The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about Microsoft's latest quantum computing and AI developments, and what those shifts could mean for accounting professionals. They also connect lessons from TV, April Rinne's book Flux, and Donna Reed's article on client conversations to the importance of adaptability, empathy, and intentional decision-making in advisory work. ...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about emerging developments shaping the accounting profession, including the consolidation of New England CPA societies, Pilot's shift from a local partnership model to AI-powered bookkeeping software, and how firms can use automation to elevate, not replace, their advisory services. They also explore the importance of healthy cl...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Jessica McKellar about her journey from studying computer science at MIT and building successful software startups to founding Pilot, a bookkeeping and accounting technology company. Jessica shares how Pilot evolved from solving the financial back-office challenges faced by entrepreneurs into a platform and explains how automation, AI,...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Kate O'Neill about the intersection of technology and humanity, exploring how businesses can embrace AI and automation without losing the human connection that drives trust, meaning, and purpose. They discuss why accounting professionals should view AI not as a replacement, but as an opportunity to shift from transactional work to more...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about major developments shaping the accounting profession, including Intuit's dramatic stock decline, workforce layoffs tied to AI adoption, and the launch of ChatGPT Finance. They also explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming professional services, emphasizing the need for accountants to embrace change by lean...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Tyler Otto about his unconventional path into accounting, growing a firm, and how niching down helped strengthen both company culture and client relationships. Tyler shares candid advice on when and how to "fire" difficult clients, what red flags to watch for during prospecting, and why firm owners should prioritize cultural fit ov...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about the rapid acceleration of AI and how it is reshaping the accounting profession, from audit and compliance work to more advisory-focused roles. They explore the importance of maintaining the "soul" of a business in an increasingly automated world, discuss the rise of AI agents and emerging technologies, and share insights on...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Debra about the power of relationships in accounting, why bookkeepers and accountants are often the true drivers behind their clients' dreams, and how human connection creates lasting value far beyond tax returns and reconciliations. Debra shares the inspiration behind her podcast, Bookkeepers on Fire, her philosophy on advisory co...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about the rapid evolution of AI, payments, and pricing models in the accounting technology space. They explore Intuit's move toward real-time FedNow payments, the rise of outcome-based AI pricing, and how firms can adapt by focusing on value, process discipline, and proactive decision-making rather than fear or hesitation. Curren...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Kacee Johnson about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the accounting profession far beyond simple efficiency gains. They discuss the difference between firms that are reacting to AI with quick-fix tools versus those strategically rethinking their entire operating model, including pricing, staffing, advisory services, and client...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Matt Tait about Decimal's evolution from a fast-growing, tech-enabled CAS practice into a franchise model designed to empower accounting and bookkeeping firm owners. Matt shares why Decimal sold its direct services business to focus entirely on helping small firms scale through a turnkey operating system that combines staffing, AI-powe...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Dr. Sabrina Starling about how business owners can reclaim time and increase profitability by focusing on high-value work, empowering their teams, and adopting a "$10,000 hour" mindset. They explore common missteps like failing to delegate, overcomplicating services, and misunderstanding client needs, while emphasizing the importance o...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about the rapid evolution of AI, highlighting new developments like Xero's partnership with Anthropic and the growing role of AI agents in business operations. They explore how AI is shifting from simple assistance to performing complex tasks, while emphasizing the continued need for human oversight, judgment, and ethical responsi...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about the surge in accounting firm mergers and acquisitions alongside major industry shifts, including Microsoft entering the accounting space with AI-driven platforms. They explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping work by replacing tasks, not entire jobs, while emphasizing the growing importance of human judgment, relatio...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about recent developments in AI-powered audit tools, shifting software strategies, and what these changes mean for accounting firms of all sizes. They also explore lessons from pop culture on leadership and workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with stated values. The conversation rounds out with insigh...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with April Rinne about how our early life experiences shape our relationship with change and how fear versus hope influences how we respond to uncertainty. They explore April's concept of a "flux mindset," including practical strategies like embracing a portfolio career and learning to "run slower" to navigate today's fast-paced, AI-dri...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe discuss the growing threat of AI-powered financial scams and practical steps firms can take to protect themselves and their clients. They also explore major shifts in the accounting technology space, including platform-driven CAS models, AI misconceptions, and evolving firm strategies. Current events — Financial scams on the rise and t...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe discuss new research on global AI adoption and what it means for accounting firms, highlighting how early adopters are gaining strategic advantages while others risk falling behind. They explore recent funding surges in AI-powered accounting tools, practical considerations for implementing AI within firms, and the importance of governa...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe discuss new research on AI adoption in the workplace, highlighting the growing wage and opportunity gap between AI-fluent professionals and those who are not. They also explore major shifts in the accounting tech landscape, including month-end automation, evolving pricing strategies, and competitive convergence among software platforms...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe discuss the launch of the AI Native Accounting Foundation (including its first award at Scaling New Heights) and what BotKeeper's abrupt shutdown signals about the rise and fall of "tech-driven bookkeeping" first movers. They explore why the future is "human-first, AI-enabled," arguing firms must shift from selling bookkeeping/tax prep...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Amanda Aguillard about her path from discovering accounting at 16 to building a cloud-based firm, launching the peer-driven Accounting Salon community, and becoming COO at Padgett. They discuss how Padgett helps firms implement standardized systems to reduce decision paralysis and build a business that isn't dependent on the owner....

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with David Leary about the biggest shifts shaping the accounting profession such as the rollback of the 150-hour CPA requirement and how alternative pathways are already boosting the pipeline of new accounting graduates. They also dig into what AI is actually good for (and where it still fails without strong firm processes and human ove...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Tanya Hilts about how bookkeepers can move from compliance work into true advisory by leading with better questions, leaning into collaboration, and building confidence through real-time financial conversations. Tanya shares how AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity can help generate smarter client questions and speed up analys...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about major January updates in the accounting space, including the IRS's Free File program and why Joe prefers a subsidized third-party prep model over direct IRS filing. They also dig into how large firms like RSM are rolling out tightly governed generative AI tools (like "Ask Luca"), and what that teaches smaller firms about AI...

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about early-2026 accounting and tech happenings, including new CPE training for Intuit Enterprise Suite, and why leaning into AI skills can create outsized professional value.  Current events — Introduction to Intuit Enterprise Suite Training Rapid AI adoption with growing AI skills requirements TV/Movie quote of the week — Victo...