On this episode Joe speaks with Dan Hood, editor-in-chief of Accounting Today, about the latest trends from Accounting Today's research on the Top 100 firms, the explosive growth of Client Accounting Services (CAS), and how firms are adapting to staffing shortages and technological innovation. They dive into why CAS is the future growth engine for accounting firms, how leadership and process changes are critical, and the evolving role of AI as a near-future disruptor in the industry.

Thank you to our show sponsor, Bill! 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 Joe and Heather talk about their recent experience taking a business leadership course on artificial intelligence at Brown University, where they explored the different types of AI—narrow, agentic, and general—and how each impacts the future of accounting. They emphasize that AI is no longer optional for firms; it’s a competitive necessity, especially when paired with strategic data usage. Heather and Joe break down real-world applications—from automating blog writing and client communication to interpreting credit card statements and regulatory implications—urging accountants to experiment with AI now or risk falling behind.

Thank you to our show sponsor, Brex!Brex accounting partners close client 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 Joe Woodard speaks with Deb Defer, Director of CAS Consulting at Woodard, about how firms can turn client onboarding from a loss leader into a profitable, strategic phase of their CAS engagements. They explore pricing structures like evergreen retainers, volume-discounted cleanups, and onboarding fees to ensure firms aren’t losing money or undervaluing their services. The episode is packed with actionable advice for firms of all sizes looking to boost MRR and avoid getting stuck in once-a-year cleanup chaos.

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, Heather Satterley chats with Dave Olsen and Shane Rowley from Nimbl about a big question many accounting pros wrestle with: Should you keep your firm small and flexible or scale it up? Dave shares his personal journey of growing Nimbl from a solo practice into a thriving business with over 100 team members, while Shane talks openly about how he drove Nimbl's growth to $6 million in revenue (and what he learned along the way). You'll hear real-world stories, practical tips, and honest reflections about the challenges and rewards of growth, keeping your firm profitable without burning out, and protecting your firm's culture—even when things get messy. Whether you're ready to scale or happy staying small, this episode will help you find the clarity you need to build the business you truly want.

Resources mentioned during the show:

• What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture by Ben Horowitz

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.

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

On this episode, Heather speaks with Todd Robinson, Director of Practice Engagement at Woodard, about the evolution of the accounting industry over the past two decades, from the early days of QuickBooks Online to today's AI-driven landscape. They explore the rise of Client Advisory Services (CAS), the growing interest of private equity in accounting firms, and the critical importance of adopting modern technology to stay competitive.

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 Joe speaks with Heather about why operations should be the next big focus in your practice. Heather emphasizes the importance of documenting and reflecting on current processes to identify areas for improvement. The discussion also covers aligning operational improvements with firm culture, broadening technology views with automation and AI, and practical steps to stay ahead in the coming year.

TV and Movie Quote:

• Heather quoted The Office
• Joe quoted 1923

Book of the Week:

• The e-Myth by Michael Gerber

Favorite Social Posts:

• Heather mentioned Ashley Francis on LinkedIn
• Joe mentioned Caleb Jenkins on X/Twitter

The Woodard Report Article of the Week:

• Spring Cleaning for the Mind: Clearing Clutter for Greater Productivity by Kim Petro

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

On this episode, Joe speaks with Heather about the complexities of trust—how it’s broken, why it happens, and most importantly, how to restore it in business and personal relationships. They outline a five-step approach to rebuilding trust, emphasizing self-awareness, assessing intent, and fostering meaningful resolutions.

TV and Movie Quote:

• Heather quoted Eat, Pray, Love
• Joe quoted Rocky III

Book of the Week:

• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz / Janet Mills

Favorite Social Posts:

• Heather mentioned Nancy McClelland on LinkedIn
• Joe mentioned Adam Markowitz on X/Twitter

The Woodard Report Article of the Week:

• Woodard Welcomes Shirley Koss as Community and Member Success Manager

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, Heather and Joe talk about seven essential productivity hacks to help accountants and bookkeepers stay sane during the busy season. They cover strategies like the two-minute rule, email automation, mindset shifts, and the importance of setting boundaries to maintain efficiency and well-being. Joe also revisits The Execution Factor by Kim Perrell (from episode 41 of the Woodard Report podcast).

TV and Movie Quote:

• Heather quoted Everything Everywhere All at Once
• Joe quoted Michael Corleone from the Godfather

Book of the Week:

• The Execution Factor by Kim Perrell
• Joe interviewed Kim Perrell on episode 41 of The Woodard Report Podcast

Favorite Social Posts:

• Heather mentioned Matt Tait of Decimal and his post on LinkedIn
• Joe mentioned Greg Kyte on X/Twitter as posted by The Soul of Enterprise

The Woodard Report Article of the Week:

• Executive Orders: The Good, the Bad and the Impact on Business by Ryan Francis

Thank you to our show sponsor, Bill! They are the intelligent way to create and pay bills, send invoices, manage expenses, control budgets, and access the credit your business needs to grow—all on one platform.

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

On this episode, Heather and Joe talk about the essentials of building a thriving company culture, breaking it down into three key categories: directional, interactive, and operational. They also discuss the importance of defining a company’s vision, mission, and purpose, fostering trust and servant leadership within teams.

Books discussed in the first segment of the show:

• 5 Dysfunctions of a Team (Lencioni)
• The Advantage (Lencioni)
• The Servant Leader (Hunter)
• Measure What Matters (John Doerr)
• The Speed of Trust (Stephen M.R. Covey)
• Death by Meeting (Patrick Lencioni)
• Start with Why (Simon Sinek)

TV and Movie Quote:

• Heather quoted Severance (Apple TV)
• Joe quoted Real Time with Bill Maher

Book Quote:

• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

The Woodard Report article highlighted during the show:

• 5 Ways We Used AI For Work Last Week: February 2025 Edition

Thank you to our show sponsor, Truewind! Powered by AI, Truewind is a digital staff accountant that never sleeps, never gets sick, and always does its work. Completely predictable capacity planning.

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

On this episode Joe speaks with Gene Marks about how the DOGE initiative is shaking up government spending and prompting a reexamination of fiscal policies that impact the accounting profession and small businesses. Gene breaks down the effects of IRS layoffs and ERC uncertainties offering strategic insights for navigating these turbulent economic shifts.

About Gene Marks A past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post, Gene now writes regularly for The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Washington Times, and The Guardian.  Gene has written 5 books on business management, specifically geared towards small and medium sized companies. His most recent is Want More Cash?: 100+ Ideas And Strategies For Increasing Your Company's Cash Flow This Year. Gene owns and operates the Marks Group PC, a highly successful ten-person firm that provides technology and consulting services to small and medium sized businesses.  Gene also hosts a very popular podcast with Paychex. To listen to the latest episodes, visit www.paychex.com/podcasts

Resources mentioned during the show

• Gene Marks' consolidated website
• The World Trade Center Association
• Walter Isaacson's biography on Elon Musk

Thank you to our show sponsor, Truewind! Truewind is a next generation AI-powered accounting platform. Adhering to the highest standards of data security, Truewind's close management platform automates routine tasks and finishes your monthly close with time to spare.

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