Becker Accounting Podcasts

Busy season doesn’t have to feel like controlled chaos. In this episode Mark Gallegos, Tax Partner at Porte Brown, and his guest, Kelley Hare, dive into practical tax practice management strategies, from workflow and staffing to client expectations and technology, to deliver a smoother and more profitable tax season. Earn CPE by listening to this podcast through a Becker Prime CPE subscription. Li...

Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope joins host Mike Potenza to unpack whistleblowers—their stigma, motives, and impact. Pope outlines the “whistleblower triangle” and three archetypes: accidental, noble, and vigilante. Real-world cases span Dixon, Wells Fargo, Boeing, Hyundai, and more, revealing the risks, retaliation, and long legal roads many face, even with rewards under False Claims and Dodd Frank. Join...

Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope joins host Mike Potenza to unpack fraud’s ecosystem: the fraud triangle of pressure, opportunity, and rationalization, and the three perpetrator types—intentional, accidental, and righteous. They explore high-profile cases like Bernie Madoff and Enron, to the chilling Robert Courtney chemotherapy dilution scheme, along with everyday scams like receipt “shop listing.” Pope f...

Dr. Sean Stein Smith, award winning faculty member at Lehman College, joins host Chris Mitchell to discuss how students can prepare for AI-integrated careers. Smith emphasizes ethical AI usage, continuous upskilling, and integrating tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini into curriculum from day one. He stresses the importance of networking with AI users at companies, volunteering for AI projects...

This year-end episode highlights the biggest tax developments of 2025 and what they mean for planning heading into filing season. Mark and his guest walk through the significant individual and business tax changes resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, tariff policy and other major tax changes. Earn CPE by listening to this podcast through a Becker Prime CPE subscription. Listen to this ep...

This year-end episode highlights the biggest tax developments of 2025 and what they mean for planning heading into filing season. Mark and his guest walk through the significant individual and business tax changes resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, tariff policy and other major tax changes. Earn CPE by listening to this podcast through a Becker Prime CPE subscription. Listen to this ep...

In this candid conversation, CPA Ellen Sulistio joins host Mike Potenza to recount her fascinating career journey. She describes her unexpected leap from psychology student to CPA, a decade-long audit career at PwC, an advisory stint at Deloitte, and her current role heading accounting advisory at the subscription-based start-up CPA Club, where she guides firms through the new QC 1000 quality-cont...

Marketing executive Eric Elmore distills decades of experience into actionable guidance for CPA firms of any size. Drawing parallels between political campaigns and professional services, he shows how to craft a distinct brand persona, deploy laser-focused digital tactics, and harness CRM data to prove ROI. Elmore tackles common CPA roadblocks—seasonal crunches, reluctance to self-promote—and offe...

Host Mike Potenza sits down with Paul Perry, a CPA turned cybersecurity leader, to explore how a passion for data analytics and risk management reshaped his career.  Starting as a financial auditor, Perry evolved to lead Warren Averett's Risk Advisory and Assurance Services group, specializing in cybersecurity, data analytics, and IT controls. Perry demonstrates how combining accounting knowl...

Mark Gallegos, Tax Partner at Porte Brown, and his guest, Marty Finn, delve into some of the leading tax topics of the day. In this episode, they discuss turning complex succession and estate decisions into actionable plans—balancing control, fairness among heirs, liquidity, and efficiency. Earn CPE by listening to this podcast through a Becker Prime CPE subscription. Listen to this episode throug...

CPA and cannabis expert Naomi Granger joins host Chris Mitchell to unpack the unique financial landscape of a state-legal yet federally illegal industry. She explains how Section 280E’s tax bite, cash-only banking hurdles and patchwork state rules squeeze operators, why strong inventory and cash controls are vital, and where accountants can add value as CFO-level advisors. Granger also highlights...

In this Cool Careers in Accounting episode, host Mike Potenza sits down with former investment banker and Division I golfer Rachel Harrison as she recounts her 30-year rise from Accenture coder and Deutsche Bank analyst to Chief Financial Officer of The Meliore Foundation, a 400-person global nonprofit that uses strategic communications to fight climate change. Harrison discusses swapping profit f...

Shakor J. Jukes, honored as an “Outstanding 40 Under 40” CPA, joins host Chris Mitchell to demonstrate how accounting goes far beyond spreadsheets. He recounts growing up in Newark’s inner-city, discovering accounting in high school, and pushing through repeated CPA-exam setbacks. Now a champion of financial literacy, Jukes details the essentials that turn paychecks into generational wealth. Join...

Mark Gallegos, Tax Partner at Porte Brown, and his guest, Melissa Wiley, delve into the leading tax topics. Gain insights from their expertise on the current tax landscape. Recognizing the many uncertainties tax professionals face this year, Mark and his guest each month emphasize the opportunities to strengthen client relationships and drive future revenue for tax practitioners. Earn CPE by liste...

Mike Maksymiw takes us through his inspiring career journey, blending his passion for accounting, mentorship, and innovation. From his days as a college baseball pitcher to his leadership role at Aprio, Mike shares insights on work-life harmony, the evolving role of technology in accounting, and the value of questioning norms and building meaningful professional relationships. Packed with practica...

In this inspiring interview, Jesse Rhodes Jr., an executive, author, and advocate for personal growth, shares his journey of resilience, leadership, and purpose. From overcoming challenges to writing his transformative book, Jesse emphasizes the power of self-love and vulnerability. He discusses financial literacy, navigating corporate shifts, and empowering the next generation to take action. Thi...

Chris Vanover joins host Mike Potenza to share his fascinating career journey from working at PwC and the PCAOB to founding CPAClub. A two-time Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting honoree, Vanover discusses his innovative approach to public accounting, emphasizing a subscription-based model, work-life balance, and employee satisfaction. He also highlights his passion for...

Elizabeth Sullivan, Chair of the IIA's North American Board and VP at D.C. Metro, explores the transformation of internal audit with host Chris Mitchell. Elizabeth highlights the adoption of AI, the shift toward advisory roles, and the importance of diverse skill sets. Join us as we discuss the need for upskilling, embracing technology, and fostering partnerships to ensure the profession remains r...

Mark Gallegos, Tax Partner at Porte Brown, and his guest delve into the leading tax topics each month. Gain insights from their expertise on the current tax landscape, with 2025 looking like a pivotal year for expiring tax provisions and potentially a new tax policy landscape. Recognizing the many uncertainties tax professionals face this year, Mark and his guests emphasize the opportunities to st...

Nzinga Shaw, trailblazing Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the NBA, NFL and Starbucks, recounts her path from Spelman English major to global DEI authority. Shaped by educator parents and civil-rights stories, Shaw explains how sports can bridge racial divides, why the pandemic elevated employee well-being, and how flexible, trust-based cultures outperform rigid mandates.  Join thi...

In this engaging interview, Kaplan Mobray joins host Chris Mitchell to discuss the importance of building a personal and professional brand with intention. Mobray shares insights on leveraging AI tools responsibly and highlights the significance of maintaining a high standard of excellence. He introduces his upcoming book, "The Green Method," which focuses on resilience and growth. The conversatio...

Andrew Jordan, CPA, recounts his remarkable path from valedictorian and Big-Four-style tax staffer to tech-company CFO turned whistleblower. In this candid conversation with host Mike Potenza, he explains how uncovering a fabricated Walmart contract led to an FBI fraud case, the collapse and turnaround of the business, and his eventual launch of Jordan CPA Services. Jordan discusses career setback...

Mark Gallegos, Tax Partner at Porte Brown, and his guest delve into the leading tax topics each month. Gain insights from their expertise on the current tax landscape, with 2025 looking like a pivotal year for expiring tax provisions and potentially a new tax policy landscape. Recognizing the many uncertainties tax professionals face this year, Mark and his guests emphasize the opportunities to st...

Kelly Pope is an inspiration in the accounting profession. A trailblazer in the field of accounting and beyond, she is a CPA, PhD, and professor as DePaul University. Her career path is anything but traditional, taking her from documentary filmmaking to TED Talks to innovative educational platforms. In this conversation with host Mike Potenza, she discusses her passion for accounting, emphasizing...

Ryan Watson, a partner at Upsourced Accounting, joins host Spencer Payne to share his journey from starting as a CPA at a major firm to founding his own advisory practice.  Watson discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, highlighting his decision to leave a traditional career path for a fulfilling role as a strategic advisor. Learn from his unique experiences and success stor...