The Evolution of Advisory Services to CAS 2.0™ and Kim Blascoe from CPA to Firm Mentor and Coach
Release Date: 12/18/2023
Agents of Change: Inside the AICPA/CPA.com Startup Accelerator
Digital CPA by CPA.com
In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, we take you inside the 2025 AICPA and CPA.com Startup Accelerator—a powerful launchpad for the next generation of accounting tech. Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib reflect on this year's convening days in NYC and discuss the six standout startups: Filed, Avise, Truewind, Tabs, Keeper, and Remitian. From agentic AI to automated tax remittance, these companies are tackling the profession's most persistent pain points—freeing up firm capacity, boosting accuracy, and enabling deeper advisory services. You'll hear how these founders are thinking...
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Beyond Compliance: The CPA Firm’s Path to Becoming a Trusted Advisor
Digital CPA by CPA.com
Trusted Business Advisor with Bill Reeb The accounting profession is undergoing a seismic transformation. Firms that have traditionally thrived on compliance services—tax preparation, audit, and financial reporting—are finding that their clients expect more. Today’s business owners don’t just need accountants; they need trusted advisors who can guide them through complex financial landscapes, strategic decisions, and future growth. In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, we sit down with an industry thought leader, former chair of the AICPA, and co-founder of the , to explore how...
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Unlocking CAS Success: Key Insights from the latest Benchmark Survey
Digital CPA by CPA.com
In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, host Kalil Merhib is joined by Kim Blascoe from CPA.com and Beth Allen from GreerWalker to discuss the 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey findings. They dive deep into the evolving landscape of Client Advisory Services (CAS), highlighting trends in growth, pricing strategies, profitability, and technology adoption. The conversation explores how firms are leveraging efficiency, industry specialization, and dedicated CAS staff to drive success. Whether you're just starting your CAS practice or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with...
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Unlocking Growth & Transformation: Insights from Digital CPA 2024 with Jen Wood
Digital CPA by CPA.com
In this episode of The Digital CPA Podcast, Jen Wood from The Bonadio Group shares her key insights from chairing the 2024 Digital CPA Conference. We explore how firms are leveraging AI to tackle capacity challenges, the rapid growth of CAS practices, and the transformative impact of cloud-based audit tools. Jen also discusses innovative strategies for firm leaders to evolve their business models, retain top talent, and embrace technology to drive success in 2025 and beyond. Don’t miss this conversation packed with actionable takeaways for firm transformation! For more episodes and...
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Breaking Barriers in Accounting Tech: A Conversation with Jeff Seibert
Digital CPA by CPA.com
Join host Kacee Johnson on the Digital CPA Podcast as she dives into the world of AI-powered solutions with Jeff Seibert, Founder and CEO of Digits. Discover how Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding Crashlytics to his work at Twitter, shaped his approach to innovation in accounting technology. Learn about achieving 100% AI accuracy, balancing responsible AI regulation with innovation, and overcoming barriers to tech adoption in public accounting. Jeff also shares his philosophy on dynamic user interfaces and his vision for the future of AI in the accounting profession. For more...
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Private Equity in Accounting: Insights with Allan Koltin on Transformative Investment Trends
Digital CPA by CPA.com
In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, hosts Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib sit down with Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group and one of the accounting profession’s most influential voices. Together, they explore the growing impact of private equity in accounting firms, from operational changes and cultural shifts to regulatory considerations and long-term implications for the industry. Allan also shares his expertise on mergers and acquisitions, providing insights into current trends, challenges, and strategies for firms of all sizes to thrive in an era of rapid...
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Transforming CPA Firms: Insights from Lisa Simpson on Business Model Transformation
Digital CPA by CPA.com
Podcast Description: In this episode, we’re joined by Lisa Simpson, VP of Firm Services at the AICPA, to explore the critical topic of business model transformation for CPA firms. Lisa shares insights on what business model transformation means, why it’s becoming essential, and the driving forces behind this shift. We’ll discuss the challenges firms face, the opportunities transformation presents, and practical advice for getting started. Lisa also sheds light on future trends shaping the industry and the role of leadership in fostering successful change. Don’t miss this conversation...
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AI & Auditing: Unlocking Efficiency and Trust in the CPA Profession
Digital CPA by CPA.com
In this episode of the *Digital CPA Podcast*, host Kalil Merhib, EVP of Growth & Professional Services at CPA.com, is joined by two industry leaders to dive into the transformative role of AI in auditing and the CPA profession. Our guests are Kevin Merlini, co-founder and CEO of Materia AI, and Jen Burns, Chief Auditor at the AICPA. We’ll explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of audit and financial reporting. Kevin shares his insights on using AI to unlock internal knowledge, reduce complexity, and drive efficiency in firms, while Jen provides an AICPA perspective on maintaining...
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Executive Roundtable Reflections: Insights with Dan Hood
Digital CPA by CPA.com
Welcome to the *Digital CPA Podcast*, where we explore how technology is transforming the accounting profession. We're joined today with Dan Hood, Editor-in-Chief of *Accounting Today*, as we dive into insights from the recent AICPA and CPA.com Executive Roundtable in New York City. This year’s roundtable focused on emerging trends impacting the profession, with topics ranging from responsible AI and its ethical implications to the growing influence of private equity in accounting firms. Dan and I discuss how AI is reshaping both traditional tasks and strategic advisory roles,...
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The Value of Time With Lisa Griffith
Digital CPA by CPA.com
In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, hosts Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib sit down with Lisa Griffith, Head of Partnerships + Strategy for Accounting at Laurel, an AI Time Automation company. Together, they explore the evolving concept of time tracking in public accounting and how it's shifting from traditional billing methods to more productivity-focused, value-based approaches. Lisa shares her insights on the challenges firms face as they pivot away from billing by the hour, the role of AI in transforming time management, and the exciting trends in accounting technology for the...
info_outlineDuring this early morning conversation over coffee, Kim and Kalil start with a light hearted chat about Kim’s evolution from public accounting in both small and large firms to eventually becoming a Client Advisory Services (CAS) practice mentor and coach. It soon becomes clear from their conversation that Kim’s extensive experience in CAS, and personal evolution over the decades, actually closely mirrors the evolution of CAS practices and the profession itself. Some could say Kim is the face of the CAS profession. Grounded in wisdom and deep experience Kim provides us with a unique peak into what’s coming next for CAS practices.
Grab a cup of coffee and join Kim and Kalil in their discussion about:
- Understanding the evolution of CAS over the decades to bring us where we are today
- The growing sophistication of CAS practices and how their performance and results are accelerating
- The importance of aligning vision, mission, strategy and goals to a successful CAS practice
- Technology as an essential component and enabler of your strategy but should not be the strategy itself
- Considerations for customer facing vs internally facing tech stacks
- The importance of using frameworks, cycles and tested methodologies for building and transforming a CAS practice
- Accelerating the transformation of new and mature CAS practices using the CAS 2.0™ framework
Ø Learn more about CAS Professional Services, Coaching and Consulting: CAS Professional Services | CPA.com
A little bit about Kim Blascoe
As Sr Director of CAS Professional Services, Kim leads CAS2.0 Practice Transformation Programs, focusing on helping firms establish and grow optimized CAS practices through consulting, practice development, and training offerings. Prior to joining CPA.com, Kim spent over 30 years in public accounting, the last 13 years at Wipfli, LLP. For most of her time at Wipfli, Kim led their CAS practice providing a value-driven client experience utilizing an industry focused US and offshore team delivered through an innovative digital platform. Most recently Kim had turned her focus specifically to the Wealth & Asset Management industry where she led the Broker Dealer & Advisor Network segment of the vertical.
The Digital CPA podcast is a production of CPA.com. All rights reserved.
Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast.