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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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Our Latest Episodes

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CPA
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Staffing
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WorkLifeBalance

A Pioneer in Public Accounting: Looking Forward with James Rainwater

November 27, 2024

Join host John Randolph on Episode 55 of CPA Life, as he talks to James Rainwater, founder of RainwaterCPA, about his journey and unique approach to public accounting. James discusses his non-traditional career path, how he ultimately discovered he prefers the public accounting space over private, and the evolution of his fully remote firm, which is in its second iteration after James founded a much more traditionally focused firm over 20 years ago. Emphasizing the benefits of a nationwide client base, subscription-based pricing, and intentional communication within a geographically dispersed team, James also shares insights on incorporating social media for client acquisition and the importance of flexibility in building a successful, people-focused CPA firm.

The Need for Progressive Vision with David Hartley

April 10, 2024

Host John Randolph continues his conversation with David Hartley on Episode 35 of CPA Life. They delve into ditching billable hours in favor of value billing, the potential for AI to vastly improve efficiency within CPA firms, and the importance of recruiting the next generation through values that appeal to them. Innovation is a key focus according to David, host of the But Who’s Counting? podcast, who has plenty of insight into what’s coming for firms around the country and the globe and what firm leaders need to harness now to prepare for the future.

Framing Your Narrative: Building the Best Firm You Can with John Randolph

March 13, 2024

In Part 2 of this special CPA Life episode, John Randolph returns as the guest to talk to producer Justin Grant about many of the key concepts in talent acquisition and advisory that CPA firms simply don’t know that they don’t know. John explains this as the basis behind his Talent + Advisory model, which integrates value-based pricing, strategic discussions, managing a firm’s talent brand, online reputation management, the importance of relationships in accounting, and more. Above all, it is clear that just like an accounting client needs a partner in a firm that works with them on a recurring basis, so does an accounting firm need a partner that works with them to get to the root of their staffing needs and goals.

The Intersection of Tech and Faith: True Firm Leadership with Marcus Mire

February 14, 2024

Marcus Mire is the founder of Mire Group CPAs and the host of the Make It Count podcast. He joins John Randolph for Episode 31 of CPA Life to discuss the impact of cloud accounting on his accounting practice, the effect of COVID-19 on firm operations, and more. Marcus shares his advice for new firm owners and talks about the growth and core values of the Mire Group, exploring the transition to a subscription-based model, community involvement, and the role of faith-based leadership.

Caring for Your People: Creating a Culture with Randy Crabtree

January 17, 2024

Randy Crabtree is an Accounting Today Top 100 Influencer, the co-founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax, and the host of The Unique CPA podcast. On part one of a two part conversation, he joins John Randolph on Episode 29 of CPA Life to talk about the benefits of a niche focus within a firm and the good that comes from being intentional in creating a place people want to work. Related to these elements are allowing remote work, using value-based billing, and maintaining a strong company culture during a firm’s growth—one that makes people feel valued and like more than just a cog in a wheel.

Beyond Billable Hours: Building for the Future with Mike Payne

January 3, 2024

Mike Payne of BOSS Advisors rejoins host John Randolph for part two of their conversation about building a modern CPA firm on Episode 28 of CPA Life. They pick up on their discussion of how BOSS is breaking the traditional firm mold through a subscription-based pricing model, prioritizing employees over billable hours, and more. Mike details practical strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, delighting clients with proactive service, and creating a culture of open communication. In an episode full of actionable tips for firm owners looking to transform their own organizations, John backs Mike’s insights up with his perspective as a consumer of CPA services and they both agree on the importance of making sure you are keeping your “internal customers”

Lessons from a Maverick: Finding a Better Way with Mike Payne

December 20, 2023

Mike Payne, founder and CEO of BOSS Advisors, had an atypical path into his career as he holds both a CPA license and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona. On Episode 27 of CPA Life, Mike talks to John Randolph about his unique educational journey, and his experience working at a Big Four firm, before striking out on his own. Mike had a number of experiences that highlighted the need for change in public accounting, and he has built a firm focused on client service, that breaks from the traditional billable hours model. Part 1 of this conversation offers practical guidance and inspiration for anyone seeking to strike out on their own and build their own firm that does things better.

How to Drive Value for Both Clients and Employees with Henry Huie

December 6, 2023

Episode 26 is the second of a two part episode of CPA Life, and Henry Huie rejoins John Randolph to talk about his new firm and its subscription model where clients pay for ongoing advice rather than billable hours. A focus on building deeper client relationships puts the value in “value billing,” and empowers clients to ask for the help they need without worrying about fees. Further, by leveraging technology, Henry’s ideas represent a way for firms to beat the staffing shortage as a job in accounting with fewer hours, better pay and more meaningful relationships is sure to attract far more talent than the same old, legacy firm attitude.

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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