A Vision for Breaking the Mold in the Profession
The Unique CPA
On Episode 154 of The Unique CPA, engages in a far reaching discussion with Alan Whitman, former CEO at Baker Tilly, who now serves as an advisor and coach to professionals. They delve into the necessary evolution of the accounting profession, exploring themes of innovation, breaking traditional molds, and fostering a sustainable and attractive future for CPAs. Whitman shares his remarkable journey from a bright-eyed associate to a visionary leader, emphasizing the vital shifts needed in professional services and the “enjoyment gap” that seems to exist in the accounting profession,...
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One Step at a Time: Making Tech Work for You
The Unique CPA
Byron Patrick of the B³ Method Institute joins Randy for Episode 153 of The Unique CPA, and they delve into Byron's transition from an “okay accountant” to a technology expert. Byron is passionate about well-being and its interplay with the profession, and he and Randy discuss the key that technology can improve efficiency, which eliminates the stresses and time sinks of the job, which leads to better work-life balance, but he holistically broadens his focus to things each person can do for themselves, too. That said, he shares information on AI tools like Bard, ChatGPT, and more,...
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Maximizing Value in Your Niche
The Unique CPA
sits down with Chris Farmand of Small Batch Standard on Episode 152 of The Unique CPA. They delve into the complexities and financial management gaps in the brewing industry, and how that relates to niching principles generally: the importance of deep relationships, industry concentration, and adapting to market changes. Lead generation, value pricing, and client transitions feature as well, with Chris reviewing the experiences he’s had in running Small Batch Standard. Get the full show notes and more resources at
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Not Just the Endgame: Exit Planning
The Unique CPA
On Episode 151 of The Unique CPA, Darryl Bates-Brownsword joins to discuss the importance of succession planning and its associated challenges. They delve into the benefits of early exit planning, with Darryl identifying the transition from selling hours to value-based service offerings as a key obstacle. Ultimately, exit planning is vital for businesses, and for CPAs looking to boost their advisory offerings, Darryl’s platform Capitaliz provides a guided way to do just that. Get the full show notes and more resources at
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A Modern Firm for Modern Startups
The Unique CPA
Curt Mastio, who established Founder’s CPA, joins for Episode 150 of The Unique CPA. They delve into Curt's transition from Big Four to his own firm, the complexities of dealing with the blockchain and crypto industries, and FinTech niche and the unique challenges it presents for accountants. They also discuss modern firm practices, tax planning strategies including utilizing R&D tax credits, and the journey of tech startups from seed stage to exit. Get the full show notes and more resources at
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The Ideal Practice Model
The Unique CPA
On Episode 149 of The Unique CPA, Joe Woodard joins to discuss hot topics like the Private Equity revolution in accounting and the Scaling New Heights conference coming up in Orlando in June. Joe introduces the Woodard Ideal Practice Model, a multi-partite plan for firms to both determine and differentiate their services, and he offers wisdom about the difference between management and leadership. They discuss Scaling New Heights in some detail, mentioning the talk Randy will be giving on firm growth and culture at the event. Get the full show notes and more resources at
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The Evolving Role of State Societies
The Unique CPA
Randy Crabtree talks to Jen Cryder, CEO of PICPA, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, on Episode 148 of The Unique CPA. They discuss the role of state societies in accounting, with a focus on bringing some of the ideas that larger firms have come up with to smaller firms and adapting those ideas to fit. Jen draws on her extensive experience as an audit senior and partner to touch on company culture, preserving that through mergers, and the opportunities that are in front of firms to deal with and thrive through the staffing crisis. PICPA's vision involves human...
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How to Found the Firm You Want
The Unique CPA
In this episode, Randy Crabtree chats with Al-Nesha Jones, founder of ASE Group, about her career transition, starting her own firm, and the lessons she learned to get it to where it is today. ASE Group serves as a beacon of DEI, employing full-time mothers and championing a four-day workweek with empowered employees and flexible schedules based on value billing that isn’t timesheet based. Al-Nesha discusses many of the stumbles she had along the way, resulting in improving firm processes, managing client expectations during COVID-19, the role of advisory services, and creating a firm that...
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Carving Your Own Path: From Academia to Tax
The Unique CPA
On Episode 146 of The Unique CPA, is joined by Jeremy Wells, founder of JWellsCFO, to discuss Jeremy’s transition from grad school and earning a PhD, into a teaching career in academia, then changing careers mid-stream, resulting in him earning and maintaining both his EA and CPA. Jeremy’s and his transition from teaching to tax advising was multi-faceted, and buffeted by a mentor who helped “show him the ropes” as he made his way, while also giving him insights into the kind of firm he wanted to run. Jeremy highlights the challenges and rewards of self-employment and the importance...
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Conferences and Community: Bringing Accountants Together
The Unique CPA
welcomes Accounting Today Editor-in-Chief Dan Hood back to The Unique CPA on Episode 145 to discuss the significance of community in the accounting profession. They explore the shift to other forms of communication and education that has developed over the past several years, from social media to webinars, then shift gears to focus on the good, old-fashioned conference: their value for community building, and the role of conversation and direct, personal interaction generally, in professional development. In the process, they provide all the details for Accounting Today’s and Tri-Merit’s...
info_outlineIn this episode, Randy Crabtree chats with Al-Nesha Jones, founder of ASE Group, about her career transition, starting her own firm, and the lessons she learned to get it to where it is today. ASE Group serves as a beacon of DEI, employing full-time mothers and championing a four-day workweek with empowered employees and flexible schedules based on value billing that isn’t timesheet based. Al-Nesha discusses many of the stumbles she had along the way, resulting in improving firm processes, managing client expectations during COVID-19, the role of advisory services, and creating a firm that truly allows for proper work-life balance.
Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com