The Unique CPA

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

On Episode 124 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Mike Whitmire, CEO and Co-Founder of FloQast. Mike discusses how he overcame burnout in public accounting brought on by personal pain points to build FloQast, such as long hours both at a Big Four firm and at an L.A. startup, the difficulty of the month-end close process, and the need for a better work-life balance in accounting. He discusses growing FloQast to over 500 employees with a focus on culture and transparency. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Paul Hamann, the founder of RCReports, joins Randy for Episode 123 of The Unique CPA. Paul discusses reasonable compensation and how it plays a vital role in tax planning and compliance for closely held businesses. Paul debunks common myths around reasonable compensation and provides valuable insights into how to properly determine reasonable comp. He and Randy both stress the importance of advisory in accounting services and how that addition of value can boost your firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 122 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined by accounting business expert Tatiana Tsoir. Tatiana shares her journey from accounting to entrepreneurship, and how she helps businesses succeed. Also an author, Tatiana covers an incredibly diverse range of topics, from price psychology to establishing work-life balance. Her passion for developing educational courses and coaching clients with the ultimate goal of bettering lives really shines through. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 121 of The Unique CPA features Roger Knecht sharing with Randy the key aspects of developing an accounting firm. Roger is President of Universal Accounting Center, a postsecondary school for accounting professionals, and the UAC has developed training programs that include identifying core service offerings, sales and marketing methods, pricing models, and providing value-added advisory services to help businesses grow and increase profits. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy connects with Chase Birky, co-founder of Dark Horse CPAs, on Episode 120 of The Unique CPA. Chase explains the platform model Dark Horse uses to support CPAs under the firm's banner support services. CPAs can start, scale, and grow their practices through collaboration and shared resources within Dark Horse's innovative structure. The two touch on how this model can help avoid burnout and promote mental health. Chase joined us a speaker and panelist at the 2023 Unique CPA: Bridging the Gap Conference the week of August 28. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 119 of The Unique CPA, Randy welcomes Seth Fineberg, founder of Accountants Forward. Seth is a veteran journalist and editor who has worked in the accounting industry for many years. He recently launched Accountants Forward, to consult with and help accounting professionals and vendors serving the industry. His vast experience in accounting media and in launching events and platforms inform his expertise. One major focus of his is on strengthening relationships between accountants and vendors, while his ultimate goal is to help as many people in the accounting profession as he can. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy welcomes newly appointed President and CEO of the Illinois CPA Society, Geof Brown, on Episode 118 of The Unique CPA. Geof discusses Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the accounting profession and a report the Society recently published, going over Randy's specific questions on a number of metrics. Jeff shares his insights and expertise around DEI and highlights the need to promote inclusion, recognize the benefits of diverse perspectives, and prioritize employees' mental health and wellbeing as ways not just to do the right thing, but to drive the success of your enterprise. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Justin Korth of Lutz Accounting joins Randy on Episode 117 of The Unique CPA to discuss how his firm faced down the challenges currently endemic in the accounting profession. To tackle the shortage of accounting graduates and high turnover rates, among other issues, Lutz started outsourcing some tax and audit work to a team in India. Justin discusses how outsourcing has helped reduce employee workload during busy season while still maintaining a high level of client service. He provides five key recommendations for firms considering outsourcing some of their work, covering topics like client consent, training the offshore team, setting expectations, and measuring key performance indicators. Listen in to learn how outsourcing can help your firm tackle the labor shortage crisis and improve efficiency. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 116 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined by Jonathan McGuire of Aldrich Advisors to discuss Opportunity Zones, a unique element of the tax code introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2018. Opportunity Zones allow investors to defer capital gains taxes and later taxation by investing in designated low-income communities. Jonathan covers the tax benefits, requirements for Opportunity Zone Funds and Businesses, and types of eligible investments. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 115 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Eileen Adao, Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships with Glean.ai. Eileen discusses her career journey from the Big Four to tech startups, and what she's learned about the importance of culture, coaching, and diversity in creating an inclusive workplace where people can bring their authentic selves to work. She also details Glean.ai's leveraging of AI to provide insights and efficient workflows for accountants. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 114 of The Unique CPA, Randy gets together with Dawn Brolin, the CEO of Powerful Accounting and author of The Designated Motivator. Dawn discusses her journey of coaching a college softball team during tax season, the experience of which led her to write her book. She details how technology and relationship pricing models have helped her reduce her hours during tax season and provide more value to her clients. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy talks to Zach Baughan, a mindfulness consultant and practitioner, on episode 113 of The Unique CPA. Zach discusses how mindfulness and meditation practices can help reduce stress and increase performance for accounting professionals through techniques like deep breathing and seated, silent meditation, as well as a number of book and app recommendations. Randy also talks to Zach about his own advocacy for mental health in the accounting profession and how he hopes to incorporate mindfulness into his talks going forward. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Making technology work for your firm is the theme on Episode 112 of The Unique CPA. Randy talks to Ellen Choi, co-founder of Aiwyn, an automation platform for accounting firms. She talks about how Aiwyn helps firms streamline processes and overcome resistance to change. Leveraging AI, through what she describes as the "virtuous cycle of mutual learning," can help not only to improve value based pricing and client experience for firms of any size, but increase the knowledge and understanding of the humans who use these AI-based tools. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree talks "coach-ulting" and tax optimization with Brian Amann of CPA Edge on Episode 111 of The Unique CPA. Brian was the former founder and partner at TaxOps, which has been recognized as a top accounting firm by Accounting Today and Inc. magazine, among others, and he took his experience developing TaxOps' model and offered it to other accounting professionals by founding CPA Edge. He stresses the important of culture and brand, both difficult things to measure, but very important in ensuring the success of an enterprise. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

David Toth of Winding River Consulting brings his digital marketing expertise to the table in this conversation with Randy on episode 110 of The Unique CPA. David identifies the five core principles behind developing a successful digital culture that drives growth at a CPA firm amongst a plethora of other business development insights. He further touches on how important getting buy-in from people in important, decision making roles, as well as finding them "gems" within your firm that will carry on the torch in future generations. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree is joined by Gale Crosley of Crosley+Company on episode 109 of The Unique CPA. Gale's specialty is in driving strategic, organic, revenue growth for CPA firms, and she has been recognized for her influence and insights into the accounting profession by The Advisory Board, CPA Practice Advisors, Accounting Today, Inside Public Accounting, and more. Gale shares her insights through actionable principles any CPA firm can take now to improve its growth and profitability, and delves into just how strategic organic growth works. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Joe Woodard joins Randy for Episode 108 to talk about June's Scaling New Heights conference and automation as the key to helping your business soar. The founder of Woodard, a nationally recognized CPA coaching membership, and co-host of The Woodard Report podcast with Heather Satterly, Joe offers a road map for firms that are looking to automate more of their processes, shares tips for how to get it done in an efficient, scalable way, and relieves tensions around the onslaught of AI solutions with a reminder that the software solutions you already use will probably be integrating artificial intelligence into their functionality anyway—so you don't have to become an end-all, be-all expert on AI. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy welcomes Tina White, the founder of Panoramic Academy, on Episode 107 of The Unique CPA. Tina started her career in the public accounting world, then transitioned to ownership of an HVAC servicing company, and now runs Panoramic Academy, which specializes in coaching business owners to improve their financials and make their companies self-sufficient. She discusses how important advisory services are in the accountant / business relationship, the human element of that connection, and how important it is for any business to tighten up every aspect of its operations. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy welcomes Jody Grunden of Anders CPAs on Episode 106 of The Unique CPA. A two-time author, speaker and visionary, Jody helped pioneer virtual CFO services as well as subscription-based billing in the accounting profession, creating new ways for firms to do business. He recounts his unusual journey, including tales of lost luggage and declined credit cards as he tried to finally solidify a stable business. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 105 of The Unique CPA, Jennifer Lee Wilson returns and is joined by Renee Moelders to talk to Randy about the latest, encouraging results of ConvergenceCoaching's biennial Anytime, Anywhere Work survey. The survey results are available for free, and they show big developments for firms in making work more flexible and more accessible. The trend indicates that these were the firms not having trouble attracting new talent or keeping existing talent: Perhaps an unsurprising consequence, but one that all accounting firms should take serious heed of. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Mary McDonald joins Randy Crabtree on Episode 104 of The Unique CPA to talk about #TaxTwitter. When Mary, Dan Heron, and Allison McLeod started planning the TaxTwitter Retreat, they had no idea that it would far exceed their expectations, potentially bringing together professionals from various areas of the tax industry in an environment of camaraderie, learning, and even wine and beer tastings—the latter, thanks to Randy! Who knew that the power of community and networking could lead to such unexpected results? Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 103 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined once again by Donny Shimamoto of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies and The Center for Accounting Transformation. With the busy season completed, Donny is now looking towards solutions to improve the wellbeing of the members of the profession and strategies for healthy firm culture and growth—and he has commissioned two research studies to find out how best to accomplish those goals: one on advisory services, and one on staffing strategies. The two discuss all the details, how to participate, and what kind of positive steps they're hoping to take based on the resulting data. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Continuing the theme of special episodes around the century mark, The Unique CPA presents a re-broadcast of Randy Crabtree's recent appearance On The Air with Accounting Today. Host Daniel Hood leads a discussion with Randy and other guests David Bergstein and Jasen Stein of the AccounTrends Podcast focusing on the future of accounting and how best to stay on top of all the changes the profession is undergoing. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

We're back with Part 2 of The Unique CPA's celebration of reaching the 100 episode milestone, with Episode 101. Randy is once again the "guest," and producer Justin Grant of Professional Productions.net continues his hosting duties, as the two listen and respond to messages and questions sent in by several past and future guests on the show. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

The Unique CPA has reached a milestone on Episode 100, and the tables have been turned on Randy! Longtime producer Justin Grant, founder of Professional Productions, asks the questions on this special episode, which in addition to being the hundredth, is also the first Unique CPA Happy Hour episode. Wondering what that's all about? Tune in and find out—there are a few more surprises waiting, too! Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 99 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined by John Briggs, the Founder and CEO of Incite Tax. John has created a very unique model through Incite, whereby accountants may enter a licensing agreement with Incite, which handles the backend systems and lead generation, while allowing the accountants to have their own lucrative practices without working 60 or 70 hours a week. He explains his idea and his passion for bettering the accounting community, preventing the dehumanizations of its members, and improving mental health for all. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Things are changed up on Episode 98 of The Unique CPA as Randy co-hosts with past guest Stephen Vono. Together, they talk with John Pastore of Integrated Financial Partners, discussing the importance and profitability of integrating financial planning services into your accounting practice, and the process IFP has developed with the goal of making it a seamless process. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 97 of The Unique CPA, Randy sits down with Jason Staats, founder of Realize, a community of accounting leaders, and the co-host of the AutomationTown podcast. The former owner of Brenner & Company, LLP in Salem, Oregon, Jason has turned his attention to Realize full time, as well as to marketing via social media. The two discuss Jason's social media presence, tech solutions to increase accounting productivity, and much more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Daniel Hood, Editor-in-Chief of Accounting Today, joins Randy for Episode 96 of The Unique CPA. Daniel has served in his current capacity since 2011, and has covered the accounting industry for much longer. He recounts what he considers some of the top ways the profession is currently transforming, and what individuals and firms alike need to do to stay on top of these changes. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy is joined by Heath Alloway of the Upstream Leader podcast for Episode 95 of The Unique CPA. Intelligence as it's been traditionally viewed, is less important to the accounting professional and to leadership than a more vital factor: emotional intelligence. Heath talks about his journey to understand the impact of emotional intelligence, highlights the ways high levels of emotional intelligence and empathy positively impact people and firms, and discusses strategies for developing what he says is ultimately not an inborn trait, but a skill. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching joins Randy on Episode 94 of The Unique CPA. Jennifer is a champion of right-sizing your accounting firm, which sometimes means difficult decisions for the sake of your employees, up to and including firing bad clients in order to, as Jennifer puts it, to "bring hope to the troops." She shares some strategies for how to get to the right size, with a reminder that it's the best path to prime your firm for growth. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy welcomes Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center, on Episode 93 of The Unique CPA. The host of his own podcast, Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger talks to Randy about the systematic approach and educational process Universal Accounting offers to firms to grow, systematize, and improve the efficiency of their practices. He also shares some helpful tips and discusses the importance of focusing on your and others' mental health. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 92 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Brandon Hall, the Real Estate CPA, about his modern approach to building an accounting firm: Results-based work tracking with no hours or hourly billing, a fully remote office staffed by accountants and tax advisors from all over the country, revenue targets reached through creative, content-based marketing, and more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 91 of The Unique CPA, Randy welcomes back friend of the podcast, Scott Scarano, who also co-hosted The Unique CPA's celebration at the Beer Temple in Chicago in the summer of 2022. Scott is the founder of Accounting High, and he also hosts the podcast of the same name, formerly known as the Sons of CPAs. Scott brings some exciting news: March Appness 2023, also known as ABC, the Accountant Bracket Challenge, where you can nominate your top five apps and platforms that contribute to all of our success in the profession. Nominate The Unique CPA at bracket.accountinghigh.com. Get show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 90 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined by Donny Shimamoto, Founder and Managing Director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies, LLC, and "Inspiration Architect" at The Center for Accounting Transformation. An undisputed leader in the accounting industry, with accolades from Accounting Today, CPA Practice Advisor, CPA Technology Advisor and more, Donny's message is one of inclusivity, diversity, and belonging—and it's boiled down by the URL of The Center for Accounting Transformation's website: ImproveTheWorld.net. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 89 of The Unique CPA, Randy chats with Dominique Molina, President of the American Institute of Certified Tax Planners. Dominique talks about her early days as a CPA, and how she thought opening her own practice would eliminate a lot of the negatives associated with working in the accounting profession. She realized, however, that a few more steps were necessary—with the key being control over one's own business and time. She discusses how accounting firms can achieve this, as well as delving into the Certified Tax Planner license and its utility in demonstrating that you are an expert at saving your clients money. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 88 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Brian Kush, co-founder of Intend2Lead, about things leaders in the accounting profession can change to make themselves and their workplaces healthier, happier, and more productive. They discuss the concept of intentionality, the importance of being openly vulnerable because of the relatability and humanity that affords, the unique challenges to firm culture that have arisen with the rise in remote working, and more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Ryan Lazanis, host of the Future Firm Accounting podcast and founder of Future Firm, joins Randy Crabtree for Episode 87 of The Unique CPA. Randy queries Ryan about Future Firm, which helps accounting firms scale and systematize their offerings. They discuss tiered, consistent pricing and niching, as well as the nexus between the two concepts, and Ryan details some of the steps necessary to modernize an accounting firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 86 of The Unique CPA, Randy welcomes Rob Santos and Rory Henry of Arrowroot Family Office, to discuss the opportunities for collaboration that exist between accounting firms and financial planners. Co-hosts of the AFO | Wealth Management Forward Podcast, Rob and Rory talk about the modern technological solutions that make individually tailored wealth management available to everyone—and explain what a massive improvement in the service offering they represent. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 85 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Duke Alexander Moore, best known as the popular DukeLovesTaxes on TikTok, where he has 3.4 million followers and counting. Duke's passion for the business of taxes is evident as he discusses the growth of his brand and social media presence. He shares some handy tips for dipping your toes into this arena of free marketing. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 84 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree welcomes Kenji Kuramoto, CEO and founder of Acuity. Kenji follows on from Matthew May's appearance last week, as the two of them are co-hosts of the Drink While You Think podcast, which Randy has also appeared as a guest on them. Randy and Kenji talk about what makes Acuity unique in the accounting space, including a plethora of information on how to maximize your accounting firm's revenue and profitability, and with a focus on technology. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com