The Unique CPA

It's once again time to dive into the ERC and update the profession on its current status! Nick Pantaleo joins Randy Crabtree for a special live streamed Episode 174 of The Unique CPA where they delve into the Employee Retention Credit's journey. The two experts review the current state of play, with everything from legal updates, to IRS interpretations and processes, including their new risk assessment system, a second opportunity for amnesty, and further forecasting for the future. They then conclude their discussion by answering questions directly from the listeners! You won't want to miss this to find out how best to serve your clients as the era of the ERC reaches its twilight. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree is joined by Rafael Casas, Director of Strategic Alliances and Partnerships at QuickFee, on Episode 173 of The Unique CPA. Rafael opens by explaining QuickFee's mission to aid accounting and legal firms in accelerating AR while leading the way in the profession on thought leadership around mental health, AI and automation, technology, and more. Through these initiatives, Rafael hopes to elevate the accounting profession, and on those lines, he touches upon the value of intellectual curiosity, resourcefulness, and community collaboration. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 172 of The Unique CPA brings Jody Padar, The Radical CPA, into conversation with Randy Crabtree. They discuss the evolution of accounting technology, from the early days of cloud computing to the current advancements in artificial intelligence, all of which Jody has been at the forefront of. She shares her journey as an early adopter even back in the pre-internet days, her influential role in shaping accounting practices, and her current work at april, which develops innovative, AI-powered tax software. Stressing the importance of adapting to new tools and the potential future changes in accounting, Jody emphasizes the need for accountants to embrace these new technologies with the end goal being a happier profession with a healthier work-life balance. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy welcomes back Roman Villard from Full Send Finance for Episode 171 almost a year after the recording date of Roman's first appearance on The Unique CPA. They discuss the progress and growth Full Send has seen in nearly a year, including updates on new service lines, team expansion, and a re-focus of how to track what progress actually means for the firm and its clients. Roman stresses that looking at internal operations over revenue metrics means that they are measuring something that is more impactful than just making money for the firm, and discusses the successful implementation of a data intelligence vertical. They also touch upon maintaining a strong company culture and the positive impact of letting go of a major client for the sake of team well-being. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Roman Villard joins Randy Crabtree for Episode 170 of The Unique CPA to discuss his social media marketing approach and his founding of Full Send Finance. In a conversation recorded nearly a year ago, Roman discusses establishing his niche: Seed to Series B, primarily tech, startups. The key for Roman is his passion for working with early-stage companies, drawing from his family's entrepreneurial background and his own career choices. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, leveraging relationships for client acquisition, and his strategic use of social media for outreach and education. Roman won the "Social Media Influencer" of the 2024 Bridging the Gap conference, and shared that one of his goals nearly a year ago was to increase his social media presence. Well we have to say you did a great job, Roman, and Randy will be checking back in with you in the next episode to see how your plans have panned out over the past year! Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 169 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree connects with Katie Thomas, founder of Leaders Online, a marketing firm focused on business-to-accountants (B2A) services. They discuss Katie's journey from her entrepreneurial childhood to her professional experience in a Big Four accounting firm and her eventual venture into establishing Leaders Online to help accountants market their firms. Exploring the shift in marketing strategies for accounting firms, Katie emphasizes the importance of niche marketing, creating demand, and leveraging social media. Randy and Katie also touch on the evolving business development roles within firms, the necessity of following one's professional passion, and the critical role of a long-term marketing plan. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

For our third and final bonus episode of The Unique CPA, Rob Brown from The Accounting Influencers talks to Kasidy Kersey and Robb Zbierski about their upcoming appearances at Bridging the Gap 2024. Kasidy, the founder of Marina Bay Yoga, will be the Wellness Coordinator for this year's Wellness Room, reprising her role from the 2023 edition. Bringing her own personal experience with burnout, her passion is to show overworked and stressed professionals how to better look after themselves. Robb Zbierski is a professional speaker, trainer and personal coach with Freedom Personal Development. The author of Train Your Brain for Success, Robb talks about taking an active role in managing your mind and thoughts and turning them towards working for you, rather than against you. Tune in to hear these last two guests' great insights, and be sure to attend Bridging the Gap 2024 to see them in person! Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Join Randy Crabtree on Episode 167 of The Unique CPA as he talks with Jake Kessenich, former COO and Partner at Encurio, about their recent rebranding journey, developing niche markets, and unique pricing strategies. Jake shares his insights into their industry transition, client relationships, and the importance of aligning personal values with business goals, which led to Encurio entering the death care services industry niche—an invaluable episode for accounting professionals looking to elevate their practice. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On this second bonus episode of The Unique CPA, host Rob Brown from the Accounting Influencers Podcasts returns to preview the Bridging the Gap Conference 2024, scheduled for July 22-24 in Rosemont, Illinois. This time, he is joined by speakers Nancy McClelland, Kristen Keats, Seth Feinberg, and Dawn Brolin as they discuss their roles and sessions at the event. Highlighting the conference's unique focus on mental health, professional growth, and community among accountants, all the speakers agree that Bridging the Gap is not like any other conference they've attended. The emphasize the elements of vulnerability, mental well-being, practical insights, and peer support that you don't see anywhere else. Listeners are encouraged to attend for actionable advice, networking opportunities, and a chance to reinvigorate their careers, as well as end the conference with the red carpet gala event! Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 165 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree talks Bridging the Gap 2024, highlighting the vital support of Diamond Sponsor FreshBooks with guest Laura Crean. Laura serves as Partner Program and Education Manager at FreshBooks, and she dives into her journey from Ireland to Canada as well as her role in FreshBooks' exciting new ventures, particularly FreshBooks' recent transition to a full general ledger system and the innovative Collaborative Accounting Framework. The goal is a synergistic approach between accounting professionals and business owners, and Laura shares her insights on certification, onboarding, and maintaining a balanced work culture within the profession, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts and continuous learning in today's accounting landscape. She and Randy further explore strategies to elevate the accounting profession while creating a healthy, fulfilling work environment. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On this special bonus episode of The Unique CPA, host Rob Brown from The Accounting Influencers Podcasts interviews prominent speakers of the upcoming Bridging the Gap Conference 2024, set to take place from July 22-24 in Rosemont, Illinois. Featured guests include Chad Davis, Roman Villard, Al-Nesha Jones, and Hitendra Patil, who share their backgrounds, insights about the accounting profession, and their excitement for the conference. They discuss their individual sessions, which range from exploring mental health and work-life balance to advanced automation and dealing with the accounting talent shortage. The episode provides useful tips on making the most out of attendance at such events, emphasizing the importance of building genuine connections and approaching the conference with an open mind. The episode concludes by highlighting the unique aspects of the conference and the impact of its organizer, Unique CPA host Randy Crabtree. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Dan Luthi, Partner at Ignite Spot Outsourced Accounting joins Randy for Episode 163 of The Unique CPA. They discuss the importance of corporate culture in maintaining a positive work environment, through highlighting Dan's journey at Ignite Spot, his approach to leadership, and how a supportive culture can attract and retain top talent. Dan explores unique strategies for developing a cohesive virtual team, emphasizing the significance of vulnerability and personal connection in leadership, and they both share valuable insights on building a healthy and fulfilling workplace for accounting professionals. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree welcomes Francesca Reicheter, founder and president of Inspiring My Generation, to Episode 162 of The Unique CPA. Francesca shares her personal journey with mental health challenges from a young age, including her experiences with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, and the importance of mental health awareness, strategies to manage mental well-being. Her nonprofit organization aims to prevent suicide through awareness, conversation, education, and support. A poignant and inspiring discussion on overcoming mental health struggles and supporting others in their journey—this is one you don't want to miss. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

The Unique CPA returns for Episode 161 with host Randy Crabtree welcoming Dave Olsen, founder and CEO of Nimbl and Nimbl Staffing. Dave delves deep into the essential elements of leadership, culture, and growth that have fueled Nimbl's success, including his transition from a Big Four auditor to a trailblazing business leader, building a thriving remote team across the U.S., Canada, and the Philippines. Dave identifies his evolution from an accounting "technician" to a leader as a key aspect of his growth and success, and highlights the importance of cultivating a strong people experience (PX) and client experience (CX). Nimbl's innovative strategies ensures the company remains adaptable and resilient, and Dave shares numerous actionable insights on fostering exceptional team culture and achieving sustainable growth. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Bridging the Gap Conference 2024 is July 22–24, 2024, is Rosemont, Illinois, and on Episode 160 of The Unique CPA, Randy interviews Andrew Lassise, founder of Tech4Accountants, now a part of Rightworks, a platinum sponsor of the conference. Andrew and Rightworks specialize in cybersecurity and compliance in accounting. With their expertise, they help firms establish WISPs, Written Information Security Plans, aid them in navigating the FTC Safeguards Rule, educate on cybersecurity best practices, and more. WISPs are not optional for almost anyone with a PTIN, so tune in to learn what you need to do to safeguard yourself, and your clients. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Host Randy Crabtree welcomes Dawn Goldberg to Episode 159 of The Unique CPA. The author of The Smarter Accountant, Dawn shares her journey in public accounting, working for major firms like Deloitte Touche and Ernst & Young, and explains how understanding our own cognitive processes can lead to a less stressful, more productive tax season—and year-round experience as an accountant. Dawn addresses common pain points for accountants, such as stress, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome, emphasizing the significance of using the higher brain to manage thoughts and improve time management and productivity, aiming for better work-life balance and professional fulfillment. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 138 of The Unique CPA, join host Randy Crabtree as he chats with Timothy Wingate Jr., founder of G+F Business and Financial Consulting, about his journey from wanting to be the next Doogie Howser to creating a niche accounting practice focused on the construction industry. Timothy's father worked in construction, so his experience runs deep and across generations, so his insights on niching, work-life balance, and effective marketing strategies are sure to be relevant to any accounting firm that is looking to drill down. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Geraldine Carter rejoins Randy for a second appearance on The Unique CPA for episode 157. Geraldine recently published her book, Down to 40 Hours, as a more accessible guide to many of the principles she stresses in her coaching: Achieving efficiency and work-life balance through understanding client value, strategic pricing, niching, and more. She discusses navigating business strategies, balancing professional and personal growth, and transforming your understanding of value and where profit actually comes from. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree welcomes Lauren Baptiste to Episode 156 of The Unique CPA. A kindred spirit on the topic of mental health for professionals, Lauren shares her profound journey from CPA burnout to work-life balance. Her actionable insights into recognizing burnout, lifestyle changes, and redefining productivity in the accounting profession could very well make a difference to any listener who is looking to take the first step to changing the direction their career is taking them. Discover strategies for self-care, identifying signs of burnout in yourself and others, and more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 155 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree talks to SALT expert Jordan Goodman about various state and local tax issues including market-based sourcing, the impact of the pandemic on remote workforces, the ongoing implications of the Wayfair decision, and nuances of passthrough entity tax laws. Always an enthusiast, Jordan takes the complexities of tax law and offers fun and engaging insights for professionals navigating these topics. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 154 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree engages in a far reaching discussion with Alan Whitman, former CEO at Baker Tilly, who now serves as an advisor and coach to professionals. They delve into the necessary evolution of the accounting profession, exploring themes of innovation, breaking traditional molds, and fostering a sustainable and attractive future for CPAs. Whitman shares his remarkable journey from a bright-eyed associate to a visionary leader, emphasizing the vital shifts needed in professional services and the "enjoyment gap" that seems to exist in the accounting profession, driving the pipeline problem we are currently facing. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Byron Patrick of the B³ Method Institute joins Randy for Episode 153 of The Unique CPA, and they delve into Byron's transition from an "okay accountant" to a technology expert. Byron is passionate about well-being and its interplay with the profession, and he and Randy discuss the key that technology can improve efficiency, which eliminates the stresses and time sinks of the job, which leads to better work-life balance, but he holistically broadens his focus to things each person can do for themselves, too. That said, he shares information on AI tools like Bard, ChatGPT, and more, discussing their impact, ultimately stressing that making incremental, small changes is all you need to do to improve your workflow in this rapidly changing technological arena. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree sits down with Chris Farmand of Small Batch Standard on Episode 152 of The Unique CPA. They delve into the complexities and financial management gaps in the brewing industry, and how that relates to niching principles generally: the importance of deep relationships, industry concentration, and adapting to market changes. Lead generation, value pricing, and client transitions feature as well, with Chris reviewing the experiences he's had in running Small Batch Standard. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 151 of The Unique CPA, Darryl Bates-Brownsword joins Randy Crabtree to discuss the importance of succession planning and its associated challenges. They delve into the benefits of early exit planning, with Darryl identifying the transition from selling hours to value-based service offerings as a key obstacle. Ultimately, exit planning is vital for businesses, and for CPAs looking to boost their advisory offerings, Darryl's platform Capitaliz provides a guided way to do just that. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Curt Mastio, who established Founder's CPA, joins Randy for Episode 150 of The Unique CPA. They delve into Curt's transition from Big Four to his own firm, the complexities of dealing with the blockchain and crypto industries, and FinTech niche and the unique challenges it presents for accountants. They also discuss modern firm practices, tax planning strategies including utilizing R&D tax credits, and the journey of tech startups from seed stage to exit. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 149 of The Unique CPA, Joe Woodard joins Randy to discuss hot topics like the Private Equity revolution in accounting and the Scaling New Heights conference coming up in Orlando in June. Joe introduces the Woodard Ideal Practice Model, a multi-partite plan for firms to both determine and differentiate their services, and he offers wisdom about the difference between management and leadership. They discuss Scaling New Heights in some detail, mentioning the talk Randy will be giving on firm growth and culture at the event. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree talks to Jen Cryder, CEO of PICPA, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, on Episode 148 of The Unique CPA. They discuss the role of state societies in accounting, with a focus on bringing some of the ideas that larger firms have come up with to smaller firms and adapting those ideas to fit. Jen draws on her extensive experience as an audit senior and partner to touch on company culture, preserving that through mergers, and the opportunities that are in front of firms to deal with and thrive through the staffing crisis. PICPA's vision involves human capital, innovation in startups, and offering a wealth of support and resources to firms of all sizes. Randy probes Jen's thoughts on salary transparency, work-life balance, and leveraging technology in the tax profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

In this episode, Randy Crabtree chats with Al-Nesha Jones, founder of ASE Group, about her career transition, starting her own firm, and the lessons she learned to get it to where it is today. ASE Group serves as a beacon of DEI, employing full-time mothers and championing a four-day workweek with empowered employees and flexible schedules based on value billing that isn't timesheet based. Al-Nesha discusses many of the stumbles she had along the way, resulting in improving firm processes, managing client expectations during COVID-19, the role of advisory services, and creating a firm that truly allows for proper work-life balance. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 146 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree is joined by Jeremy Wells, founder of JWellsCFO, to discuss Jeremy's transition from grad school and earning a PhD, into a teaching career in academia, then changing careers mid-stream, resulting in him earning and maintaining both his EA and CPA. Jeremy's and his transition from teaching to tax advising was multi-faceted, and buffeted by a mentor who helped "show him the ropes" as he made his way, while also giving him insights into the kind of firm he wanted to run. Jeremy highlights the challenges and rewards of self-employment and the importance of identifying the right clients for your niche. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree welcomes Accounting Today Editor-in-Chief Dan Hood back to The Unique CPA on Episode 145 to discuss the significance of community in the accounting profession. They explore the shift to other forms of communication and education that has developed over the past several years, from social media to webinars, then shift gears to focus on the good, old-fashioned conference: their value for community building, and the role of conversation and direct, personal interaction generally, in professional development. In the process, they provide all the details for Accounting Today's Firm Growth Forum and Tri-Merit's Bridging the Gap Conference for 2024. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 144 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree chats with Tim Petrey, CEO of HD Growth Partners and White Glove Payroll. They delve into the impact of Private Equity on accounting through an examination of the newly announced strategic partnership between HD Growth Partners and ASCEND. Tim strongly believes that the Private Equity model provides for a new paradigm in the accounting profession, and with the right partnership, a progressive firm with solid foundations of corporate culture and client service can grow precipitously, powered by Private Equity's "rocket fuel", and safeguard itself against the "coming storm" that will affect the prospects of everyone across the profession in the coming years. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 143 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree chats with Amy Vetter about her diverse roles both inside and outside her career life, and the value of authenticity. A CPA, a yoga instructor, a technology business executive, an author, and more, Amy discusses her experiences with identity and career transitions, and the Business Balance Bliss concept she constructed as a result. Amy goes into her work at the B³ Method Institute, her achievements as a Certified Speaking Professional, and the programs she's developed to make work-life "harmony," rather than just balance, an achievable goal for CPA firms. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 142 of The Unique CPA, we take a look back at Tri-Merit's Live Chat featuring Randy Crabtree, Nick Pantaleo, and Dan Chodan discussing the changes in the Employer Retention Credit (ERC), the impact of the moratorium, and the benefits of the amnesty and voluntary disclosure programs for the coming year. They delve into the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, risks of litigation, and the importance of detailed filing. They conclude with an analysis of the new bill's expanded aspects and the need for voluntary disclosure. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 141 of The Unique CPA, join Randy Crabtree as he takes a dive into the dynamic world of accounting marketing with the insightful Karen Reyburn of The Profitable Firm. As a CPA turned marketing guru, Karen shares her expertise on effective client education, the power of niche marketing, and how accountants can leverage AI to transform their practices. Explore the importance of understanding your audience, the benefits of choosing a specific focus, and how to ensure your firm stands out in a crowded market. Whether you're looking to refine your marketing strategy or you're curious about the future impact of tech, this episode is full of actionable advice and forward-thinking ideas. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 140 of The Unique CPA, fellow podcast host Ed Kless of the Sage Thought Leadership podcast and The Soul of Enterprise with Ron Baker, talks to Randy about the importance of the shift from traditional to value-based pricing, knowing your target market, and the fact that what you are offering is access to knowledge, not a service. They delve into the implementation of subscription pricing and transitioning from a generalist to a specialist or niched firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Matthew May, the president of Acuity, returns to The Unique CPA on Episode 139, and he gives Randy the insider's perspective on Benefit Corporations, better known as B Corps. Acuity started the process of being recognized as a B Corp in 2020, and Matthew talks about the community that surrounds B Corps, the employee-centric image being a B Corp projects, and the difficulty that faces service firms that wish to become B Corps because they don't have physical supply chains. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 138 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree chats with Greg Kyte about his unusual journey in accounting. From the controversies around the CPE available for listening to his Drunk Ethics podcast, as well as Oh My Fraud, another podcast Greg co-hosts, they discuss the importance of finding a niche in accounting in order to make yourself, and your work, more interesting—which has a cascading beneficial effect on everything you do. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

The first episode of The Unique CPA in 2024, Episode 137, features Jason Blumer of Blumer CPAs, Thriveal, and Deeper Weekend. Jason started Thriveal to support accounting firm owners by building a community and resources for them to seek support. As he tells Randy, this led to Deeper Weekend, his exclusive annual conference for around a hundred accounting firm owners. The event fosters peer learning and relationships through workshops and socializing, with the fundamental idea behind it being that people have had successes and mistakes before you and there are always things to discover by building connections with them. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 136 of The Unique CPA features Ilya Radzinsky, co-founder of TaxDome, talking to Randy about how TaxDome's practice management platform helps accounting firms organize their work, clients, and teams in an efficient yet easy-to-use way. TaxDome streamlines workflows, provides visibility for managers, and creates a professional client experience through their secure online portal. Ilya also shares insights on embracing technology to add value for clients and how in addition to the increase in efficiency, digitizing a practice can increase its sales value. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 135 of The Unique CPA features the important topic of mental health in the accounting profession. Gaynor Meilke talks to Randy about her experience with mental health struggles from a young age and how she now helps others, including children, tackle their challenges. She provides insights into the stressors accounting professionals face and signs of burnout. Randy also opens up about his personal journey with mental health after experiencing a stroke. They emphasize the importance of self-care, finding your passions, and getting help when needed. Through this candid conversation, they both hope to shine a light on a longstanding problem facing not just the accounting profession, but people in all walks of life. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree gets together with Will Lopez of Gusto on Episode 134 of The Unique CPA to talk about innovation in the accounting profession. Will shares his entrepreneurial journey from running his own practice to developing People Advisory as a service offering for accountants at Gusto. He explains the structured approach firms can take to modernizing by constantly experimenting and keeping services fresh, provides insights into the talent crisis in accounting, and how that crisis can be met by attracting new professionals with interesting, cutting edge offerings like People Advisory. His insights are rich for firms looking to enhance their value and stay competitive. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Dan Hood, Editor-in-Chief at Accounting Today, returns to episode 133 of The Unique CPA to talk to Randy Crabtree about the keys to creating an unbeatable company culture. They discuss the intricacies and the delicate balance between rules and relationships that attracts top talent and builds a sustainable firm environment. Discover what can truly set firms apart and ordered, pre-planned strategies for navigating growth while maintaining a distinct identity. Hear firsthand how defining small cultural nuances can build a team people don't want to leave. Dan is full of invaluable insights as the quintessential industry insider. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 132 of The Unique CPA features an inspiring conversation with Rich Kane about his experience surviving a stroke at a young age. Rich talks to Randy about his harrowing stroke story and recovery journey, including the lingering effects it's had on his daily life and career. Both of them discuss the emotional impact the stroke has had on their lives. For accounting professionals, this episode highlights the real-life challenges stroke survivors face and promotes greater awareness of risk factors, with Randy and Rich discussing how to identify stroke symptoms through the BE FAST acronym. Overall, it's an insightful look at overcoming adversity through the lens of two stroke survivor CPAs. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 131 of The Unique CPA features Randy's insightful discussion with Michael Ly, CEO of Reconciled, a leading virtual bookkeeping and accounting firm. Michael talks about building Reconciled from the ground up and his key strategies for growth, including acquiring other accounting firms. He provides valuable perspectives on remote work culture, the current state of AI in accounting, and his outlook on the future of the profession. He follows up with practical advice on building a thriving remote business, as well as a better understanding of trends shaping the industry—a must-listen for anyone looking to learn from the experiences of a successful entrepreneur. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 130 of The Unique CPA features Giles Pearson, the co-founder and CEO of Accountests, who talks to Randy about his background in public accounting and how his 18 years as a partner at a large firm. This inspired him to create Accountests to help firms make more informed hiring decisions. He discusses the various technical skills and personality tests Accountests offers and how they can help firms hire the right candidates faster, improve onboarding, and reduce costly turnover. Giles also talks about how the tests benefit candidates by identifying strengths and areas for growth. This insightful conversation provides practical advice on leveraging data and science to hire better and help accounting professionals reach their full potential. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Discover how to bring joy to accounting with cloud technology on Episode 129 of The Unique CPA! Kellie Parks talks to Randy Crabtree about her passion for bookkeeping and how she helps accounting professionals love cloud accounting as much as she does. Learn about the templates and tools Kelly provides to streamline your firm's processes and hear tips for implementing new technologies step-by-step without getting overwhelmed. Tune in to get insights on automating your work, improving work-life balance, and embracing cloud solutions to reduce stress in your practice. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 128 of The Unique CPA, Randy welcomes tax attorney and author Eric Green, the founder of Tax Rep Network. Eric's goal with Tax Rep Network is to help tax professionals build successful IRS representation practices. He shares stories, including one where he helped clients resolve large tax debts and avoid penalties, and another horror story that saw a preparer potentially on the hook for six figures. Eric provides valuable advice for tax season, such as considering collectability when filing returns with balances due. He discusses how Tax Rep Network supports members with extensive training, consulting support, and community resources. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy welcomes a very special guest, legendary hospitality leader Horst Schulze, on episode 127 of The Unique CPA. The co-founder and former COO of Ritz-Carlton hotels, as well as the founder of Capella Hotel Group, Horst shares invaluable insights on achieving excellence through defining a specific goal for your business, empowering employees, and making customers feel cared for. Underlying his philosophy, which is centered around having a concrete, attainable goal, is a sense of responsibility to people and society. He also discusses his book, Excellence Wins, which has been purchased en masse by CEOs around the world to help shape their organizations' culture. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree talks to Hector Garcia, creator of RightTool, on Episode 126 of The Unique CPA. A QuickBooks expert, Hector discusses the future of the accounting profession in the age of AI and automation. He shares insightful perspectives on how software is changing the perception of accounting work, challenging the profession to get creative in redefining its roles and business models. Listen in to learn how to reinvent themselves and their firms to stay ahead of disruption, and get an exclusive look at Hector's upcoming conference focused on creative business models and future-proofing your role. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy welcomes John Pace, the 2022 Digital CPA Innovation Practitioner of the Year, to The Unique CPA for episode 125. John transformed his outsourced accounting department, which is focused on nonprofits and government contractors, after becoming its director about a year into his time at GRF CPA in Bethesda, Maryland. He shares his insights into building a strong culture centered on employee wellbeing and work-life balance over billable hours. John's perspectives on leadership, innovation, and running a sustainable practice through empowerment are key listening for anyone in or looking to grow into a leadership position. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com