The Big 4 Transparency Podcast

In Episode 102 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Eddy Gramajo shares his journey from Big Four accounting to industry roles, the evolving role of AI in finance, and practical advice for accountants looking to leverage technology and advocate for themselves.Connect with Eddy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddy-gramajo/Big 4 Resume Scoring: https://resume.gramajo-consulting.com/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 101 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, host Dominic Piscopo interviews Rachel Farris, founder of a niche CPA practice, shares her journey into Puerto Rican residency, the tax incentives involved, and her innovative AI tools for tax research. Discover how she built her expertise, generated leads, and expanded into AI-driven solutions for small firms.Connect with Rachel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrisrachel/Tax Stack AI: https://www.taxstackai.com/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 100 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, host Dominic Piscopo interviews Justin Shelman, a tax partner at Prosperity Partners, shares his journey from becoming a partner after boomeranging, to navigating the complexities of private equity investments in the accounting industry. He discusses the impact of technology on firm growth, the importance of mentorship, and the strategies for success in family office tax planning. Justin emphasizes the value of maintaining relationships and the significance of being proactive in career development.Connect with Justin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinshelmancpa/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 99 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, host Dominic Piscopo interviews Stuart Ferguson, the president of Stout Strategy and former managing partner of Pointe Advisory. They discuss the recent acquisition of Pointe Advisory by Stout, the role of data analytics in consulting, and the importance of strategic focus for CPA firms. Stuart shares insights on the M&A process, the challenges of transitioning from tax to consulting, and the empathy gained from experiencing the acquisition process firsthand. The conversation highlights the future opportunities for professional services firms in a rapidly evolving market.Connect with Stuart:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stu-ferguson/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 98 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, founder and CEO of Optimum Strategies, discusses the complexities of consulting for CPA firms. He emphasizes the importance of strengthening firms through assessments, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and understanding compensation dynamics. Ira shares insights on the challenges faced by younger partners, the impact of private equity on the industry, and the evolving landscape of CPA firm valuations. He advocates for a more transparent and structured approach to compensation and decision-making within firms, highlighting the need for firms to adapt to changing market conditions and the expectations of younger professionals.Connect with Ira:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irarosenbloom/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 97 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Tim Brackney, CEO of Springline Advisory, discusses the innovative approach of his firm in the accounting industry, focusing on a growth thesis rather than quick flips typical of private equity. He shares his journey to becoming CEO, the importance of cultural alignment, and the strategic decisions behind their measured growth approach. Tim also explores the evolving landscape of private equity in accounting and the potential future of publicly traded accounting firms.Check out our sponsor, Live Oak Bank: https://www.liveoak.bank/big4 Connect with Tim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbrackney/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 96 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Chad Huebsch, CEO of Blueprint Tax Advisors, shares his journey from working in SALT to founding his own tax advisory firm. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned in transitioning from employee to entrepreneur, the importance of focusing on client relationships, and the strategies he employed to grow his business. Chad also emphasizes the value of content creation in attracting clients and the rewarding experience of coaching other firm owners.Check out our sponsor, Live Oak Bank: https://www.liveoak.bank/big4 Connect with Chad:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimienichols/X: https://x.com/mountainwesttaxGet in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 95 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Dominic welcomes back Jaimie Nichols, a former guest, to discuss her journey as a solopreneur in the accounting field. Jaimie reflects on her decision to leave her firm, the challenges she faced, and the growth of her business over the past two years. She shares insights on her tech stack, client selection, work-life balance, and the importance of building relationships. The conversation also touches on lead generation strategies and future ambitions, including the role of AI in her practice.Check out our sponsor, Live Oak Bank: liveoak.bank/big4Connect with Jaimie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimienichols/X: https://x.com/mountainwesttaxGet in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 94 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Dominic sits down Jeremy Dubow, co-founder and CEO of Prosperity Partners to discuss his journey with starting the firm, what has changed over the 20+ years he’s operated his firm, and what ultimately drove the decision to take on Private Equity investment. They also dive deep into Jeremy’s talent strategy, and how he’s elevating the bar for retaining and attracting talent at the firm through equity compensation paired with strong traditional compensation. Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydubow/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 93 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Dominic sits down with Matt Tait, CEO of Decimal, to unpack how accounting firms can scale profitably without burning out their founders. Matt shares how Decimal evolved from a modern CAS firm into a franchised “firm-in-a-box,” helping entrepreneurs launch and grow accounting firms with enterprise-grade infrastructure, standardized tech stacks, and 50%+ margins. The conversation dives into why private equity is actually fueling entrepreneurship in accounting, how to break free from the owner-operator trap, and what it really takes to build a firm that’s scalable, sellable, and future-ready.Connect with Matt:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtait83/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 92 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, host Dominic Piscopo covers the Private Equity Summit 2025 hosted by Accounting Today. He shares a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most important conversations regarding Private Equity in accounting that happened at the conference, and shares the highlights of his keynote and panel presentations. Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 91 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Craig Fouts, a partner at Align Tax Consulting, shares insights into the world of specialty tax consulting, focusing on R&D tax credits and cost segregation. Craig discusses his journey into this niche field, the strategic decisions behind Align's service offerings, and the importance of building relationships with CPA firms. He also highlights the evolving landscape of tax legislation and the significance of specialization in the accounting industry.Connect with Craig:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigfouts/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 90 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Dominic Piscopo sits down with former colleague Stewart Spiers to discuss his journey from Deloitte to a smaller firm, TAAG. Stewart shares insights into his passion for working with small and medium-sized businesses, the challenges of the big 4 environment, and his decision to seek a more entrepreneurial path. Tune in to hear about the agility and opportunities in smaller practices and Stewart's vision for the future.Connect with Stewart:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartspiers/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 89 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, host Dominic Piscopo speaks with Chris Williams, CEO of System Six, discussing the growth of his CAS business, the recent acquisition of a tax practice, and the strategies involved in integrating new teams. Chris shares insights on financing acquisitions through SBA loans, the importance of trust in business transactions, and the unique challenges faced by non-accountants in the accounting industry. Chris also highlights the opportunities for accountants to engage in acquisitions and the differences in transaction structures across various industries.Check out System Six: https://systemsix.com/Connect with Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-williams-68057029/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 88 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, host Dominic Piscopo speaks with Jody Padar, known as the Radical CPA, who shares her journey from being a firm owner to a tech innovator in the accounting space. She discusses the importance of technology, particularly AI, in transforming the accounting profession and emphasizes the need for empathy and advisory skills in client relationships. Jody also compares the adoption of cloud technology to the current wave of AI integration, highlighting the importance of human-centric approaches in technology. She believes that the future of accounting will require professionals to adapt and upskill, leveraging AI to enhance their capabilities and client interactions.Check out XcelLabs: https://www.xcellabsacademy.com/Connect with Jody:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-padar-18a9711/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 87 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I talk through my entire thought process around setting up an accounting firm. I’ve had a lot of similar conversations lately, and wanted to share the 6 steps I would follow to plan my firm, choose a niche, and start building up a customer base. Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 86 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, host Dominic Piscopo speaks with Jen Cryder, the CEO of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs. Jen shares about her role, and pushing the boundaries of what a state society can mean for the accounting profession - digging into their acquisition of CPA Crossings and investment into XcelLabs. Dominic and Jen also cover how she’s pushed to be entrepreneurial within a non-profit organization and what she’s excited for in the future of the profession. Check out XcelLabs: https://www.xcellabsacademy.com/Connect with Jen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgallegosportebrown/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral

In Episode 85 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, host Dominic Piscopo speaks with Owen Pryor and Steve Blake from Evans May Advisory. They discuss the unique synergies between their advisory and wealth management services, emphasizing a client-centric approach that alleviates burdens from clients. The conversation covers their growth strategies, niche markets, innovative pricing models, and the importance of investing in future generations of accountants through internships and community engagement.Connect with Steve and Owen:Steve’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sblake2/Owen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenpryorcpa/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/B4TransparencyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/Book A Demo: https://calendly.com/dom-zgw/big-4-transparency-demo-referral