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

On this episode, Heather speaks with Randy about the latest technology trends from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). They discuss standout innovations, including AI-powered laptops, wireless monitors, and new productivity tools like foldable screens and ergonomic keyboards. Randy also highlights concerns over the lack of new products from major brands like Nikon and Canon, as well as the evolving role of AI in business security and client data protection.

About Our Guest: Randy Johnston, MCS, has been a leading figure in technology for over 40 years. Inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame in 2011, he has remained a Top 25 Thought Leader in Accounting from 2011 through 2024. His continued influence in the profession is highlighted by his recognition in the 2024 Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting—his twenty-first consecutive year on that list. In addition, Randy authors a monthly column and hosts a weekly podcast for The CPA Practice Advisor, contributes to the Journal of Accountancy, writes for various accounting and technology publications, and has published numerous books.

Connect with Randy:

• www.randyjohnston.com
• www.technologybestpractices.com
• www.nmgi.com
• www.k2e.com 

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

On this episode, Joe speaks with Penny Breslin and Damien Greathead about their innovative BOSS (Back Office Support) model, designed to help Client Accounting Services (CAS) practices streamline operations and scale effectively. They discuss key insights from their book, including defining a clear business focus, building the right team, selecting ideal clients, leveraging technology, and refining pricing and communication strategies. By implementing these structured steps, firms can enhance efficiency, improve client relationships, and establish a sustainable, high-performing practice.

Resources:

• It’s NOT Just the Numbers via CPA Trendlines
• CFO Services: A Practical How-To Guide for Accountants by Penny Breslin, Paula White, Damien Greathead

Connect with our guests:

• Connect with Penny on LinkedIn
• Connect with Damien 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, Joe speaks with Matt Tait, CEO of Decimal, about the integration of AI in the accounting industry, highlighting Decimal's transition to the AI-native ledger platform, Puzzle. Matt shares his thoughts on how Puzzle can automate up to 90% of routine tasks, improve client experiences, and enhance workflow scalability. His perspective on the implied partnership between tech and accounting firms is refreshing and not to be missed.

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Matt Tait on LinkedIn
• Decimal.com - Let Decimal Solve Financial Operations

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, Joe and Heather dive into the major trends and challenges shaping 2025 for accounting professionals. They discuss the growing impact of artificial intelligence, policy shifts under the new U.S. presidency, and evolving business models in the industry. 

Recommended Reading:

• The Future of the Professions - Daniel Susskin
• 5 Best Books About Artificial Intelligence - The New York Times

TV and Movie Quotes:

• From Heather: RuPaul's Drag Race
• From Joe: The Most Reluctant Convert

Book Segment:

• Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

The Woodard Report article:

• Design Thinking—A Mindset for 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, Joe and Heather explore key insights from the 2024 AICPA CAS Benchmark Survey, highlighting the evolution of CPA and non-credentialed practices post-COVID, including growth trends, advisory services, and the increasing role of technology.

• Download the 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey
• Read "Surveying a Shifting Landscape" from The CPA Journal

TV and Movie Quote: Heather quoted Deadpool (so the entire quote is effectively redacted due to language) and Joe quoted X-Men: Days of Future Past

Book Quote: Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt

The Woodard Report article highlighted during the show: ADHD: Beyond the Stereotypes in the Workplace

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, Heather speaks with Allanté Collier, founder of Streamline and Scale, about leveraging AI to boost efficiency and scalability in small businesses. They discuss practical ways AI can handle repetitive tasks, enhance marketing strategies, and streamline operations to free up time for growth and creativity. 

• Connect with Allanté on LinkedIn
• Streamline & Scale helps Industry Leaders and Organizations build (lean) teams and businesses that run themselves in any economy. Check out this free training for leaders in demand from Streamline and Scale

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, Joe and Heather explore the sudden closure and acquisition of Bench, the venture-backed bookkeeping and accounting firm, diving into its implications for the accounting industry, private equity, and an AI-driven future. They also discuss the challenges of balancing client-focused service with profit motives, highlight key takeaways from Andy Stanley's book Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets, and share their favorite quotes and social media insights of the week.

• More about Bench
• TV/Movie quote of the week — Dune: Prophecy
• Book of the week — Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets by Andy Stanley

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 Heather speaks with Deborah Defer, Director of CAS Consulting at Woodard, about the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the accounting industry. They explore Deborah's extensive career journey, her insights from attending the Digital CPA conference, and the exponential growth in AI adoption. Most importantly, they talk about the importance of blending technology with human expertise.

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

In this episode, Joe Woodard talks to Ron Baker about the concept of moral injury as a more accurate explanation for what is often misdiagnosed as burnout, especially in the accounting and medical professions. They explore how moral injury arises when professionals face systemic or situational pressures that force them to act against their deeply held beliefs, creating anxiety and dissatisfaction. This issue is more profound than the surface-level symptoms of burnout and is rooted in the disconnect between the transactional nature of modern work environments and the purpose-driven calling many professionals feel.

You can learn more about Ron Baker at TheSoulOfEnterprise.com and Verasage.com

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