Episodios

  • Disrupting Tax: From paper trails to AI agents

    Disrupting Tax: From paper trails to AI agents
    Jun 23 2025

    In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, host Kalil Merhib sit down with Leroy Kerry, CEO and co-founder of Filed, an AI-powered tax automation company that's redefining how CPA firms approach compliance work. This conversation is part of a series featuring startups from the AICPA and CPA.com Startup Accelerator.

    Leroy shares his journey from building unicorn fintechs in Europe to landing in small-town America—where the inefficiencies of traditional tax preparation sparked his mission to innovate. Filed’s technology leverages agentic AI to streamline tax workflows, reduce manual effort, and unlock capacity for firms facing staffing constraints. From automating checklist creation to preparing review-ready returns, Filed transforms the entire lifecycle of tax work—without requiring firms to overhaul their existing tech stacks.

    The episode also tackles:

    • The role of agent-based AI versus traditional generative AI.

    • Security, transparency, and skepticism around AI in accounting.

    • The talent risk of not modernizing your practice.

    • Lessons from legal tech transformation.

    • The future of advisory, compliance, and tax planning.

    If you're wondering how AI is reshaping tax, what’s automatable versus what still needs a CPA’s judgment, or how to pilot these tools in your firm—this episode is a must-listen.

    Additional Resources:

    AI skeptic report - https://www.filed.com/report/sign-up-ai-skeptic-to-ai-ready

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/leroykerry/

    2025 AI in Accounting Report https://www.cpa.com/reports/2025-ai-accounting-report

    www.filed.com

    https://accelerator.cpa.com/

    www.CPA.com

    🔊 Subscribe to the Digital CPA Podcast for more conversations on the future of the accounting profession!
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    27 m
  • Agents of Change: Inside the AICPA/CPA.com Startup Accelerator

    Agents of Change: Inside the AICPA/CPA.com Startup Accelerator
    Apr 25 2025

    In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, we take you inside the 2025 AICPA and CPA.com Startup Accelerator—a powerful launchpad for the next generation of accounting tech. Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib reflect on this year's convening days in NYC and discuss the six standout startups: Filed, Avise, Truewind, Tabs, Keeper, and Remitian.

    From agentic AI to automated tax remittance, these companies are tackling the profession's most persistent pain points—freeing up firm capacity, boosting accuracy, and enabling deeper advisory services. You'll hear how these founders are thinking differently, what trends are shaking up the innovation landscape, and how firms are engaging as co-creators and early adopters.

    Whether you're a firm leader navigating digital transformation or just curious about what's next in the accounting profession, this episode delivers actionable insights, surprising trends, and a look at what it really takes to future-proof the practice.

    🔗 Learn more at CPA.com/accelerator

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    29 m
  • Beyond Compliance: The CPA Firm’s Path to Becoming a Trusted Advisor

    Beyond Compliance: The CPA Firm’s Path to Becoming a Trusted Advisor
    Mar 18 2025
    Trusted Business Advisor with Bill Reeb The accounting profession is undergoing a seismic transformation. Firms that have traditionally thrived on compliance services—tax preparation, audit, and financial reporting—are finding that their clients expect more. Today’s business owners don’t just need accountants; they need trusted advisors who can guide them through complex financial landscapes, strategic decisions, and future growth. In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, we sit down with Bill Reeb, an industry thought leader, former chair of the AICPA, and co-founder of the Succession Institute, to explore how CPAs can evolve into the role of strategic business advisors. Drawing from his extensive experience and insights from the 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey, Bill breaks down the opportunities and challenges of shifting from a compliance-based model to an advisory-first approach. The Shift to Advisory: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever The push toward advisory services isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessary evolution. CPAs who embrace this shift position themselves at the forefront of the profession, strengthening client relationships, increasing firm revenue, and future-proofing their business. Bill highlights some of the key drivers of this transformation, including: The increasing commoditization of compliance servicesTechnological advancements that automate transactional workRising client expectations for strategic guidanceThe profitability and scalability of advisory services In short, firms that fail to adapt risk losing relevance in a rapidly changing profession. But while the need for change is clear, execution remains a major hurdle for many firms. Lessons from the 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey As a major contributor to CPA.com’s 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey, Bill shares exclusive insights into how firms are adopting Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAS) and what the most successful ones are doing differently. CAS has been the proving ground for advisory services, allowing firms to move beyond bookkeeping and offer deeper financial insights. Key takeaways from the survey include: CAS practices continue to grow at a rapid pace, demonstrating the demand for high-value advisory services.Firms investing in CAS are seeing higher profitability per client compared to traditional compliance work.The most successful firms have well-defined governance structures that support advisory services. Bill emphasizes that firms looking to expand their advisory footprint should look at CAS as a model for growth, leveraging their existing client base while refining the skills necessary for higher-level consulting. Overcoming the Barriers to Advisory Transformation Many firms understand the importance of advisory services, yet struggle with implementation. Bill outlines the biggest challenges preventing firms from making this transition, including: ✅ Lack of Clear Leadership & Governance – Moving to an advisory-first model requires restructuring leadership roles, assigning clear responsibilities, and ensuring accountability at all levels. ✅ Resistance to Change – Many partners and team members are accustomed to traditional compliance work. Shifting firm culture to embrace advisory services requires strong change management strategies. ✅ Defining & Communicating Value – Firms need to rethink how they present their services to clients. Many business owners still see their CPA as just a tax preparer or auditor. Communicating the value proposition of advisory services is critical. ✅ Upskilling & Hiring – Advisory services require different competencies than traditional accounting. Firms must invest in upskilling their current teams while also recruiting talent with consulting, technology, and strategic planning expertise. The Skill Set of a Trusted Business Advisor To successfully transition into an advisory-first firm, CPAs must go beyond technical accounting knowledge and develop new soft skills and consulting competencies. Bill outlines some of the most important skills professionals should focus on: 🔹 Strategic Thinking – Helping clients plan for the future, beyond just compliance needs. 🔹 Data Analytics & Interpretation – Turning financial data into actionable insights. 🔹 Consultative Selling – Learning how to package and position advisory services effectively. 🔹 Technology & Automation – Leveraging tools that enhance efficiency and create new advisory opportunities. 🔹 Client Relationship Management – Shifting from transactional engagements to long-term strategic partnerships. Bill emphasizes that becoming a trusted advisor isn’t about replacing compliance work—it’s about enhancing it. CPAs who successfully integrate advisory services into their existing offerings create more value for clients and establish deeper relationships. Practical Steps to Start the Advisory Journey For firms eager to make this shift, Bill provides a roadmap for success, focusing...
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    44 m
  • Unlocking CAS Success: Key Insights from the latest Benchmark Survey

    Unlocking CAS Success: Key Insights from the latest Benchmark Survey
    Feb 24 2025

    In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, host Kalil Merhib is joined by Kim Blascoe from CPA.com and Beth Allen from GreerWalker to discuss the 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey findings. They dive deep into the evolving landscape of Client Advisory Services (CAS), highlighting trends in growth, pricing strategies, profitability, and technology adoption. The conversation explores how firms are leveraging efficiency, industry specialization, and dedicated CAS staff to drive success. Whether you're just starting your CAS practice or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help firms stay ahead in the evolving advisory landscape.

    🔗 Download the 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey Report
    ⭐ Enjoying the show? Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review!
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    30 m
  • Unlocking Growth & Transformation: Insights from Digital CPA 2024 with Jen Wood

    Unlocking Growth & Transformation: Insights from Digital CPA 2024 with Jen Wood
    Jan 27 2025

    In this episode of The Digital CPA Podcast, Jen Wood from The Bonadio Group shares her key insights from chairing the 2024 Digital CPA Conference. We explore how firms are leveraging AI to tackle capacity challenges, the rapid growth of CAS practices, and the transformative impact of cloud-based audit tools. Jen also discusses innovative strategies for firm leaders to evolve their business models, retain top talent, and embrace technology to drive success in 2025 and beyond. Don’t miss this conversation packed with actionable takeaways for firm transformation!

    For more episodes and resources, visit www.CPA.com. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders driving innovation and transformation in finance and technology.

    Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite listening platform!

    For additional resources check out:

    Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast.

    Jennifer Wood LinkedIn
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    35 m
  • Breaking Barriers in Accounting Tech: A Conversation with Jeff Seibert

    Breaking Barriers in Accounting Tech: A Conversation with Jeff Seibert
    Jan 8 2025

    Join host Kacee Johnson on the Digital CPA Podcast as she dives into the world of AI-powered solutions with Jeff Seibert, Founder and CEO of Digits. Discover how Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding Crashlytics to his work at Twitter, shaped his approach to innovation in accounting technology. Learn about achieving 100% AI accuracy, balancing responsible AI regulation with innovation, and overcoming barriers to tech adoption in public accounting. Jeff also shares his philosophy on dynamic user interfaces and his vision for the future of AI in the accounting profession.

    For more episodes and resources, visit www.CPA.com. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders driving innovation and transformation in finance and technology.

    Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast.

    Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite listening platform!
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    23 m
  • Private Equity in Accounting: Insights with Allan Koltin on Transformative Investment Trends

    Private Equity in Accounting: Insights with Allan Koltin on Transformative Investment Trends
    Dec 2 2024

    In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, hosts Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib sit down with Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group and one of the accounting profession’s most influential voices. Together, they explore the growing impact of private equity in accounting firms, from operational changes and cultural shifts to regulatory considerations and long-term implications for the industry. Allan also shares his expertise on mergers and acquisitions, providing insights into current trends, challenges, and strategies for firms of all sizes to thrive in an era of rapid transformation.

    Tune in to gain actionable advice and a forward-looking perspective on the evolving landscape of CPA firm growth.

    For more episodes and resources, visit www.CPA.com. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders driving innovation and transformation in finance and technology.

    Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast.

    Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite listening platform!
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    23 m
  • Transforming CPA Firms: Insights from Lisa Simpson on Business Model Transformation

    Transforming CPA Firms: Insights from Lisa Simpson on Business Model Transformation
    Nov 26 2024

    Podcast Description:
    In this episode, we’re joined by Lisa Simpson, VP of Firm Services at the AICPA, to explore the critical topic of business model transformation for CPA firms. Lisa shares insights on what business model transformation means, why it’s becoming essential, and the driving forces behind this shift. We’ll discuss the challenges firms face, the opportunities transformation presents, and practical advice for getting started. Lisa also sheds light on future trends shaping the industry and the role of leadership in fostering successful change. Don’t miss this conversation packed with actionable insights and strategies to help your firm stay competitive and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

    For more episodes and resources, visit www.CPA.com. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders driving innovation and transformation in finance and technology.

    Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast.

    Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite listening platform!

    For additional resources check out:

    https://www.cpa.com/town-hall

    www.aicpa-cima.com/tybm

    https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/landing/tales-of-business-evolution

    Email: pcps@aicpa.org
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    29 m