Episodes

  • 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.

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

    For additional resources check out:

    https://www.cpa.com/insights

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    23 mins
  • 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.

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

    For additional resources check out:

    https://www.cpa.com/insights

    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 mins
  • AI & Auditing: Unlocking Efficiency and Trust in the CPA Profession
    Oct 24 2024

    In this episode of the *Digital CPA Podcast*, host Kalil Merhib, EVP of Growth & Professional Services at CPA.com, is joined by two industry leaders to dive into the transformative role of AI in auditing and the CPA profession. Our guests are Kevin Merlini, co-founder and CEO of Materia AI, and Jen Burns, Chief Auditor at the AICPA.

    We’ll explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of audit and financial reporting. Kevin shares his insights on using AI to unlock internal knowledge, reduce complexity, and drive efficiency in firms, while Jen provides an AICPA perspective on maintaining high-quality standards and ensuring public trust in financial reporting.

    From practical AI use cases to responsible data management, and strategies for smooth adoption of AI in firms, this episode covers the most pressing questions on the intersection of AI and the CPA profession. Tune in to hear how firms can balance AI-generated insights with professional judgment, the guidance AICPA is providing for AI implementation, and what the future holds for AI in accounting.

    Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on the future of AI and auditing!

    Kevin Merlini LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmerlini/

    For additional resources check out:

    https://accelerator.cpa.com/

    https://www.cpa.com/insights

    For more information about the Digital CPA conference, visit digitalcpa.com. To explore CPA.com's initiatives, visit www.CPA.com.

    Thank you for joining us and stay tuned for more episodes on your favorite podcast platform.

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    30 mins
  • Executive Roundtable Reflections: Insights with Dan Hood
    Oct 11 2024

    Welcome to the *Digital CPA Podcast*, where we explore how technology is transforming the accounting profession. We're joined today with Dan Hood, Editor-in-Chief of *Accounting Today*, as we dive into insights from the recent AICPA and CPA.com Executive Roundtable in New York City.

    This year’s roundtable focused on emerging trends impacting the profession, with topics ranging from responsible AI and its ethical implications to the growing influence of private equity in accounting firms. Dan and I discuss how AI is reshaping both traditional tasks and strategic advisory roles, the potential risks and opportunities presented by private equity, and the continued growth of advisory services fueled by new technologies like predictive analytics.

    Tune in for Dan’s key takeaways from the event and a look at what’s on the horizon for 2025. Don’t miss this insightful episode, and be sure to check out *Accounting Today*'s latest article on private equity for more in-depth coverage. Share your thoughts on social media with #DigitalCPA and #DCPA24.

    For additional resources check out:

    Harnessing transformation: Key takeaways from the 2024 AICPA/CPA.com Executive Roundtable

    https://accelerator.cpa.com/

    https://www.cpa.com/insights

    For more information about the Digital CPA conference, visit digitalcpa.com. To explore CPA.com's initiatives, visit www.CPA.com.

    Thank you for joining us and stay tuned for more episodes on your favorite podcast platform.

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    23 mins
  • The Value of Time With Lisa Griffith
    Sep 13 2024

    In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, hosts Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib sit down with Lisa Griffith, Head of Partnerships + Strategy for Accounting at Laurel, an AI Time Automation company. Together, they explore the evolving concept of time tracking in public accounting and how it's shifting from traditional billing methods to more productivity-focused, value-based approaches. Lisa shares her insights on the challenges firms face as they pivot away from billing by the hour, the role of AI in transforming time management, and the exciting trends in accounting technology for the second half of 2024. Tune in to learn how firms can unlock new levels of performance and profitability by rethinking the value of time.

    Don't miss this conversation with one of the trailblazers in accounting technology!

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagriffith3/ https://www.laurel.ai/

    For additional resources check out:

    https://accelerator.cpa.com/

    https://www.cpa.com/insights

    For more information about the Digital CPA conference, visit digitalcpa.com. To explore CPA.com's initiatives, visit www.CPA.com.

    Thank you for joining us and stay tuned for more episodes on your favorite podcast platform.

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    22 mins
  • Building Digital Readiness: Insights from Chad Osgood
    Aug 29 2024

    In this episode of the Digital CPA podcast, Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib sit down with Chad Osgood, co-founder of Digilence, to explore the cutting-edge world of digital transformation. As a leading expert in digital evolution for CPA firms, Chad will guide us through the essentials of successfully navigating a digital overhaul. We’ll uncover what it truly means to be a “digital firm,” identify common gaps in current technology ecosystems, and reveal how immediate digital upgrades can drive substantial benefits for your practice.

    Chad brings a wealth of experience, offering practical insights into the challenges of adapting to new technologies and the concept of “applification”—the explosion of tech apps and its impact on firm strategies. We’ll discuss actionable steps for transforming your firm, the differences between digital transformation and mere tech adoption, and strategies to overcome common hurdles.

    Whether you’re a tech-savvy pro or just beginning to explore digital strategies, this episode will equip you with valuable knowledge to elevate your firm’s technology and streamline your operations. Don’t miss out on this essential conversation for a tech-forward future!

    For additional resources check out:

    https://accelerator.cpa.com/

    http://www.digilence.com

    https://www.cpa.com/insights

    For more information about the Digital CPA conference, visit digitalcpa.com. To explore CPA.com's initiatives, visit www.CPA.com.

    Thank you for joining us and stay tuned for more episodes on your favorite podcast platform.

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    26 mins
  • Generational Gaps and Remote Leadership with Jen Wilson
    Jul 26 2024

    Welcome to the Digital CPA podcast, in this episode we are joined by Jen Wilson, co-founder of Convergence Coaching and a long-standing member of the DCPA community. Jen brings her extensive experience in leadership strategies and talent development to discuss key challenges in today's work environment, focusing on managing generational gaps and the hybrid aspect of work.

    Jen provides insights into the characteristics of different generational cohorts in the workplace, strategies for bridging technological proficiency gaps, and managing varying career expectations. The conversation also covers trends in hybrid, in-office, and remote work, and effective leadership strategies for fostering inclusive communication and leveraging team strengths.

    Tune in for Jen's vision on the future of leadership in a multi-generational workplace and how CPA firms can prepare for future generational shifts. Don't miss out on learning about the upcoming Digital CPA conference and Jen's pre-conference workshop.

    Additional Resources:

    RTO: https://convergencecoaching.com/dont-repel-your-people-with-rto-master-remote-and-blended-instead/

    RTO feelings AND coffee badging: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/16/quiet-quitting-and-coffee-badging-why-employees-dont-want-to-work.html

    Anytime, Anywhere Work Survey (closes 7/25/24 for input): https://bit.ly/ATAWW2024

    Jen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwilsonprofile/

    For more information about the Digital CPA conference, visit digitalcpa.com. To explore CPA.com's initiatives, visit www.CPA.com. Thank you for joining us, and stay tuned for more episodes on your favorite podcast platform.

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    26 mins
  • Beyond the Point & Click: Mastering Tech Upskilling and Vertical Specialization in Accounting
    Jul 8 2024


    Welcome to the Digital CPA Podcast, join Kacee, Kalil, and Elinor as they share their perspectives on the role of technology in reshaping accounting practices and discuss strategies for upskilling and staying relevant in today's tech-driven world. Whether you're a seasoned CPA or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for embracing technology and driving innovation in the world of accounting.

    In this episode, Elinor Litwack, a Partner at GRF CPAs, dives into the fascinating realm of technology upskilling. A seasoned professional in tech and innovation strategy within the firm, brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. As a former Advisory Board member of Digital CPA, Elinor sheds light on the current state of technology skills among CPAs, identifying common gaps and highlighting the importance of staying ahead in the tech game.

    Exploring the nuances between basic and advanced tech skills, offering real-world examples of how technology is revolutionizing the accounting industry. From leveraging advanced technology applications to navigating the challenges of constantly evolving tech landscapes in accounting practices.

    Tune in and discover how technology is transforming the way we work and the opportunities it presents for growth and success.

    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:

    https://www.cpa.com/insights

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    20 mins