Episode #154: Reinventing the CPA Pathway with Tom Hood

04/25/24 • 40 min

Welcome back to Thrivecast, where we dive deep into the mechanics of running a firm and the trends shaping the professional landscape. In today's episode, we're excited to have Tom Hood, EVP of the AICPA and Business Learning Institute, join us to unravel the complexities surrounding the CPA profession. We tackle the hotly debated 150-hour rule for CPA exam eligibility and discuss its ten-year journey to legislative reality. As we navigate the impacts of this requirement on professional mobility and the talent pipeline, Tom sheds light on the formation of the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPEG) by the AICPA, aiming to align the accounting world amidst varying state regulations. Our discussion leads into concerns over the profession’s outlook, from legislative challenges affecting mobility to the potential risks of an anti-licensing movement. But it's not all hurdles and high jumps; the silver lining reveals itself as we dissect the necessity for CPAs to find balance – charging fair prices, avoiding burnout, and staying ahead of technology, including AI, to thrive in their roles. Tom reminds us of the importance of asserting value and provides insights on maintaining professional standards while nurturing work-life harmony. His insight will leave you pondering on the vision of a profession empowered by AI, a discipline that continues to demand the brightest minds to innovate and evolve. So, tune in, as we reflect on these pressing issues, explore the necessary legislative landscapes, and ultimately, chart a course for a hopeful future in accounting. Talent Pipeline & Survey – National Pipeline Advisory Group https://www.accountingpipeline.org/participate/ Future of Finance – Forbes article – fits CAS Practices CFO Ongoing Evolution: From “CF-No” To “CF-Know” https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2023/08/23/cfo-ongoing-evolution-from-cf-no-to-cf-know/?sh=57ddf2aa2acc

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Episode #153: From Side Hustle to Success with Seth David

Welcome back to the Thrivecast, where we dive into the heart of what makes firms thrive. In today's episode, we're honored to host Seth David, the founder and chief nerd at Nerd Enterprises, who's here to share his unique and inspirational journey with us. Seth takes us from his former life on Wall Street to 25 years of sobriety and entrepreneurship in sunny California. This episode also spotlights the evolution of Nerd Enterprises from a side hustle to a sought-after firm and how Seth's genuine and helpful content carved out a niche on YouTube. We'll touch upon the future of accounting, the integration of AI and advisory services, and the radical transformations within the industry. Seth talks about the art of making banking fun and how his passion led him to challenge the norms within the accounting industry. We'll dissect the concept of impact over numbers as we discuss the growth of Seth's YouTube channel, breaking down why influence is more significant than subscriber count while exploring Seth's discomfort with being labeled as an ""influencer."" Join us as we dive into Seth's innovative use of AI in his business practices, where his AI assistant, Sandy, is revolutionizing the way he works. We'll hear why Seth believes in nurturing community, selflessness, and the importance of ""esteemable acts"" in both recovery and business success.

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Episode #155: Building Corporate Models for Firm Growth with Jeremy Clopton

Welcome to another episode of Thrivecast. Today, we’re diving deep into the transformative journey firms undergo when moving from traditional consensus-based models to streamlined business-oriented models. Jason’s thrilled to have Jeremy Clopton, managing director of Upstream Academy, joining us to share his experiences and the complexities this transition entails. They’ll explore how embracing a corporate structure can offer partners more entrepreneurial freedom and enhance firm efficiency by clearly separating governance from operations. This separation is crucial for enabling firms to operate more like businesses and less like old-school partnerships, which can often hinder growth. Jason and Jeremy will also tackle private equity in professional services. With views ranging from seeing it as a potential exit strategy to leveraging it for growth, they unpack the varied perspectives and experiences surrounding this controversial subject. Their discussion aims to shed light on how shifting mindsets, embracing new roles, and implementing structured leadership can pave the way for a more successful future. Stay tuned as they break down these complex issues and offer insights into making the transition smoother and more effective for everyone involved.