The Accounting Podcast

Could AI create a $20 trillion professional services earthquake? In this episode, Blake and David dive into the data showing that AI firms generate $45,000 more revenue per employee than non-adopters. You'll discover how AI is reshaping traditional accounting and what Claude's new ability to connect with your Gmail and calendar means for productivity. They also demonstrate how indistinguishable AI-cloned voices have become, sharing practical tips to protect yourself and clients from increasingly sophisticated voice scams. Plus, hear why the "impossible" US customs broker exam (with its shocking 4% pass rate) might offer accountants a lucrative alternative career path as tariff disputes...

Could you spend years earning your CPA license only to be told you can't use it? In this episode, Mark Koziel, president of the AICPA, joins Blake and David to discuss the shocking trend of firms prohibiting CPAs from identifying themselves as such in emails, on business cards, and even on LinkedIn. Blake and David also explore the economic uncertainty created by Trump's tariff policies, with major corporations cutting costs and delaying investments. Plus, learn about Republican plans to eliminate the PCAOB, the wave of states creating alternative CPA pathways, and why Ramp could become the federal government's spend...

In this bonus episode, David teams up with Caleb and Zach from Oh My Fraud to unpack the 2016 film The Accountant. Together, they explore how Hollywood portrays forensic accounting, internal controls, and what happens when your auditor brings a thermos full of sniper parts.

Connect with David and Caleb
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidleary
https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebnewquist

Oh My Fraud Episodes mentioned in this episode
https://ohmyfraud.com/episodes/the-fraud-came-first-remembering-crazy-eddie-with-gary-weiss

https://ohmyfraud.com/episodes/meet-the-fraudster-nathan-mueller

https://ohmyfraud.com/episodes/blow-the-whistle-with-jason-zuckerman-and-matt-stock

Need...

Could AI be doing a day's work in just minutes for accountants? In this episode, Blake and David explore how accounting technology is revolutionizing traditional workflows, from Xero's new AI protocol that connects chatbots directly to accounting data, to Google's game-changing "I" function in Sheets that lets you analyze data with natural language. You'll discover why deep research tools might replace entire teams of analysts and why revealing your AI usage might actually hurt your professional reputation. Plus, hear about unusual recession indicators (men's underwear sales are down!), what Americans consider financial success versus reality, and why accountants everywhere...

What happens when a trade war meets bureaucratic red tape? In this episode, Blake and David dive into the explosive impact of 145% tariffs on Chinese goods and what it means for American businesses' bottom lines. Through real-world examples—from small retailers to tech giants like Apple—they break down how these policies could devastate supply chains and force difficult decisions for companies caught in the crossfire.

Meanwhile, the Department of Government Efficiency is shaking up the IRS, transforming a login button change from a 103-day project into a 71-minute fix. But that's not all: CPAs at private equi...

Earmark Media Presents a bonus episode of Earmark Podcast:

Join Blake Oliver as he interviews Yuri Kapilovich, a CPA who's cracked the code on balancing work and life in accounting. Discover how Yuri maintains a thriving practice while working just 10-15 hours per week outside tax season and a maximum of 40 hours during crunch time. Learn actionable strategies for setting the right fees, optimizing workflows, and prioritizing fun and family without sacrificing success. Yuri will share his insights on transforming accounting from a grueling profession into an enjoyable and rewarding career. This webinar will equip you with...

Could AI-generated fake receipts upend expense reporting as we know it? In this eye-opening episode, Blake and David demonstrate live how easy it's becoming to create convincing financial documents with AI—from receipts to audit opinions. They break down why Trump's new "reciprocal" tariffs aren't what they seem (complete with meaningless Greek symbols) and how they're already triggering market turbulence. You'll also learn why the federal government is ending paper checks by September, potentially saving hundreds of millions while reducing fraud by 16x. Plus, discover why Signal might be the most secure messaging option for your sensitive client communications. Wh...

What happens when tax enforcement weakens? With 17% of millennials considering skipping their tax filing altogether, Blake and David dig into how IRS budget cuts might impact compliance and revenue. They analyze fascinating survey data revealing what taxpayers truly value when choosing between professional preparation and free options like Direct File. Plus, discover the accounting scandal forcing Financial Times to retract its Tesla analysis, exposing how GAAP complexity confounds even financial experts. You'll also learn why three major US cities face billion-dollar budget holes and the disturbing revelation that duplicate Medicaid payments are costing taxpayers billions—all while Tether still ca...

Blake and David dive straight into the headlines, starting with the controversial IRS workforce cuts and their potential impact on tax collections. They examine corporate espionage allegations between payroll companies Rippling and Deel, including a complex web of legal battles, Russian connections, and political involvement, and go on to discuss how AI is rapidly improving at handling longer tasks. All this and much more, right now!

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Is the CPA exam fundamentally flawed? With FAR section pass rates plummeting to a 15-year low of 36% and a staggering 40-point gap between discipline section pass rates, something isn't adding up. Dr. Josh McGowan of Troy University joins Blake Oliver to dissect these troubling statistics and explore how the 2024 CPA Evolution model may be inadvertently pushing candidates toward "easier" disciplines. They tackle the growing movement to drop the 150-hour requirement and propose a provocative solution: splitting the credential into specialized tax and financial/audit pathways. Whether you're preparing for the exam or leading a firm, this conversation reveals how...

This week on the pod: Judge orders 6 agencies (including IRS?) to rehire fired probationary workers, we dig into the tax trick Dr. Oz used to pay no Medicare taxes, AICPA in pointless talks with the IRS, Digits takes on QuickBooks with AI-powered GL, remote accounting jobs in retreat, and more!

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How does a profession revitalize itself when salaries haven't budged since 2007? In this episode, Blake and David examine the shocking reality that Big Four audit associates in Chicago earn the same salary range today as they did nearly two decades ago. They also explore why accounting's value proposition has stagnated in a world where financial statements fail to capture what truly matters to modern investors, and you'll hear their take on the IRS's plan to cut 50% of its workforce, Social Security's future, and the economic impact of tariffs—including a surprising clip from Ronald Reagan himself. Plus, learn how ov...

What happens when political changes collide with tax enforcement? In this revealing conversation, former IRS revenue agent Jeff Johnson shares his firsthand account of being caught in the recent mass layoffs at the IRS. Having just completed seven months of intensive training, Jeff was among 7,000 probationary employees suddenly terminated as part of a broader federal workforce reduction initiative.

Jeff pulls back the curtain on the agency's antiquated systems—including 1960s COBOL programming and cryptic green screens that revenue agents must master—and explains why these cuts could mean fewer audits of non-compliant taxpayers. You'll hear how experienced prof...

What happens when the US government considers creating a cryptocurrency reserve? In this episode, Blake and David dive into Trump's surprising announcement about establishing a crypto strategic reserve and the immediate market reaction. They explore this proposal's potential consequences and skepticism, from security vulnerabilities to valuation challenges.

You'll also hear about PwC Israel's $2.8 million fine for exam cheating, Connecticut's push to create alternative CPA licensure pathways, and how accounting firms are expanding into legal services. They also dissect the outcry over federal employees being asked to submit weekly accomplishment reports and break down Citigroup's jaw-dropping $81 trillion transfer...

Billions in federal funds for nonprofits were abruptly frozen by the Trump administration, leaving organizations scrambling to stay afloat. Blake speaks with Jerilyn Dressler and Harriet "Hatsy" Cutshall from YPTC about how these freezes disrupted essential services, the complex flow of federal grants, and the rigorous compliance requirements nonprofits must meet. With a judge ordering the funds to be reinstated, they discuss what’s next for nonprofits and the ongoing challenges of government funding oversight.

Meet Our Guests:
Jerilyn Dressler, CPA : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerilynkeitdresslercpacfe
Harriet "Hatsy" Cutshall, CPA : https://www.linkedin.com/in...

Dr. Jack Castonguay, CPA and Hofstra University professor, provides a critical analysis of proposed legislation to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. He challenges the notion that the government should invest taxpayer money in a highly volatile, speculative asset that lacks the practical applications of traditional reserves like oil or foreign currencies. The discussion explores concerns about buying at record-high prices, the unknown identities of Bitcoin holders, and the potential risks of states allocating public funds to cryptocurrency investments.

Meet Our Guest, Jack Castonguay
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-castonguay-phd-cpa
https://www.hofstra.edu/faculty-staff/faculty-profile...

This episode originally appeared on the Earmark Podcast. Listen and subscribe at https://podcast.earmarkcpe.com.

Erica Goode, CPA, reveals how she built a thriving $200K accounting firm working just 15 hours a week. Discover the power of niching, efficient processes, and work-life balance in this candid discussion. Erica will share her journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial success, offering practical insights on pricing strategies, time management, and building authority in your niche. Whether you're considering starting your own firm or optimizing your existing practice, this webinar will inspire and equip you to reimagine what's possible in your...

Is the U.S. heading toward a financial cliff? In this eye-opening episode, Blake and David unpack the Government Accountability Office's sobering projection that federal debt will double the size of the economy by 2047. While exploring recent DOGE initiatives and IRS layoffs, they examine whether drastic government spending cuts are inevitable—and necessary.

Meanwhile, Virginia and Tennessee join the growing movement to reform CPA licensure requirements by offering pathways that don't require 150 credit hours. Could these changes be the key to increasing diversity more effectively than corporate DEI programs?

You'll also discover why the $400 million PC...

Today, Blake and David dive into the controversy surrounding DOGE's withholding federal funds and gaining access to Treasury payment systems. They also examine AICPA's move away from the 150-hour requirement and Adobe's misguided tax document advice. All this and much more, right now!

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Blake and David tackle several key accounting industry developments, including a surprising 12% increase in undergraduate accounting enrollment and ongoing debates about IRS staffing and operations. They explore the potential impact of changes to Illinois's 150-hour CPA licensing rule, examine Elon Musk's controversial claims about government spending, and share insights about AI advancements in accounting firms.

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Blake and David examine several significant developments, including TaxDome's data security incident, and the implications of China's DeepSeek AI model that caused Nvidia's stock to drop. They also dig into the White House's federal employee buyout offer that could impact IRS staffing levels and break down key findings from Accounting Today's 2025 Year Ahead survey about trends in remote work, tech spend, and AI adoption in accounting firms.

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Blake and David jump into the latest news, including the launch of Trump's own cryptocurrency and KPMG's expansion into legal services in Arizona, taking advantage of new rules allowing non-lawyers to own law firms. They also examine the Treasury Department's Chinese hack attack, South Carolina's $1.8 billion accounting error resolution, and Trump's proposed External Revenue Service.

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Blake and David examine Bench's bankruptcy filing, revealing fascinating details about their spending patterns and challenges with the business model. They also explore venture capital's growing interest in accounting firms, particularly focusing on AI automation claims and their potential impact on the profession, and there's a lively discussion about JP Morgan's controversial return-to-office mandate and its implications for workplace flexibility, sparked by Blake's viral tweet that garnered nearly 5 million views.

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Blake and David dive into major industry news, including Ohio ending the 150-hour CPA rule, setting a potential precedent for other states. They also discuss the Blackston acquisition of Citrin Cooperman and explore the implications of private equity involvement in accounting firms. Moving on, they examine workplace trends, including new data revealing that 61% of medium and large employers now require minimum in-office days, and debate the effectiveness of Net Promoter Scores (NPS) in accounting firms.

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Blake and David explore the controversial H-1B visa program's impact on the accounting profession, particularly how firms like Deloitte reportedly pay visa holders 10% less than U.S. workers and the potential implications for audit quality. They also examine Bench's sudden shutdown and subsequent acquisition and then discuss Barry Melancon's farewell interview with the Financial Times as he steps down as AICPA CEO, where he defended the 150-hour rule, his legacy, and his impact on the profession.

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Rounding out 2024, Blake and David tackle tons of accounting news, including bookkeeping startup Bench's shutdown and the ongoing BOI reporting requirements saga. They also examine concerns about IRS Commissioner nominee Billy Long's credentials, including his "Certified Tax and Business Advisor" designation from a three-day seminar. Wrapping up, they review some of 2024's hottest stories, including declining CPA candidates, audit quality issues, and KPMG CEO Paul Knopp's Wall Street Journal op-ed about the "dying language of accounting."

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Blake, David, and special guest ChatGPT examine the impact of private equity on accounting firms, looking at how PE ownership affects compensation and firm structures. They dig into recent data showing record numbers of accounting errors in public companies, linking these issues to the broader talent shortage crisis. They explore CalCPA's pushback against proposed licensing changes, the surprising economic costs of Daylight Savings Time, and more.
 

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Blake and David take a look at several significant developments in the accounting world, including Trump's controversial IRS Commissioner nomination of former Congressman Billy Long. They also dig into updates on the Macy's accounting scandal and explore Square's potential move into accounting software with their new head of Product Accounting Solutions hire. They also share insights from the AICPA's 2024 CAS benchmark survey showing significant growth in client accounting services practices and much more!

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Congratulations to Blake for making Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People list!  Today, Blake and David dig into several significant developments in accounting, including a federal court's decision to block BOI reporting nationwide. They also examine which of the 57% of accounting firms plan to raise fees in 2025 and take a look at the AICPA's Experience Learn and Earn (ELE) program. There's also talk about new PCAOB reporting requirements for audit firms and the recent acquisition of Dext by Iris Software Group.

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Blake and David examine the mysteries and motives surrounding the recent Macy's accounting scandal, where a single employee allegedly concealed $132-154 million through improper accrual entries. They also examine Trump's proposed 25% tariff plan on imports from Mexico and Canada (plus an additional 10% on China), discussing its potential impact on American businesses and consumers.
 

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Blake and David discuss Trump's proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its potential impact on tax filing and federal remote work policies. They analyze the Pentagon's seventh consecutive failed audit and examine Intuit's ambitious plans to expand its enterprise offerings. The duo also explores a groundbreaking study showing ChatGPT-4 outperforming human doctors in medical diagnoses, highlighting AI's growing capabilities in professional decision-making.

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Blake and David dive into the economic implications of Trump's election victory, including proposed tariffs that could significantly impact businesses and inflation. They explore potential tax changes under a new Trump administration, from corporate rate reductions to the elimination of the SALT cap. They also examines an alarming $47 million IRS fraud scheme targeting tax practitioners and debate the future of Bitcoin as speculation grows about a potential national Bitcoin reserve.

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...

Blake and David examine Sasan Goodarzi's apology and lukewarm reception regarding the recent controversial TurboTax ad campaign. They also take a look at Intuit's new Enterprise Suite product, which aims to compete with NetSuite and Sage Intacct by offering multi-entity accounting capabilities at a lower price point. Moving on, there's talk of Anthropic's new Claude computing capability, EY's resignation as Super Micro Computer's auditor, and Google's declining search market share in the face of AI competition.

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In this episode, Amber Setter returns to discuss the AICPA and NASBA's newly proposed competency-based pathway to CPA licensure, offering a 150-hour-rule alternative. They argue that the complexity of the plan might create more bureaucratic barriers rather than simplifying the process. There's also talk on the challenges facing the profession, including stagnant salaries and declining CPA numbers. Rounding out the show, they examine a recent story about EY firing employees for attending multiple online CPE courses at once.

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Blake and David examine why Trump may win in 2024, discussing immigration's economic impact on working-class wages and how this could affect voting patterns, particularly in border states like Arizona. They also look at the AICPA's selection of Mark Koziel as its new president, questioning whether the organization truly advocates for average CPAs. Moving on, they discuss Intuit's controversial TurboTax marketing campaign and consider why Berkshire Hathaway is reducing its BOA stake due to concerns about unrealized losses in the bank's bond portfolio.

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Blake and David touch on several hot topics in the accounting world, including the fallout from Intuit's controversial TurboTax ad, and the National Association of Tax Preparers cutting ties with the company. They also examine Trump Jr.'s threats against Deloitte, KPMG's support for alternative pathways to CPA licensure, and rapper Fat Joe's recent experiences with BDO.

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Blake and David look into OpenAI's complex entity structure and potential conversion from nonprofit to for-profit, highlighting the significant financial implications. They also discuss the challenges facing FreshBooks amid recent layoffs and shifting market dynamics and then explore the journey of Vuori's CEO Joe Kudla, emphasizing how his accounting background contributed to the company's success. Wrapping things up, we’ve got listener questions about the value of CPA licenses and growing advisory services in accounting firms.

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Blake and David discuss a controversial TurboTax ad campaign encouraging people to "break up" with their tax professionals, analyze survey data on AI adoption in accounting firms, and critically examine proposed changes to CPA licensure requirements. They also explore NASBA's influence on the profession end debate the merits of automatic mobility for CPAs across states.

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Blake and David meet with Natalie Lennon, the Australian accountant known as the "Queen of TikTok" in accounting circles. Natalie shares her experiences at Xerocon Nashville, discusses the differences between Australian and American accounting practices, and explains how she leveraged TikTok to grow her accounting business. She also outlines implementing a four-day workweek, embracing fixed-fee pricing, and her upcoming projects, including a TikTok course for accountants.

Meet Our Guest, Natalie Lennon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalielennon/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natlenno

Learn more about Two Sides...

Blake and David examine the evolving landscape of remote work, discussing recent trends and their impact on productivity and employee well-being. They also explore the commercial real estate market's challenges due to the shift towards remote work and its potential implications for the banking sector. Moving on, they take a look at recent audit failures, particularly the FTX case and discuss the controversial Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements and some potential issues for small businesses.

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