Leaders of the Ledger

In this season finale, host Rob Brown distills the most powerful insights from 14 standout accounting innovators featured in the CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40. Discover the 5 transformative themes that surfaced across every conversation: how influence begins with service, why your personal story is your greatest asset, what makes leadership truly human, why visibility carries responsibility, an...

In this episode, Rob Brown sits down with Matt Tait, a recovering attorney turned entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple companies, including Decimal. Matt shares how he accidentally became an accounting influencer, why honesty and transparency outperform perfection, and why leading through change matters now more than ever as accounting experiences its biggest transformation since the shi...

In this episode, Rob Brown sits down with Arna Erazo, a rising leader in Client Accounting Services. She built a thriving outsourced accounting practice at GHJ from scratch while working remotely from Oklahoma. Arna shares her journey from Big Four audit to industry to advisory. She opens up about balancing motherhood and leadership. She discusses scaling her practice from four clients to over 100...

Rob Brown sits down with Tailor Hartman, founder of Celerity, to unpack his journey from burnout and rigid corporate structures to becoming one of the most authentic voices in accounting. Tailor shares how he built a thriving CAS firm, why vulnerability online works, and what accountants must do to stay relevant in an AI-driven world. Tailor opens up about his leap from BDO and private accounting...

Lexi Weber, Senior Manager of Emerging Professionals Initiatives at AICPA and CIMA, joins Rob Brown for a powerful conversation about the future of the accounting profession. As one of the profession's rising voices and influencers, Lexi brings a unique perspective on what's working, what's broken, and what needs to change as accounting undergoes its biggest transformation in decades. Growing up i...

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger , host Rob Brown sits down with John Malone—an attorney-turned-accounting firm owner who’s redefining what it means to lead in the modern accounting world. John shares how he built a $4M firm without being a CPA, why personal branding is no longer optional, and how embracing AI is transforming how firms serve clients. From football fields to boardrooms, Joh...

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with Zach Gordon—CPA, entrepreneur, and thought leader reshaping what it means to lead in accounting. Zach shares his unconventional journey through big firms, startups, and now running his own practice—all while helping modernize the profession’s reputation. From AI and automation to advising in emerging industries like cannabis a...

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with Victor Garrido, Managing Member of GG CPA Services and a passionate advocate for the accounting profession's evolution. Victor's story takes us from Madrid to Milan to New York, where he built a career spanning Big Four experience and small-business leadership. Today, he's not just a CPA — he's a commissioner on the Philadelph...

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger , host Rob Brown sits down with Tim Petrey , CEO of HD Davis CPAs and one of the founding partners at Ascend , a private equity–backed platform transforming regional accounting firms across the U.S. Tim’s journey from answering phones at a small firm to leading an $8 million practice is nothing short of inspiring. He opens up about mentorship, overcoming co...

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, we sit down with Tim O’Neill, a senior manager at Whitley LLP, to discuss how young professionals can make a big impact in accounting. Tim shares his journey from starting in a big CPA firm to becoming a thought leader in the profession, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring the next generation of CPAs. Topics covered in this episode: How to build a personal...

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger , we dive into the changing landscape of the accounting profession with Rachel Farris , a young and dynamic CPA from San Francisco. With Gen Z and millennials bringing a fresh perspective, accounting is no longer the old, traditional career it used to be. From the rise of remote work to embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain, Rachel shar...

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger , Rob Brown speaks with Mac Lillard, Senior Manager at GRF, about his influential role in the accounting profession. Mac shares his passion for advocating for the accounting degree and its potential to shape diverse career paths, including risk management, forensic auditing, and digital transformation. Learn how Mac navigated his career from a financial sta...

What happens when CPAs step beyond compliance and bring their skills into the worlds of creators, entertainers, and gamers?  In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger , host Rob Brown talks with Kendale King, CPA and founder of CPACon , about how he’s redefining what it means to be an accountant. Kendale shares his journey from Deloitte auditor to business manager for content creators, his perspect...

What happens when burnout becomes the spark for building a thriving CPA firm? In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger , host Rob Brown sits down with Kathryn Horton, CPA , to talk about her bold move from national firms to starting her own practice, her passion for data analytics, and why personal branding matters more than ever for accountants.  Kathryn also shares insights on the role of mentor...

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger , Caleb Jenkins, an Enrolled Agent (EA), shares his unique journey into the world of accounting, not as a traditional CPA, but as an educator and mentor, committed to reshaping the profession. Caleb discusses the evolution of accounting, the impact of AI, and why he believes human connection remains at the heart of the industry. From his early days helping...

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown speaks with Goran Gmitrovic, founder of Outlook Accounting & Taxes, named one of CPA Practice Advisor’s 40 Under 40. Goran shares his inspiring journey from Croatia to Chicago, his path from football player to firm owner, and how he’s growing Outlook into a top 500 firm.  We dive into topics like: Building a professional services firm fr...

This is the premiere episode of Leaders of the Ledger, brought to you by CPA Practice Advisor. While technology dominates much of the conversation in accounting, this podcast focuses on the people—the leaders driving change with courage, culture, and vision. Hosted by Rob Brown, this show highlights the human side of accounting: the disruptors, culture builders, rainmakers, and unsung heroes resha...