Future-Proof

Strengthening the accounting profession's talent pipeline takes more than attracting new professionals. It also means creating opportunities, supporting career development, and giving the next generation reasons to stay. In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, former Chair of both the MACPA and AICPA and current Chair of the MACPA Foundation, to discuss how the p...

With new auditing standards taking effect and more changes on the horizon, staying current is essential for CPAs working in audit and assurance. In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Mike Manspeaker, past Chair of the MACPA Board of Directors and current member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board, to discuss the latest developments in auditing standards and what practitioners should...

The accounting profession is preparing for a future shaped by AI and evolving expectations, but resistance to change could slow its progress. In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Tom Hood, Executive Vice President of Business Engagement and Growth at the AICPA, to explore the findings of the Rise2040™ report and what they mean for accounting and finance professionals. Tom...

AI is changing how accounting work gets done, but what could that mean for the role of the CPA? In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Shane Mason, CPA and co-founder of Brooklyn Fi (BKFi), to explore what an AI-powered accounting and financial planning practice could look like. Shane discusses how AI can take on routine and technical work, the new skills CPAs will need to w...

As technology, talent challenges, and changing business models reshape the accounting profession, Jan Lewis believes its greatest strength remains the same: its people. In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Jan, current Chair of the AICPA Board of Directors, to discuss her people-first approach to the profession and what’s on her radar as she begins her year as chair. Jan s...

After a year spent listening to CPAs, students, firm leaders, regulators, and others across the profession, Lexy Kessler has a unique perspective on where the profession stands and where it’s headed. In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Lexy to reflect on her year as AICPA chair and what she learned from conversations across the profession and around the world. Lexy shares...

Private equity is reshaping the accounting profession, changing how firms think about succession, valuation, technology, profitability, and growth. In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Brannon Poe, founder of Poe Group Advisors, to explore the opportunities and risks that come with private equity investment in CPA firms. Brannon shares a balanced perspective on what PE is bringing to...

The accounting profession is evolving, and so is the role of today's CPA. In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Savedra Scott, President and Owner of Savvy Financial Solutions and the newly elected Chair of the MACPA Board of Directors, to discuss the evolving role of CPAs and the opportunities shaping the profession's future. Savedra shares why today's accountants are moving beyond be...

Can AI do more than improve efficiency? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Brad Gustafson, Head of the Accounting Partner Channel at Ramp, to explore how AI is reshaping the accounting profession and helping firms address long-term talent challenges. Brad shares why AI should be viewed as a capacity multiplier rather than a replacement for accountants, how agentic AI is transforming...

What does the next generation really want from work? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Dr. Tara Ceranic Salinas, professor of business ethics at the University of San Diego, to explore what organizations often get wrong about Gen Z in the workplace. Tara explains why Gen Z isn't rejecting leadership. They're rethinking what leadership should look like. From flexibility and purpose...

What does it really take to build a successful global team? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Anshul Agrawal, founder of June15 Consulting, to separate fact from fiction when it comes to offshoring in the accounting profession. Anshul shares why successful offshoring is about more than cost savings. It requires a shift in mindset, treating offshore professionals as true members of...

Client accounting services continue to grow across the profession, but what standards apply when firms step into CAS work? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Mike Manspeaker, Member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board and CPA on Staff for Coastal Peer Review, to explore the compliance, ethics, and quality management considerations firms need to understand as CAS practices expand....

Mergers and acquisitions continue to reshape the accounting profession, but what happens after the deal closes? In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Ira Rosenbloom of Optimum Strategies to explore the human side of M&A and why people, not numbers, are often the deciding factor in whether a transaction succeeds or fails. Ira shares insight into how communication gaps, c...

What does risk look like for CPA firms today? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Stan Sterna of Aon to explore how the risk landscape is evolving across the profession. Stan explains how new technologies, shifting regulations, workforce changes, and expanding advisory services are creating both opportunity and exposure for firms. He highlights why risk management must move beyond ch...

What if culture isn’t soft at all, but one of the most powerful drivers of performance? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Don Rheem, founder of CultureID, to explore how neuroscience is reshaping the way leaders understand engagement, behavior, and results. Don explains how the way employees feel at work directly drives how they perform, and why factors like psychological safety, t...

How is the future of the CPA profession being shaped at the regulatory level? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Jeff Wilson, the newly appointed chair of the Maryland State Board of Public Accountancy, to discuss the role regulators play in guiding the profession forward. Jeff shares his perspective on addressing the CPA talent shortage, expanding pathways to licensure, and how sta...

What does cybersecurity really mean for today’s CPA firms? In this episode, we sit down with Luke Kiely, Chief Information Security Officer at SmartVault and Chief Security Officer at ComplyWise, to explore why cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, but a firm-wide responsibility. Luke breaks down how most breaches still begin with a simple email and a distracted click, why busy season incre...

What does the future of audit oversight look like in a rapidly changing world? In this episode, we sit down with Christina Ho, who recently announced her departure from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), for an inside look at what’s next for audit regulation. Christina shares her perspective on using AI and advanced analytics in audit oversight, the importance of common-sense r...

What can CPAs and business leaders learn from one of the most entertaining organizations in the world? In this episode, we sit down with Tim Naddy, CFO of the Savannah Bananas, to explore how purpose, culture, and leadership drive performance in high-pressure environments. Behind the dancing players and sold-out stadiums is a clear philosophy. The Bananas do not just play baseball. They create joy...

A major shift is coming to the accounting profession. In December 2025, a new suite of quality management standards will take effect, replacing the long-standing quality control framework firms have used for decades. This change goes beyond new policies; it reflects a broader mindset focused on continual improvement, risk awareness, and firmwide accountability. To help us understand what is coming...

What happens when you are ready to step away from the business you have built? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Erin Daiber, founder of Well Balanced Accountants, to explore why effective succession planning starts long before retirement. Erin shares practical guidance on developing future leaders, creating a culture that supports growth, and avoiding common pitfalls like confusin...

There is no single path to success in accounting, and few people prove that better than Greg Kyte. In this episode of Future-Proof , we explore how Greg built a one-of-a-kind career that blends finance, comedy, and purpose in ways that challenge traditional ideas of what it means to be a CPA. Greg is the Controller and CFO at Riverwoods Medical Arts Center in Utah, but that is only part of his sto...

In today’s data-driven world, information is everywhere, but what truly sets professionals apart is their ability to tell the story behind the numbers. In this episode of Future-Proof , we sit down with Jake DeKinder , Head of Client Communication at Dimensional Fund Advisors , to explore why storytelling may be the most essential skill CPAs can master. Jake explains how data alone doesn’t inspire...

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, it’s for anyone who wants to protect the people and causes that matter most. In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Patrick Carlson, Associate General Counsel for Estate and Tax Product at Vanilla, to explore how simple planning steps can bring peace of mind to everyday clients. Patrick, who’s presenting at the MACPA’s 40th Annual Personal Fin...

Busy season horror stories of 80-hour weeks, sleepless nights, and lost weekends have long defined the accounting profession. But Samantha Bowling, managing partner at GWCPA, is rewriting that narrative. This past tax season, her firm went bold: no weekends, a 50-hour cap, mandatory extensions, upfront pricing, and a 15% fee increase. The payoff? Nearly full client retention, lighter partner workl...