! CorpNet is the trusted leader in business formation and compliance services, offering one of the best tools for accountants, CPAs and tax professionals nationwide. The CorpNet Partner Program, 10X your firm's revenue by helping clients form a business, register for payroll taxes, maintain compliance and more.

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