Explore every episode of the podcast Earmark Podcast | Earn Free Accounting CPE
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Can Run Payroll. What Should Accountants Do Next? | 16 oct. 2026 | 00:35:24 | |
AI creates capacity, but it doesn’t create demand. CPA Echo Zhong joins Blake Oliver to explain how her firm uses Claude and Gusto to prepare payroll and update cash flow forecasts—and how automation helped her payroll manager move toward tax advisory. Learn why saving time is only the beginning, how to charge for owning the client’s problem, and why trust and human relationships still matter when software can do more of the work. Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/echozhong Learn more about Zhong & Sanchez Official website: https://www.zhongsanchez.com/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Is Your AI Investment Paying Off? What Finance Leaders Should Measure | 05 oct. 2026 | 00:36:15 | |
AI is taking on routine accounting work—but what should accountants do next? Blake Oliver talks with Mike DePrisco, CEO of the Institute of Management Accountants, about measuring AI’s payoff through faster closes, fewer errors, and better forecasts. They also explore corporate career paths, the shift toward strategic thinking and storytelling, and why case-based training matters. Learn how targeted skill-building and continuous learning can help you stay relevant as the work changes. Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-deprisco/ Learn more about IMA® — the Institute of Management Accountants Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| The Fight to Save the CPA License: Inside FICPA's Two-Year Battle | 06 juil. 2026 | 00:28:55 | |
Could Florida have quietly unraveled CPA licensure? In this episode, Blake Oliver talks with FICPA CEO Shelly Weir about the legislation that threatened to eliminate Florida’s Board of Accountancy, scrap CPE requirements, and weaken the CPA license. Shelly explains how the profession fought back, why mobility and interstate commerce were central to the case, and where CPAs can embrace smart modernization without giving up public protection. Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellysiceloff Learn more about the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| The Future of Accounting is Human | 11 juin 2026 | 00:34:15 | |
Karl Paadam made partner at PwC Estonia at 26, spent a decade in tech, and came back to build United Accountants on a contrarian thesis: the future of accounting is human. He joins Blake to explain how a firm can hand bookkeeping, categorization, and reconciliation to an AI operating system that layers on top of whatever software a firm already runs, freeing CPAs to keep their local brand and focus on judgment and advisory work. They also get into outcomes-based pricing, what it means to build "the first big small firm," and why the accountant who ignores AI is the one who gets replaced. Chapters
Learn more about United Accountants https://www.unitedaccountants.com/ Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast Download the Earmark CPE App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/karl-paadam-39730214 Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| 89% of Accountants Say AI Pays Off—So What’s the Catch? | 22 mai 2026 | 00:34:56 | |
Is AI really replacing accountants—or just changing the job? Blake Oliver talks with Capterra analyst David Jani about new survey data showing where AI is gaining traction in accounting, from chatbots and data entry to forecasting and fraud detection. They unpack why 89% of users report ROI, why firms are still struggling to hire, and why weak AI data-handling policies could create serious security problems. Accounting Trends in 2026: How AI is Changing Work, Skills, and Strategy
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Learn more about Capterra https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Progression or Extinction: AI’s Accounting Reckoning | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:55:29 | |
What if AI wipes out the entry-level accounting work firms have relied on for decades? Blake Oliver talks with Sikich managing principal Richard Lynch about the rise of the “super accountant,” why the pyramid-shaped firm may become a diamond, and how AI could force firms to rethink training, billing, and performance metrics. You’ll hear what firm leaders must change now—and what happens to those who don’t adapt. Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardlynch/ | |||
| Pricing, Offshoring, and AI: Inside the Numbers at Accounting Firms | 02 avr. 2026 | 00:32:32 | |
What does the data actually say about where accounting firms are headed? Blake Oliver talks with Chelsea Summers of Inside Public Accounting about the real numbers behind firm performance, pricing, staffing, offshoring, advisory growth, and AI adoption. You’ll hear why top firms aren’t just working people harder, how offshore teams are boosting margins, and why hourly billing may be the biggest obstacle to using technology well. Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseasummers620/ Learn more about Inside Public Accounting http://insidepublicaccounting.com Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| The IRS is Coming for Crypto: Coinbase’s VP of Tax Explains What Happens Next | 20 mars 2026 | 00:35:16 | |
Blake sits down with Lawrence Zlatkin, VP of Tax at Coinbase, to unpack the state of crypto taxation. From how the IRS treats digital assets as property to the new 1099-DA, stablecoin reporting burdens, and the policy changes Coinbase is pushing for in Washington, this episode covers what tax pros need to know now and where the rules may be headed next. Chapters
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Lawrence Zlatin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-zlatkin-880417b https://www.coinbase.com | |||
| What Private Equity Really Changes Inside an Accounting Firm wiith Devin Mathews | 05 mars 2026 | 00:54:28 | |
What really happens after private equity buys your CPA firm? ParkerGale partner Devin Mathews joins Blake to unpack why partners cheer while staff chafe, how PE drives returns (bill rates, utilization, acquisitions), and what managers should demand: a clear value‑creation plan and a path to upside. They also dig into AI’s true impact—raising the ceiling, squeezing entry‑level work—and why this might be your cue to start an AI‑first firm. Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinmathews Learn more about ParkerGale Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Inside Thomson Reuters’ Plan to Automate the Tax Return | 05 févr. 2026 | 00:49:28 | |
AI won’t replace accountants—but AI-enabled firms will outcompete them. Blake Oliver sits down with Thomson Reuters’ Elizabeth Beastrom and Kirat Sekhon to map the end-to-end tax workflow, from document intake and auto-population (SurePrep) to delivery and e-sign (SafeSend), and into year-round advisory with CoCounsel and Ready to Advise. Learn how to “kill the questionnaire,” free staff from data entry, build an open tech stack, and turn tax prep into subscription advisory. Chapters
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Elizabeth Beastrom https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-beastrom/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirat-sekhon-2172022/ Learn more about Thomson Reuters Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Excel and AI: Code Your Way to Hours Back Every Week | 17 déc. 2025 | 00:59:56 | |
You open Excel daily, but are you using AI to make it work for you? While 58% of professionals have tried AI, only 17% use it regularly—a missed opportunity. Join CPA Kyle Ashcraft in this hands-on webinar to learn vibe coding—a no-programming approach using Cursor AI to automate repetitive Excel tasks. Watch Kyle transform messy spreadsheets, organize GL data, and reconcile transactions with simple AI prompts while keeping data secure. You'll get three ready-to-use scripts plus a framework to automate countless tasks and reclaim hours weekly. (Originally recorded on October 20, 2025, on Earmark Webinars+) Chapters
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Intro to Cursor PDF Guide - https://mcusercontent.com/02dbcae4a3e3f15021db25a0c/files/deff5647-e0a3-51d7-4225-cf8b3a48532d/Cursor_AI_Quick_Guide.pdf Webinar presentation - https://ai.maxwellstudy.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-ashcraft-cpa-7638a42a Learn more about Maxwell CPA Review Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Auditing at the Speed of Risk with Richard Chambers | 09 nov. 2025 | 00:54:38 | |
Are you auditing at the speed of risk? Richard Chambers—50-year internal audit veteran and AuditBoard advisor—joins Blake to map the path forward. Hear why AI now ranks as risk #1, how to build continuous risk monitoring, and what “independence, not isolation” means for the three-lines model. Learn where CAEs should start with AI (risk assessment, analysis, reporting), how to audit culture and AI governance, and how to earn audit committee trust with no surprises. Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-chambers-a5108914/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| The Future of Advisory: Unlocking Your Firm’s CFO Potential | 22 oct. 2025 | 00:28:03 | |
Live from Boston on the final stop of the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with James Erving from Fathom and Chris Macksey from Prix Fixe Accounting to explore what advisory services really mean beyond bookkeeping and compliance. Chris shares how his firm requires advisory for all restaurant clients, using industry expertise and operational metrics to guide decisions on everything from menu pricing to expansion timing. The conversation covers the difference between delivering information versus being integral to decision-making, with insights on forecasting, benchmarking, and why visual KPIs help clients with low financial literacy understand their business performance. Chapters
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James Erving LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameserving/ Learn more about Fathom Official website: http://fathomhq.com Chris Macksey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmacksey/ Learn more about Prix Fixe Accounting Official website: https://prixfixe.accountants/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Leading with Empathy: Building Teams That Thrive | 16 oct. 2025 | 00:31:49 | |
On the fifth stop of the Advisory Amplified tour in Atlanta, Blake sits down with Lisa Gilreath of Acuity and Valerie Heckman of OnPay to discuss what empathetic leadership actually looks like in an industry notorious for long hours and tight deadlines. The conversation covers everything from recognizing when team members are struggling to handling toxic high performers, with real talk about building slack into capacity planning and why unused PTO is a red flag. Lisa and Valerie share concrete steps for creating a culture where people feel supported enough to lean in when it matters most.
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Valerie Heckman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieheckman/ Learn more about OnPay Official website: https://onpay.com Lisa Gilreath LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-gilreath-2ba506a/ Learn more about Sorren Official website: https://sorren.com/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Banking on Change: How Renegade Firms Redefine Success | 10 oct. 2025 | 00:33:21 | |
Live from Austin on the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with Madeline Reeves of Fearless Foundry and Wesley McDonald of Relay to explore what it truly means to be a renegade in accounting: firms that lead clients to somewhere new rather than settle for "the way things have always been done." The conversation explores why top firms aren't afraid to say no to the wrong clients, how transparency in compensation and career pathways can address the talent crisis, and the hard-won lessons learned about building cultures of collaboration over competition. Chapters
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Madeline Reeves LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinefearless/ Learn more about Fearless Foundry Official website: http://www.fearlessfoundry.com Wesley McDonald LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmcdonald48/?originalSubdomain=ca Learn more about Relay Official website: https://relayfi.com Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Unlocking Capacity: The Workflow Revolution | 09 oct. 2025 | 00:31:09 | |
Blake sits down with Mary Delaney, CEO of Karbon, and Kenji Kuramoto, co-founder of Acuity, to explore how standardizing workflows can unlock growth without sacrificing the artistry of advisory work. They discuss Karbon's acquisition of Aider, the power of time studies to identify automation opportunities, and why getting senior advisors to embrace process requires framing workflow as empowerment rather than micromanagement. Kenji shares lessons from building Acuity's advisory practice and why workflow due diligence became critical during their 14-firm merger with Sorren. Chapters
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Mary Delaney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marywdelaney/ Learn more about Karbon Official website: http://karbonhq.com Kenji Kuramoto Learn more about Acuity Official website: https://acuity.co Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Pricing For Profit: Unlocking Your Firm’s True Value | 04 oct. 2025 | 00:27:00 | |
Most accounting firms are dramatically underpricing their services, but the fear of losing clients keeps them stuck. Marie Greene and Ryan Embry join Blake for a live conversation in LA about spotting underpricing, having the repricing conversation, and why your worst clients are often the most price-insensitive. Plus, a live role-play demonstration of how to navigate a difficult pricing conversation. Chapters Download the Earmark CPE App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app
Ryan Embree LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-embree-9463b286/ Learn more about Ignition http://ignitionapp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariegreene/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Burning It Down To Build Better: How Community Is Key To Battling Burnout | 01 oct. 2025 | 00:30:58 | |
Recorded live in Seattle at the first stop of the Advisory Amplified tour, Blake sits down with Madeline Reeves (Fearless Foundry) and Lynette O'Connell (Burnout Bestie) to discuss the hard truths about burnout in accounting. Madeline shares how losing half her agency's revenue in 30 days forced her to stop trying to be likable and start building the business she actually wanted, while Lynette explains why nobody was coming to save her after scheduling overnight work shifts to keep up. They break down the three categories of burnout symptoms most accountants miss, why this profession attracts people whose love language is acts of service, and how to stop being the glue holding everything together.
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Madeline Reeves LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinefearless/ Learn more about Fearless Foundry Official website: http://www.fearlessfoundry.com Lynette Oss Connell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnette-oss-connell-cpa/ Learn more about Burnout Bestie Official website: https://www.burnoutbestie.com/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| From Rules to Agents: Accounting’s Next Workflow | 27 sept. 2025 | 00:53:48 | |
Can an AI‑native general ledger really automate the monthly close without losing control? Blake talks with Digits CEO Jeff Seibert about an “autonomous GL” built on a vector graph model, AI agents that research unknown transactions and auto‑reconcile to pixel‑matched statements, and human‑in‑the‑loop safeguards. Learn where Digits fits best today, how to pilot it with clients, price AI‑powered CAS, and keep trust with audit trails, object‑level permissions, and deterministic reporting.
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Website: https://jeffseibert.com/ Learn more about Digits Website: https://digits.com/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Stop Being the Bottleneck: The Six-Part Delegation Playbook for Accounting Firms | 12 sept. 2025 | 00:52:51 | |
Still running every meeting and answering every Slack ping? Blake Oliver talks with Chase Damiano of Human at Scale about escaping founder bottlenecks. Learn a six-part delegation framework (responsibility, purpose, success, process, resources, decisions), turn 1:1s into leadership labs, build a team responsibility inventory and a delegation roadmap, and see why great prompts mirror great delegation. Leave with practical steps to hand off meetings, elevate decision-making, and reclaim time for strategy and growth.
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedamiano/ Learn more about Human at Scale Visit Website
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| Breaking the "We've Always Done It This Way" Cycle | 28 août 2025 | 00:58:49 | |
Why do so many accounting firms struggle to bridge the gap between their stated values and actual workplace culture? In this episode, Blake Oliver sits down with Erin Daiber, founder of Well Balanced Accountants, to explore how firms can move beyond culture theory to real operational change. You'll discover why "we've always done it this way" thinking kills retention, learn specific strategies for showing appreciation without micromanaging, and understand how being too busy prevents the culture improvements you need most. Erin shares her framework for defining your current culture honestly, creating accountability structures that stick, and making small changes that build significant cultural shifts over time.
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpacoacherin/ Learn more about Well Balanced Accountants Website: https://www.wellbalancedaccountants.com/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| The Small-Business Economy in 2025: What Your Clients Need to Know | 11 août 2025 | 00:51:46 | |
What should you tell clients when tariffs increase and hiring slows? Blake Oliver discusses with Gusto senior economist Nicholas Tremper the effects on small businesses of high tariffs, reduced job growth, and a tighter labor market influenced by immigration policy. Find out how advising on cash flow and employee benefits can help your clients identify opportunities in a post-pandemic startup boom driven by artificial intelligence. Learn more about Gusto
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichtremper | |||
| The Auditability Problem That's Breaking Accounting AI | 24 juil. 2025 | 00:54:49 | |
Please note: This episode was recorded before changes were made to the Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminated the removal of the PCAOB. What happens when AI agents start doing your journal entries and reconciliations? Mike Whitmire, founder and CEO of Floqast, explains why accounting AI is fundamentally different from other business applications—and why auditability creates unique challenges that many companies will struggle to overcome. In this conversation, you'll learn how Floqast Transform enables accountants to build AI agents using simple narrative descriptions, thereby creating comprehensive audit trails while automating repetitive tasks. Mike walks through real-world examples, from benefit allocation journal entries to variance analysis, demonstrating how the "human-in-the-loop" approach handles exceptions and ensures compliance. Plus, hear his vision for the future accounting professional as an "accounting cyborg" who manages AI agents rather than junior staff. Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcwhitmire/ Learn more about FloQast Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| From Homeless to $20 Billion Deals: An Accountant's Journey | 10 juil. 2025 | 00:52:40 | |
What happens when a homeless 21-year-old musician transforms into a financial leader negotiating $20 billion deals at Google? Devon Coombs shares his remarkable journey from living in his car after his recording studio failed to becoming an ASC 606 revenue recognition expert who helped shape multibillion-dollar cloud contracts. You'll discover how he leveraged technical accounting expertise to leapfrog traditional career paths, why he cold-called a thousand controllers as a first-year auditor, and his predictions for how AI will transform accountants into "orchestrators" rather than individual contributors. Plus, learn why he's leaving Google to build a consulting practice focused on helping the profession adapt to an AI-driven future.
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| The Employee Benefits Advisory Opportunity: Why Small Businesses Need Your Help | 27 juin 2025 | 00:50:22 | |
Small businesses offering 401(k) plans see 40% lower employee turnover in the first year, yet only 10% receive benefits guidance from their accountants. Justin Kurn explains how Dark Horse CPAs identifies the right triggers, such as growing staff or high turnover, to initiate benefits conversations. Meanwhile, Julia Miller from Gusto breaks down how accountants can help clients navigate the cost and complexity of offering health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits. The conversation reveals how positioning yourself as a benefits advisor can double or triple your fees while helping clients attract better talent and reduce costly employee churn. Learn more about Gusto
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Julia Miller Justin Kurn | |||
| Why Historical Cost Accounting Is Broken (And What Could Fix It) | 20 juin 2025 | 00:50:30 | |
What if the foundation of financial accounting is fundamentally flawed? Tom Selling, author of The Accounting Onion blog, argues that historical cost accounting creates a "truth in labeling problem" that allows management to manipulate earnings while failing to capture economic reality. Through compelling examples from oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and subscription businesses, he explains why value creation often occurs years before GAAP recognizes a single dollar of revenue. You'll discover how a $2 change in expected cash flows can trigger a $400,000 impairment loss, why the FASB shifted focus from earnings to balance sheets, and how current corporate governance essentially lets management "grade their own papers." This conversation challenges core assumptions about what accounting should measure and offers a provocative vision for reform. Chapters
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The Accounting Onion: http://accountingonion.com Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| The $400 Million Question: Should Congress Eliminate the PCAOB? | 05 juin 2025 | 00:50:13 | |
What happens when Congress votes to eliminate the watchdog that's overseen public company audits for two decades? In this episode, Blake Oliver sits down with three leading accounting academics—Maureen McNichols from Stanford, Nemit Shroff from MIT, and Daniel Aobdia from Penn State—to examine the research behind the PCAOB's effectiveness and what elimination could mean for audit quality. You'll discover why companies with clean audit inspections can raise capital more easily, how the infamous "40% deficiency rate" actually works, and why these researchers believe dismantling the PCAOB could undermine trust in U.S. capital markets. The conversation reveals the hidden economics of audit oversight and explains why there hasn't been a major public company fraud since Enron and WorldCom. Chapters
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Maureen McNichols Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Why CPAs Must Be 2.7x More Productive by 2035 (And How to Get There) | 23 mai 2025 | 00:51:22 | |
What if private equity could transform accounting firms without sacrificing their independence? David Wurtzbacher, founder of Ascend, shares how his "anti-rollup" model allows firms to maintain their identities while accessing enterprise-level resources. Discover why transitioning firm leaders from client work to true CEO roles unlocks explosive growth, and how employee equity ownership creates alignment across organizations. With CPAs needing to be 2.7 times more productive by 2035, David reveals practical strategies for talent acquisition, business development, and technology that are helping mid-sized firms not just survive but thrive in an increasingly complex profession.
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwurtzbacher/ Learn more about Ascend Website: https://www.ascendtogether.com/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Beyond the Purchase: The Make-or-Break Integration Phase of Firm Acquisitions | 01 mai 2025 | 00:48:35 | |
What happens after the ink dries on an accounting firm acquisition? Michael Ly and Ashley Rhoden reveal why many buyers overinvest in the purchase but underinvest in the crucial integration phase. Drawing from their hard-won experiences—both successful and unsuccessful—they walk through how to develop a comprehensive 100-day integration plan that begins during due diligence. You'll learn why keeping key employees is the difference between retaining and losing clients, how to effectively communicate changes to minimize disruption, and when to choose between a full roll-up versus platform approach. Whether you're considering an acquisition or have one in progress, this practical roadmap helps you navigate the complexities of merging firms. Chapters
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Michael Ly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelly/ Ashley Rhoden LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyrhodenmba/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Military Precision: How Veterans Can Solve the Accounting Talent Crisis | 11 avr. 2025 | 00:47:25 | |
What if the solution to accounting's talent shortage has been hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Navy veteran Mark Steinhoff reveals how the precision required to maintain life support systems on submarines directly translates to accounting excellence. Having managed critical oxygen systems hundreds of feet underwater, Mark now applies that same meticulous attention to detail as an accountant for a water utility. With the profession facing a 70,000-person annual deficit while 200,000 service members transition to civilian life each year, discover how military experience with procedures, documentation, and quality assurance creates natural accounting professionals—and why veterans might be the untapped talent pool accounting desperately needs. Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marknsteinhoff/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Behind the Numbers: The Truth About PCAOB Deficiency Rates | 28 mars 2025 | 00:55:10 | |
What if the numbers we use to measure audit quality are fundamentally flawed? PCAOB Board Member Christina Ho reveals why the headline-grabbing 46% deficiency rate in public company audits deserves serious scrutiny. In this candid conversation, Ho explains why smaller audit firms face disproportionate regulatory burdens, how the PCAOB's inspection approach may distort quality metrics, and why less than 5% of "deficient" audits result in incorrect opinions. She also shares her experience of being publicly criticized by Senator Elizabeth Warren for challenging the status quo. Whether you're an auditor, investor, or financial professional, this insider perspective will transform how you interpret future audit quality statistics.
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https://pcaobus.org/about/the-board/board-bios/christina-ho Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| How to Use AI to Analyze Data and Draft Financial Reports in Minutes | 20 mars 2025 | 00:48:06 | |
In this episode, Blake Oliver interviews Nicolas Boucher, one of LinkedIn's top finance thought leaders, who demonstrates how AI tools like ChatGPT and Python can dramatically accelerate financial data analysis and reporting while maintaining confidentiality. Nicolas shows how finance professionals can create instant analyses and dashboards, integrate AI with existing systems, and automate repetitive tasks to save time and advance their careers. Chapters
Connect with Our Guest, Nicolas Boucherhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bouchernicolas/ https://nicolasboucher.online/ https://www.youtube.com/@nicolasboucherfinance Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast Download the Earmark CPE App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app
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| The Future of CPA Licensure: How Evolving Rules Could Impact Your Career | 07 mars 2025 | 00:58:55 | |
Join leaders from the Illinois, New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania state CPA societies as they explore recent and proposed CPA licensure changes. Discover the latest state-by-state updates, timelines, and resources you need to stay on track. We address the 150-hour rule, potential alternative pathways, and practical mobility and reciprocity concerns. Whether you’re a student or a candidate, gain real-world guidance to confidently navigate your journey toward the CPA license. (Originally recorded on March 4, 2025, on Earmark Webinars+)
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Geoffrey Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-brown-cae-9039484 Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Beyond the Tax Hacks: Why Implementation Trumps Theory with Jasmine DiLucci | 27 févr. 2025 | 00:49:26 | |
Ever wondered why there's so much questionable tax advice circulating on social media? In this eye-opening episode, Blake Oliver sits down with Jasmine DiLucci, a rare triple-threat professional - attorney, CPA, and enrolled agent with nearly 500,000 YouTube subscribers. Jasmine pulls back the curtain on why tax misinformation spreads like wildfire online and reveals the number one reason tax strategies fail (even legitimate ones): poor implementation and documentation. Through her journey from taking over her parents' small practice to building a multi-million dollar firm, she shares hard-earned wisdom about scaling a tax practice and finding team members who can uphold your standards. You'll discover how Jasmine unexpectedly found that her social media presence attracted not just clients, but exceptional talent to her firm. She also provides practical insights on tax resolution work, dealing with the IRS, and resources that can help tax professionals level up their expertise. Whether you're a tax practitioner looking to grow or a business owner wanting to avoid tax pitfalls, this conversation delivers valuable takeaways that could save you thousands in an audit. Sponsor Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminedilucci/ Learn more about DiLucci CPA Firm Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| How CPAs Are Securing the Future of Digital Assets | 06 janv. 2025 | 00:53:55 | |
Noah Buxton, CEO of The Network Firm, returns to continue the conversation on the evolving world of digital assets. Blake and Noah examine how digital assets have expanded beyond cryptocurrencies to include tokenized real-world assets like real estate and commodities. Noah explains how blockchain technology could revolutionize asset trading and ownership verification and dives into "proof of reserves" reports, highlighting both the importance and current limitations of these reports in protecting investors. He also shares some insights into the growing opportunities for CPAs in the digital asset space, including how firms can develop expertise in blockchain attestation services. Chapters
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LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/noahbuxton Learn more about The Network Firm Website: https://www.thenetworkfirm.com/about-us Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Bitcoin: Prudent Investment or Pricey Gamble? | 27 déc. 2024 | 00:55:24 | |
Blake challenges guest Noah D. Buxton, Co-Founder and CEO of The Network Firm, to make the case for Bitcoin’s lasting value. They explore the nature of money, the complexities of digital scarcity, the inevitability of tokenized real-world assets, and the forces driving institutional interest in cryptocurrency. This candid exchange offers insights into what truly underpins Bitcoin’s worth, how regulators and investors view it, and why blockchain technology is poised to reshape finance as we know it. Whether you’re a skeptic or believer, this discussion reveals the evolving landscape of digital assets. (Originally recorded on December 12, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+) Sponsor Chapters
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LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/noahbuxton Learn more about The Network Firm Website: https://www.thenetworkfirm.com/about-us Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Work Less, Earn More: Transforming Accounting into a Rewarding Career | 14 déc. 2024 | 01:02:06 | |
Join Blake Oliver as he interviews Yuri Kapilovich, a CPA who's cracked the code on balancing work and life in accounting. Discover how Yuri maintains a thriving practice while working just 10-15 hours per week outside tax season and a maximum of 40 hours during crunch time. Learn actionable strategies for setting the right fees, optimizing workflows, and prioritizing fun and family without sacrificing success. Yuri will share his insights on transforming accounting from a grueling profession into an enjoyable and rewarding career. This webinar will equip you with practical tools to revolutionize your work-life balance and rediscover the joy in accounting. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your career more fulfilling and efficient! (Originally recorded on December 4, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+) Sponsor Chapters
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Learn more about The Fun CPA Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Building a $200K Accounting Firm in Just 15 Hours a Week | 01 nov. 2024 | 01:01:51 | |
Erica Goode, CPA, reveals how she built a thriving $200K accounting firm working just 15 hours a week. Discover the power of niching, efficient processes, and work-life balance in this candid discussion. Erica will share her journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial success, offering practical insights on pricing strategies, time management, and building authority in your niche. Whether you're considering starting your own firm or optimizing your existing practice, this webinar will inspire and equip you to reimagine what's possible in your accounting career. (Originally recorded on October 16, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+) Sponsor Show Notes Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-goode-cpa-00205616/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Beyond Partnerships: Revolutionizing CPA Firms for the Modern Era | 18 oct. 2024 | 00:54:07 | |
Join Ryan Spohn, CFO of Sikich, and host Blake Oliver to explore how modern CPA firms are revolutionizing the industry by abandoning the traditional partnership model. Discover innovative strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, including Sikich's alternative practice structure and novel performance metrics. Learn how firms shift from "total hours worked" to holistic evaluations of effectiveness, client satisfaction, and quality. We'll also discuss service diversification, internal mobility, and technology investments. Plus, get insights on Sikich's recent $250M Bain Capital investment. Don't miss this opportunity to understand the future of accounting firms! (Originally recorded on September 26, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+) Sponsor Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-spohn-9b21431/ | |||
| From SoCal to Tokyo: One CPA's Journey in International Tax | 06 oct. 2024 | 00:57:14 | |
Join Blake Oliver for an interview with Eric Azevedo, a California CPA who has set up his own international tax practice in rural Japan. Discover how Eric leveraged his Japanese language skills to break into Tokyo's accounting scene and the unique challenges he faced. We'll delve into the complexities of international taxation, U.S. expat issues, and strategies for effective cross-border tax preparation. Whether you're planning an international move or interested in global accounting, gain valuable insights from Eric's journey and learn how to bridge cultures in the world of tax. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your international tax expertise! (Originally recorded on September 16, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+) Sponsor Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericazevedo Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Integrating Wealth Management with Accounting Services | 20 sept. 2024 | 01:01:16 | |
Join Blake Oliver as he interviews Kyle Walters, CPA firm partner and wealth manager at Atlas Wealth Advisors. Despite not being a CPA himself, Kyle brings a fresh perspective to the accounting world. We'll explore: - The benefits of integrating wealth management and accounting services (Originally recorded on August 1, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+) Sponsor Chapters
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| Successfully Selling Your CAS Practice: Lessons from Industry Experts | 06 sept. 2024 | 00:58:50 | |
Join Blake Oliver for a conversation with Lynnette Oss Connell and Craig Connell as they share their real-life journey of selling their Client Accounting Services (CAS) firm to a larger regional CPA firm. This webinar will explore the complexities and challenges of transitioning a boutique practice into a larger organization. Gain valuable insights on preparing for a sale, negotiating terms, and ensuring a smooth transition for your clients and team. Whether you're considering selling your firm now or in the future, this session offers actionable strategies and expert advice to help you navigate the process successfully. (Originally recorded on August 27, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+) Sponsor Chapters
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Lynnette Oss Connell Craig Connell Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| The Savannah Bananas' Playbook for Unconventional Business Growth | 23 août 2024 | 01:01:25 | |
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 Chapters
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Learn more about The Savannah Bananas Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| How Taxes Shape Our Economy and Lives | 10 août 2024 | 00:54:14 | |
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 Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottahodge/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Our Favorite Government Frauds: An Interview with the Hosts of "Oh My Fraud" | 30 juil. 2024 | 00:57:47 | |
Greg Kyte and Caleb Newquist of the Oh My Fraud podcast share their favorite government fraud cases they've covered on the Oh My Fraud podcast, including Rita Crundwell's $53 million municipal fraud in Dixon, Illinois, and Claudia Viles' $500,000 tax-collector fraud in Anson, Maine. They also examine the "Fat Leonard" Navy contracting fraud, Eddie Tipton's lottery rigging scheme, and some pandemic-related frauds like PPP and EIDL abuse. Sponsor Chapters
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Greg Kyte, CPA Website: http://www.comedyCPE.com X: https://twitter.com/cnewquist Learn more about Oh My Fraud Website: https://ohmyfraud.com/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Practical Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent in Accounting | 11 juil. 2024 | 01:02:25 | |
Explore cutting-edge hiring solutions for accountancy firms with Robin Thieme, CEO and founder of KBS CFO, and industry expert Blake Oliver. Learn how work simulations provide a "try before you buy" approach, ensuring a better fit for the firm and the candidate. Discover the benefits of apprenticeship programs, which KBS CFO has successfully implemented. Robin will share insights from her experience running a Results Only Work Environment and discuss how these innovative practices can help your firm attract and retain top talent. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your hiring process! (Originally recorded on June 19, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+) Sponsor Chapters
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Learn more about KBS CFO | |||
| The Art of Challenging Property Tax Assessments | 01 juil. 2024 | 00:43:55 | |
Blake discusses the intricacies of property tax assessments and appeals with Josh Malancuk, President and Founder of JM Tax Advocates. Josh explains how his firm helps businesses minimize their property tax liabilities by providing a more accurate market value for their properties, which often differs from the assessor's valuation. He walks through the appeal process, the importance of meeting deadlines, and shares a case study where his firm saved a client millions of dollars in property taxes. Sponsor Chapters
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Learn more about JM Tax Advocates Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Achieving Work-Life Harmony in Accounting with The 3.3 Rule | 18 juin 2024 | 00:46:12 | |
John Briggs, founder of Incite Tax and author of "The 3.3 Rule" joins Blake to explain his approach to ending burnout in accounting while increasing productivity, which involves working for up to three hours followed by a 30% recovery period. They explore how this method can double productivity compared to the traditional 8-hour workday, and John provides practical tips for implementing it in accounting firms. Sponsor Chapters
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbriggscpa/ Learn more about Incite Tax & Accounting Website: https://incitetax.com/ Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| Building a Modern CPA Firm: A Revolutionary Approach with Alan Whitman | 03 juin 2024 | 01:02:31 | |
Kick-start a new era in accountancy with Alan Whitman, the former CEO of Baker Tilly US. Using his invaluable experience as a CEO for nearly 8 years, Alan will share novel insights on transforming traditional CPA firms into modern, sustainable, and innovative powerhouses. This session delves into people development, strategic growth, service models, and methods for breaking from long-standing conventions that hinder progression. It's time to BREAK THE MOLD (TM) and lead the transition toward the future of professional services and the CPA industry. If that's your ambition, this session was designed with you in mind. (Originally recorded on May 8, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+) Sponsor Chapters
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Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||
| How to Sell Your Accounting Firm | 17 mai 2024 | 00:55:41 | |
Thinking of selling your practice? Join us as serial acquirer Michael Ly shares an insider’s guide to preparing, pricing & selling your accounting firm. Learn how to value your firm for maximum sale price, find the right buyer, negotiate win-wins, protect clients through transition, and structure creative deals - whether nearing retirement or just exploring options. Get practical tips from an active buyer on ensuring a smooth exit on your terms. (Originally recorded on March 26, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+) Sponsor Chapters
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Learn more about Reconciled Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA | |||