Future-Proof

This week I speak with my friend, Joey Havens, Partner for Strategic Growth and previously Executive Partner at HORNE LLP. Joey runs an executive blog, Be Better, filled with advice about being a better leader, better person, be future-ready, and how to flourish in a changing world. Recently, he became a best selling author with his book, "Leading with Significance: How to Create a Magnetic, People-First Culture". People-first is the right tactic to take these days given issues with burnout and retention. It's also been noted that customer satisfaction is intrinsically tired to employee satisfaction; you'll see more success in your business if you consider the professional fulfillment of your team. Keep in mind, it's not just about caring for your employees, it's about helping them forge a meaningful, purposeful career path. By "them" we're being inclusive of gender, races, identities, and backgrounds. I speak with Joey about his book and what it really means to "lead with significance"; what this adds to conversation about putting people first and how so-called soft concepts like love, caring, service can actually be some of the most powerful leadership strategies around. ResourcesJoey Havens Website"Leading with Significance" by Joey Havens, available on AmazonJoey Havens LinkedIn

We're talking about advisory today, something on everyone's mind; how do we incorporate more value added advisory services? What types of advisory services should we offer? What technology do we need? How do we price these services? How do we staff them? The profession has been laser focused on CAS for awhile and still, there are so many questions to answer. When it comes to CAS, top-performing firms showed a median growth rate of 16% just last year and are optimistic about continued growth. These top firms implicate key strategies for success:Dedicated CAS staffUsing technologies to drive efficiencies Standardize processes Raise fees to reflect the value providedExplore creative staffing and capacity building measuresEducate clients and staff on CASMy guest this week, Jasen Stine, Tax & Accounting Education Leader at Intuit, speaks with me about what tax advisory really looks like; what types of services that are most in demand, what type of clients we should look for, what pricing looks like and possible first steps for those who are looking to explore this area. ResourcesJasen Stine LinkedIn ProfileCPA.com CAS Benchmark surveyIntuit Podcast: Account Trends

This week we're talking about the pipeline: the talent crisis that's on everyone's radar in our profession. The most recent AICPA trends report found that accountants are leaving their jobs in unprecedented numbers and fewer students are opting to go into accounting. Now that we've recognized this problem, a number of solutions have been presented such as adjusting certain requirements and regulations for CPA candidates. One major point we need to address is making sure the accounting career path is accessible to those of all backgrounds, allowing our profession to be more diverse and inclusive. Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) has launched a campaign, Accounting+, designed to strengthen the accounting pipeline and reach Black & Latinx students at the high school level. In this episode, I speak with Liz Barentzen, VP of Operations & Talent Initiatives at CAQ, where she oversees strategies to attract and retain talent. Liz breaks down what Accounting+ is, what the response has been, and what roles CPAs can play in all of this. ResourcesLiz Barentzen LinkedIn ProfileBusiness Insider article by Erica Sweeney,"Why There's a Shortage of Accountants and We Should Be Worried"CAQ Accounting+ website

I want to talk about engagement this week - according to a 2023 Gallup report, fewer than 1/3 of employees are engaged in their work. Study after study shows that employee engagement is directly linked to business performance. The secret sauce for engagement is part strength and part passion; things that we enjoy doing not just what we're good at. In this episode, I speak to Marcus Buckingham about identifying how we truly enjoy spending our time, aka "red threads", that you should weave into your daily activities in order to build your engagement. ResourcesMarcus Buckingham websiteLove and Work: How to Find What You Love, Love What You Do, and Do It for the Rest of Your Life

In this episode I speak with Christina Ho, a board member of the PCAOB, about the two most significant audit quality challenges we face today, in her opinion: technology and talent. "Talent is the cornerstone to audit quality. Without well trained talent, there is no audit quality." - Christina HoResources:Christina Ho LinkedIn ProfilePublic Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) - Christina Ho Board Member ProfileBloomberg article, "The Accountant Shortage Threatens Capitalism's Future" by Adrian Wooldridge

A good conversation with a good friend; this week I speak with Tom Hood, CPA, CGMA, CITP, founding CEO of BLI, Executive Vice President of Business Engagement & Growth for AICPA-CIMA.We talked about the trends that are impacting finance professionals, the opportunities that exist in this post pandemic world, and ideas emerging from the Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group - a group of senior finance executives who's initial meetings resulted in a crowdsourced vision of what the future of finance looks like. Resources:Journal of Accountancy article, "The changing role of the CFO", by Anita DennisBusiness Learning Institute powered by AICPA-CIMATom Hood LinkedIn Profile

"We’re really seeing this evolution of CAS that’s happening here, 12-15 years after we started talking about this as a separate service line that was gaining traction" - talking about what's new on the CAS front with Amy Bridges, Professional Development Manager at CPA.com, and Beth Allen, Partner and Head of Client Accounting Services at GreerWalker LLP. Client Accounting Services (CAS) is an area of the profession that is quickly growing and likely to continue to grow in the foreseeable future. Listen to our discussion about how this could effect you and other firms.Resources:2022 Benchmark surveyAmy Bridges Profile | CPA.comBeth Allen Profile | GreerWalker LLP

Today we discuss what the younger generation is looking for in their work and career: a sense of purpose. I speak with Ingrid Edstrom and Mathew Heggem, founders of the Alchemy of Accounting Network (AAN), about how we should change - given the social and environmental issues that confront us today - how can our profession have the greatest, possible positive impact on the world around us. Join the conversation and help us find the answers. “Let’s see what learning & growth can come out from having a diversity of ideas in the room.” - Ingrd EdstromResources:"New Movement Advocates for Major Shift in Accounting Profession" by By Alina Nikishina.Accounting Alchemy Network (AAN) Mathew Heggem LinkedIn profileIngred Edstrom LinkedIn profile

This week I revisit a conversation I had last year with Alex Baulf, Senior Director, Global Indirect Tax at Avalara, to discuss the E-Invoice Exchange Market Pilot - who's involved, what comes next, and what CPAs need to know. Tax authorities want more now, they want to look not at a sample of data, but they want to look at every single transaction and they don’t want to wait until 6 months, a year, 2 years after the fact…it’s too late then.” - Alex BaulfResources:Alex Baulf LinkedIn ProfileAvalara Website

“You work all your life to build up a practice, you want to make sure you’re addressing exposure needs" - Stan Sterna

“We need the different thoughts, the different mindsets the different perspectives - we need you" - Jessica McClain, CPA/CITP, CISA, PMP, CGFM

"...Really came to know and understand and appreciate just how uniquely situated the Maryland Comptroller's office is to make a difference on economic matters, to build financially resilient communities, to make Maryland a great place to do business..." - Brooke Lierman, Comptroller of MarylandResources:https://brookelierman.com/

In this episode we're talking about ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Rumblings about the future of AI have been surfacing as well as questions about whether human biases are affecting the decisions AIs are making. Those questions are finding their way into our profession. A recent Accounting Today article reports a growing number of accounting service solutions are using AI for a wide range of applications. The accounting profession has spent $1.5 billion on this type of software in 2021 and is projected to spend $53 billion by 2030, according to a report from Acumen Research & Consulting. The Accounting Today article notes that despite this rapid growth, "too little attention has been paid to the ethical considerations that come with it". Sage's CTO, Erin Harris says in a quote, "The current issues are less to do with the accidental creation of a robot overlord and more about the insertion of human biases into the code". The main issue is not the technology in it of itself, it is our human biases impacting the way the technology works. Biometric Update, recently published an article listing the 6 key considerations for ethical AI in financial services:Fairness & biasTrust & transparencyPrivacyAccountabilitySecuritySocial benefitsThe author, Matt Peake, writes, "If just one of these fails, it can have series consequences for individuals and businesses". However, the upside is that there are groups developing AI committed to the betterment of our world. I speak with today's guest, Enrico Palmerino, Founder & CEO of Botkeeper, about the role of ethics in AI, the types of biases in AI, how we can protect ourselves and our clients from these biases, and what the future marriage of AI and human intelligence looks like. ResourcesAccounting Today article, "AI ethics a growing concern", by Chris GaetanoAcumen Research & Consulting report, Artificial Intelligence in Accounting Market Analysis - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends and Forecast 2022 - 2030Biometric Update article, "Six key considerations for ethical AI in financial services", by Matt PeakeBlueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, from the White House "AI for Good" initiative, from the UNBotkeeper, automated bookkeeping solutionEnrico Palmerino, Founder & CEO, Botkeeper, Linkedin profile

This episode, we're talking about saving for retirement, specifically how we can help our employees save more money for retirement. The general story we keep hearing is, as Americans, we aren't saving enough. The economy is playing a role, with 54% of Americans either reducing the amount they are saving or stopping all savings due to inflation, based on a survey by Allianz. The survey also showed the following:43% respondents report having to dip into retirement savings to meet rising costs75% say they are worried the cost of living will impact their retirement plans25% of U.S. workers have no retirement savings at all36% believe their retirement plans are on trackEven more statistics show those who are close to retirement age do not have enough to support themselves for an extended period of time. This is an issue that impacts us all. Local and state governments are likely to shoulder a share of the financial burden when it comes to those who don't have retirement savings (which means we'll all have to chip in for support). But in Maryland, and handful of other states, there is help on the way. A new program, MarylandSaves, was launched on September 15th 2022, making it easier for employers to provide workers with access to a retirement plan. MarylandSaves is a byproduct of a law that was passed in 2016 by the General Assembly, mandating that employers in Maryland who pay their employees with an automated payroll system or service must offer their employees access to a retirement plan. Maryland become just the 5th state to enact what Glenn Simmons, my guest today, calls "a state sponsored auto IRA program". Employers who participate in MarylandSaves, or offer another qualified program, will receive an annual waiver for their yearly $300 State Department of Assessments & Taxation Report filing fee. To qualify for the 2023 waiver, employers must enroll by December 1st 2022. However, you can still earn that waiver beyond 2023 just by enrolling in the program. The waiver applies every year after you enroll. In this episode, I speak with Glenn Simmons, Executive Director of the Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Program - the driving force behind MarylandSaves. Together we dive deeper into how programs like this work, how employers like you can get started, what it means for your employees, and what a difference this can make in the lives of future retirees. ResourcesAllianz Press Release; Inflation Causing Majority of Americans to Stop or Reduce Retirement SavingsPwC, Retirement in America ReportMarylandsaves.comGlenn Simmons, Executive Director/CEO at Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Program, LinkedIn profile

Culture - one of those slightly misunderstood topics. A lot of ideas about culture are different from person to person. My goal with speaking to Stacey Rodgers, Executive Director of People & Culture at Cohen & Co., is to get a little closer to a mutual understanding of how to define "culture" in an organization. In my personal view, culture within an organization is based on a shared set of values and professional identity; who we are, why we exist, and our purpose. Once you're clear on all those definitions, it becomes a part of your vision and mission. You also start hiring people based on that cultural fit, which drives how an organization functions and succeeds. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on workplace culture. An article from California Management Review, How Have Organizational Cultures Shifted During the COVID-19 Pandemic, reports the pandemic has led organizations to emphasize certain cultural elements and downplay others. There is an increased emphasis on flexibility, transparency, supportiveness, decisiveness and confronting conflict. In exchange, there is a decreased emphasis on customer orientation, individualism, detail orientation, results orientation, and collaboration. In general, culture has shifted away from high performance orientation to one that prizes empathy, understanding and mutual support. These changes are interpreted positively or negatively based on employees with different backgrounds - the shift has been jarring for many. One main solution to cultural related issues is improved communication between leaders and employees. A PwC article, How the pandemic can change workplace culture for the better, by James Thomas, points out that while remote working may seem "cheap" to organizations, it comes with hidden costs to your culture. Lockdown has resulted in social isolation, which can be addressed with collaborative virtual solutions and treating mental health as a necessity. There's so much to touch on when it comes to culture, which is why I'm glad to speak to Stacey Rodgers and gain additional insight into how culture can provide opportunities and how to address cultural issues as they arise. ResourcesCalifornia Management Review article: How Have Organizational Cultures Shifted During the COVID-19 Pandemic by N. Derek Brown, Yixi Chen, Hope Harrington, Paul Vicinanza, Jennifer A. Chatman, Amir Goldberg, and Sameer SrivastavaPwC article: How the pandemic can change workplace culture for the better by James Thomas Cohen & Co. Profile: Stacey Rodgers, CPA, MAccStacey Rogers, Executive Director of People & Culture, LinkedIn

Today, we dive into ESG: Environmental, Social & Governance. Investors are increasingly applying these non-financial factors as they investigate which public companies they will invest in and regulators are increasingly requiring that companies include these types of factors in their financial statements. There are plenty opportunities for accounting and finance professionals in this new area. In this episode, I speak with Alyssa Rade, Chief Sustainability Officer at Sustain.Life, which offers solutions that are uniquely designed to make taking climate action easier and more affordable for companies of all kinds. She helped me understand how wide ranging the implications of ESG really are. We talk about what ESG is and what it isn't; what all this means for CPAs in public practice, business & industry, those in public companies and private, for investors and auditors - there's so much to consider and discuss. Listen in!Resources:Journal of Accountancy article: How firms are seizing the ESG opportunity, by Andrew KenneySustain.Life websiteAlyssa Rade LinkedIn Profile

Are you physically, mentally, physically well? That seems to be the key question these days. There's more of a focus on individual wellness in the workplace today, especially in the wake of the COVID pandemic. People who are happy and well are more productive than those who are unwell. It all boils down to the fact that we've only got one body, one mind, one life to live, so we better make it count. Wellness, or lack there of, is going to translate directly into quality of life. Employees today know this and are demanding more in terms of wellness from their employers. An article from The Washington Post titled, "Gen Z workers demand flexibility, don’t want to be stuffed in a cubicle", by Danielle Abril, notes that for the young generation of workers, money may not always be the top job priority. Instead their list includes flexibility to work from the office and remotely, wellness and mental health initiatives, as well as meaningful work in culture. For employers, accommodating for these preferences may become increasing important as Gen Z workers are expected to more than triple to 87 million by 2030 in Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States, accounting for 30% of total employment, according to a study by Oxford Economics. The Washington Post article also quotes Linda Jingfang Cai, vice president of talent development at LinkedIn, “We’re seeing this young cohort of workers demand that employers care about them as whole people". There's a trend to dedicate time in order to recharge during the "5-9" hours in order to function well during the standard "9-5" workday. An Accounting Today article, "Burnout is note a badge of honor", by Randy Crabtree, states that when you feel burnt out, you try to work harder but are less productive, making you get down on yourself. This creates a toxic environment for employers and employees. We need to reassess priorities, recognizing that we only have this single life and considering how we want to spend it. I sit down with Jill Myers, an integrative nutrition health coach and CPA, who helps people on their journeys to health & wellness. Jill and I discuss the obstacles between us and better wellness, the consequences of not getting well, and the steps to getting there. Resources:Washington Post article, "Gen Z workers demand flexibility, don’t want to be stuffed in a cubicle.""Burnout is not a badge of honor" by Randy CrabtreeYodaya WellnessJill Myers LinkedIn profile

Talking all things metaverse with Glenn Friedman, CEO of Prager Metis, a global CPA firm that made headlines this year as one of the first accounting firms to set up shop in the metaverse. The metaverse is loosely defined as a new iteration of the internet - a virtual world running in parallel to the real, physical world. You can create a virtual avatar of yourself and interact with other avatars anywhere throughout the world to do almost anything; business, learning, networking, entertainment, commerce, and more. The metaverse is reminiscent of "Second Life", a virtual world that was popular 10-15 years ago. It was, and still is, known as an "exclusive haven of self-expression". When Second Life started to become popular in 2007-2008, it become known that a very real economy existed in this space, which required CPAs. Training and education opportunities were developed to help accountants navigate this virtual world. At the time, the Maryland Association of CPAs created "CPA Island" in Second Life, a designated space where resources could be provided for young professionals and educators to help them get started in this virtual world. However, the experience was less than optimal given the restraints of technology at the time and overall interest waned. Now, in 2022, looking at the metaverse, questions arise: how is it an improved experience compared to Second Life? How does it interact with the new platforms for virtual learning and communication? There has been a lot of news surrounding the metaverse lately and accounting firms are jumping back into the virtual world. Accounting Today published a recent poll from Big Four firm, PwC, showing the following:67% of executives are actively engaged in metaverse projects20% report they are currently "looking into it"82% believe it will become "business as usual" Despite the fact only 9% of the executives currently use any of the existing environment Those who are in the metaverse see the potential in the areas of client collaboration, business demos, recruiting, and training. I spoke with Glenn to find out how the metaverse compares to Second Life, and whether there are new opportunities in this space that will mold the future of the profession. Resources:Prager Metis, Metaverse ServicesGlenn Friedman, CEO, Preger Metis, LinkedIn PwC 2022 US Metaverse Survey

Anoop Mehta, long time CPA, MACPA member, and just the second Marylander to chair the AICPA, is one of the sharpest, smartest people I know. He is a proponent of greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the accounting and finance world. As an Indian-American who immigrated to the United States with his parents at just 12 years old, Anoop followed a path to a more diverse, inclusive profession. Not only has he followed this path, but he is helping to pave it as we speak. Listen to hear his unique, inspiring, story and the ways in which he's helping make progress in the area of DEI. Resources:The Path - The Anoop Mehta Story - MACPAMaryland’s Anoop Mehta named AICPA chairAnoop Mehta, LinkedIn Profile

When I initially sat down with Michelle Golden River, Growth & Profitability Strategist and Founder of Fore, LLC, we planned to discuss advanced pricing and where the profession stands today. We began by talking about how CPA firms can switch from a time based billing model to pricing work in advance. However, the discussion evolved into a conversation about relationships. Advanced pricing comes down to value - what value are you delivering to clients and what is that worth? To know that, you need to know your clients. To know your clients, you have to talk to them and build relationships. Joey Havens, Managing Partner of Strategic Growth at Horne, dug deep into this concept with his blog post "What if I Really Am a Trusted Advisor?". In this post, Joey asks is that really what we should be aiming for? He ran his team through an exercise of what their current client experience was like vs. what the team wanted it to be, "We needed a litmus test to help understand our present reality around client relationships, experience, and level of service," Joey explains, and this is the test they began implementing:List your top five clients that you serve as their trusted advisor across the top of five separate pages. For each client, write down their strategic goals. What does your client see as their biggest challenge or risk? Write down the date when you proactively contacted and scheduled a meeting with this client and collaborated on either of these key issues or a possible opportunity we identified as the primary reason for the meeting. Joey goes on to explain that through this exercise, his team realized they were not unlike most in our profession, excellent first responders. However, as a firm, they were not delivering on the "trusted advisor's" promise. It should be a collaborative relationship, providing significant value beyond fees, and being part of a client's "inner circle". Before you can start talking about adding value and how to price that value, you need to learn more about clients. CPAs need to build relationships, which means having intimate conversations with clients, asking them questions, and really listening to their answers to find out how you can help. Michelle Golden River thinks about this at a deeper level and talks through the definition of "value" with me in this week's episode. Resources:What If I Really Am a Trusted Advisor? | Joey HavensFore LLC pricing consultant, trainer, and facilitator for CPAsMichelle’s Bio | Fore LLCMichelle Golden River | LinkedIn

Time to dive into the “purpose” conversation. That’s the idea that we, as leaders, have an obligation, a responsibility, to help our employees find the purpose behind their jobs — the “why” behind their work.My guest on the podcast this week is Dr. Alan Patterson. He’s a Business Learning Institute thought leader who has guided hundreds of clients in professional and leadership development, including the Broad Institute, Federal Reserve Bank, Hewlett Packard, Johnson and Johnson, Kite Pharma, Major League Baseball, and the United States Navy. He is a frequent conference and workshop presenter and a best-selling author whose most recent book is out now. It’s called Burn Ladders, Build Bridges: Pursuing Work With Meaning And Purpose. We sat down recently and talked about how we can go about surrounding ourselves with people who will help us do work with meaning and purpose — and just as important, how we can become those types of people for others.Read MoreResources:Dr. Alan PattersonBurn Ladders, Build Bridges: Pursuing Work With Meaning And PurposeLadder Burners

Whether you like the phrase or not, “The Great Resignation” is real. People are leaving work in droves. That’s presenting challenges for employers. How do we find the right people? How do we keep them? How do we understand what they want?Gabrielle Bosche is a bestselling author, two-time TEDx speaker, and is frequently called upon to speak and consult on millennial motivation and engagements for Fortune 500 Companies, presidential campaigns, and government agencies. She’s also going to be the keynote speaker at the MACPA’s 2022 Business and Industry Conference.She says understanding what employees want often comes down to a single word. Purpose. Does your organization stand for something significant beyond just making money? And do they understand how their jobs help bring people closer to realizing that purpose?To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:gabriellebosche.comInstagram: @gabrielleboscheThe Top 6 Things Employees Want in Their Next JobTo Retain Employees, Support Their Passions Outside WorkWhy the Great Resignation is far from overFuture-Proof is produced and published by Crate Media.

In this episode, we look at recent tax changes through a regulatory and compliance lens with Sona Akmakjian. Sona is Avalara’s Senior Director of Global Accounting Strategic Partnerships. She’s also a CPA with 29 years of transactional tax services and automation experience. Sona talks about the impact the pandemic has had on business and taxes, including things like e-commerce, the supply chain, the workforce, and its overall impact on tax compliance. We also talk about Wayfair, where we stand now that the Supreme Court’s decision to grant states the authority to tax remote sales is almost four years old, digital transformation, and the use of technology moving forward as the landscape continues to change.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:avalara.comAvalara tax changes 2022Future-Proof is produced and published by Crate Media.

Mike Manspeaker is an Assurance Services Partner with Smith, Elliott, Kearns & Company in Maryland and has over 40 years of experience working with private companies and employee benefit plans. He is also very active in the peer review process, performing them as the CPA on Staff for Coastal Peer Review, an organization that administers reviews for North Carolina and Maryland firms. Mike is also a member of the AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee. And, he serves on the Auditing Standards Board Attestation Standards Task Force as well as the Audits of Less Complex Entities Task Force. If it’s not clear already, when it comes to the regulation of our profession, Mike knows his stuff. There’s a lot going on in this area that accounting and finance professionals need to know about. Tune in.Resources:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-manspeaker-cpa-077a8268Future-Proof is a production of Crate Media

What you’re about to hear is an incredible true story about resilience, perseverance, and strength while creating and growing a business from scratch – all while dealing with some of the most devastating news a person could face. Kelly Mann is a CPA and the co-founder and CEO of AuditMiner, a tool that is used by CPAs to save time and increase quality in their 401(k) audits. There’s no better way to close out Women’s History Month than by hearing more about this amazing journey — taken by one of the most amazing women you’re likely to meet these days.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:linkedin.com/in/kelly-mann-cpacaringbridge.org/visit/kellymann10 causes of stress for small business owners, and how to copeFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

The pipeline into the CPA profession is always an important topic for the future of our industry. How do we make the profession more appealing to young people deciding where to place their future?Jerry Maginnis recently released a new book titled "Advice for a Successful Career in the Accounting Profession: How to Make Your Assets Greatly Exceed Your Liabilities." He is a former managing partner at KPMG's Philadelphia office who is now an executive in residence who supports the Accounting Program at Rowan University in New Jersey, where he helps prepare students for their transition from academia into the workforce.He talks about the types of advice he's offering young professionals these days, including the importance of working with your strengths, embracing change, and avoiding burnout. He also offers some thoughts for veterans in the profession — including how we can best welcome new folks into the profession and how we can keep them here once they arrive.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:linktr.ee/jerrymaginnisRead: Advice for a Successful Career in the Accounting Profession: How to Make Your Assets Greatly Exceed Your LiabilitiesA bright future ahead for young CPAs - Journal of Accountancy newsFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Pascal Finette is co-founder and "chief heretic" with be radical, which researches, develops, and teaches tools and frameworks designed to transform their clients into practical futurists and successful disruptors.He recently gave a talk as the keynote speaker at the Digital CPA Conference, where he spoke about the correlation between disruption and "state changes" – moving from one state to another, like solid to liquid to gasHe talks about what happens to our skills, our processes, and our existing strategies when we encounter state changes like this. We also explore how we have to change our mindsets and ask different, better questions to arrive at solutions for today's problems.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:finette.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pfinettetheheretic.orgberadicalgroup.comsu.orgRead: Unsafe Thinking: How To Be Nimble and Bold When You Need It MostFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

It pays to be curious. The role that curiosity plays in wellness and well-being, emotional intelligence, and the benefits it offers to leaders are vastly underrated.Todd Kashdan literally wrote the book on curiosity. He is a professor of psychology at George Mason University and he founded George Mason’s Well-Being Lab. Winner of the 2013 Distinguished Early Career Researcher Award by the American Psychological Association, his work has been featured in media outlets throughout the world. He’s the author of five books, including “Curious? Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life.”We talk about his definition of curiosity, the connection between it and wellness, how curiosity can help us find a little more purpose and meaning in our lives, and how finance and accounting pros can foster a greater sense of curiosity in their work.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:toddkashdan.comRead: Curious? By Todd KashdanLearn more about Todd’s new book, The Art of InsubordinationRead: A More Beautiful Question by Warren BergerRead: Questions are the Answer by Hal Gregerson8 Habits of Curious PeopleFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

As we’re wrapping up Black History Month and recognizing the contributions of Black Americans, we are closing down the month with a bit of a look ahead. We’re still taking stock of achievements from our past, but this time we’re doing it with an eye toward the future as well.Joining that conversation, today, is Dalton Tong. He’s a CPA and a CGMA with a career that’s steeped in health care and health management, in addition to accounting and finance. He's been a senior lecturer at the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University since 2014. Before that, he worked as Vice President, Executive Vice President, and President and CEO of the Greater Southeast Healthcare System, and as Vice President of Finance at Harbor Hospital Center, formerly South Baltimore General Hospital.Tong has a number of achievements to his name, but rather than talking about them, he wanted to discuss and highlight the impact those achievements may have on the future generation of CPAs. He calls it “showcasing possibility,” letting future generations know what’s possible so that they can step forward with confidence and hope.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:Dalton Tong, MBA, CPA, CGMA, FACHE, FHFMA'Limited pipeline' biggest challenge in advancing DE&I, survey finds | Accounting TodayFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Cybersecurity is more important than ever before. This is not just something that business leaders have to worry about. Everyone, from the top to the bottom of your organization, is responsible for cybersecurity.Clar Rosso is the CEO of (ISC)^2, or ISC squared, as it’s written. They bill themselves as the world’s leading cybersecurity professional organization. They have more than 160,000 certified members throughout the world, and they’re committed to helping their members learn, grow, and thrive so they can help keep all of us a little safer. Before joining (ISC)2, she worked in communications for the California Society of CPAs and as an executive with the American Institute of CPAs.She helps us understand just how big the threats are; what businesses should be doing to protect themselves, their employees, and their clients; and what remote employees should be doing to protect their employers.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:isc2.orgcisa.govncsc.gov.ukFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re giving flowers where they’re due, to Benjamin King Senior, Maryland's first black certified public accountant, the 47th in the country, who went on to become chairman of the Maryland state board. To best understand Mr. King and his impact, we’re joined by his children who’ve kept his minority firm and wide influence on the profession going strong: Pamela King-Smith, Kara King-Bess, and Anthony King.They tell us about how, based in a rough neighborhood in Baltimore, their father became a trusted voice of his peers. How he, devoted to bettering the people and community around him, helped small businesses grow and establish themselves as generational assets – best demonstrated by their longest tenured client, a minority-owned funeral home in DC that dates back to 1912 and has been a serviced account of King, King & Associated since 1957.More than co-founding his own firm, as an educator and mentor, Benjamin King inspired and empowered countless young, mostly minority, students to become CPAs themselves. During his time teaching at Morgan State, he became known for shepherding students through the often challenging internship and experience requirements, through his own firm, to ensure they met their goals and stayed on track for graduation.Mr. King was keenly aware of his place in history. The waves of change were visible in his life, and still are, as we highlight his legacy in 2022. Tune in to this moving roundtable discussion where we honor his accomplishments and shine a bright light on the path he laid for others to follow.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:King, King & AssociatesFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are all the rage in accounting and finance circles. ESG criteria are a set of non-financial factors that socially conscious investors can use to assess their potential investments, such as how the company manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the community, the company’s impact on nature, and executive pay, internal controls, and shareholder rights. This is a fairly recent shift in the mindset of stakeholders, but it is only getting more popular and it can no longer be ignored.Here to discuss the impact of ESG is Ami Beers, the Senior Director on the Assurance and Advisory Innovation Team at the Association of Certified Professional Accountants. She is responsible for the development of assurance and/or advisory services guidance and criteria, thought leadership, and member and market communications to maximize awareness and advisory services on business reporting such as the ESG.She shares what auditors need to be aware of with these engagements, the issues that they’re running into, how we can begin to prepare, and the opportunities it opens for CPAs.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:aicpa.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ami-beers-cpa-cgma-8812592The role of ESG and purposeWhat auditors need to know about ESG issuesFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

It’s legislative season here in Maryland, and getting involved in the process is more important than ever for the CPA profession.With more changes coming that promise to directly impact the accounting and financing profession than we’ve ever seen, our world is on high alert. We need to stay on top of those changes – which is why it’s nice to have a little help from CPA societies.We take a close look at what’s happening in Annapolis right now, because there are sure to be similar stories playing out in whatever state you’re located in. To help us with that is Tom Hood, former CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs, current executive vice president of Business Engagement and Growth at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, and chair of the MACPA’s Legislative Executive Committee.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tomhoodFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

It has been a stressful couple of years for everyone. People are working longer and harder with fewer breaks, fewer vacations, and fewer days off, which is bleeding into our personal lives, especially those of us still working from home.Dr. Britt Andreatta is an internationally recognized thought leader who uses her background in leadership, neuroscience, psychology, and education to create brain-science-based solutions for today’s workplace challenges. She’s also a bestselling author and a top 20 learning influencer for 2021.She talks about the symptoms of burnout, the real-life impact it can have on individuals and organizations, what employees can do to protect themselves, and where they should turn for help. This is a very important conversation that impacts each of us and our organizations in profound ways.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:brittandreatta.comSix Causes of Burnout at Work95% of Workers Thinking of Quitting Their JobsEmployee burnout poses severe cybersecurity risks, report findsFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Today, we’re talking about jobs: Job hunting, searching for employees, filling the pipeline, The Great Resignation, and more.Our guest is Lauren Welkie. She manages strategic partnerships at ZipRecruiter, which is feeling the effects of The Great Resignation in a different way than most organizations. As Yahoo News said recently, “ZipRecruiter is finding itself in a sweet spot right now, as the demand for labor to support the economic recovery remains intense. And it showed up in the company's latest earnings report. ZipRecruiter saw third quarter sales surge 107% from a year ago. The company also lifted its full year sales and profit outlooks.”Lauren talks about the trends that she’s seeing in the market right now, the things that job candidates say they want most and what job seekers should be doing to make themselves attractive to employers. We cover the flip side, too, and discuss what employers should be doing to attract and keep talent in this new age of employment.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:ziprecruiter.comFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Usually, when we talk about AI in this profession, the conversation is all about automation, the things that artificial intelligence takes off our plate so we can create more value for our clients, face to face.But today, we look at AI’s potential for impact on big global issues like poverty, hunger, climate change, sustainability, and inequity. Of course, we bring the conversation back to what role accounting and finance might play in all of that.Joining that conversation is Neil Sahota. Neil is an IBM Master Inventor, an AI advisor to the United Nations, chief innovation officer at UC Irvine, and a best-selling author, among many other things.He’s also a founding member of the UN’s “AI For Good” initiative, a global community that’s centered on identifying practical applications of artificial intelligence to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and scale those solutions for global impact.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:sdgs.un.orgaiforgood.itu.intLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/neilsahotaFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

As we round out the year, tax professionals have more than just the holidays to look forward to. Tax season is upon us and there’s a lot to talk about this year.Edward Karl is the Vice President of Taxation for the American Institute of CPAs. He’s also a member of the Maryland Association of CPAs. He has his finger on the pulse of our nation more than almost anyone in the field. He joins us today to help break down all the changes happening for the upcoming tax season, review what’s in the Build Back Better infrastructure package, and comment on the state of IRS customer service.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/edward-s-karl-cpa-027a7442The tax impact of the infrastructure actFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Barrett Young is a partner at Garbelman Winslow CPAs, a firm in Southern Maryland, and a Strongman competitor. You recognize the Strongman brand from those mind-blowing competitions on TV where people lift massive rocks and logs, or pull trucks, or flip huge tires. Those are the kinds of challenges that Barrett thrives on. We talk about how he got into such a heavy passion and how his work in the gym overlaps with his work at the firm.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:macpa.org/blogthedinniestones.comFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

This week, we’re focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Crystal Cooke, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the American Institute of CPAs, helps us shed light on these important topics. We talk about where our profession stands today, what changes are happening already, and what else needs to be done going forward.Crystal took her current role in February of 2020, just before the summer was enveloped in so many violent tragedies across the country. These events and society’s reaction to them brought social issues back into the spotlight, and gave new, heightened, meaning to her responsibility.She talks about what it was like to start the role in that kind of environment and takes a closer look at our profession as a whole — how far it’s come in the areas of diversity and inclusion and what each of us, individually, can do to help make it more equitable for all.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:aicpa.com/diversityLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/crystal-cooke-114788170Future-Proof is a production of Crate Media

We are a remote work world now. Which means, for all of you leaders and managers out there, that we have to figure out how to best manage remote workers. That means finding new ways to manage technology, engagement, wellness, culture, and trust.Jennifer Wilson is co-founder and partner of ConvergenceCoaching, a national consulting firmdedicated to developing leaders and transforming teams. She is also one of Accounting Today’s 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, one of INSIDE Public Accounting’s Top 10 Most Recommended Consultants, and one of CPA Practice Advisor’s Top 25 Thought Leaders and Most Powerful Women in Accounting.Jennifer gave a talk at the 2021 AICPA Engage conference on the topic of remote work, and she shares her insights here with us today. We touch on what the future of work looks like, potential landmines that employers have to watch out for with remote arrangements, the opportunities that these kinds of environments offer, and what employees themselves can do to make the transition easier.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:convergencecoaching.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenniferwilsonprofileEmployers turn to tracking software to monitor remote workersFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Let’s talk about comedy and how it relates to business. In this episode, Peter Margaritis joins the podcast to talk about just that, and his new book, “Off-Script: Mastering the Art of Business Improv.” Improv, at its core, is about building a conversation out of what another person says instead of relying on our own agendas. In our business settings, most of us want to control the narrative to ensure ideal outcomes. We want to script the conversations, manage the problems, predict the future, and most importantly, win.But good leaders become better leaders by doing the opposite — by letting go of control, and going off script in their conversations, negotiations, and brainstorms. This improv-inspired approach builds the mental muscles we need to be more than merely present in the meeting, but to collaborate with others in truly authentic, empathetic ways.This might be a totally new role, but we can do it. Peter Margaritis can help us get there.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:petermargaritis.comRead: Off Script: Mastering the Art of Business ImprovRead: Getting Past No: Negotiating in Difficult SituationsFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

We’re going to take a closer look at augmented reality (AR), also known as mixed reality. Augmented reality combines our real world with virtual information, images, sounds, or other media that augments our experiences in the real world. There are some really interesting case studies of how AR is being used in innovative and productive ways.Here to help us understand AR better are Dina Broydo and Rachelle Hernandez. Dina is a Manager in BDO’s Forensic Investigations and Litigation Services Practice, and Rachelle is an Experienced Senior Associate with BDO’s Digital Analytics and Automation Practice. They share how BDO is using this technology, how it’s worked for them, what they’re hearing from team members and clients, and even the role that the pandemic has played in how BDO is rolling out the technology. As the use of this technology becomes more widespread, it undoubtedly will have implications for other areas of the profession moving forward.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:bdo.comlinkedin.com/in/thefraudgallinkedin.com/in/rachellehernandezRemote Inventory with Microsoft HoloLens 2The Resilience Agenda: A Framework for Recovery in the COVID-19 Economy2021 Middle Market Digital Transformation SurveyFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Dr. Freeman Hrabowski is the president of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and he recently announced his retirement after three decades at the helm of UMBC. He will officially step down in June 2022. He's a leader in every sense of the word, particularly when it comes to educating and graduating an incredibly diverse and inclusive student body.Joining him is Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, accounting and finance's Wonder Woman. She's former chair of the AICPA, and the Maryland Association of CPAs, and chair of way too many organizations to mention. She's a graduate of UMBC, and she and Dr. Hrabowski have quite a history.Together, they have some interesting thoughts about the accounting profession that are going to make this a valuable conversation.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:Success is Never Final: A Message from UMBC President Freeman HrabowskiLinkedIn: Kimberly N. Ellison-TaylorLive. Learn. Lead. The Kimberly Ellison-Taylor Story | An MACPA short filmRead: Think AgainFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

We are 20 years out from 9/11, the tragic event that changed everything in the US. We all have our 9/11 stories – the things we remember most when we think back to that fateful day.To mark the occasion, we’re going to hear from some of the leaders in the accounting and finance profession, their stories, where they were when it happened, and how the event has impacted the profession. Those leaders are:AICPA President and CEO, Barry MelanconTom Hood, Executive Vice President of Business Growth and Engagement with the Association of International Certified Professional AccountantsJessica McClain, Controller for Brand USA and a member of The MACPA Foundation.Ed Rommel, a retired CPA, a former partner with TRS CPA Group, and a former chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs’ Board of Directors.Tim Samuel, CFO of Bridgeway Community Church, and a member of the MACPA’s Board of Directors. Lexy Kessler, a partner with Aronson, and current MACPA Board Chair.MACPA President and CEO, Jackie BrownLet’s spend some time today looking back – and looking forward.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Future-Proof is a production of Crate Media

We’ve dissected this pandemic in every way possible so far – its impact on our world, our health, our businesses, our employees, and the future of work – as well as its impact on leadership, innovation, technology, and the pace of change in general. It’s all speeding up, right?But let’s take a closer look at how COVID-19 has impacted the world of financial planning – not only for clients and the state of their finances, but for businesses, practices, and how the profession is changing as a result of this crisis.Lyle Benson is president and founder of L.K. Benson & Company in Baltimore, and he joined us back in the summer of 2020 to talk about some specific worries around personal finance and savings during the early days of the pandemic. Today, we’re doing a deeper dive into financial planning.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:lkbenson.comRead: A third of Americans say they got better with money during the pandemicRead: COVID has rewritten the rules on financial planningFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Lee Frederiksen is a business strategist, a behavioral psychologist, and the managing partner of a marketing firm called Hinge which caters to the professional services industry.Lee makes the case that more professional service firms have been positively impacted by the pandemic than negatively impacted.This crisis has been difficult for people in many ways: jobs, businesses, and even lives lost. We can talk about money all day, but, in the end, this crisis is about human beings who were here a while ago and aren’t here now. This has been a human tragedy of immense proportions.Lee has some fantastic insights, and ones you’ll want to keep in mind, because this likely won’t be the last crisis we go through in our lives given how fast things are changing.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:hingemarketing.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leefrederiksenFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Bill Pirolli is the new chair of the American Institute of CPAs and a partner with DiSanto Priest & Co., in Warwick, Rhode Island. He gives us his take on the future of the profession, some of the things he has his eye on, and his priorities for the coming year – all of which will impact everyone in the profession.Bill has been thinking about pipeline issues, engaging the next generation of CPAs, keeping interest in the profession strong, and making sure we’re providing tomorrow’s CPAs with the skills they need to thrive. That’s just one of the issues on his agenda for the coming year. He’s also thinking hard about things like diversity and inclusion, navigating the profession through a post-pandemic world, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We talk about all of that and more as we look towards the future.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:William (Bill) Pirolli, CPA/CFF/PFS, CGMA“The Future of Accounting Jobs in a World With Artificial Intelligence”Future-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Anirban Basu is chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, an economic and policy consulting firm headquartered in the great city of Baltimore, Maryland. He is one of the most popular speakers on the MACPA educational circuit, chair of the Maryland Economic Development Commission, and of the Baltimore County Economic Advisory Committee. He was named one of Maryland’s 50 most influential people. When it comes to the economy, he knows what he’s talking about, so we’re going to take a quick look with him – at Maryland, United States, the COVID factor, housing, all of it – and see what he has to say.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:sagepolicy.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anirban-basu-2110335“Global growth to stay strong but virus the top risk”Future-Proof is a production of Crate Media

We’ve discussed the .cpa domain before – a new domain that’s available exclusively to CPAs. There are many benefits involved with this domain (for both you and your clients). The domain has been out there since earlier this year, so we thought now would be a good time to take stock of where things are for people. How’s this domain working for everyone? How many people have used it? What about it has worked? What lessons have been learned? What would people do differently if they could change things? There’s been much excitement surrounding .cpa domains, but do they live up to the hype?Chris Cromer is going to help us make sense of everything. He’s a technology expert focused on the applications, networking, infrastructure, compliance, and security for the CPA.com web properties, including CPA.com, AICPAStore.com, RIVIO.com, the CPA.com email service extension, and the .cpa domain.We’ve had the .cpa domain for around six months, now. Chris gives us insights such as the uptake, what the popularity means for the domain itself, the benefits on offer, and more.To keep learning, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:CPA.comAICPAStore.comRIVIO.comFuture-Proof is a production of Crate Media

Lexy Kessler is the partner in charge of Aronson’s Government Contract Services Group and chair of the AICPA’s PCPS Executive Committee. As of July 1st, she is the new chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs Board of Directors. We’re going to look at her priorities this year and the trends impacting CPAs in Maryland and beyond. Of course, diversity and inclusion in the pipeline are always a focus – however, Lexy is also excited to step into what she calls “MACPA 3.0,” stepping into the opportunities for the association that look ahead, past the current leadership and structural changes.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit blionline.org/blog.Resources:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lexykessler“The CPA Pipeline Report: Decoding the Decline”“Time commitment, relevance push people away from CPA Exam”Future-Proof is a production of Crate Media