Episode 190 - The Human Side of a Thriving Accounting Firm - The Woodard Report Podcast
The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard
Release Date: 09/30/2026
The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Seth Fineberg about the importance of building trust between accounting professionals and technology providers as AI transforms the profession. Drawing on his decades of experience in accounting journalism and his work with Accountants Forward, Seth discusses how vendors can better understand practitioners’ challenges, communicate honestly, and demonstrate real-world value rather than overpromise solutions. They also explore how AI is empowering accountants to create their own tools and why listening, transparency, and strong...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Tanya Hilts about her experience as a delegate at a United Nations summit focused on AI governance and the importance of giving small businesses and developing countries a voice in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. They discuss AI guardrails, the risks of losing human judgment and critical thinking, the potential for an AI investment bubble, environmental concerns, and why accounting professionals should use AI as a tool rather than surrender decision-making to it. Tanya also shares practical advice for embracing...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Liz Farr about the six foundational pillars of a successful accounting firm: a clear North Star, strong systems and processes, the right people in the right roles, trust and transparency, clear communication, and accountability. They explore why embracing the “messy human stuff” is becoming increasingly important in an AI-driven profession, and Liz shares practical advice for firms looking to deepen client relationships, identify their ideal clients, and build a better way of working. About Liz Farr Liz has been a CPA since...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather talk about the latest developments in accounting technology, including Accrual’s acquisition of Puzzle and the growing convergence of tax and CAS services. They also explore how AI is reshaping professional education and the need to develop and test real-world skills, while discussing AI governance, empathy, the concept of “reverse centaurs,” and why accounting professionals must learn to use AI as a tool rather than become tools for AI. Current events — TV/Movie quote of the week — Excellent Thing We Learned — ...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Randy Crabtree about his next chapter after retiring from Tri-Merit, his continued work supporting the accounting profession, and his passion for addressing burnout, mental health, and leadership. They discuss how AI can give accountants more freedom to focus on relationships and meaningful work but only if firms resist the temptation to simply fill newfound efficiency with more work. Randy and Heather also explore vulnerable leadership, curiosity, empathy, and the importance of understanding your strengths and passions to...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe discuss major changes shaping the accounting profession, including the growing influence of private equity, market consolidation, and the importance of maintaining a strong mindset regardless of the size of your firm. They also explore the concept of “crappification” in software, and what accountants can learn from the unsung role meteorologists played in D-Day. Current events — TV/Movie quote of the week — Excellent Thing We Learned — Member Spotlight — The Woodard Report article of the week — Thank...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Michelle Weinstein about how accounting professionals can escape burnout, increase revenue, and build more profitable firms by learning to communicate their value and sell with confidence. They discuss the importance of listening to clients, focusing on ideal customers, tracking the value and “wins” delivered to clients, and turning quick questions into deeper advisory conversations rather than giving away expertise for free. About Michelle Weinstein Michelle Weinstein is the founder of The Abundant Accountant and a sales...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather talk about major changes reshaping the accounting profession, from the end of BOI reporting and unprecedented firm consolidation to the rise of boutique, relationship-driven practices. They also explore AI’s potential evolution from generative AI to AGI and beyond, new CPE rules allowing half-credit sessions, and the importance of innovation, intentional client relationships, and taking calculated risks to build a thriving practice. Current events — TV/Movie quote of the week — Excellent Thing We Learned — by...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Dawn Brolin talk about the accelerating impact of AI on the accounting profession, from secure, specialized AI tools to the emerging potential of quantum computing. They explore why accounting professionals need to move beyond fear and begin experimenting with AI now, sharing practical examples of using tools like Claude and Tax Figure to analyze financial data, strengthen advisory services, and work more efficiently. Current events — TV/Movie quote of the week — Excellent Thing We Learned — There are a series of tags you...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Ron Baker about Peter Drucker’s most influential ideas, including the rise of knowledge work, the importance of effectiveness over efficiency, and the need for businesses to pursue future opportunities instead of clinging to the past. They also explore how accounting firms can use distinct brands to separate commoditized services from high-value advisory work as well as why religious leaders offer valuable insights into purpose, dignity, stewardship, and the moral role of business. About Ron BakerRonald J. Baker began his CPA...
info_outlineOn this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Liz Farr about the six foundational pillars of a successful accounting firm: a clear North Star, strong systems and processes, the right people in the right roles, trust and transparency, clear communication, and accountability. They explore why embracing the “messy human stuff” is becoming increasingly important in an AI-driven profession, and Liz shares practical advice for firms looking to deepen client relationships, identify their ideal clients, and build a better way of working.
About Liz Farr
Liz has been a CPA since 2004 and a full-time freelance writer and ghostwriter since 2018. She also hosts The Disruptors podcast for CPA Trendlines.
Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community, and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced professionals, access to skill building and resources, along with the community, to continually inspire your practice's transformation.
Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast