Podcast
Digital CPA by CPA.com
Hosted by AICPA & CIMA · EN
Leveraging technology. Transforming practice.
Digital CPA by CPA.com, hosted by Kalil Merhib and Kacee Johnson is the village square and sounding board for the DCPA community – a community of technology enabled accounting and advisory firm leaders who are at the forefront of business transformation and blazing a trail not only in their own organizations but within the profession itself. In this podcast Kalil and Kacee invite our unique and pioneering community to get out of the weeds of the tactical day to day to explore the impact of their achievements and focus on the big picture of their work.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Growth by Design – Leading Strategy and Transformation in Today's CPA Firm
Oct 1000:40:13Tap to summarizeWhat makes DCPA25 the premier conference for accounting leaders? In this episode, host Kalil Merhib, EVP of Growth and Professional Services at CPA.com, sits down with Daniel Macintosh, Chief Growth Officer at Brady Martz, to unpack how this year's conference is setting the stage for the future of audit, tax, and client advisory services. Together, they explore the "why" behind DCPA25 and what sets it apart from every other event in the profession. From specialized tracks in Audit, Tax, and CAS to the leadership lessons that drive long-term growth, Kalil and Daniel share how DCPA equips firms with actionable strategies—not just information. Listeners will get an inside look at: Why audit innovation, automation, and assurance beyond financials are top priorities. How tax leaders can embrace technology and shift from compliance to advisory. Why CAS continues to be the fastest-growing opportunity for firms—and how to align it with sustainable growth. The role of leadership in translating conference insights into real-world transformation. What makes the DCPA experience unique—from unmatched networking to the Innovation Showcase and culture of collaboration. Whether you're focused on building the next generation of firm leaders, rethinking your service delivery, or discovering the tools that will shape your future, this episode shows why DCPA25 is the must-attend event for forward-thinking professionals. An exclusive discount code for listeners who register for DCPA25: Click HERE and enter DCPAPODCAST for $200 off. Explore more AI tools and resources: CPA.com/AI Dan Macintosh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsmacintosh/
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Offshoring and AI: How to optimize human capital strategy in the age of AI
Oct 600:44:40Tap to summarizeTalent shortages and the rise of AI are forcing firm leaders to rethink their people strategies. Offshoring is often part of the conversation-but what does it take to do it well? In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, host Kalil Merhib sits down with David Schnitt, President & CEO of IQ BackOffice, to unpack how offshoring, outsourcing, and AI can work together to create sustainable growth models for firms. Dave brings decades of experience helping organizations build global delivery teams, and he shares both the opportunities and pitfalls that leaders must understand before diving in. Listeners will learn: The difference between offshoring vs outsourcing, and why firms often confuse the two. The essential considerations for firms exploring offshore talent-security, management, client interactions, attrition, compliance, and more. How to avoid the trap of "cheap labor" and instead build a scalable model with quality people and processes. When offshoring makes sense from an ROI perspective, and why management capability matters more than firm size. The most common models-direct hire, BPO partnerships, outsourcing, hybrid-and the trade-offs of each. Why Client Advisory Services (CAS) is especially well-suited for global talent + automation, and how the right leverage model drives margins. The emerging role of offshoring in tax and audit, and how firms are making it work. Where AI is delivering real impact today (not just hype), and how pairing automation with offshore models changes the ROI equation. What the next 3-5 years may look like for the balance between onshore staff, offshore teams, and AI. As Dave emphasizes, offshoring is a viable model only when built on strong processes, effective management, and thoughtful use of technology. Firms that win will be those that integrate people, process, and AI into a cohesive growth strategy. Don't miss this practical, forward-looking discussion it's packed with actionable takeaways for any leader considering how to optimize human capital in the age of AI. An exclusive discount code for listeners who register for DCPA25: Click HERE and enter DCPAPODCAST for $200 off. Explore more AI tools and resources at CPA.com/AI https://www.iqbackoffice.com/ David Schnitt: LinkedIn
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From Insight to Impact: How AI-Powered Data is Fueling Strategic Growth & Business Insights Advisory in Firms
Jul 3000:35:27Tap to summarizeIn this week's Digital CPA Podcast, we explore how CPA firms can unlock strategic growth and scalable advisory through the power of AI-driven client data. Join host Kalil Merhib as he welcomes Eric Eager, CEO & Co-Founder, 4impactdata and Elizabeth Davis, Chief Growth Officer, 4impactdata to share proven tactics for turning your firm's historical and real-time data into forward-looking insights. What You'll Learn: Strategic Growth Through Client Intelligence: Discover how to map client concentrations by industry, geography, and service mix—and use those patterns to guide marketing, staffing, and service-line investments. Elevating Advisory with AI: See how AI platforms surface timely, actionable prompts—empowering junior staff to lead client conversations and identifying risks or opportunities before they surface. Leading the Data-First Culture: Get practical steps for driving a mindset shift across your firm: from compliance-only to proactive, insight-driven advisory. Whether you're a firm leader, partner, or senior manager, this episode will equip you with the tools and first-step playbook to transform raw financial data into concrete growth and retention outcomes. Tune in now and start turning your firm's data—from insight to impact! Additional Resources: http://www.4impactdata.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/4impactdatallc/ https://accelerator.cpa.com/ https://www.cpa.com/ai www.CPA.com 🔊 Subscribe to the Digital CPA Podcast for more conversations on the future of the accounting profession!
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AI-Driven Accounting Automation: Transforming CAS Workflows with Graham Stanton of Avise
Jul 1500:30:39Tap to summarizeHost Kalil Merhib sits down with Graham Stanton, co-founder and CEO of Avise, to unpack the transformative power of AI in modern accounting. From Graham's early days wrestling with manual close processes at Peloton to leading a startup in the AICPA & CPA.com accelerator, he offers a candid look at how automation is reshaping Client Advisory Services (CAS) and corporate finance teams. Graham begins by revisiting the pain points he experienced at Peloton: month-end close dragging into multiple weeks, brittle spreadsheets crashing under scale, and team burnout from repetitive journal-entry tasks. That firsthand frustration sparked his vision for Avise—an "AI copilot" designed to automate accruals, depreciation, intercompany consolidations, and other rote tasks. By integrating seamlessly with leading cloud ERPs and general ledgers, Avise ingests transaction data, applies standardized calculations, and outputs audit-ready workpapers in minutes rather than days. Beyond pure efficiency gains, Graham stresses that AI's real advantage lies in scaling human expertise. When accountants are freed from manual drudgery, they can pivot to high-value activities: analyzing trends, advising clients, and shaping strategic decisions. Firms adopting Avise report fourfold growth without adding headcount, as automation unlocks capacity and accelerates insight delivery. In-house finance teams, too, gain real-time visibility into cash flow, deferred revenue, and performance metrics—enabling proactive decision-making at the executive level. A critical theme of their conversation is the importance of good data. "AI craves structure," Graham notes: clean GL hierarchies, real-time integrations, and standardized workflows form the bedrock of reliable automation. Even the most sophisticated model struggles with inconsistent inputs. By first establishing a unified tech stack—connecting expense systems, billing platforms, and the GL—organizations set themselves up for automation success and minimize error rates. Kalil and Graham then explore how CAS leaders can prioritize automation initiatives. They recommend starting with a close-management checklist to map existing workflows and identify daily pain points—common culprits like manual revenue recognition or intercompany eliminations. Piloting automation on a single process area not only demonstrates rapid ROI but also builds team confidence. As wins accumulate, firms can layer on broader use cases, steadily transforming their entire service delivery model. With the close process condensed from weeks to days, accountants reclaim bandwidth to serve as strategic advisors. They can delve into client performance metrics, spot growth opportunities, and craft proactive recommendations—fueling deeper client relationships and new revenue streams. As Graham observes, accountants often understand their clients' businesses better than anyone; automation simply gives them the time to share those insights. Looking ahead, Graham envisions a composable finance landscape: modular, best-of-breed tools connected via APIs, all orchestrated by AI assistants. As models evolve and integrations deepen, the potential for real-time accounting, predictive analytics, and self-service finance will only expand. For firms ready to embark on this journey, his advice is clear: map your processes, engage your team, start small, and build momentum through quick wins. Whether you lead a growing practice or helm a corporate finance function, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to automate the mundane, scale your expertise, and unlock the strategic power of AI in accounting. Additional Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamstanton/ https://avise.com/ https://accelerator.cpa.com/ https://www.cpa.com/ai www.CPA.com 🔊 Subscribe to the Digital CPA Podcast for more conversations on the future of the accounting profession!
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Disrupting Tax: From Paper Trails to AI Agents
Jun 2300:26:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, host Kalil Merhib sit down with Leroy Kerry, CEO and co-founder of Filed, an AI-powered tax automation company that's redefining how CPA firms approach compliance work. This conversation is part of a series featuring startups from the AICPA and CPA.com Startup Accelerator. Leroy shares his journey from building unicorn fintechs in Europe to landing in small-town America—where the inefficiencies of traditional tax preparation sparked his mission to innovate. Filed's technology leverages agentic AI to streamline tax workflows, reduce manual effort, and unlock capacity for firms facing staffing constraints. From automating checklist creation to preparing review-ready returns, Filed transforms the entire lifecycle of tax work—without requiring firms to overhaul their existing tech stacks. The episode also tackles: The role of agent-based AI versus traditional generative AI. Security, transparency, and skepticism around AI in accounting. The talent risk of not modernizing your practice. Lessons from legal tech transformation. The future of advisory, compliance, and tax planning. If you're wondering how AI is reshaping tax, what's automatable versus what still needs a CPA's judgment, or how to pilot these tools in your firm—this episode is a must-listen. Additional Resources: AI skeptic report - https://www.filed.com/report/sign-up-ai-skeptic-to-ai-ready https://www.linkedin.com/in/leroykerry/ 2025 AI in Accounting Report https://www.cpa.com/reports/2025-ai-accounting-report www.filed.com https://accelerator.cpa.com/ www.CPA.com 🔊 Subscribe to the Digital CPA Podcast for more conversations on the future of the accounting profession!
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Agents of Change: Inside the AICPA/CPA.com Startup Accelerator
Apr 25, 202500:28:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, we take you inside the 2025 AICPA and CPA.com Startup Accelerator—a powerful launchpad for the next generation of accounting tech. Kacee Johnson and Kalil Merhib reflect on this year's convening days in NYC and discuss the six standout startups: Filed, Avise, Truewind, Tabs, Keeper, and Remitian. From agentic AI to automated tax remittance, these companies are tackling the profession's most persistent pain points—freeing up firm capacity, boosting accuracy, and enabling deeper advisory services. You'll hear how these founders are thinking differently, what trends are shaking up the innovation landscape, and how firms are engaging as co-creators and early adopters. Whether you're a firm leader navigating digital transformation or just curious about what's next in the accounting profession, this episode delivers actionable insights, surprising trends, and a look at what it really takes to future-proof the practice. 🔗 Learn more at CPA.com/accelerator
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Beyond Compliance: The CPA Firm's Path to Becoming a Trusted Advisor
Mar 18, 202500:44:03Tap to summarizeTrusted Business Advisor with Bill Reeb The accounting profession is undergoing a seismic transformation. Firms that have traditionally thrived on compliance services—tax preparation, audit, and financial reporting—are finding that their clients expect more. Today's business owners don't just need accountants; they need trusted advisors who can guide them through complex financial landscapes, strategic decisions, and future growth. In this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, we sit down with Bill Reeb, an industry thought leader, former chair of the AICPA, and co-founder of the Succession Institute, to explore how CPAs can evolve into the role of strategic business advisors. Drawing from his extensive experience and insights from the 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey, Bill breaks down the opportunities and challenges of shifting from a compliance-based model to an advisory-first approach. The Shift to Advisory: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever The push toward advisory services isn't just a trend—it's a necessary evolution. CPAs who embrace this shift position themselves at the forefront of the profession, strengthening client relationships, increasing firm revenue, and future-proofing their business. Bill highlights some of the key drivers of this transformation, including: The increasing commoditization of compliance services Technological advancements that automate transactional work Rising client expectations for strategic guidance The profitability and scalability of advisory services In short, firms that fail to adapt risk losing relevance in a rapidly changing profession. But while the need for change is clear, execution remains a major hurdle for many firms. Lessons from the 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey As a major contributor to CPA.com's 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey, Bill shares exclusive insights into how firms are adopting Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAS) and what the most successful ones are doing differently. CAS has been the proving ground for advisory services, allowing firms to move beyond bookkeeping and offer deeper financial insights. Key takeaways from the survey include: CAS practices continue to grow at a rapid pace, demonstrating the demand for high-value advisory services. Firms investing in CAS are seeing higher profitability per client compared to traditional compliance work. The most successful firms have well-defined governance structures that support advisory services. Bill emphasizes that firms looking to expand their advisory footprint should look at CAS as a model for growth, leveraging their existing client base while refining the skills necessary for higher-level consulting. Overcoming the Barriers to Advisory Transformation Many firms understand the importance of advisory services, yet struggle with implementation. Bill outlines the biggest challenges preventing firms from making this transition, including: ✅ Lack of Clear Leadership & Governance – Moving to an advisory-first model requires restructuring leadership roles, assigning clear responsibilities, and ensuring accountability at all levels. ✅ Resistance to Change – Many partners and team members are accustomed to traditional compliance work. Shifting firm culture to embrace advisory services requires strong change management strategies. ✅ Defining & Communicating Value – Firms need to rethink how they present their services to clients. Many business owners still see their CPA as just a tax preparer or auditor. Communicating the value proposition of advisory services is critical. ✅ Upskilling & Hiring – Advisory services require different competencies than traditional accounting. Firms must invest in upskilling their current teams while also recruiting talent with consulting, technology, and strategic planning expertise. The Skill Set of a Trusted Business Advisor To successfully transition into an advisory-first firm, CPAs must go beyond technical accounting knowledge and develop new soft skills and consulting competencies. Bill outlines some of the most important skills professionals should focus on: 🔹 Strategic Thinking – Helping clients plan for the future, beyond just compliance needs. 🔹 Data Analytics & Interpretation – Turning financial data into actionable insights. 🔹 Consultative Selling – Learning how to package and position advisory services effectively. 🔹 Technology & Automation – Leveraging tools that enhance efficiency and create new advisory opportunities. 🔹 Client Relationship Management – Shifting from transactional engagements to long-term strategic partnerships. Bill emphasizes that becoming a trusted advisor isn't about replacing compliance work—it's about enhancing it. CPAs who successfully integrate advisory services into their existing offerings create more value for clients and establish deeper relationships. Practical Steps to Start the Advisory Journey For firms eager to make this shift, Bill provides a roadmap for success, focusing on the following key areas: 📌 Assess Your Current State – Identify which services you already provide that could be enhanced with advisory elements. 📌 Develop a Clear Service Offering – Create standardized advisory packages that clients can easily understand and invest in. 📌 Train & Upskill Your Team – Invest in training programs to help CPAs develop consulting, communication, and strategic advisory skills. 📌 Redefine Internal Governance – Establish accountability structures that prioritize advisory services. 📌 Educate Clients on the Value of Advisory – Move away from selling "hours worked" and start selling solutions and insights that help clients grow their businesses. What's Next for CPA Firms? Looking ahead, Bill predicts that advisory services will become the defining feature of successful CPA firms. Firms that fail to embrace this evolution will struggle to remain competitive in an industry where clients expect more than just financial reporting and tax returns. Some of the biggest opportunities on the horizon include: ✅ Expanding into industry-specific advisory niches ✅ Leveraging AI and automation to enhance advisory capabilities ✅ Creating subscription-based advisory models for recurring revenue ✅ Strengthening partnerships with third-party technology providers Final Takeaways: The Future of the Trusted Business Advisor The Digital CPA Podcast closes with Bill offering his top advice for firms looking to start (or accelerate) their advisory journey: 1️⃣ Start Small, but Start Now – Firms don't need to overhaul their entire business overnight. Instead, start by integrating advisory conversations into existing client interactions. 2️⃣ Leverage CAS as a Launchpad – If your firm already offers CAS, use it as a stepping stone to deeper advisory services. 3️⃣ Prioritize Client Education – Clients won't understand the value of advisory services unless firms actively communicate how these services will help them grow. 4️⃣ Build a Strong Leadership Structure – Advisory success isn't just about services—it's about having the right governance, culture, and mindset within the firm. 5️⃣ Invest in Your Team – A firm's greatest asset is its people. Upskilling, hiring strategically, and fostering a culture of innovation will drive long-term success. This episode is a must-listen for any accounting professional who wants to stay ahead of the curve in an industry that's rapidly evolving. Becoming a trusted business advisor is not a luxury—it's a necessity. To dive deeper into Bill Reeb's insights, check out his book Trusted Business Advisor and explore the resources available at the Succession Institute. Additional Resources: https://www.cpa.com/insights www.CPA.com 🔊 Subscribe to the Digital CPA Podcast for more conversations on the future of the accounting profession!
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Unlocking CAS Success: Key Insights from the latest Benchmark Survey
Feb 24, 202500:29:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Digital CPA Podcast, host Kalil Merhib is joined by Kim Blascoe from CPA.com and Beth Allen from GreerWalker to discuss the 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey findings. They dive deep into the evolving landscape of Client Advisory Services (CAS), highlighting trends in growth, pricing strategies, profitability, and technology adoption. The conversation explores how firms are leveraging efficiency, industry specialization, and dedicated CAS staff to drive success. Whether you're just starting your CAS practice or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help firms stay ahead in the evolving advisory landscape. 🔗 Download the 2024 CAS Benchmark Survey Report ⭐ Enjoying the show? Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review!
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Unlocking Growth & Transformation: Insights from Digital CPA 2024 with Jen Wood
Jan 27, 202500:35:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Digital CPA Podcast, Jen Wood from The Bonadio Group shares her key insights from chairing the 2024 Digital CPA Conference. We explore how firms are leveraging AI to tackle capacity challenges, the rapid growth of CAS practices, and the transformative impact of cloud-based audit tools. Jen also discusses innovative strategies for firm leaders to evolve their business models, retain top talent, and embrace technology to drive success in 2025 and beyond. Don't miss this conversation packed with actionable takeaways for firm transformation! For more episodes and resources, visit www.CPA.com. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders driving innovation and transformation in finance and technology. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite listening platform! For additional resources check out: Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast. Jennifer Wood LinkedIn
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Breaking Barriers in Accounting Tech: A Conversation with Jeff Seibert
Jan 8, 202500:22:55Tap to summarizeJoin host Kacee Johnson on the Digital CPA Podcast as she dives into the world of AI-powered solutions with Jeff Seibert, Founder and CEO of Digits. Discover how Jeff's entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding Crashlytics to his work at Twitter, shaped his approach to innovation in accounting technology. Learn about achieving 100% AI accuracy, balancing responsible AI regulation with innovation, and overcoming barriers to tech adoption in public accounting. Jeff also shares his philosophy on dynamic user interfaces and his vision for the future of AI in the accounting profession. For more episodes and resources, visit www.CPA.com. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders driving innovation and transformation in finance and technology. Listen and find out more at digitalcpa.com/podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite listening platform!
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