Small Firm Philosophy podcast

AICPA

Welcome to the American Institute of CPAs’ Small Firm Philosophy podcast series. We'll talk with leaders from small accounting firms across the country about their philosophies on running a successful practice in today's rapidly changing environment. Hear about topics including, supporting a strong firm culture, running a virtual firm, providing services to a niche industry like the craft brewery business, planning ahead for succession and successfully implementing mergers and acquisitions.

  • 43 minutes 3 seconds
    TfP 016. Beyond the Numbers: Real-World Insights from the MAP Survey

    Ready to turn data into your firm's competitive edge? This episode reveals how firm leaders are leveraging the National Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) Survey, from the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) and CPA.com, to drive smarter decision-making and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving profession.

    Shayna Chapman, CPA.CITP, CGMA, CEO, Founder of Shaynaco LLC, and Brent Forbush, Managing Partner of Forbush & Associates, share practical insights on how to best use benchmarking data from the MAP Survey. The conversation highlights the importance of technology investment, especially AI, and the value of segmenting survey data for actionable comparisons.

    They share the key metrics that have helped their firms, encouraging others not to be overwhelmed by the breadth of available data. Lastly, the episode offers a forward-looking discussion on trends shaping the profession and insight into how participation in the MAP Survey can be a catalyst for transformation.

    The 2025 MAP Survey results and executive summary are now available, offering actionable data and practical takeaways for firms of all sizes. Download today!

    To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at [email protected]

    4 December 2025, 4:30 pm
  • 49 minutes 1 second
    TfP 015. Governance That Builds Culture

    In this episode of Transforming: Tales of Business Model Evolution, Suzanne Forbes, CPA, Managing Partner of James Moore, explores why governance must evolve as your firm grows, why it's essential to revisit partner compensation, and how to guide your team through transitions.

    Suzanne also highlights ways to build a strong, connected culture for remote employees. Looking ahead, she expresses excitement about the future of the profession, highlighting the potential for meaningful impact in having an increased advisory role. Tune in, subscribe, and visit our podcast home page for more episodes.

    To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at [email protected]

    9 October 2025, 5:00 pm
  • 29 minutes 45 seconds
    TfP 014. Building Balance in a Virtual Firm

    Kelly Rohrs, CPA, Founder of K. Rohrs, CPA, P.C., shares the journey of launching her firm from concept to reality. Listeners will gain insight into how she structures client relationships, manages expectations during high volume periods, and fosters talent retention through flexibility and trust.

    Kelly offers practical advice for firm owners looking to break away from traditional models, emphasizing the power of small, intentional changes. Tune in to hear how she's redefining what it means to operate a modern CPA firm.

    To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at [email protected]

    8 September 2025, 2:30 pm
  • 39 minutes 49 seconds
    TfP 013. When Purpose Meets Innovation

    Live from ENGAGE 2025, Erin Hartman, CPA, Senior Manager – Firm Services, sits down with Argel Sabillo, CPA, Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of HeyApril Inc, to discuss the ways he is reshaping the profession and leaving tradition behind. With a client base rooted in internet-based startups and small businesses, HeyApril offers full-scale, end-to-end accounting services. Argel shares how his journey has been defined by bold leaps of faith, innovation, and community impact.

    Argel offers practical insights on value-based pricing, subscription models, and tech stack optimization, while passionately advocating for firms to niche down and align their business models with mission and outcome, not just services. He also previews HeyApril's next frontier: using Large Language Models (LLMs) to turn client data into real-time, actionable insights. This is an episode packed with inspiration, strategic guidance, and a glimpse into the accounting firm of the future.

    To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at [email protected]

    15 August 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 37 minutes 13 seconds
    TfP 012. Creating Balance Without Losing Business

    Brenda Cannon, Partner at Cannon & Associates, CPAs, shares how her firm rethought busy season by scheduling every tax return to prepare and control the workflow.

    From setting clear boundaries and prioritizing ideal relationships, to encouraging clients to file extensions, Brenda breaks down how intentional change can create a healthier, more sustainable work environment. Tune in to learn how to normalize a better busy season.

    To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at [email protected]

    5 August 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 36 minutes 53 seconds
    TfP 011. The Influence of Coaching on Firm Growth

    Rebecca Driscoll, CPA, Co-founder of The Collaboration Room, walks through her unconventional journey into public accounting, highlighting her transition from working at a large firm to establishing her own CAS and Tax practice. Rebecca elaborates on the significant life changes that motivated her to pursue a different career trajectory.

    Emphasized in this episode is the significance of internal CAS practices and the key role coaching plays in assisting firm owners to develop sustainable firms. Rebecca also encourages listeners to think about their goals and desired lifestyle, and how that can be aligned with their career paths.

    To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at [email protected]

    26 June 2025, 5:00 pm
  • 37 minutes 1 second
    Governance Series: Key Success Factors for Better Governance

    In the final episode of the four-part governance podcast series, Erin Hartman, CPA, Senior Manager – Firm Services of the AICPA & CIMA joins Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, to wrap up and share insights and lessons learned from the series. They reflect on the evolving mindset around governance and how it is relevant to firms of all sizes – not just large firms.

    The discussion also focuses on the key success factors of effective governance improvements and how to embark on making governance changes, even if the process hasn't been perfected. Be sure to check out the PCPS Governance Toolkit – developed through collaboration by the AICPA & CIMA PCPS team, Inovautus Consulting, and Thomson Consulting – which is designed to help firms of all sizes transform their governance strategies.

    To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at [email protected]

    12 June 2025, 8:00 am
  • 33 minutes 24 seconds
    Governance Series: Navigating Partnership Change with Purpose

    In this episode, hosts Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, are joined by Chip Chaon, CEO and Managing Principal of LattaHarris, LLP, and Mark Kovaleski, Managing Partner of MMB+CO, where they explore how evolving governance structures are reshaping partnership agreements within firms.

    The conversation also provides insights into the challenges of implementing changes to partnership agreements and how to navigate the transformation. As part of a unique four-part series on governance, this informative discussion aims to offer guidance for those journeying down the path of transforming their partnership agreements. Be sure to check out the PCPS Governance Toolkit – developed through collaboration by the AICPA & CIMA PCPS team, Inovautus Consulting, and Thomson Consulting – which is designed to help firms of all sizes transform their governance strategies.

    To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at [email protected]

    11 June 2025, 8:00 am
  • 36 minutes 55 seconds
    Governance Series: The Rise of Non-CPA Leaders in Public Accounting

    In this episode, hosts Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, are joined by Eric Majchrzak, CEO/Principal for BeachFleischman, to dive into a pivotal shift in the accounting profession—the rise of non-CPA professionals stepping into leadership roles in public accounting firms.

    Learn more about how firms are embracing non-CPA leadership to drive transformation as they strive for growth and innovation. Part of a special four-part series highlighting governance, this engaging discussion offers insights into the future of accounting leadership. Be sure to check out the PCPS Governance Toolkit – developed through collaboration by the AICPA & CIMA PCPS team, Inovautus Consulting, and Thomson Consulting – which is designed to help firms of all sizes transform their governance strategies.

    To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at [email protected]

    10 June 2025, 8:00 am
  • 34 minutes 12 seconds
    Governance Series: Implementing Operating Models in Your Firm

    In this episode, hosts Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, are joined by Chris Sullivan, CPA, Managing Partner of VSH CPAs, and Amber Goering, CPA, Owner of Goering & Granatino (GG Advisors) to discuss the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in their respective firms. Chris and Amber share their experiences and challenges faced during the implementation, such as the need for a strategic plan and the necessary time commitment.

    Chris and Amber also share insights on the benefits of EOS, including how firms can use it for quick decision-making and creating a culture of accountability. Part of a special four-part series highlighting governance, this episode provides the roadmap for a journey of growth and improvement. Be sure to check out the PCPS Governance Toolkit – developed through collaboration by the AICPA & CIMA PCPS team, Inovautus Consulting, and Thomson Consulting – which is designed to help firms of all sizes transform their governance strategies.

    To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at [email protected]

    9 June 2025, 2:46 pm
  • 47 minutes 39 seconds
    TfP 010. Leading with Authenticity and Vulnerability

    Content Note: This episode includes discussions about mental health, including depression, anxiety, and suicide. Please take care while listening.

    In this powerful episode, Randy Crabtree, Co-Founder and Partner at Tri-Merit, shares his personal story of navigating mental health challenges and how that experience shaped his leadership approach and advocacy within the profession.

    Randy shares what it means to lead with vulnerability and foster a people-first culture. He offers heartfelt advice, simple tips to manage burnout, and encouragement to those quietly facing their own struggles.

    Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation on vulnerability, resilience, leadership, and transforming workplace culture.

    To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at [email protected]

    30 May 2025, 1:52 pm
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