Controlling Rising Healthcare Costs: A Smarter Benefits Strategy for Business Owners

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek welcomes Anthony Chandler of Acrisure, a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm specializing in property & casualty and employee benefits.

Anthony explains why CPAs are often the first professionals business owners turn to when healthcare costs spiral out of control—and why having the right benefits consultant in your virtual Rolodex matters. With more than 30 years of experience, Anthony shares how Acrisure takes a custom, alternative-risk approach to rebuilding health plans, helping employers control costs over a 3–5 year horizon without disrupting employees or provider networks.

This episode is especially valuable for CPAs advising business owners, CFOs, and HR leaders facing ongoing double-digit healthcare cost increases.

Healthcare is often the second-largest expense for businesses, and CPAs are frequently asked how to control rising group health costs.

Anthony explains how most plans rely on “off-the-shelf” products from major carriers, offering little differentiation or long-term cost control.

Instead of “renting” insurance year to year, Acrisure rebuilds health plans—optimizing pharmacy benefits, hospital services, and vendor selection while keeping the same provider networks.

By changing backend vendors—such as pharmacy benefit managers or stop-loss providers—companies can save hundreds of thousands of dollars without changing copays, doctors, or employee experience.

Acrisure primarily works with organizations between 100–1,000 employees, but solutions can be effective for companies as small as 25–50 employees.

Many companies already pay for concierge services and cost-saving tools within their plans—but don’t know how to use them effectively.

Anthony warns of continued healthcare cost increases and encourages employers to explore alternative, progressive benefits strategies sooner rather than later.

Anthony Chandler is a senior consultant with Acrisure, bringing more than 30 years of experience helping organizations design smarter, more efficient employee benefit programs. His work focuses on alternative risk strategies, long-term cost control, and improving outcomes for both employers and employees.

From Aviation Dreams to Accounting Leadership: A CPA’s Journey in a Growing Firm

Episode Summary

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with fellow CPA Laurian Tollett, Partner at DRDA LLC, to discuss her career journey, leadership role, and the wide range of opportunities available within the accounting profession.

Laurian shares how her path began in aviation before she discovered accounting as a profession that offers stability, flexibility, and endless opportunity. Now a partner at a growing mid-sized firm, Laurian discusses her work across attestation, tax, valuation, and firm leadership—highlighting how CPAs can build dynamic, people-centered careers that evolve over time.

This episode is especially valuable for students, early-career professionals, and anyone questioning whether accounting is limited to “audit or tax.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

???? What a Partner’s Day-to-Day Really Looks Like

Laurian explains how her role spans attestation, financial reporting, tax, valuation, client relationships, recruiting, and firm growth—showing that no two days are ever the same.

???? Why Mid-Sized Firms Offer Unique Opportunities

Working in a growing firm allows for greater variety, deeper client relationships, and the ability to help shape culture, hiring, and future service lines.

???? How Valuation Fits into an Accounting Career

Laurian shares how audit naturally led her into valuation work and how financial analysis plays a critical role in helping clients make major business decisions.

???? Why She Chose Accounting

After starting out in aviation, Laurian gravitated toward accounting because it is the “language of business” and offers long-term opportunity across industries, locations, and career paths.

???? The Importance of Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

A key theme of the conversation is staying curious, adaptable, and open-minded—qualities that help CPAs grow as professionals and leaders.

???? Advice for Future CPAs

Accounting is far more exciting in practice than it appears in textbooks. Laurian encourages students and candidates to explore different paths, pursue their CPA sooner rather than later, and stay open to where the profession can take them.

About the Guest

Laurian Tollett, CPA is a Partner at DRDA LLC, a growing mid-sized accounting firm south of Houston. She oversees attestation and financial reporting while also working in tax, valuation, and firm leadership. Laurian is passionate about client service, mentoring, and helping professionals build meaningful, flexible careers in accounting.

Why It’s Never Too Late to Become a CPA: One CPA’s Journey from Tax to Advisory

Episode Summary

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with fellow CPA Delilah Durancou to discuss her journey into accounting, her path through tax, and her transition into an advisory role.

Delilah shares how she originally came from a finance background, why accounting became the foundation of her career, and how earning the CPA license opened doors she never imagined. Together, Kristie and Delilah discuss common misconceptions about accounting, the evolving role of CPAs in a technology-driven world, and why CPAs are far more than “number crunchers.”

This episode is especially meaningful for students, career changers, and professionals considering the CPA credential later in life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

???? What a Career in Tax (and Advisory) Really Looks Like

Delilah explains that no two days in tax are the same—and how moving into advisory has added a new layer of learning, client interaction, and problem-solving

???? Why She Chose Accounting Over Finance

After starting in finance, Delilah realized accounting provides the strongest foundation and the most flexibility across industries and roles

???? The Influence of Family and Mentorship

Support from family and mentors—especially during CPA exam preparation—played a major role in her success and confidence

???? The Real Benefits of Being a CPA

Delilah highlights the wide range of opportunities available to CPAs, including the ability to move across industries and into advisory roles with ease

???? Debunking the “Accounting Is Boring” Myth

Accounting is dynamic, client-focused, and constantly changing—requiring research, communication, and strategic thinking every day

???? AI Won’t Replace CPAs—It Will Elevate Them

AI can handle repetitive tasks, but CPAs bring the human judgment, critical thinking, and advisory insight clients truly need

???? A Message for Aspiring CPAs

It’s never too late to pursue the CPA license. While challenging, the payoff in confidence, opportunity, and career growth is worth it

About the Guest

Delilah Durancou, CPA works in tax at DRDA and is expanding into an advisory role. With experience across accounting and finance, Delilah brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to her work and is passionate about mentoring future CPAs 

Podcast: TXCPA Houston – Virtual Rolodex

Host: Kristie Ondracek

Guest: Jessica Wise, CPA Alliance Relationship Manager, ABGI USA

Episode Title

How CPAs Can Unlock R&D Credits, Cost Segregation, and Grant Funding for Clients

Episode Summary

Recorded live at the 2025 Fall Accounting Conference & Technology Symposium, this special episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex features Jessica Wise of ABGI USA, a global tax strategy firm headquartered in Houston.

Jessica shares how ABGI helps CPAs and their clients identify and defend high-value tax strategies including R&D credits, cost segregation, 179D, 45L incentives, and grant funding—all supported by in-house tax attorneys and engineers. With more than 40 years of experience and a perfect audit record, ABGI provides CPAs with both confidence and compliance when pursuing complex tax opportunities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

???? What ABGI Does

ABGI USA is a global tax strategy firm that provides R&D credits, cost segregation, energy incentives, talent acquisition, and grant funding services—all delivered by in-house tax attorneys and engineers

???? Why Their Approach Is Different

Unlike many firms, ABGI:

·        Never uses third-party providers

·        Never uses AI-generated reporting

·        Uses in-house tax attorneys and engineers

·        Includes audit defense with every study

·        Has never lost a dollar in IRS audit over 40 years

???? Why the IRS Trusts Them

ABGI has even been asked by the IRS to train them on ABGI’s methods because of their accuracy, efficiency, and audit safety

???? New Grant Services Coming

ABGI is launching a new grant services team, with global leadership from France coming to Houston to roll it out—making grants a new way CPAs can help clients access funding

???? How ABGI Supports CPA Firms

ABGI built a dedicated CPA Alliance team that:

·        Reviews CPA client portfolios

·        Identifies which clients qualify for credits and incentives

·        Provides reporting without contacting clients directly

·        Helps CPAs proactively plan tax strategies for clients

About the Guest

Jessica Wise is CPA Alliance Relationship Manager at ABGI USA, where she works exclusively with CPA firms to help identify tax incentives and planning opportunities for their clients. Her role is focused on relationship building, portfolio vetting, and supporting CPA firms in delivering more value without adding workload

Jessica WISE | Partner Alliance team member

C. 346.410.0563

www.abgi-usa.com

www.linkedin.com/company/abgi-usa/

Episode Summary

In this special episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek welcomes Antoinette Mosley, a recent University of Houston–Downtown graduate, new audit associate, and CPA exam candidate.

Antoinette shares her inspiring journey from working in customer service during COVID while raising a young child to earning her accounting degree magna cum laude and launching her career in public accounting. She opens up about navigating motherhood, full-time work, CPA exam preparation, and the importance of community, delegation, and self-leadership along the way.

This episode is a must-listen for CPA candidates, young professionals, and anyone balancing big goals with real life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

???? Why Antoinette Chose Accounting

During COVID, Antoinette decided to return to school after realizing she wanted a professional career working with people—not just customer service—leading her from finance to audit through internships and career fairs.

???? What Life Is Really Like in Audit

She describes a supportive, team-based firm culture where mistakes are part of growth—not something to fear.

???? How She Balanced School, Motherhood & Leadership

Antoinette treated her life like a business—serving as the “CEO” of her own world while holding leadership roles, maintaining a strong GPA, and raising her daughter.

???? Smart Delegation as a Survival Skill

She emphasizes the importance of outsourcing what you can—like groceries or cleaning—to protect mental energy and time.

???? How She Studies for the CPA Exam

Her CPA strategy includes:

·        Strict bedtime for her daughter

·        Nightly Zoom study sessions

·        Accountability partners

·        Flexible intensity based on busy season

???? A Powerful Reminder for CPA Candidates

Your clients will never ask how many times you took the exam—they only care that you earned those three letters: CPA

About the Guest

Antoinette Mosley is a University of Houston–Downtown graduate (Class of 2025), audit associate, and CPA exam candidate. A working mom and first-generation professional, she represents the future of the accounting profession—bringing resilience, leadership, and determination to everything she does.

Podcast: TXCPA Houston – Virtual Rolodex

Host: Kristie Ondracek

Guest: Arthur Forbus, Founder & CEO, Changing the Face of Finance

Episode Title

From Spreadsheet Chaos to Board-Ready Clarity: How CFOs Can Lead the Future of Finance

Episode Summary

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek welcomes fellow TXCPA Houston member Arthur Forbus, founder and CEO of Changing the Face of Finance, to discuss how CFOs and finance teams can escape spreadsheet chaos and move toward board-ready clarity.

Arthur explains how mid-market oil and gas companies can improve close, reporting, budgeting, and forecasting by aligning strategy, people, process, technology, and data through his CFOF Compass Method. The conversation dives into the real drivers of successful finance transformation, the role of AI, and why people and process—not just technology—determine whether change actually works.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

???? How Arthur Helps CFOs

Arthur works with CFOs and finance teams to replace “spreadsheet hell” with structured, scalable corporate performance management systems that produce clear, decision-ready information for boards and stakeholders.

???? What the CFOF Compass Method Does

His method aligns five key areas:

Strategy, People, Process, Technology, and Data—so finance teams can move forward together instead of pulling in different directions.

???? Why Technology Alone Fails

Arthur explains that automating a bad process only creates “chaos faster.” Successful finance transformation must start with people and workflows—not just shiny new tools.

???? The Real Roadblocks Companies Face

Many organizations chase the latest technology without a strategy or fail to involve the people who actually run the processes, which leads to resistance and failure.

???? How AI Is Changing Finance

AI and automation don’t replace accountants—they make them more productive by removing low-value tasks so professionals can focus on analysis, decisions, and strategy.

???? Why Budget Season Is the Perfect Time to Act

Arthur explains that the chaos of budgeting and year-end close is often the moment CFOs realize something must change—and why starting a plan now sets the stage for a better future.

About the Guest

Arthur Forbus is Founder and CEO of Changing the Face of Finance, where he helps CFOs and finance teams in mid-market energy companies transform their close, reporting, budgeting, and forecasting into modern, scalable systems. With experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, audit, technology consulting, and management consulting, Arthur brings a rare blend of technical and strategic leadership to the Office of the CFO.

Founder & CEO

713.398.8158

[email protected]

CFO-Future.com

LinkedIn

Digital Card

Podcast: TXCPA Houston – Virtual Rolodex

Episode Title: From Small-Town Texas to CFO Advisor: Arthur Forbus on Changing the Face of Finance

Host: Kristie Ondracek

Guest: Arthur Forbus, CPA — Founder & CEO, Changing the Face of Finance

Episode Summary

In this episode of Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with fellow CPA Arthur Forbus to explore how a small-town Texas upbringing led to a national career in finance, consulting, and corporate performance management. Arthur shares how his CPA laid the foundation for opportunities ranging from Fortune 500 companies to becoming a partner in a major consulting firm—and ultimately launching his own firm to help CFOs move beyond spreadsheet chaos.

Arthur also challenges common misconceptions about accounting, emphasizing that today’s finance professionals are storytellers, strategists, and drivers of business decisions—not just number crunchers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

1️⃣ Why Arthur Chose Accounting

Arthur originally planned to be a petroleum engineer, but quickly realized business—and accounting—was where he truly belonged after switching majors and seeing his grades and confidence soar.

2️⃣ The Power of the CPA Credential

Passing the CPA exam was one of Arthur’s biggest early accomplishments and helped open doors into public accounting, Fortune 500 companies, and ultimately consulting and partnership roles.

3️⃣ How Accounting Opens Career Paths

Arthur explains how his CPA launched him into management and technology consulting, where he eventually led a CFO services practice and became a partner—opportunities he never imagined early in his career.

4️⃣ Debunking the “Boring Accountant” Myth

Accounting is not just sitting in spreadsheets—it’s about strategy, decision-making, and helping organizations understand their data so they can move forward.

5️⃣ Accounting as the Story of the Business

Arthur and Kristie both emphasize that accounting is the foundation for telling the story of where a business has been—and where it’s going.

6️⃣ Arthur’s Advice to CPAs and Future Professionals

Have fun. Never stop learning. Keep reading, growing, and challenging how things are done.

About the Guest

Arthur Forbus is the Founder and CEO of Changing the Face of Finance, where he helps CFOs and finance teams modernize how they manage close, reporting, forecasting, and strategic planning. With a background spanning public accounting, Fortune 500 companies, and management consulting, Arthur brings a rare blend of technical expertise and big-picture strategy.

Arthur Forbus

Founder & CEO

713.398.8158

[email protected]

CFO-Future.com

LinkedIn

Digital Card

Episode Highlights

• The host, Kristie Ondracek, welcomes listeners and introduces the repeat guest speaker for the upcoming conference: Dr. Minh Nguyen, DO, Chief Medical Officer of Agile Occupational Medicine.​
• Dr. Nguyen shares his background, including 25 years of practice specializing in occupational and environmental medicine, taking care of the workforce such as police officers, firefighters, and teachers.​

Main Topics Discussed

• Dr. Nguyen will present the closing session at the Fall Accounting Conference, discussing "Redefining Health"—addressing physical, mental, emotional, and energetic health.​
• He emphasizes how organizational leadership can benefit from prioritizing individual and collective wellness, as the health of team members translates into healthier, more successful organizations.​
• The discussion covers why attending his session is essential for both personal and organizational benefit—it will help attendees improve their health, wellness, and overall performance, which positively impacts professional and personal spheres.​
• Dr. Nguyen highlights the importance of energy, compassion, and focus in leadership, encouraging participants to "pay it forward" in their own organizations after the session.​

Takeaways and Recommendations

• The session is designed to provide practical strategies for improving health and energy, regardless of attendees’ current wellness level.​
• Both Kristie and Dr. Nguyen encourage entire teams and leaders to attend, noting that every participant will gain unique insights relevant to their own circumstances.​
• Registration information and resources will be available in the show notes; the event is open to CPAs, accountants, finance professionals, and anyone interested in wellness and professional growth.​

Notable Guests and Roles

• Host: Kristie Ondracek (TXCPA Houston)
• Guest Speaker: Dr. Minh Nguyen, DO, Chief Medical Officer, Agile Occupational Medicine

Closing Remarks

• The podcast wraps up with encouragement to register for the conference and a note of appreciation to listeners, emphasizing the value of community and peer support.

REGISTER HERE FOR F.A.C.T.S. - https://bit.ly/4hgPUHt

Leading Finance Teams Through Change — A Conversation with Arthur Forbus

Host: Kristie Ondracek, TXCPA Houston

Guest: Arthur Forbus, Founder & CEO, Changing the Face of Finance (CFOF)

Episode Overview

In this episode of TXCPA Houston’s Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Arthur Forbus, founder and CEO of Changing the Face of Finance (CFOF), for a preview of his upcoming session at the 2025 Fall Accounting Conference and Technology Symposium (FACTS). The event will be held November 19–20, 2025, at the Norris Conference Center in Houston, Texas.

Arthur shares his insights on leading finance teams through change, emphasizing how CFOs and accounting leaders can guide their teams through transformation with confidence and clarity.

Key Topics Discussed

·        The importance of aligning strategy, people, process, technology, and data in modern finance.

·        How finance leaders can prepare their teams for organizational and technological change.

·        Practical application of the ADKAR change management model.

·        The role of adaptive leadership in evolving finance environments.

·        The value of lifelong learning and networking at professional conferences.

Why You Should Attend FACTS 2025

·        Connect with top accounting and finance professionals.

·        Gain real-world insights from CFOs and industry experts.

·        Participate in authentic, conversational sessions like Arthur’s fireside chat with Adam Maclay, CFO of LSS Cyber at Honeywell.

·        Leave inspired, informed, and ready to lead change in your organization.

Event Details

Dates: November 19–20, 2025

Location: Norris Conference Center, Houston, TX

Registration: https://bit.ly/4hgPUHt

In this episode of Virtual Rolodex, Kristie sits down with Matt Daniel from All in IT for a conversation that blends technology, strategy, and partnership.

Matt shares his insights on:

• The IT services every business should be thinking about
• What he believes is the true “secret sauce” to business success
• Why he’s looking forward to being a partner with TXCPA Houston

Whether you’re curious about how IT can strengthen your business, or you want to hear what drives successful leaders, this episode is packed with value.

Matt's contact information:

Matt Daniel, CEO, FOUNDER

 All in IT

855‑ALL IN IT

o:281.493.8098

c:281.932.3855

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-daniel-allinit/