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Welcome to the CPA Life Podcast

The Public Accounting, Consulting and Advisory space is at a critical crossroad. 

After almost 150 years of “we’ve always done it that way” reasoning, the industry is facing a crisis like it never has before. 

Between a significant reduction in accounting graduates in the last decade, a firm ownership population that is at or fast approaching retirement age, a 150-hour requirement to sit for the exam which can add several thousand dollars to the already large debt load a graduate starts their career with – add to that the work hours expectations placed on employees by most large, national firms vs. adjacent industries offering more compensation, and it’s clear to see changes are a must! 

Join us here as we talk to industry insiders and firm leaders that are going against the grain and addressing many of these challenges head on while building forward-thinking, solutions-focused firms.

Like many of you, these firm leaders made the statement that most staff and senior associates have made over a beer or glass of wine after pulling an end-of-season all-nighter – “There’s Got To Be a Better Way!”

The difference?

These folks stepped out to find that BETTER WAY.  

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Launch Your Firm: Empowering CPAs with Ronnie Withaeger

May 21, 2025

Ronnie Withaeger’s journey in Accounting has led him to currently running five businesses, including a sauna, and he talks to John Randolph about doing things his way on Episode 69 of CPA Life. The owner and founder of Ronald Withaeger CPA in Las Vegas, Ronnie started his career at a traditional firm but ultimately established his own practice focused on family-friendly, sustainable growth, and he shares his insights through his accounting community initiative, Launch Your Firm. Highlighting the importance of confidence, client relationships, and flexible work structures in running a successful firm, Ronnie is motivated by the opportunity to support other accountants in starting their own practices.

The Talent Equation: Finding That Missing Potential

April 23, 2025

John Randolph concludes his conversation with Rob Brown of Accounting Influencers on Episode 67 of CPA Life. Focusing on talent and leadership in accounting from multiple perspectives, they delve into the need for entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of taking risks and overcoming the fear of judgment. They analyze the pandemic-induced shift to remote and hybrid working, noting that while it’s clearly better for the rank-and-file, it’s not without negatives, particularly the loss of mentorship and osmosis-style learning. They highlight the importance of intentionality and deliberate actions by leaders to maintain culture and productivity in the fact of this, touching on what a complex problem talent acquisition and retention is. The fact that a large proportion of acc

Behind the Recruiting Curtain: A Deep Dive with John, Rachel and Marcus

April 2, 2025

Episode 65 of CPA Life is a particularly special episode—a re-broadcast of John Randolph’s appearance on Who’s Really The BOSS with Rachel and Marcus Dillon of Dillon Business Advisors! In this collaboration, John shares insights into the recruiting landscape in public accounting from his perspective as Principal at Benaiah Consulting, delving into what he sees as keys to healthy recruitment: work-life balance, a positive firm culture, flexible working arrangements, and decisive leaders, to name but a few. Rachel and Marcus recount their recent recruiting experience where they found going it on their own wasn’t working out, and they have been thrilled with their experience letting John and Benaiah handle things. John

Opportunities and Challenges: Accounting’s Evolving Landscape with Allan Fisher

March 19, 2025

John Randolph concludes his conversation with Allan Fisher of Premier Financial Search on Episode 64 of CPA Life. Delving into the evolving dynamics of the accounting profession, the two discuss how the competitive landscape has expanded beyond local firms to national competition, the advantage boutique firms have had as that landscape changed, and some of the myths surrounding accounting recruitment. Allan emphasizes that firms need to tell a compelling story, explores the challenges posed by private equity in the industry, and touches on talent shortages, offshoring, CPA credentialing issues, and strategies firms can adopt to retain top talent. Allan’s valuable insights on how firms can align better with market expectations are content you don’t want to miss.

Redefining Recruitment: A Progressive Approach with Allan Fisher

March 12, 2025

Host John Randolph kicks off a special two part conversation with Allan Fisher, president and founder of Premier Financial Search, on Episode 63 of CPA Life. Continuing the theme of recruiting in the profession, they explore the ongoing transformation in public accounting, with a key focus for firms that wish to improve their talent pool being a sustainable, people-centric work culture. Allan’s “unconventionally conventional” path to recruiting did take him through work as an accountant, so as a recruiter, he is able to frame things “from the other side;” he discusses how firms that have adapted to retain talent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic have seen better talent acquisition and lower turnover, emphasizing empathetic leadership and enhanced benefits, and stre

The Talent Game: Recruiting Right with Keri Billington

February 26, 2025

John Randolph delves into the evolving landscape of public accounting with Kerry Billington, Managing Partner at Spartan Placements, on Episode 62 of CPA Life. Kicking off a month-long series focused on perspectives in the recruiting space, their conversation highlights the significance of culture, flexible work environments, and the impact of private equity in the industry, as Kerry provides insights into recruiting trends, the role of AI, and strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in the profession. She emphasizes the need for transparency, autonomy, and the right work-life balance to keep professionals engaged and fulfilled, with a simple, unifying theme: That listening to what people want is the best thing you can do to land the workforce you need.

Making an Impact on Clients and the Community with Chris Johnson

February 12, 2025

The concluding part two of John Randolph’s conversation with Chris Johnson awaits on this special Episode 61 of CPA Life. Expanding his thoughts on accountability and “extreme ownership,” Chris discusses the challenges inherent in self-reflection and holding oneself and one’s firm to a higher standard. Given the significance of not tolerating poor performance and attitudes within teams, the ability to self-reflect is paramount. Chris also introduces his firm’s unique “Spark of Joy” initiative, where employees and even clients are given money to enable them to perform acts of kindness in the community. The pair conclude by delving into the importance of integrating AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney into business processes to enhance productivity and creativity.

Fears, Frustrations, and the Future: Season 3 Kickoff, Part 1

January 15, 2025

John Randolph “sits on the other side of the studio” on this special two-part Season 3 kickoff episode of CPA Life. With hosting duties accounted for by producer Justin Grant of ProfessionalProductions.net, John delves into the challenges firms will face in 2025 and beyond, such as losing key talent, increased competition and specialization in the profession, and the need for technological adaptation. Highlighting the importance of embracing remote work and modern recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent, John also explores the potential and mindset of new entrants into the profession, marking an optimistic view of the future—at least, for those firms willing to do what it takes!

Contact

Benaiah Consulting Group
291 Private Road 5112
Grand Saline, Texas
Phone 903-962-2825
Email info@benaiahcg.com

Hours

Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm
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