Strategy and the Virtual Controller

In this special "After Hours" episode, hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin sit down with Steven Ladd — recovering engineer, serial entrepreneur, and small business advisor — to explore what it really means to serve small business owners beyond the debits and credits. Steven shares his journey from engineer to entrepreneur to advisor, and how working with small businesses during COVID revealed...

Are your accounting firm's processes truly optimized, or are you considering automation as a quick fix to deeper workflow issues?  In this episode, hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin are joined by Korey Cournoyer to explore the world of automation within accounting firms. They discuss the importance of process documentation, the benefits of strategic automation, and how to approach impl...

Are your accounting firm's processes truly optimized, or are you considering outsourcing as a quick fix to deeper workflow issues? In this episode, hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin delve into the topic of outsourcing within the accounting industry. They discuss the challenges firms face with staffing shortages, the increasing client demand for accounting services, and the importance of hav...

Are you maximizing your firm's potential by effectively marketing your services, even when you're swamped with work? In this episode of "Strategy and the Virtual Controller," Penny Breslin interviews Damien Greathead about marketing for accounting firms. They discuss the importance of maintaining an updated and specific website, effective client communication, and strategic marketing even when fir...

Are you leveraging data effectively to close the gap between your business goals and your current performance? In this episode, co-hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin interview James Childress, a former CPA who transitioned his firm to focus exclusively on advisory services. James shares his journey from a traditional CPA firm to specializing in providing advisory services, emphasizing the im...

In this episode, hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin delve into cybersecurity within the realm of CPA operations with guest Christophe Reglat. Christophe discusses his extensive background in managing data centers and the evolution of cybersecurity, particularly focusing on the challenges CPAs face. The conversation covers the importance of continuous vigilance in cybersecurity practices, the...

Are your accounting practices ready for the transformative wave of technology, or are you stuck in the compliance grind? In this episode, hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin discuss the importance of transformation in accounting firms. They touch on the continuous nature of tax season, the challenges firms face in adopting new technology, and the necessity of internal readiness for successful...

Have you ever wondered how to transform the endless busy season into a well-balanced, profitable practice? This episode features an enlightening conversation with Amanda Gascoigne, who shares her insights on creating a more balanced and profitable accounting practice. The discussion covers the importance of selecting ideal clients, the benefits of fixed fee pricing while tracking time for internal...

Damien Greathead, alongside co-host Penny Breslin, welcomes Rachel Fisch for an insightful episode that delves into the nuances of modern accounting practices, leveraging technology for growth, and the journey of niche specialization. The discussion covers Rachel's extensive background in the accounting industry, from her early days of recognizing her aptitude in accounting to her entrepreneurial...

Ever wondered how tackling the root causes of business problems instead of just the symptoms can transform your efficiency, especially during the hectic tax season?  Hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin discuss the crucial topic of identifying and addressing the symptoms and root causes of problems in a business process, especially in the accounting field. They emphasized the importance o...

How does the implementation of a daily stand-up meeting empower team members, and what role does continuous learning and training play in maintaining quality service in a rapidly evolving work environment? In this episode, Damien and Penny delve into the power of daily stand-up meetings with the team of S&N Financial in Chennai, India. The team discusses how such meetings, structured clearly a...

Are you curious about how technology is transforming the accounting profession and what skills are now essential for success in this evolving landscape? In this episode, co-hosts Damian Gracehead and Penny Breslin discuss the impact of bots on accounting, the importance of human review in automation, and how keen learners can help keep professionals updated. They also explore the fluid part of adv...

Explore the dynamic world of accounting and advisory services in today’s episode with Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin! In this episode, Damien and Penny delve into the intricacies of virtual controller services, discussing the evolving role of accountants in today's digital landscape. They share their experiences from QuickBooks Connect in Las Vegas, comparing it to other industry events and re...

How are today's accounting firms harnessing technology and AI to enhance efficiency and streamline operations? What are the cutting-edge trends in cloud-based accounting, and how can these strategies be effectively implemented in your firm? Welcome back to Strategy and the Virtual Controller! Penny Breslin and Damien Greathead dive into cloud accounting, firm management, workflows, and the intenti...

Are you having trouble navigating the complexities of integrating Client Accounting Services (CAS) into your accounting practice?  In this episode, Damien and Penny have on Jan Haugo to dive deep into the journey of adopting CAS. They explore how this isn't just about embracing new technology but fundamentally evolving your business model to align with the dynamic demands of CAS. From the sig...

How is the rise of AI and advanced technology reshaping the landscape of accounting?  In this episode, Damien and Penny sit down with Jody Padar. Sharing her journey, Jody detailed her transition from joining her father's traditional firm to establishing her brand, "the Radical CPA", leveraging cutting-edge tech. She talks about April, an AI-powered tax software aiming to streamline the tax p...

Phishing emails are common nowadays. How aware are you of these threats? Do you know the magnitude of what these hackers can do? This episode of the podcast Strategy in the Virtual Controller dives into the story of Andrew Lassise, IT for tax professionals & bookkeepers at Rush Tech / Tech 4 Accountants. Andrew provides insight into common cyber threats such as phishing attempts and ransomware...

What are the new perspectives in technology in relation to the current financial landscape? In this episode of Strategy and the Virtual Controller, Damien and Penny discuss how accountants and financial planners are adapting to the current financial landscape in the midst of the pandemic. They share their experiences from a conference they attended focusing on staying healthy during this time, how...

Why is it important to be trained when working with AI-driven solutions? In this episode of Strategy and the Virtual Controller, Damien and Penny discuss their recent getaways and how they managed to get back to work after taking a break. They talk about the importance of training when working with AI-driven solutions. They highlight why training is essential in the accounting industry, from under...

Why do you need to keep tasks easy to understand? In this episode of Strategy and the Virtual Controller, Damien, and Penny tackle the importance of taking a step back before implementing any technology or workflow changes. They discuss how to set up an anticipatory set that will help employees work more efficiently and effectively, reduce misunderstandings, and minimize write-offs due to incorrec...

In this episode, Damien and Penny discuss the importance of leveraging AI to build more intentional businesses, allowing accountants to focus on building relationships and providing value-added services. The conversation covers topics such as managing data, automating processes, making predictions based on prior history, the need for standardized business models in Australia, and more.  ...

In this episode, Damien and Penny explore how accounting firms and bookkeepers can use workflow, AI, and technology to build their business with intentionality, help their clients better understand their business, and deliver value to them, as well as create a great workplace for their team. The conversation focuses on the benefits of workflow, such as workflows, such as better visibility, account...

In this episode, Damien and Penny explore the changing job environment due to the increasing use of AI in accounting and tax processes. They share their experiences with Carbon, an AI-powered workflow tool that some of their clients are using. The conversation dives into the potential of AI to automate tasks in the accounting process, such as checklists, emails, and other administrative tasks that...

In this episode, Damien and Penny discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize tax season. From simplifying bookkeeping processes to improving communication between businesses and their clients, they explore how AI is transforming the way accounting teams work and how it can help reduce time spent waiting for client responses. The conversation today takes a look at how AI...

In this episode, Damien and Penny share their experiences working with accounting firms around the world and provide valuable insights on how to avoid dropped balls and miscommunications with clients. They emphasize the importance of intentionally building businesses in the accounting and bookkeeping industry. The conversation today highlights setting clear expectations with clients and ensuring t...