Off the Ledger

In this episode of Off the Ledger, Orumé Hays, CPA, CGMA, MST, of Hays CPA LLC in New York, shares how accounting firms can successfully transform by focusing on strategic planning, talent development and technology adoption, emphasizing the shift from traditional compliance work to higher-value advisory services.

On this episode of Off the Ledger , Joe is joined by Greg Frazier, CPA, owner of Greg Frazier, CPA, PLLC, to discuss how AI should be viewed much like previous waves of technology. While professional skepticism remains essential, adaptation ultimately creates new opportunities rather than eliminating the accounting profession.

On this episode of Off the Ledger , Joe sits down with Adam Schubatis, CPA, audit senior manager at KPMG, to highlight the wide range of Michigan Association of CPAs membership benefits, spanning advocacy, collaboration and education, while emphasizing resources members may not realize are already available.

In this episode, Joe talks with Megan Angle, CPA, of Porte Brown LLC in Illinois, about the practical applications of using AI as an auditing tool, not a replacement for professional judgment, and encourages firms to start experimenting now to improve efficiency, documentation and client conversations.

In this episode, Joe talks with Cindy Bjorkquist, director of activation and events at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, about the connection between mental health and overall well-being, particularly for high-stress professionals such as CPAs. Bjorkquist shares practical, research-backed tools to help listeners calm their minds, build resilience, and respond thoughtfully under pressure.

As 2025 winds down, Joe talks with Bob Doyle, president and CEO of MICPA, reflecting on the organization’s past, present and what’s ahead. They look back on a year focused on empowering members through advocacy, collaboration and education, discuss progress on an additional CPA licensure pathway, and look ahead to an inspiring 2026, including signature events and a milestone 125th anniversary cele...

In this episode, Joe talks with Michigan’s director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Marlon Brown, DPA, about his path into public service and the wide scope of LARA’s work. They cover everything from Michigan’s economic landscape to ongoing efforts to streamline regulation, including an additional pathway for CPA licensure.

In this episode of Off the Ledger , Joe talks with Lisa Dy, CPA, MBA, and Mindset Coach at Boundless Potential Coaching, about how trust, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence help leaders connect more authentically with their teams. Lisa shares insights from her journey from CPA to coach, emphasizing the power of self-awareness, embracing imperfection, and investing in personal growth to buil...

In this episode, Joe talks with Dori Danko, CPA, MBA, accounting instructor and accounting internship coordinator at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, about how accounting ethics intersect with artificial intelligence (AI). They discuss real-world classroom experiences, AI’s potential to detect and commit fraud, regulatory issues such as “AI washing” and best practices f...

In this episode of Off the Ledger , Joe speaks with Jordan Goodman of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP in Chicago about the evolving state and local tax laws, including changes to federal protections, market-based sourcing challenges and the impact on small businesses.

This month Joe speaks with George Copeland, CEO of GMC Consulting, about how the DISC behavioral assessment can improve team communication by helping individuals understand and adapt to different personality styles. George shares personal insights on how applying DISC has strengthened his leadership, reduced conflict, and fostered more supportive and effective workplace dynamics.

In this episode, Joe talks with Jamar Cobb-Dennard, J.D., a business broker with Indiana Business Advisors in Indianapolis, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the accounting profession. From drafting content to analyzing financials to enhance deals, Jamar explains how AI enhances efficiency, provides deeper insights, and supports stronger strategic thinking. He also expands o...

In this episode, Joe sits down with Amy Vetter, CPA, CGMA, RYT-500, CSP. Amy is the CEO of the B³ Method Institute and the keynote speaker for the MICPA’s 2025 Elevate Conference. They discuss how firms can build a best-in-class tech stack by thoughtfully selecting, standardizing and training on the right tools.

This month Joe chats with Business Development Market Leader at BDO, Anthony Rosenblum, CPA about his lifelong passion for volunteering, sparked by early experiences in his hometown, and how it has enriched his personal and professional life, helping him build leadership skills, meaningful relationships, and community impact through roles ranging from CPA board work to coaching his kids’ sports te...

On this episode of Off the Ledger, Joe sits down with the Founding Partner of J&F Advisors, Ashley Johnson, CPA, EA, and discusses the importance of financial literacy and her work introducing high school students to accounting, as well as preparing students for CPA careers and the broad opportunities within the accounting profession.

This month, Joe chats with John Eardley, CPA, MST from Crowe LLP about Michigan’s flow-through entity tax, its complexities, and recent legislative changes aimed at simplifying compliance for taxpayers and CPAs.

In this episode, Joe sits down with MICPA Senior Vice President, Peggy Jury, CPA, CGMA to talk about the new quality management standards for accounting firms, which include risk assessment, communication documents, and annual monitoring. 

In this special year-end episode, Bob Doyle, president and CEO of MICPA, returns to reflect with Joe on MICPA’s 2024 accomplishments, including the importance of cultivating leadership, inspiring future CPAs, and celebrating the accounting profession's impact. Bob also previews some of the exciting plans for 2025 with insights into the Michigan accounting landscape and MICPA’s ongoing efforts to s...

In this episode, Reed Freiberger, CPA, a supervisor at Gordon Advisors PC, joins Joe to discuss the nuances of tax law, particularly the role of creativity in managing complex issues such as sales tax, property tax, and state tax compliance.

As the dust settles after a historic election, MICPA podcast host Joe Colosi checks in with Becky Bechler, managing partner at Public Affairs Associates in Lansing. Unpack the results and impacts on Michigan’s CPAs, their organizations, and clients.

This month Joe talks with Albert D. Spalding, CPA, JD, PhD, Associate Professor Emeritus at Wayne State University to discuss ethical decision-making in accounting. They explore whether ethics are innate or learned through two court cases highlighting moral development and discuss the importance of the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct.

In a continuation from the last episode, Joe is joined one more time by Jeff Rayis, CPA, CTP, MBA who is the former VP of Treasury at Michigan State University and the new CFO at Indiana Wesleyan University. They proceed through the rest of the 30 best practices for building and growing client relationships that Jeff had previously started discussing last month. Will they be able to get through th...

In this episode, Joe is joined by the former VP of Treasury at Michigan State University and new CFO at Indiana Wesleyan University, Jeff Rayis, CPA, CTP, MBA. They discuss the 30 best practices for building and growing client relationships that Jeff has discovered during his career. Will they be able to get through all 30 of them in just one episode?

This month Joe talks with Charlotte Stallings, president and CEO of Charlotte Stallings Enterprises in Houston, TX. Together they explore the idea of transformation being an inside job, discussing how embracing change and overcoming internal obstacles are crucial for personal and professional growth.

In this episode, Joe is joined by former US Attorney, Barbara McQuade, to explore the pervasive issue of disinformation. They discuss the deliberate spread of misleading information and its impact on society and professions like accounting emphasizing the importance of upholding facts and integrity, offering insights into combating disinformation, and promoting ethical leadership.