Earmark Podcast | Earn Free Accounting CPE – Details, episodes & analysis

Blake Oliver interviews Savannah Bananas CFO Tim Naddy to learn unconventional strategies for explosive business growth. Discover how this innovative sports entertainment team achieved a million-fan waitlist and sold out over 200 consecutive games. Tim will share insights on creating innovative revenue streams, developing fan-centric KPIs to drive profitability, and managing financial risks in rapidly scaling businesses. Whether you're in sports, entertainment, or another industry, discover how to apply these creative accounting practices to transform your financial approach. Walk away with actionable strategies to enhance customer engagement, boost growth, and reimagine your business's financial success.

(Originally recorded on August 7, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+)

Sponsor
MakersHub - https://earmarkcpe.promo/makershub

• (00:00) - How to Earn CPE
• (01:17) - Behind the Scenes with the Savannah Bananas
• (03:06) - The Role of a CPA in Sports Entertainment
• (04:40) - Educating the Next Generation of Creatives
• (07:37) - The Savannah Bananas Phenomenon
• (12:59) - Fan-Centric Business Model
• (20:23) - Challenges and Innovations in Finance
• (29:20) - Touring and Merchandise Strategy
• (34:48) - Partnering for Regional Warehousing
• (35:30) - Forecasting Inventory Needs
• (36:05) - Managing Merchandise Logistics
• (37:06) - Understanding Fan Data
• (39:03) - Finance Tech Stack Overview
• (49:12) - Challenges of Rapid Expansion
• (55:55) - Creative Accounting Practices
• (59:14) - Advice for Aspiring Accountants
• (01:02:10) - Conclusion and CPE Information

Download the Earmark CPE App
 
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Connect with Our Guest, Tim Naddy
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drtimnaddy221b

Learn more about The Savannah Bananas
https://thesavannahbananas.com/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Join Blake Oliver, CPA, and Scott Hodge, President Emeritus and Senior Policy Advisor at the Tax Foundation, for an engaging and insightful webinar that delves into the complexities of tax policy as discussed in Scott's new book, "Taxocracy." Discover how tax policies impact everyday expenses like housing, healthcare, and education, and learn surprising historical tax facts such as the 18th-century British “window tax” and its relevance to today's proposed wealth taxes.

(Originally recorded on July 25, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+)

Sponsor
Bookkeeping Biz Workshops  - https://earmarkcpe.promo/bbworkshop

• (00:46) - Introducing 'Taxocracy'
• (04:10) - Education and Tuition Costs
• (11:24) - Principles of Tax Policy
• (15:27) - Corporate Tax Rates Debate
• (24:23) - Tariffs and Economic Impact
• (29:42) - Impact of Trade Wars on Consumer Goods
• (31:03) - Tax Policies and Their Consequences
• (34:28) - Unintended Consequences of Tax Policies
• (36:57) - Creative Tax Avoidance Strategies
• (40:10) - The Role and History of the Tax Foundation
• (44:13) - Challenges and Future of Tax Reform
• (51:59) - Global Tax Systems and Their Benefits
• (53:58) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Download the Earmark CPE App
 
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Scott Hodge

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottahodge/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Audit is at a crossroads. Commoditization and compliance mentalities have diminished its value. Now, auditors face an existential crisis. How can assurance stay relevant? Join Alan Anderson and Blake Oliver as they tackle pressing questions on audit's failure to innovate and chart a new direction focused on value-added assurance. You’ll get a dynamic diagnosis of threats plus practical ideas to transform the profession before external forces make change urgent. Discover what’s at stake if audit no longer matters and how leadership today can write a better tomorrow.

(This episode originally aired on February 28, 2024 on Earmark Webinars+)

Sponsor
Client Hub - https://earmarkcpe.promo/clienthub

• (00:00) - EAP 66
• (01:57) - The Crossroads of Auditing: Challenges and Innovations
• (03:21) - Embracing Technology: The Future of Efficient Auditing
• (06:26) - Redefining the Audit Process: Closing the Expectation Gap
• (15:24) - Understanding Business Through Audits: The Value of Insight
• (27:38) - The Commoditization of Audits: A Call for Change
• (31:41) - Exploring the Flexibility in Auditing Standards
• (32:19) - The Shift Towards a More Rules-Based Approach
• (32:55) - The Impact of Standardized Methodologies on Auditing
• (33:48) - Revitalizing Auditing: Injecting Fun and Quality
• (36:16) - Addressing the Pipeline Issue: Making Auditing Appealing
• (41:04) - The Importance of Planning in Auditing
• (46:19) - Challenging the Billable Hours Model
• (50:53) - Leveraging Technology to Transform Auditing
• (52:38) - Concluding Remarks and Resources

Download the Earmark CPE App
 
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Alan Anderson

Website: https://www.accountabilityplus.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-anderson-0ab74227/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Do you have clients living or working abroad who could save big on their taxes? In this episode, expat tax specialist Vincenzo Villamena outlines creative strategies US citizens overseas can use to legally reduce their tax burden. Learn how your expat clients can exclude $120,000 in foreign earned income, set up offshore corporate structures to cut their tax rate in half, eliminate 15% self-employment tax, and more.

Sponsor
ShareFile - https://earmarkcpe.promo/sharefile

• (00:50) - Welcome Vincenzo to the Show
• (01:50) - Exploring Expat Taxation with Vincenzo Villamena
• (03:27) - Vincenzo's Journey from Corporate America to Entrepreneurship Outside of the US
• (09:53) - The Remote Work Revolution and Its Impact
• (12:36) - Navigating the Complex World of Expat Taxes
• (13:00) - Where are Most of Your Clients?
• (15:05) - Strategies for Expats to Optimize Taxes
• (24:10) - Understanding Corporate Structures and Tax Deferral
• (24:20) - The Good, the Bad, and the Planning of Tax Strategies
• (28:18) - What Work Do We Have to Do to Get These Benefits?
• (30:23) - Comprehensive Service Offerings: From Setup to Compliance
• (31:57) - How Do You Charge For Your Services?
• (33:12) - The Exponential Savings of Offshore Structuring
• (35:36) - Exploring the Vibrant Culture of Carnival in Brazil
• (37:22) - Building a Strong Remote Team Culture
• (41:57) - Leveraging Technology for Remote Collaboration
• (45:04) - A Day in the Life of an Expat Entrepreneur
• (50:38) - The Transformative Experience of Living Abroad
• (53:23) - Wrapping Up: Insights from an Expat Tax Expert

Download the Earmark CPE App
 
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Vincenzo Villamena

Website: https://onlinetaxman.com/
Website: https://globalexpatadvisors.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/online-taxman/
Twitter: Guest Twitter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnlineTaxman?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Instagram: https://instagram.com/onlinetaxman?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Blake’s conversation with Kendale King, CPA, gives an insider’s view into the intriguing world of entertainment finance. Kendale shares his transition from Big Four auditor to accounting for multi-million dollar studio deals. You’ll see a new side of accounting blending creativity with business strategy. Gain insight into entertainment studios’ complex “Hollywood Accounting” practices around profit participation and residuals. Understand Kendale’s integral role as crypto assets shape future accounting standards. Appreciate his vision to directly integrate CPA abilities into AI applications. If you want to hear an unconventional accounting journey and glimpse the opportunities for accountants to impact media and emerging technologies, join us for Kendale’s exclusive look behind the scenes.

Sponsor
Client Hub - https://earmarkcpe.promo/clienthub

• (00:45) - Welcome Kendale to the Show
• (01:53) - Favorite Gigs and the Impact of DreamCon
• (06:26) - The Transition from Deloitte to the Entertainment Industry
• (08:33) - Making the Leap to LA: From Audit to Entertainment Accounting
• (14:14) - Deep Dive into Entertainment Accounting with Netflix
• (16:29) - Understanding the Complexities of Content Accounting
• (22:37) - Why do Studios Shelve Finished Films?
• (26:51) - The Intricacies of Hollywood Accounting Explained
• (34:40) - The Evolution of Kendale's Own Firm: KCK
• (40:16) - The Pricing Puzzle: How KCK CPA Approaches Client Engagements
• (43:13) - How Can Accountants Learn the Entertainment Business?
• (46:40) - How Did Kendale Get into the Crypto Space?
• (49:27) - How Did You Get Invovled with FASB?
• (55:50) - Exploring AI in Accounting: The Future is Now
• (57:53) - Where to Reach Kendale

Download the Earmark CPE App
 
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Kendale King

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendale-king-cpa-90916721/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

(Originally recorded on February 15, 2024 on Earmark Webinars+)

Hector and Blake recount a brief history of QuickBooks Desktop vs QuickBooks Online through the end of 2023, the state of Intuit’s current offers and posturing in the market, and where they think QuickBooks is moving into for 2024 and beyond.

Chapters

• (01:11) - Hector's Journey: From Tax Practice to Tech Innovator
• (03:16) - A Deep Dive into QuickBooks' Evolution
• (07:12) - The Shift to QuickBooks Online and Its Ecosystem
• (11:41) - Predicting the Future: QuickBooks Desktop's Demise
• (12:08) - QuickBooks Online: Aiming for Total Workflow Control
• (14:03) - The Role of AI in Shaping QuickBooks' Future
• (16:08) - Intuit's Strategy: Moving Beyond Desktop Versions
• (25:21) - The Controversy Around QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping and Tax Services
• (30:15) - The Impact of QuickBooks on Accounting Professionals
• (31:16) - QuickBooks' Strategy for Tax Services
• (33:07) - The Evolution of QuickBooks Live and Assisted Services
• (35:14) - The Challenges of Running a Service Business vs. Software Company
• (37:22) - Intuit's Strategic Shift Towards Assisted Services
• (42:08) - The Future of Accounting: AI and Automation
• (48:02) - Listener Questions and Insights on QuickBooks Features
• (54:37) - Exploring TurboTax Verified Pro and Its Implications
• (57:08) - Closing Remarks and Resources

Earn CPE for this episode

https://app.earmarkcpe.com/?course_id=8b2e537a-e5f6-4c4d-a94f-c93b44000eba

Download the Earmark CPE App
 
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Hector Garcia, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hectormgarciacpa/
Website: http://www.hectorgarcia.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/qbkaccounting

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Rob Valdez joins Blake to discuss how artificial intelligence and generative chatbots like ChatGPT could automate routine audit tasks. They also explore the potential to train staff more effectively, save significant time on substantive testing, draft higher quality work, and some challenges around adopting these tools, such as security fears, poor system integration, and partners resistant to change.

Sponsor
ShareFile - https://earmarkcpe.promo/sharefile

• (00:53) - Rob Valdez Joins the Show to Talk About AI
• (02:27) - What Does Rob Do and What Is His Background?
• (03:35) - State of Artificial Intelligence in Audit
• (05:21) - Exploring the Use of AI Chatbots
• (08:55) - Potential of AI in Drafting Financial Statements
• (12:16) - The Future of AI with Audit
• (23:41) - Implications of AI on Audit Staff Roles
• (29:14) - The Power of Automation and Teamwork
• (31:00) - Challenges in Adopting AI in Firms
• (33:36) - The Inefficiencies of Current Data Management
• (35:53) - The Need for Integrated Systems
• (39:40) - What Will Motivate Aduit Firms To Adapt?
• (49:04) - The Possibility of Private Equity Getting Involved
• (53:30) - The Importance of Self-Disruption
• (54:59) - Thanks For Listening and How To Reach Rob

Download the Earmark CPE App
 
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Rob Valdez

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rob-valdez
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robvaldezcpa

Learn more about Novogradac

Website: https://www.novoco.com/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Phong Ngo and Charley Howe join Blake to discuss how their accounts payable automation software is helping small and mid-sized manufacturers, construction companies, and other businesses capture detailed invoice data to enable precise job costing and reporting without expensive ERP implementations. Learn how starting with solving the accounts payable data entry pain point allows them to streamline workflows while accounting firms and their clients gain efficiency. They also highlight the benefits of the MakersHub partner program for accountants.

Sponsor
MakersHub - https://earmarkcpe.promo/makershub

• (00:00) - Solving Accounts Payable Pain Points with MakersHub
• (00:53) - Welcome Charley and Phong from MakersHub to the show
• (01:14) - What makes MakersHub different from other AP solutions?
• (05:16) - The power of MakersHub's proprietary technology
• (06:18) - Phong's journey from engineering to business
• (09:14) - The limitations of solutions already on the market
• (12:13) - The vision for MakersHub
• (14:58) - Charley's journey from banking to startups
• (20:13) - The evolution of MakersHub
• (26:36) - Solving at the build level first
• (34:29) - Which accountants and bookkeepers is MakersHub For?
• (38:54) - Creating a product that creates value for accounting firms
• (44:21) - How does an accountant or firm get started with MakersHub?
• (46:49) - Thanks for listening and please reach out to learn more

Download the Earmark CPE App
 
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guests:

Charley Howe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-howe-7a9816118
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakersHub.aiOfficial/

Phong Ngo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phong-ngo

Learn more about MakersHub

Website: http://www.discover.makershub.ai/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Blake chats with Brandt Kucharski, former chief accounting officer at GrubHub and current CAO at Ethos Life, about his career journey from public accounting to leading startups through IPOs. They discuss Brandt's pivotal role in taking GrubHub public as one of the first "unicorn" startups, the process of scaling accounting teams and controls, nonprofit work with the Holiday Heroes Foundation, and thoughts on increasing accounting talent amid growing complexity.

Sponsor
ShareFile - https://earmarkcpe.promo/sharefile

• (01:06) - Welcome Brandt Kurcharski to the show
• (02:37) - Early Career and Joining GrubHub
• (05:07) - What was the first thing you did at GrubHub?
• (05:41) - The Journey to IPO
• (09:51) - What advice would you give a young controller going through an IPO
• (11:29) - Let's talk about GrubHub's tech stack at the time
• (15:26) - Building the Accounting Team at GrubHub
• (18:03) - The smartest thing you did at GrubHub
• (23:56) - Reflection on GrubHub's Success
• (25:21) - Biggest mistake you made at GrubHub
• (26:47) - Size of Your Accounting Team
• (29:03) - The Merger with Seamless and Going Public Again
• (31:09) - Let's talk Sarbanes-Oxley
• (34:47) - The Journey of Grubhub's Second Public Listing
• (35:54) - The Challenges of Merging and Going Public Again
• (37:53) - The Role of Charity in Personal Growth
• (41:04) - Accounting Challenges For a Charity
• (43:19) - The Journey from Grubhub to Ethos Life
• (47:35) - Accounting at Ethos vs GrubHub
• (49:14) - The Impact of Accounting Standards on Business
• (55:13) - The Accounting Talent Crisis and Possible Solutions
• (01:01:11) - Thanks for Listening and Remember to Subscribe

Download the Earmark CPE App
 
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Brandt Kucharski

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandtkucharski/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

On this bonus episode Blake explores how artificial intelligence will transform the accounting profession. You'll learn how leading AI tools and chatbots can help automate routine tasks, freeing you up to focus on more strategic, higher-value services. He'll also walk through real-world examples of using AI for document analysis, tax research, correspondence, transcript review, drafting/editing, and more. Whether you're a sole practitioner or work in a large firm, this episode will equip you with actionable tactics to drive efficiency with existing clients and expand your advisory services. Don't let AI disrupt accounting without you!

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Overview of AI Chatbots
• (01:11) - Potential of AI in Automating Accounting
• (02:43) - How AI Can Improve Communication in Accounting
• (03:19) - Current Usage of AI in Accounting
• (04:17) - Exploring Leading AI Chatbots
• (04:32) - Introduction to ChatGPT
• (06:22) - Introduction to Claude by Anthropic
• (07:03) - Introduction to BARD and Grammarly
• (08:19) - Using Bing Chat for Web Search
• (16:42) - Document Analysis with Claude
• (23:48) - Explaining Accounting Concepts with AI
• (31:12) - Exploring ChatGPT's Web Search Feature
• (31:41) - Answering Audience Questions: Data Protection in Microsoft Copilot
• (33:27) - Demonstrating ChatGPT's Response Generation
• (36:08) - Using AI for Client Questions and Voicemail Transcripts
• (41:36) - Drafting Policies and Procedures with AI
• (41:45) - Responding to IRS Notices with AI
• (46:48) - Summarizing Meeting Transcripts with AI
• (54:21) - Q&A and Closing Remarks

Download the Earmark CPE App
 
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/