loader from loading.io

Becoming your clients' trusted tech advisor with Jim French

Digital CPA by CPA.com

Release Date: 05/29/2024

Agents of Change: Inside the AICPA/CPA.com Startup Accelerator show art 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...

info_outline
Beyond Compliance: The CPA Firm’s Path to Becoming a Trusted Advisor show art 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...

info_outline
Unlocking CAS Success: Key Insights from the latest Benchmark Survey show art 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...

info_outline
Unlocking Growth & Transformation: Insights from Digital CPA 2024 with Jen Wood show art 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...

info_outline
Breaking Barriers in Accounting Tech: A Conversation with Jeff Seibert show art 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...

info_outline
Private Equity in Accounting: Insights with Allan Koltin on Transformative Investment Trends show art 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...

info_outline
Transforming CPA Firms: Insights from Lisa Simpson on Business Model Transformation show art 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...

info_outline
AI & Auditing: Unlocking Efficiency and Trust in the CPA Profession show art 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...

info_outline
Executive Roundtable Reflections: Insights with Dan Hood show art 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,...

info_outline
The Value of Time With Lisa Griffith show art 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_outline
 
More Episodes

Welcome to the Digital CPA Podcast! In our latest episodes, we’ve delved into advisory services, and today, we’re shifting our focus to the technological trends shaping the future of CPA firms.

In this episode, we explore how the convergence of technology, data, and system integrations is transforming business needs and expectations. Business leaders are increasingly seeking:

  • Frequent access to data
  • Enhanced connectivity between systems for increased automation and reduced delays
  • Comprehensive business insights by merging financial and operational data

Despite the potential of technical adavancement to enable business leaders, many organizations lack the time, resources, or expertise to fully leverage today’s technologies. This is where trusted advisors play a crucial role.

Our guest, Jim French, CFO of IFI Professionals, has been at the forefront of helping businesses and advisors develop strategies to capitalize on the intersection of technology and advisory services. With a background in accounting from a Big 4 firm and over 20 years in software development and delivery, Jim’s unique perspective as a former CEO, CFO, and COO enables him to provide valuable insights into these emerging trends.

Join us as we sit down with Jim French to discuss how advisors can bridge the gap in the market and bring unparalleled value to their clients through innovative technology strategies.

For more episodes and resources, visit www.CPA.com. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders driving innovation and transformation in finance and technology.

Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast.

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite listening platform!

For additional resources check out: