The Big 4 Transparency Podcast

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...

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...

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:

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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...

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:

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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...

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/big4

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...

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:

L...

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: dom@big4transparency.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/B4Transparency

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/

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...

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...

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...

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...

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: dom@big4transparency.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/B4Transparency

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/

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: http...

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 Episode 84 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, host Dominic Piscopo speaks with Mark Gallegos, a partner at Porte Brown, about his extensive experience in tax legislation and public accounting. Mark shares insights into his role as a tax expert, the importance of effective communication in the field, and the opportunities presented by the new HR1 tax legislation. He discusses his personal journey, the significance of advocacy through the AICPA, and the balance between work and life in public accounting. The conversation emphasizes the need for tax practitioners to embrace planning and client relationships in a rapidly changing tax landscape.<...

In Episode 83 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Joe Manganelli shares his journey from engineering to finance, detailing his entrepreneurial aspirations that led to the founding of Calculate, an outsourced accounting practice. He discusses the challenges of building the business, the decision to sell it, and the transition to his new venture, Amalgam, which aims to streamline accounting processes through innovative software solutions. Joe emphasizes the importance of relationship-building in sales within the accounting space and shares insights on navigating the complexities of business valuations and growth strategies.

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In Episode 82 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Dominic Piscopo interview Kyle Geers, CEO and co-founder of Zeroed-In Consulting, where he discusses the growth trajectory of his firm, which is forecasting 80% growth in 2025. He shares insights on acquiring large clients, building referral networks, and the challenges of transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship. Kyle emphasizes the importance of team management, retention, and leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance operational efficiency. He also highlights the significance of establishing a strong foundation in specialized accounting services, particularly in US GAAP compliance.

Check out Forwardly for a streamlined solution to...

In Episode 81 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Dominic Piscopo interviews Kimi Green, co-founder of Sam's List, a review-based directory for accountants and financial professionals. Kimi shares the inception story of Sam's List, its unique value proposition centered around client reviews, and her unexpected journey into the accounting industry. The conversation delves into the business model of Sam's List, client feedback trends, and the emerging needs of various industries seeking accounting services. Kimi emphasizes the importance of transparency and the evolving landscape of client expectations in the accounting field.

Check out Forwardly for a streamlined solution...

In Episode 80 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Dominic Piscopo welcomes back Mike Maksymiw, the executive director of the Aprio Firm Alliance. They discuss the recent acquisition of the PS+ Alliance by Aprio and its implications for member firms. The conversation explores the strategic value of the Alliance, employee satisfaction in a private equity-backed firm, and the importance of maintaining company culture during rapid growth. Mike shares insights from his career transitions, emphasizing the significance of a supportive network and the concept of 'Coddiwomple'—a purposeful journey to an unknown destination. The episode concludes with reflections on overcoming fear and em...

In Episode 79 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Erica Goode shares her journey as an independent accountant who built a successful lifestyle business while balancing family responsibilities. She discusses her unique approach to client management, pricing strategies, and the importance of workflow efficiency through technology integration. Erica emphasizes the mindset shift needed in the accounting profession, advocating for a community that supports accountants seeking a balanced life. The conversation highlights the significance of finding what is 'enough' for personal fulfillment and the value of networking and lead generation in building a sustainable practice.

Check out Forwardly for a...

In Episode 78 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Matthew May shares the journey of Acuity, its merger into Sorren, and the implications of private equity in the accounting industry. Matthew shares insights on the evolution of Client Accounting Services (CAS), the decision-making process behind the merger, and his transition into leadership.

Check out Forwardly for a streamlined solution to invoicing and bill payments:

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Connect with Mathew:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetechcpa/

Sorren: https://sorren.com/

Get in touch with me:

...

In Episode 77 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Katherine Studley, known as The Only Consultant, who runs a consulting firm focused on the adult industry shares her unique journey from traditional accounting to serving a niche market that includes OnlyFans models and exotic dancers. She discusses the challenges she faced in establishing her business, the importance of understanding her clients' needs, and how she navigates the complexities of working in an often stigmatized industry. Katherine emphasizes the significance of networking, innovative marketing strategies, and building a judgment-free environment for her clients. The conversation concludes with insights into her future aspirations...

In Episode 76 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Deneen Dias, co-founder of Infinite Ties, talks about the evolution and significance of Client Advisory Services (CAS). Deneen discusses the rise of CAS as a vital revenue source for firms, the impact of technology on the industry, and the importance of hiring specialized talent. She emphasizes the need for training and upskilling within firms to transition from traditional accounting practices to a more advisory role. The conversation also touches on the challenges of defining CAS and the future trends in the industry

Check out Forwardly for a streamlined solution to...

In Episode 75 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, David Cristello, founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow discusses the unique needs of the accounting industry, the journey of launching Jetpack Workflow, and the importance of workflow management in accounting firms. David shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, the role of his podcast 'Growing Your Firm' in building community and educating the market, and offers advice for accounting podcasts. The conversation also highlights common traits of successful accounting firms and the significance of focusing on a specific target audience.

Check out Forwardly for a streamlined solution to invoicing and bill...

In Episode 74 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Michael Ly, founder of Reconciled, shares his journey from being an introverted individual to becoming a prominent figure in the accounting industry. He discusses the importance of social connections, mentorship, and personal growth, as well as the challenges he faced in establishing his firm. Michael elaborates on the growth of Reconciled through acquisitions, fueled by retaining capital in the business and not shying away from debt financing. We also discuss the integration of technology, particularly AI, to enhance efficiency in accounting practices.

Check out Forwardly for a streamlined solution to...

In Episode 73 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Mike Pinkus shares the journey of building a cloud accounting firm from the ground up. We discuss the challenges faced in the early days, the importance of customer experience, the transition to a remote work culture, and the role of data in driving business decisions. Mike shares insights on navigating growth, building a strong company culture, and the impact of their podcast, Growth Tales, which highlights the stories of entrepreneurs and their unique paths to success.

Check out Canopy for your firm’s practice management needs!

https://www.ge...

In Episode 72 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Cody Daniels, founder of Builders Tax Group, shares his journey from public accounting to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the influence of podcasts on his career decisions. He discusses the unique challenges of tax in the construction industry, the importance of niche specialization, and the strategies he employs for client acquisition and business development. Cody also highlights the significance of community support and setting personal goals to guide his business growth, ultimately aiming to create a sustainable practice that aligns with his values.

Check out Canopy for your firm’s practice management needs!

In Episode 71 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I discuss the concept of the loyalty tax in the accounting industry, highlighting the disparity in salaries between externally hired and internally promoted employees, and explore the implications of this trend, including the incentives for job hopping and the associated costs for firms. The conversation emphasizes the need for better employee retention strategies and effective salary benchmarking to create a more sustainable workforce environment.

Check out Canopy for your firm’s practice management needs!

https://www.getcanopy.com/

Check out this episode on the YouTube channel: ht...

In Episode 70 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Noah Beery shares his journey with Platform Accounting Group, a rapidly growing group of Accounting Firms funded entirely by family office investors. We talk about what makes family office investors different than private equity, why a longer time horizon is crucial in the accounting industry, and how providing head-office level support is supercharging growth and performance at firms Platform Accounting Group is acquiring.

Check out Canopy for your firm’s practice management needs!

https://www.getcanopy.com/

Connect with Noah:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.co...

In Episode 69 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Tailor Hartman and I rehash the recent Firm Growth Forum, and how he started Celerity Accounting. Tailor actually got his firm started with contracts from upwork, and reached $10k / month within his first few months, quickly replacing his full-time income.

Check out Canopy for your firm’s practice management needs!

https://www.getcanopy.com/

Connect with Tailor:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tailorhartmancpa/

Twitter: https://x.com/tailor_hartman

Get in touch with me:

Website: https://www.bi...

In Episode 68 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast with Frank Longobardi, we discuss the evolving landscape of accounting firms, particularly the impact of private equity on governance, talent attraction, and career progression. We explore the challenges faced by the accounting profession in retaining young talent, the importance of a unified culture post-merger, and the strategic decision-making processes in large firms. Frank also shares insights on the role of external talent in leadership positions and the diligence required in private equity deals, emphasizing the need for firms to adapt to future trends and global staffing strategies.

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In Episode 67 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast I’m doing a solo podcast talking about how I recommend leveraging Big 4 Transparency to lead to better discussions around pay and performance. A major benefit of having access to data that both the employee and employer can view is that it can lead to very objective discussions which will be far more productive and beneficial and aligning expectations and evaluating your performance relative to your compensation.

Check out Canopy for your firm’s practice management needs!

https://www.getcanopy.com/

Find your next job with the...

In Episode 66 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast I’m doing a solo podcast talking about layoffs and how to layoff proof yourself through networking. The number one piece of advice in this episode is that you can’t let yourself become siloed within your firm. You should be engaged in company culture, but maintaining a network outside of your firm at all times, and this will help you be far more resilient should you ever need to find that next opportunity.

Check out Canopy for your firm’s practice management needs!

https://www.getcanopy.com/

F...

In Episode 65 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast I’m joined by Nick Sinclair, founder of TOA Global, an outsourcing firm with over 4,000 employees. In this episode, we talk about how Nick started in the accounting industry, growing an acquired accounting practice 5x in 2 years, how he started TOA Global unintentionally, and why he initially picked the Philippines as a good market for accounting talent. We also cover how outsourcing and a future with AI is requiring us to change how we view junior roles in firms, as well as how to get the most out of your offshore talent by...

In Episode 64 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast I’m joined by Rob Brown, the founder of the Accounting Influencers Roundtable, and an expert in business development in the accounting industry. In this episode, Rob and I discuss how one can become influential in the accounting industry, why accountants are so overwhelmed with sales outreach, and the 3 best ways one can reach their target audience.

Check out Canopy for your firm’s practice management needs!

https://www.getcanopy.com/

Connect with Rob:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/

Ac...

In Episode 63 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast I’m joined by Erin Daiber, Founder of Well Balanced Accountants, a consultancy dedicated to transforming CPA firms by creating workplaces where accountants love to work.

Connect with Erin:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpacoacherin/

Well balanced accountants: https://www.wellbalancedaccountants.com/

Get in touch with me:

Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/

Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/

Email: dom@big4transparency.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/B4Transparency

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In Episode 62 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast I’m joined by Marcus Dillon, Founder and President of Dillon Business Advisors. His firm has done 15 M&A transactions, acquiring firms, and bundling out clients who are not a fit and selling them out to other firms to recover some of the acquisition cost - he was the first person I’ve heard ever talking about this strategy in-depth and it’s definitely one worth taking notes on.

Connect with Marcus:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusdilloncpa/

Get in touch with me:

W...