Future-Proof

Tom Hood, Executive Vice President of Business Growth and Engagement at the AICPA, shares his perspective on the forces shaping the future of accounting and finance through Accounting and Finance 2040: Rise to the Future Together . In this conversation, Tom discusses the rapid evolution of the finance function, driven by generative AI, digital transformation, shifting business models, and changing...

In today’s polarized climate, terms like DEI and diversity can spark debate, but the need for fairness at work remains just as important. In this episode, Siri Chilazi, co-author of Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results , joins the conversation to explore what actually drives equity in the workplace. Instead of buzzwords or big proclamations, Siri focuses on small, practical changes that...

Risk is evolving quickly, and CPAs need to stay ahead. In this episode of Future Proof , we talk with Nicole Graham, risk consultant at Aon, about how firms can turn risk management into a strategic advantage. From cyber threats and regulatory changes to the everyday use of generative AI, Nicole shares real-world trends and practical tips to help firms stay protected. Learn how to spot red flags e...

This week on Future Proof, Paul Dunn, award-winning entrepreneur, global business leader, and founder of B1G1 (Business for Good), joins the conversation to explore the true purpose of the accounting profession. Paul challenges CPAs to shift from focusing on what they do to why they do it. He shares how small, purpose-driven actions can create lasting impact and how accountants can become storytel...

This week on Future Proof, we’re joined by Lexy Kessler, partner at Aprio, former chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs, and now the third Marylander to chair the AICPA’s board of directors. Lexy brings insight, inspiration, and a powerful sense of purpose to this conversation. She shares how a high school bookkeeping class sparked her career, why she was an early adopter of technology, and ho...

In this episode, Ron Baker, founder of the VeraSage Institute, challenges traditional views of innovation in accounting. Instead of focusing on technology like AI and automation, Ron advocates for transforming the value we provide to clients, shifting from transactional services to outcomes and personal growth. He highlights Fender's shift from selling guitars to teaching customers how to become m...

Firms are facing major capacity and talent challenges—and many are turning to offshoring, or global resourcing, to keep up. But how do you make it work? In this episode of Futureproof, GRF CPAs and Advisors partner Tricia Katebini shares how her firm built a global team that’s fully integrated into their culture and client service model. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your approac...

AI adoption is surging, but most companies struggle to scale its value. Tech expert and be radical co-founder Pascal Finette helps leaders navigate the evolving technology landscape—and today, he’s breaking down what businesses get wrong about AI and how to get it right. With nearly 30 years in tech, including leadership roles at Google, eBay, and Mozilla, Pascal shares practical strategies for in...

In this episode, I speak with Mark Koziel as he steps into his new role as CEO of the AICPA, succeeding Barry Melancon, who led the organization for nearly 30 years. Mark shares his vision for the profession, bringing a global perspective from his experience at both the AICPA and Allinial Global. We discuss key challenges like talent shortages, technology, and regulatory shifts, as well as the imp...

Client Advisory Services (CAS) has become one of the most profitable and in-demand service lines in accounting, with revenues surging 17% in two years. Amy Bridges, Senior Manager of Practice Development at CPA.com, unpacks key findings from the latest CAS Benchmark Survey, revealing how top firms achieve $250,000 in median net client fees per professional and why 90% have moved away from hourly b...

Maryland's General Assembly is in session, facing a significant budget deficit. In this episode, State Senator Brian Feldman, CPA, breaks down the tough decisions ahead, including the potential taxation of professional services. He emphasizes why legislative advocacy is crucial for CPAs, who can influence tax policy and business decisions. Senator Feldman also explains how Maryland’s legislative p...

What’s next for CPAs after the election? I sit down with Lauren Pfingstag Vahey, AICPA’s Director of Congressional and Political Affairs, to explore the impact of a new president and Congress on the profession. We discuss the future of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, potential new tax legislation, and the recent IRS funding boost from the Inflation Reduction Act. Lauren also shares insights on the poss...

AI is the new social media—exciting, risky, and in need of guardrails. In this episode, we explore what makes a good AI policy and how to navigate the powerful tools reshaping our world. From confidentiality to data reliability, we cover key considerations for using AI responsibly. Joining the conversation is digital strategist Maddie Grant from Propel. She shares insights on crafting effective AI...

In this episode, we explore how your business model might be evolving, whether you realize it or not. Technology, demographics, and regulation are driving change across industries, and for business and CPA firm leaders, the big question is: how do we stay relevant? I’m joined by Lisa Simpson, VP of Firm Services at the AICPA, to discuss the "Transforming Your Business Model" initiative, launched b...

In this episode, we tackle the talent puzzle and discuss steps to secure the future of the accounting profession. I sit down with Lexy Kessler, Vice Chairman of AICPA and Mid-Atlantic Managing Partner at Aprio and member of the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG), to dive into the finalized "Accounting Talent Strategy Report" and its bold solutions to the profession’s talent challenges. Lexy s...

In this episode, we discuss the need to change the narrative around what it truly means to be a CPA. I’m joined by Carla McCall, the 2024-25 Chair of the AICPA, to explore how the accounting profession can attract new talent by focusing on purpose and passion rather than just tasks and hours. By highlighting the “why” behind accounting—what makes it exciting, meaningful, and impactful—we can inspi...

This week, we're tackling a challenging yet crucial topic: when and how to fire a client. Some clients can end up costing more in time, effort, and frustration than the value they provide. Letting them go can sometimes be the best decision for your business. However, this process is not to be taken lightly—there are numerous pitfalls to avoid and best practices to follow. Thankfully, there are ple...

In this episode, we honor the remarkable career of Alvin Katz, Co-Founder & Director of KatzAbosch, a firm he helped build from the ground up in 1969 into one of the largest CPA and business consulting organizations in the Mid-Atlantic. As Alvin retires after 55 years at the helm, he shares his journey, the evolution of the profession, and the lasting impact of KatzAbosch on the Maryland commu...

This week's episode is about TRUST. We must rely on trust as we navigate change. Our guest is Barry Melancon, who will be retiring as long-time President and CEO of AICPA as of December 31, 2024. Barry has been the "face" of the profession for decades. This transition is another example of great change in our profession. Since Barry has been leading change, and has been teaching our profession to...

This week, we're diving back into the world of AI to uncover some practical ways this technology can take over tasks that are consuming too much of your time. At a recent MACPA Town Hall, 64% of accounting professionals admitted they haven't tried generative AI tools. Many might think they're not using AI at all, but the reality is they're likely interacting with it daily through virtual assistant...

A decade ago, there were predictions that certain accounting jobs would be replaced by automation. Now, in the age of AI, we're still here and thriving. Today's conversation focuses on how we can collaborate with technology to enhance our work and deliver greater value to clients. To delve into this topic, I spoke with Andrew Hatfield, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of SafeSend, a long-time p...

Today we're touching on the AI subject once again - something we'll likely be talking about for some time given the projections about how this technology will turn the accounting profession on it's head. A recent Thomson Reuters report shows many within our industry are already using AI tools and there is growing optimism about AI's role in the industry. While many accounting and finance professio...

In this episode, we're continuing our focus on the pipeline issue but this time we're looking at it's impact on corporate America specifically. Companies, big and small, are citing a shortage of skilled accounting personnel for weaknesses in financial reporting controls. This deficiency is a significant predictor of potential restatements of financial statements, affecting not only CPAs and firms...

This week, we're diving into a well known, critical issue gripping our profession: the shortage of CPAs. It's a widespread challenge impacting businesses, causing staffing gaps, burnout, and compromised client service. The scarcity of expertise has escalated workloads, hindered recruitment and retention, and even led some firms to decline work due to insufficient manpower. To combat this, many org...

We've spent a good amount of time discussing new technology (A.I. in particular) and what it all means for CPAs and our profession. However, amidst these discussions, we've overlooked the strategies for implementing broader changes, including new technology, ideas, mindsets, and work processes. After browsing numerous articles, I came across a resonating approach: asking our organization, "What do...