The Unique CPA

Episode 75 marks the end of festivities celebrating The Unique CPA from The Beer Temple in Chicago. In part 3, Blake Oliver, creator of Earmark CPE, and Matthew May, founder and VP at Acuity, join Randy Crabtree and Scott Scarano. They discuss the impact of technology, crypto, and the blockchain on accounting, talk more about the wave of private equity already sweeping firms, and hit on the most important thread of all running through good work in the profession: integrity. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

The celebration continues with Episode 74 of The Unique CPA, live from The Beer Temple in Chicago. On part 2 of this three-part series, Randy and Scott Scarano of the Accounting High podcast talk to Dawn Brolin of Powerful Accounting and The Motivation Movement, a two-time "40 Under 40" award recipient from Accounting Today, and previous Unique CPA guest Josh Lance of Lance CPA Group, who has won the same award five times. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 73 of The Unique CPA is live from The Beer Temple in Chicago, and the end of Season 3 celebrations are so big, we've had to split it into three parts! Randy is joined by Scott Scarano, host of the Accounting High podcast, and they talk to Tim Jipping, owner of Journey Advisors & CPAs, Allan Koltin, the founder of Koltin Consulting Group, and Kenji Kuramoto, the CEO of Acuity. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Blake Oliver joins Randy Crabtree on Episode 72 of The Unique CPA. The founder of Earmark CPE, Blake pieced together the seemingly disparate ideas of podcasts—a world to which he contributes via co-hosting the Cloud Accounting podcast—and CPE, utilizing his skills in web design, tech, and business building to bring free CPE to accountants nationwide. Plus, The Unique CPA has joined the Earmark family! So now you too can earn CPE by listening! Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Tom Parker and Layne Bodily of FBP CPA first joined Randy on Episode 36, where they discussed their co-founding of the firm in Itasca, Illinois and their vision for their venture. Tom and Layne discuss its evolution so far, the challenges they've faced around the pandemic, employee retention, and establishing structures and best practices. As well, Layne has resiliently responded in the face of a cancer diagnosis, with the team and clients of FBP rallying around him. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com.

On episode 70 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Gary Shamis, CEO of Winding River Consulting, about being an entrepreneur and dealing with losing control. They also discuss Winding River Consulting and Gary's Managing Partner Bootcamp. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 69 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Jackie Meyer, founder of Meyer Tax Consulting, about running a completely virtual firm using her ROI plan. They also discuss her tax planning program called Tax Plan IQ, which helps people in the industry get around confusing AICPA standards, and what types of leadership will help your business succeed. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 68 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to president and managing partner of GRF CPAs & Advisors, Jackie Cardello, about issues in the accounting industry like hiring and retaining employees, remaining diverse and inclusive, and the intimidating effects of social media. Get the show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com.

Episode 67 of The Unique CPA is all about the subscription model and how it can be applied to public accounting. Randy talks to Ron Baker, a LinkedIn Influencer acclaimed by Accounting Today and host of The Soul of Enterprise. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 66 of The Unique CPA, Rob Brown joins Randy Crabtree to share their experiences as stroke survivors during Stroke Awareness Month. They highlight the key lessons they learned from these life-changing events, including the importance of being open and vulnerable with friends about struggles and of not waiting for a consequential event to make positive changes in one's life. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 65 of The Unique CPA is "pure vaporware"—just ask Randy's guest, Scott Scarano, host of the Sons of CPAs Podcast and President of Padgett Business Services of Raleigh-Durham. Randy and Scott have a great time talking about everything under the sun, from beer and other methods of "relaxation", to one of the key tenets of The Unique CPA, the changing face of public accounting, which also happens to be a heavy focus of Scott's show. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 64 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Nick Cavuoto about the importance of personal branding. Nick shares his own experience with transforming businesses' marketing efforts, including Fortune 500 companies, and stresses the importance of building a connection with people. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 63 of The Unique CPA, Tom Gorczynski, Enrolled Agent, Certified Tax Planner, and non-attorney member of the Bar of the United States Tax Court, discusses his role in educating other tax professionals and providing IRS representation for tax preparers. Tom shares his approach to research and education, and he highlights the importance of being a constant learner within the profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

John Garrett returns to The Unique CPA for episode 62, and he talks to Randy Crabtree about the importance of ensuring that a firm's people are actually treated like people. The author of What's Your "And", John specializes in helping especially CPA firms attract and retain talent by emphasizing the human element and ensuring that a firm's culture doesn't just exist, but is thriving and aspirational for its employees. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 61 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree is joined by Joel Hess, a Principal at LeaseCrunch, which provides cloud-based lease accounting software solutions for CPA firms. Joel discusses the significance of new lease accounting standards and shares ways firms can efficiently implement them. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 60 of The Unique CPA, Randy speaks with Randy Johnston, Executive Vice President at K2 Enterprises and a leading technology consultant. Randy discusses how to find the optimal software package for client accounting services and shares his thoughts on the radical technology transition he foresees the industry undergoing over the next five years. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 59 of The Unique CPA, Robb Zbierski returns to discuss ways to boost productivity with Randy Crabtree. Robb shares ten tips from his book, Master Your Mind, where he recommends practices to bypass negativity, internalize objectives on a subconscious level, and deliver results more efficiently. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 58 of The Unique CPA, Randy speaks with Rik Nemanick, the founder of Nemanick Leadership Consulting. Rik shares eight rules for becoming a strong mentor from his book, The Mentor's Way. He discusses gaps in how firms currently structure mentorship programs and offers advice on how to overcome common pitfalls. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 57 of The Unique CPA, Terrell Turner returns to discuss the fractional CFO concept with Randy Crabtree. Terrell discusses recent honors he's received, strategies for businesses who are looking for fractional CFO services, how his firm provides those services using a tailored pricing model, and his passion for helping business owners make the most of what they have. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 56 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Grace Horvath, current Vice President of Services at CPAmerica, who will take over the role of President from January 1, 2022, onwards. Grace discusses her history in sales, her understanding of marketing and its importance for CPA firms, the changing landscape of the profession, and how important it member associations are to help guide succession, firm structure, and success both at the individual and firm level. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 55 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined by Doug Brown of Summit Success International. Doug and Summit specialize in helping professionals and businesses take control of their workflow and time in order to better serve their clients, their employees and coworkers, and themselves. Randy focuses his questions around burnout, and Doug shares his considerable insights, including a number of useful takeaways. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 54 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined by Allan Koltin, CPA, CGMA, the CEO of Koltin Consulting Group. With a laundry list of accolades, including Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People in the Profession for over two decades running, Allan shares his insights into what he calls the "perfect storm" for why private equity firms are taking another shot at investing in accounting firms. He discusses with Randy the benefits to older and younger partners alike, and the danger for firms of being left behind if they don't act decisively. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy talks to Kathy Klang of Cummings Keegan on Episode 53 of The Unique CPA. She helped grow the firm as its Managing Partner for nearly 15 years, and she now serves as Success Management Partner. In this role, she has developed a pathing system within the firm that helps new and existing employees alike get on the right career track. She discusses the process of developing this, the pitfalls, and the ethos necessary to make it work. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 52 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Craig Tobin of Tri-Merit about his Cost Segregation analysis services. With various tax laws becoming favorable, the opportunities for putting assets into a shorter life class, for lookbacks, and for other beneficial tax strategies are bigger than ever. Randy starts off this episode by sharing more information about The Unique CPA Virtual Conference, Coming December 2. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 51 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Nellie Akalp, the founder and CEO of CorpNet, a legal filing company with services available in all 50 states. CorpNet can assist with filings to start a business, grow or expand a business, or make changes to a business. CorpNet also assists with compliance, winding up/dissolution, and other filing services. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy returns in episode 50 of The Unique CPA to discuss new guidance from the IRS on the Employee Retention Credit. He talks about IRS Rev Proc 2021-33 (PPP loans, Restaurant Revitalization, Shuttered Venues, cash or accrual accounting) and IRS Notice 2021-49 (more on Shuttered Venues and Restaurant Revitalization), in addition to wage and employee counting methods that may apply to restaurants or all businesses generally, large and small. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 49 of The Unique CPA is a look back at Randy's conversation in Episode 6 with Richard Kopelman, CEO of Aprio, LLP. Richard heads Aprio's CPA-led advisory services, and in this Unique CPA Rewind, he talks to Randy about how vital it is to be a trusted advisor to your clients. The events since the episode aired have truly pushed this facet of the account-client relationship to the forefront. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 48 of The Unique CPA, we revisit Randy's conversation with Founder and Managing Director of Lance CPA Group, Joshua Lance. Josh created a truly unique CPA firm—an entirely virtual practice with its 14 employees spread across the country, which provides accounting and consulting services only to craft breweries and digital agencies. Given the events of the past 18 months, Josh's insights into working virtually are more relevant than ever. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy continues his analysis of the Employee Retention Credit on Episode 47 of The Unique CPA. His focus this time is on the restaurant industry, arguably the hardest hit industry in the country due to Covid. His deep dive into various opportunities tax preparers have to help their restaurant clients will be useful to anyone looking to maximize benefits to those clients. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

The Employee Retention Credit, or ERC, saw significant expansion for 2021. Randy Crabtree talks about various ways for your clients to qualify for the credit, how much benefit they can receive, and how the credit interplays with other credits available, with a particular focus on the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 45 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Justin Elanjian, Partner-in-Charge of PPP & ERC Services at Aprio. Justin discusses how he navigated uncertainty and evolving guidelines while growing a new segment of the business that helps clients access COVID-19 relief funds. He shares some advice on the importance of thinking proactively and pursuing one's passions, and he talks about what's to come. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 44 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined by Caleb Jenkins of RLJ Financial Services. They discuss Caleb's early start in entrepreneurship and accounting as a child. Caleb shares his insights on the growing Client Accounting Services sector and his experiences with SALT Microfinance Solutions, highlighting the importance of giving back. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 43 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined by Geraldine Carter of the Smart Strategy for CPAs podcast, on which Randy was a recent guest. Geraldine's company, She Thinks Big Coaching, specializes in helping CPA firms find their niche in order to do more profitable, more efficient, better work for their clients. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 42 of The Unique CPA, Randy welcomes Kristen Rampe, whose company, Rampe Consulting, specializes in vital big picture issues for firms, including partner compensation, partner agreements, and strategic retreat facilitation. Kristen discusses the importance of getting these elements right in order to boost partner trust, accountability, and promote fairness from within a firm's structure. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy talks to Deb Russell about her work in disability inclusion. Her company works to educate and provide resources to help companies employ more people with disabilities. Previously, Deb helped Walgreens in their drive for disability inclusion, leading to an increase in hiring until disabled workers made up 10% of Walgreens' workforce. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Especially in the midst of what may be the longest tax season in history, CPAs are feeling especially pressured, burnt out and in need of some serious R&R. On Episode 40 of The Unique CPA, Randy talks to Eva Medilek about maintaining balance in one's life, even while striving for high achievement. She stresses the importance of not losing sight of your "why," whatever it may be, in the midst of the stresses and obligations of your work. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On episode 39 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree talks to Doug Veliky, Chief Strategy Officer of craft brewery Revolution in Chicago. Doug's unusual career path started in public accounting. After being knocked back for several positions which could have combined accounting with his love of craft beer, he started an Instagram account and a blog about craft beer for fun. These ultimately helped him land his first position with Revolution. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Fractional CFOs are a relatively new, fast-growing, and unique segment of the financial space. Randy talks to Terrell Turner of TLTurner Group, a fractional CFO firm that offers a wide array of services to business owners in various industries. Terrell is also the host of The Business Talk Library podcast, a series of over 200 shows and resources for business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy talks to Barry Devine of Tri-Merit about the incredible opportunities available with the Employee Retention Credit, or ERC, in 2021. They explain the big changes that occurred with the two most recent stimulus bills—which expanded the amount of credit available to businesses—how excess credit exceeding payroll tax liability goes back into the business as cash, and talk about potential interplays between ERC and other tax credits. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On our new Nuts and Bolts series, Randy talks to Tom Parker and Layne Bodily, cofounders of FBP CPA. Tom and Layne started FBP with Tyler Fates in 2020 in Itasca, Illinois, with an eye towards establishing a modern accounting firm. Randy will have Tom, Layne and Tyler on in the future to check on the progress of their firm, and provide insights as to what has worked, what hasn't, and where the firm is headed as it continues to grow. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com.

On episode 35 of The Unique CPA, Randy has the opportunity to talk with Greg Skoda, one of two people who have built an accounting firm with a valuation in excess of $600 million. They discuss Greg's firm building exploits, and the regulatory and personal challenges Greg faced while building CBIZ over a frenetic two year period in the 90s. They also talk about Skoda Minnotti, the latest firm Greg founded, which merged with Marcum in 2019. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy talks with Matt Wheeler, Managing Partner of Wheeler Accountants and co-host of the Avocado Toast podcast, about his unique approach to promoting financial literacy. Through his podcast and other initiatives, Matt advocates for education, since people don't know just how much financial support and advice they need. The more they learn, the more likely they are to seek out professional accounting and financial services. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 33, Randy talks with Mark Koziel, CEO of Allinial Global, who discusses the unique challenges (and advantages) of taking over that role in the midst of the pandemic, accounting firms' status as "the ultimate trusted advisor" to the companies they serve, the need for cooperation among accounting firms as technology and automation transform the profession, the importance of correctly pricing flat fee services, and much more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy talks to Bob Lewis, who was recently named one of Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, about how CPA firms must position themselves to adapt to changes—especially as Covid rages on. Bob gives his insights into the best ways to develop prospects and referral sources, cross-selling strategies, the importance of a market niche, and the best ways for firms to position themselves through mergers and acquisitions. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy is joined by Mike Pine, founder of Pine & Company CPAs, to discuss the evolution of Mike's practice. After cutting his teeth on tax in the Big Four accounting world, Mike started his own practice, subsequently merging with another firm. Since then, he has focused on low employee turnover and high client retention. He explains how he accomplished this, and how flexibility kept him able to respond to the demands of a changing market, especially amidst the upheaval of COVID. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

In business, especially in the world of accounting, people are often boiled down to what they bring to a firm, but not who they are. Emmy nominated writer and "Catalyst for Corporate Change" John Garrett, himself a podcast host and author, talks to Randy about the importance of having interests, hobbies and passions outside of work. He explains how they make you a better professional, and how for him, everyone is a Unique CPA. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

One of the hottest topics in the financial world today is Data Analytics. But how does a CPA firm start utilizing analytics in its own practice, or even offer Data Analytics services to its clients? Randy talks to Jeremy Clopton, director at Upstream Academy, about the role Data Analytics can play in your firm, especially as AI and machine learning loom large—and about the future of the accounting profession in this changing landscape. Get the full show notes and more resources at https://TheUniqueCPA.com

The Covid pandemic has prompted many businesses, especially accounting firms, to take stock of who and they are, where they are going, and what they need to do to continue to be successful in a changed world. Randy talks with Jon Hubbard of Boomer Consulting, who specializes in helping firms identify branding opportunities, assess their strengths, and using the eight step process known as the Firm Pipeline Builder, grow their business. Get the full show notes and more resources at https://TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy sits down with Martin Moll, co-founder of Breakaway BA, who went from being a managing partner of a large CPA firm to starting a company that specializes in back office services for small and medium sized businesses. Martin talks about his fascination with and passion for what "America is really comprised of"—these integral parts of our society—and how Breakaway remains committed to "bringing joy" in everything they do. Get the full show notes and more resources at https://TheUniqueCPA.com

Generally speaking, selling is not a CPA's favorite thing in the world to do. But without sales and without marketing, CPAs wouldn't have any clients to do the work they actually enjoy doing, for! Randy talks with Gary Kravitz, longtime consultant and marketing professional, startup entrepreneur, and current partner with Integrated Growth Advisors, about the strategies CPAs can use to drive business to their practice. Get the full show notes and more resources at https://TheUniqueCPA.com