The Accounting Podcast
Blake Oliver & David Leary
The Accounting Podcast (formerly the Cloud Accounting Podcast) is the world's #1 accounting, bookkeeping, and tax podcast.
- 1 hour 28 secondsThe Best & Worst Firms in Accounting with Dom Piscopo
Which accounting firms really deliver sane hours and happy teams? Dom Piscopo (Big Four Transparency) reveals this year’s best—and worst—by job satisfaction and hours, including surprising outliers. Blake and David also unpack how AI startups are carving up PwC-style services, why Hazel AI rattled wealth managers and Intuit/Xero stocks, and where GLs still hold a moat. Plus, a practical way to use AI for W‑4/withholding—and an accountant’s take on Carvana’s too-good-to-be-true margins.
Sponsors
OnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay
UNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/unc
FutureViews System - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bez
Chapters- (01:19) - Pets, Candy, Jewelry & Prefixed Dinners: Where the Money Goes
- (03:14) - Live Chat Shoutouts + Today’s Guest Tease: Big Four Transparency
- (05:53) - Yours, Mine & Ours: How Couples Split (or Merge) Money
- (08:56) - Financial Secrets vs. “Cheating”: The Bankrate Survey Findings
- (11:01) - Meet Dom Piscopo + 2025 Best/Worst Firms by Job Satisfaction
- (15:43) - How the Rankings Work: Sample Size, Methodology & Office Variance
- (19:28) - Service Lines Compared: Tax vs Audit vs Advisory Satisfaction Trends
- (22:28) - Hours Worked Rankings + Do Hours Actually Drive Happiness?
- (25:04) - Where the Big Four Land: Satisfaction & Hours Benchmarks
- (26:51) - AI Disruption Debate: “Every PWC Webpage Is a $10B Startup” Tweet
- (28:47) - AI Startups vs QuickBooks: The SaaS Attack Cycle Restarts
- (29:55) - Hazel AI Shakes Wealth Management: Tax Planning at Scale
- (32:19) - Consumers Trust AI Money Advice + A Withholding/W-4 Use Case
- (35:11) - “Good Enough” AI: How Firms Can Productize & Review AI Work
- (36:38) - What Humans Still Do: Taste, Comfort, and Serving the Underserved
- (41:51) - Intuit & Xero Stocks Drop: CEOs Defend the Data-and-Trust Moat
- (45:11) - TurboTax Disruption? Building Tax Engines with AI Agents
- (46:52) - Vibe Coding Reality Check: Small Tools Now, ERPs Much Later
- (51:32) - Carvana Accounting Red Flags: When Margins Don’t Add Up
- (56:04) - Wrap-Up: Big Four Transparency + CPE Credits via Earmark
Show NotesValentine's Day Spending Expected to Reach New Records
https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/valentine-s-day-spending-expected-to-reach-new-records
Survey: Most Couples Keep At Least Some Of Their Money Separate
https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/couples-finances/
Survey: 2 In 5 Americans In A Relationship Have Kept A Financial Secret From Their Partner
https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/financial-infidelity-survey-2025/
AI Tax App Crashes Financial Stocks on Wall Street
https://cpatrendlines.com/2026/02/10/ai-tax-app-crashes-financial-stocks-on-wall-street/
Americans Are Asking AI for Money Advice, But Should They Trust It?
https://www.bestmoney.com/financial-advisor/learn-more/do-americans-trust-fin-ai
82% trust AI for financial information and guidance
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/82-trust-ai-for-financial-information-and-guidance
Intuit Is Down 33% Year to Date. Here's Where the Stock Could Be Headed in 2026
Intuit Stock Is Down 24% Already In 2026. Time to Buy?
https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/01/30/intuit-stock-is-down-24-already-in-2026-time-to-bu/
Xero (ASX:XRO) Shares Crash 13% in Tech Selloff—Broker Urges Hold
https://kalkine.com.au/news/technology/xero-asxxro-shares-crash-13-in-tech-selloffbroker-urges-hold
Xero share price slides 14% in a week — what to watch next for ASX:XRO
https://ts2.tech/en/xero-share-price-slides-14-in-a-week-what-to-watch-next-for-asxxro/
I've tested and ranked the 10 best vibe coding tools in 2026
https://www.techradar.com/pro/best-vibe-coding-tools
Your Complete Guide To Vibe Coding Tools In 2026: Build Apps Just By Talking To AI
https://softtechhub.us/2026/02/11/guide-to-vibe-coding/
AI startup Replit launches feature to vibe code mobile apps
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/15/ai-startup-replit-launches-feature-to-vibe-code-mobile-apps.html
Vibe coding - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibe_coding
What's actually driving Carvana's margins?
Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.com
Subscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in Touch
Thanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.
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16 February 2026, 9:00 pm - 54 minutes 33 secondsThe Most Famous Accountant In The World Is A DJ
What happens when AI starts cutting audit bills? Blake and David unpack KPMG’s push for a 14% fee cut from Grant Thornton, Botkeeper’s shutdown versus Pilot’s “AI accountant,” and how agents like Claude are already doing real client work. You’ll hear why entry-level roles are vanishing, what tax pros need to know about the IRS’s new e-payment push and Tax Pro Account upgrades, plus a fun detour: DJ John Summit’s Tax Day album.
Sponsors
UNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/unc
OnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay
Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas
Chapters- (00:00) - KPMG's AI-Driven Audit Fee Reduction
- (00:28) - Welcome to the Accounting Podcast
- (00:53) - Blake's First Time at the Waste Management Open
- (02:00) - John Summit: From Accountant to DJ Superstar
- (04:39) - John Summit's Accounting-Themed Album
- (09:44) - Earmark CPE: Easy CPE Credits for Accountants
- (12:34) - The Rise and Fall of AI Bookkeeping Startups
- (24:48) - Pilot's Autonomous AI Accountant
- (26:50) - Partnering with Accounting Firms
- (29:59) - AI in Bookkeeping and Accounting
- (33:33) - Impact of AI on Accounting Jobs
- (40:27) - Trump's $10 Billion Lawsuit Against the IRS
- (44:40) - IRS Updates and Tax Pro Accounts
- (49:53) - KPMG's AI Acquisition
- (51:14) - Airlines Save Millions with Weight Loss Drugs
- (52:58) - Conclusion and CPE Information
Show Notes
KPMG pressed its auditor to pass on AI cost savings
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/02/06/kpmg-pressed-its-auditor-to-pass-on-ai-cost-savings/Botkeeper is Closing Its Doors
https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/09/botkeeper-is-closing-its-doors/177677/Botkeeper shuts down
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/botkeeper-shuts-downAnthropic AI Tool Sparks Selloff From Software to Broader Market
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-03/legal-software-stocks-plunge-as-anthropic-releases-new-ai-toolAI fears pummel software stocks: Is it 'illogical' panic or a SaaS apocalypse?
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/06/ai-anthropic-tools-saas-software-stocks-selloff.htmlPilot launches fully autonomous AI bookkeeper
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pilot-launches-fully-autonomous-ai-bookkeeperPilot Rolls Out Fully Autonomous AI Accountant
https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/04/pilot-rolls-out-fully-autonomous-ai-accountant/177453/Pilot Unveils AI Accountant
https://pilot.com/blog/pilot-unveils-ai-accountant-a-major-leap-toward-artificial-general-intelligence-in-accountingStartup Accrual Officially Launches with $75M in Funding to Bring AI-Native Automation to Accounting
https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/05/startup-accrual-officially-launches-with-75m-in-funding-to-bring-ai-native-automation-to-accounting/177600/Tax platform Accrual launches with AI automation support for all forms
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/tax-platform-accrual-launches-with-ai-automation-support-for-all-formsAccrual Launches with $75 Million to Bring AI-Native Automation to Accounting
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205968515/en/Accrual-Launches-with-$75-Million-to-Bring-AI-Native-Automation-to-AccountingGoldman Sachs leads $75 million funding round for Fieldguide, an AI-native accounting and audit platform
https://fortune.com/2026/02/02/goldman-sachs-fieldguide-accounting-cpa-ai-software-platform-venture-capital/Fieldguide Raises $75M Series C Round to Boost Audit and Advisory Firms' Agentic AI Capabilities
https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/02/fieldguide-raises-75m-series-c-round-to-boost-audit-and-advisory-firms-agentic-ai-capabilities/177323/Fieldguide Raises $75M Series C from Goldman Sachs to Help Audit and Advisory Firms Grow with Agentic AI
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/04/3232133/0/en/Pilot-Unveils-AI-Accountant-A-Major-Leap-Toward-Artificial-General-Intelligence-in-Accounting.htmlTrump, two sons, Trump Org sue IRS, Treasury for $10 billion over tax records leak
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/29/trump-sues-irs-and-treasury-for-10-billion-over-leak-of-tax-records.htmlTrump sues IRS and Treasury Department for $10 billion over leaked tax records
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-sues-irs-treasury-department-10-billion-leaked-tax-records-rcna256626Trump Sues Treasury and IRS for $10 Billion Over Tax Data Leak
https://www.taxnotes.com/featured-news/trump-sues-treasury-and-irs-10-billion-over-tax-data-leak/2026/01/30/7txmzKPMG Brings Aboard AI Development Platform PrivateBlok
https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/02/09/kpmg-adds-ai-development-platform-privateblok/177729/KPMG acquires PrivateBlok, team will support AI developments
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/kpmg-acquires-privateblok-team-will-support-ai-developmentsKPMG Bolsters AI Product Development Function...
11 February 2026, 8:00 pm - 1 hour 1 minuteAI Could Displace 50% of Entry-Level White-Collar Jobs
Could AI wipe out half of entry-level accounting roles? Blake and David recount a brazen “courier scam” on David’s porch to unpack how deepfakes and spoofed calls fuel today’s fraud (“less than 10% can tell AI video from real”). You’ll learn practical controls—family code words, approval workflows—plus hands-on AI updates: Claude’s Excel plugin and desktop agent, Gusto payroll in ChatGPT, and a prompt that forces AI to ask clarifying questions and wait for “go.”
Chapters
- (02:02) - Personal Fraud Story: A Cautionary Tale
- (03:35) - Elder Fraud and AI-Driven Scams
- (06:53) - AI's Impact on Fraud and Security
- (11:39) - AI Tools for Accountants
- (19:40) - Earmark: CPE for Listening to Podcasts
- (22:01) - AI's Threat to Entry-Level Jobs
- (27:11) - AI Agents in Payroll and HR
- (35:20) - The Future of AI in Blue Collar Jobs
- (38:18) - AI's Role in Government Efficiency
- (39:52) - Simplifying the Tax Code with AI
- (41:42) - Payroll Innovations and AI
- (49:18) - Intuit's Career Pipeline Program
- (51:24) - Xero's New Features and AI Integration
- (58:48) - Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
Show Notes
AI fakery turbo-charging fraud, cyber attacks
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/ai-fakery-turbo-charging-fraud-cyber-attacksThe Turing Reel
https://runwayml.com/research/theturingreelThe Adolescence of Technology
https://www.darioamodei.com/essay/the-adolescence-of-technologyLong-term Fears Build As 60% of U.S. Workers Say AI Will Cut More Jobs Than It Adds In 2026
https://allwork.space/2026/01/long-term-fears-build-as-60-of-u-s-workers-say-ai-will-cut-more-jobs-than-it-adds-in-2026/ADP® Accelerates AI Leadership with Launch of New AI Agents Designed to Solve Workforce Challenges
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adp-accelerates-ai-leadership-with-launch-of-new-ai-agents-designed-to-solve-workforce-challenges-302672772.htmlExclusive: Gusto launching payroll inside ChatGPT
https://www.thisweekinfintech.com/exclusive-gusto-launching-payroll-inside-chatgpt/Trump DOT Plans to Use Google Gemini AI to Write Regulations
https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-artificial-intelligence-google-gemini-transportation-regulationsIntuit Launches New Career Pipeline Program to Empower the Next Generation of Accountants in the AI Era
https://investors.intuit.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1296/intuit-launches-new-career-pipeline-program-to-empower-the-next-generation-of-accountants-in-the-ai-era
Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.com
Subscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in Touch
Thanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.
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Are you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.
Need Accounting Conference Info?
Check out our new website - accountingconferences.com
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Transcripts
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
4 February 2026, 5:00 pm - 1 hour 7 minutesFiscal State of Nation Act & Solving for CPA Mobility with Lindsay Patterson
Are you accidentally breaking CPA rules across state lines? Guest Lindsay Patterson, CPA CIA breaks down the new mobility landscape after alternative licensure paths—and the surprising data firms must track to avoid fines, failed peer reviews, and redoing audits. Plus: Congress’s Fiscal State of the Nation bill, Deloitte’s PR storm, QuickBooks’ AI reconciliation, and what’s driving a rebound in accounting majors. Walk away knowing where to get licensed, what triggers penalties, and how to protect your firm.
Sponsors
TaxBandits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/taxbandits
Earmark - http://accountingpodcast.promo/earmark
OnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay
UNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/unc
Chapters- (00:00) - Introduction and CPA Email Incident
- (00:33) - AI in QuickBooks: A Game Changer?
- (06:00) - Live Stream Shoutouts and YouTube Promotion
- (06:54) - New Legislation: Fiscal State of the Nation Act
- (10:37) - CPA Mobility and Alternative Pathways
- (11:47) - Guest Segment: Lindsay Patterson on CPA Mobility
- (33:13) - Deloitte's Bad Week: Controversies and Criticisms
- (35:58) - CPA Firms in Trouble: The Zwick CPA Case
- (40:05) - Jerome Powell's Defiant Statement
- (44:29) - Why Accountants Leave Public Accounting
- (51:24) - Listener Emails and Final Thoughts
- (52:08) - The Future of Accounting Jobs
- (55:12) - Private Equity in CPA Firms
Meet Lindsay Patterson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaypatterson/Show Notes
AICPA Urges Congressional Support for Fiscal State of the Nation Act
https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/aicpa-urges-congressional-support-for-fiscal-state-of-the-nation-act
Barr Reintroduces Bipartisan Fiscal State of the Nation Act to Strengthen Oversight of Government Spending
https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?id=EDF451C5-EEAE-44D7-85A8-2B714E9D7822
For CPAs, one license — and 55 rulebooks
https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/for-cpas-one-license-and-55-rulebooksDeloitte's Disturbing Pattern Allegedly Cost Americans Health Coverage, Delayed Benefits, and the US Government $74B
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/deloittes-disturbing-pattern-allegedly-cost-americans-health-coverage-delayed-benefits-us-1773010
Deloitte to ramp up India operations with 50,000 new hires
https://www.internationalaccountingbulletin.com/news/deloitte-hiring-india/PCAOB Sanctions Audit Firm, an Owner of That Firm, and a Former Audit Manager for Multiple Violations of PCAOB Rules and Standards
https://pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/pcaob-sanctions-audit-firm--an-owner-of-that-firm--and-a-former-audit-manager-for-multiple-violations-of-pcaob-rules-and-standards
PCAOB bars Zwick CPA, owner and manager
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pcaob-bars-zwick-cpa-owner-and-managerTurnover Experiences in Public Accounting and Alumni's Decisions to 'Give Back'
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4266300
U.S. Accounting Undergraduate Enrollment Rises for Third Straight Year
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-accounting-undergraduate-enrollment-rises-for-third-straight-year-302665511.html
Accounting undergrad enrollment rises for third year
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/accounting-undergrad-enrollment-rises-for-third-year
Capital One to Acquire Brex
https://investor.capitalone.com/news-releases/news-release-details/capital-one-acquire-brex
Capital One is buying startup Brex for $5.15 billion in credit card firm's latest deal
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/22/capital-one-is-buying-startup-brex-for-5point15-billion-in-credit-card-firms-latest-deal.html
Florida Republican candidate suggests 'sin tax' for OnlyFans creators
https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/5691927-florida-governor-candidate-sin-tax/
Florida gubernatorial candidate proposes 50% "sin" tax on OnlyFans creators; top earner Sophie Rain pushes back
https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-onlyfans-tax-proposal-james-fishback-sophie-rain/
Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.com
Subscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in Touch
Thanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.
Sponsorships
Are you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.
Need Accounting Conference Info?
Check out our new website - accountingconferences.com
Limited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessities
TeePublic Store: h...
26 January 2026, 7:00 pm - 19 minutes 52 secondsThe CPA Workload Dilemma: Can We Do Better?
Carla McCall shares insights on the challenges faced by the accounting profession, including workload, work-life balance, and the AICPA's role. She addresses misconceptions about the responsibilities of the AICPA, discusses her firm's approach to managing work hours and culture transformation, and highlights the need for creative solutions to attract new talent. The discussion also explores the systemic issue of overwork in large accounting firms and the potential measures that could alleviate these pressures.
Meet Our Guest, Carla McCall
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlamccallaaf/
Need CPE?
Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.com
Subscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in Touch
Thanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.
Sponsorships
Are you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.
Need Accounting Conference Info?
Check out our new website - accountingconferences.com
Limited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessities
TeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merch
Subscribe
- Apple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcasts
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcast
- Spotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/Spotify
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- Stitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/Stitcher
- Overcast: http://cloudacctpod.link/Overcast
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Transcripts
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
23 January 2026, 11:00 pm - 1 hour 4 minutesTrust In Accountants At Historic Low, the Fraudster Inside the SBA & IRS
Are we causing our own busy-season chaos? Blake and David break down a simple scheduling system that spreads tax work, trains clients, and slashes extensions. They debate Congress’s barcode bill vs. e-filing, unpack a poll showing GOP support for a millionaire’s tax, and ask what AI really changes when managers still have to review the bots. Plus: IRS CI’s latest wins, whistleblower e-filing, and a Britney tax fight.
Sponsors
Digits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/digits
OnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay
TaxBandits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/taxbandits
UNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/unc
Chapters- (01:11) - AI and Survey Creation
- (02:30) - Google's Personal Intelligence
- (05:11) - IRS Defunding and Workforce Reduction
- (06:51) - CPA Trendlines Busy Season Barometer
- (11:12) - Barcode Efficiency Act
- (15:24) - IRS Criminal Investigations
- (17:24) - Payroll Headaches and OnPay
- (18:56) - SBA and IRS Employee Fraud
- (21:41) - IRS Whistleblower Office
- (23:08) - Britney Spears vs. IRS
- (24:04) - Washington State Millionaires Tax
- (27:01) - Busy Season Is Self-Inflicted
- (30:44) - Livestream and CPE Credits
- (31:24) - UNC Kenan-Flagler MAC Program
- (32:38) - A New Year's Eve Pink Eye Adventure
- (33:20) - AI Prescriptions in Utah
- (35:03) - Trust in Accountants at Historic Lows
- (39:13) - Listener Mail: Advisory Services and Online Degrees
- (45:30) - The CPA Exam: Challenges and Changes
- (01:03:17) - Closing Remarks and Earmark App Growth
Show Notes
Are Washingtonians Finally Ready for a State Income Tax?
https://www.dhmresearch.com/are-washingtonians-finally-ready-for-a-state-income-tax/
Guess Who Supports a Millionaires Tax in Washington State? Republicans, Poll Finds
Barometer: Firms Brace for a Tough Tax Season
https://cpatrendlines.com/2025/10/01/barometer-firms-brace-for-a-tough-tax-season/
IRS Advisory Council blasts defunding of agency
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-advisory-council-blasts-defunding-of-agency
IRS Advisory Council report defends workers, criticizes budget and staff cuts
Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council PUBLIC REPORT January 2026
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5316.pdf
Lengthy grudge motivated Brown mass shooting, MIT professor killing: Sources
A Reddit post helped find MIT and Brown shooting suspect. Here's what we know
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/19/nx-s1-5649528/brown-mit-shooter-what-we-know
Former SBA and IRS Employee Charged with Using Government Positions to Steal Millions from COVID Relief Programs
Hampton woman accused of using federal jobs to steal pandemic relief funds
House advances bill to speed tax return processing via barcodes
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/house-advances-bill-to-speed-tax-return-processing-via-barcodes
BARCODE Efficiency Act Brings Overdue Modernization to the IRS
https://atr.org/barcode-efficiency-act-brings-overdue-modernization-to-the-irs/
Utah and Doctronic Announce Groundbreaking Partnership for AI Prescription Medication Renewals
Utah allows nation's first AI drug prescriptions
https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/07/utah-ai-drug-prescriptions-doctronic
Nurses Continue to Lead in Honesty and Ethics Ratings
https://news.gallup.com/poll/700736/nurses-continue-lead-honesty-ethics-ratings.aspx
Americans' Ratings of U.S. Professions Stay Historically Low
https://news.gallup.com/poll/655106/americans-ratings-professions-stay-historically-low.aspx
Britney Spears disputes $600K tax claim
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/britney-spears-disputes-600k-tax-claim
Britney Spears Fighting With IRS Over $600,000
https://www.tmz.com/2025/12/19/britney-spears-fighting-with-irs-taxes/
Right Now, Managing AI Agents is About as Much Work as Managing Humans. Just Different Work.
https://www.saastr.com/right-now-managing-ai-agents-is-about-as-much-work-as-managing-humans/
The 'Godfather of SaaS' says he replaced most of his s...
19 January 2026, 10:00 pm - 56 minutes 50 secondsInstead of Armed IRS Agents We Got Armed ICE Agents
Raids replaced audits, and guns replaced spreadsheets. Blake and David connect the dots from Minnesota's sprawling public-assistance fraud to a decade of IRS budget cuts and ICE crackdowns. You'll learn why enforcement shifted from prevention to raids, what California's one-time billionaire tax really proposes, how new AICPA rules could hit PE-backed firms, and why a botched audit didn't cost PwC its client, plus one pro tip to level up your Excel game.
Sponsors
OnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay
TaxBandits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/taxbandits
UNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/unc
Chapters- (00:00) - TAP 470
- (00:33) - Minnesota Fraud Scandal Overview
- (03:18) - Historical Context and IRS Budget Cuts
- (08:34) - IRS and ICE Collaboration Issues
- (10:39) - Impact of Budget Cuts on Fraud
- (20:56) - Current Events and Political Reactions
- (26:17) - California Billionaire Tax Act
- (27:58) - Billionaire Tax Proposal Discussion
- (29:01) - Challenges of Implementing Wealth Tax
- (29:58) - Practical Concerns and Comparisons
- (34:24) - VRBO's Legal Battle with Michigan
- (36:46) - Private Equity and CPA Firms
- (47:17) - UNC Master of Accounting Program
- (51:11) - Excel World Championships Insights
- (55:27) - Earmark App for CPE Credits
Show Notes
Judge hits pause on IRS sharing taxpayer information with ICE
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/judge-issues-order-blocking-irs-sharing-taxpayer-information-ice-rcna245262Federal Agents Pepper Spray Protesters During Tucson Taco Giro Raid
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2025/12/05/tucson-ice-raid-protests-taco-giroPoll: Nearly Half of Americans Think Their Financial Security Is Worsening
https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/12/29/poll-nearly-half-of-americans-think-their-financial-security-is-worsening/175587/California Billionaire Tax Act (2026 Billionaire Tax Act - PDF)
https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/25-0024A1%20(Billionaire%20Tax%20).pdfVrbo Parent Company Sues Michigan Over $18.8 Million Tax Bill
https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/01/02/vrbo-parent-company-sues-michigan-over-18-8-million-tax-bill/175675/AICPA Seeks Comment on Ethics Rules Update for Alternative Practice Structures
https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/aicpa-seeks-comment-on-ethics-rules-update-for-alternative-practiceWH Smith asks shareholders to support PwC despite audit error
https://www.internationalaccountingbulleteen.com/news/wh-smith-support-pwc-audit-error/I won the Microsoft Excel World Championship. Here's what every office worker should know about Excel. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/won-microsoft-excel-world-championship-093001306.html
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Transcripts
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
14 January 2026, 8:00 am - 50 minutes 33 secondsCan AI Replace “Thought Leaders”? A 2026 Reality Check
Think AI will free you from ‘mundane bookkeeping’ so you can do advisory? Blake and David say it’s the opposite. Hear how owners already use AI as a de facto CFO, why drafting narratives—not matching bank feeds—is the real win, what the ‘AI premium’ means in a billable-hour world, and the two numbers firm owners should track in 2026: monthly recurring revenue and bottom-line profit.
Sponsors
UNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/unc
OnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay
TaxBandits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/taxbandits
Chapters- (01:35) - News Highlights and Sponsor Acknowledgements
- (03:56) - AI in Small Business Accounting
- (07:04) - AI's Impact on Accounting Tasks
- (10:01) - Thought Leader Survey on AI in Accounting
- (19:56) - AI Premium and Job Automation
- (25:27) - Survey Answers from Accounting Thought Leaders
- (25:54) - AI's Role in Strategy and Decision Making
- (28:24) - Impact of AI on Competitive Landscape
- (30:50) - AI's Effect on Costs in Accounting Firms
- (31:54) - AI Replacing Staff Accountants
- (33:24) - Personal Job Security and AI
- (41:05) - AI Influencers and Future Experiments
- (49:24) - Conclusion and CPE Information
Show Notes
These Small-Business Owners Are Putting AI to Good Use
https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/small-business-ai-chatgpt-prompts-0c9a95c4AI Thought Leaders Survey 2026: Process Predictions
https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/ai-thought-leaders-survey-2026-process-predictionsTech Spending Outpacing People Spending as Firms Adopt AI
https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/tech-spending-outpacing-people-spending-as-firms-adopt-aiHow Much is the 'AI Premium?'
https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/how-much-is-the-ai-premium
AI Can't Replace Accountants. When Could It?
https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/ai-cant-replace-accountants-when-could-it
Accounting in 2026: The Year Ahead in Numbers
https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/accounting-in-2026-the-year-ahead-in-numbersAI Vending Machine Lost $1,000 to Social Engineering
https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/anthropic-ai-claude-vending-machine-c7baef6fAnthropic's Project Vend Phase 2
https://www.anthropic.com/research/project-vend-2
Trump Commutes Sentence of Private Equity CEO Convicted of Fraud
https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/01/politics/david-gentile-trump-pardonTrump Commutes 7-Year Prison Sentence of Former Private Equity CEO David Gentile
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-commutes-7-year-prison-sentence-former-private-equity-ceo-david-rcna246744California's Controversial Wealth Tax Proposal Leaves Billionaires With Little Way Out
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/08/california-wealth-tax-proposal-leaves-billionaires-with-little-way-out.htmlCalifornia Could Impose a Billionaire Tax. Here's How It Would Work
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-billionaire-tax-ballot-initiative-how-it-works/New Tax on the Wealth of Billionaires
https://lao.ca.gov/BallotAnalysis/Initiative/2025-024
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Thanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.
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Transcripts
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
8 January 2026, 6:00 pm - 1 hour 9 minutes$95 Million Missing—and Still a Clean Audit?
How does $95 million go missing at a bank—and still get a clean audit? Blake and David unpack the Evolve Bank/Synapse meltdown, what auditors missed, and how SOC reports fall short. Plus: the penny shortage pushing cash rounding at the register, the shocking stat that even 29% of partners don’t know partner pay, and the case for semiannual reporting. Walk away with practical takeaways for clients, staff, and your own firm.
Sponsors
Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas
OnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay
Chapters- (00:44) - The Penny Shortage Crisis
- (03:52) - Evolve Bank's $95 Million Scandal
- (17:12) - Earmark CPE and Other Podcast Recommendations
- (22:00) - Partner Salaries and Compensation Transparency
- (28:27) - Data Breach at SAX Accounting Firm
- (33:28) - Semi-Annual Reporting Debate
- (36:25) - Debating Semi-Annual Reporting
- (37:38) - Quarterly Reporting Games
- (38:25) - LinkedIn Comment: The Case for Quarterly Reports
- (39:11) - The Value of Financial Statements
- (39:58) - Challenges in Modern Accounting
- (46:57) - 2026 Accounting Predictions
- (52:01) - AI's Impact on Bookkeeping
- (01:09:08) - Closing Thoughts and Farewell
Show Notes
Square Enables Penny Rounding
https://squareup.com/us/en/press/penny-rounding
CFPB Allocates $46 Million To Synapse/Evolve Victims In First-Ever Fintech Bailout
https://fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/p/cfpb-allocates-46-million-to-synapseevolve
The 2025 Accounting Today Salary Survey
https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/the-2025-accounting-today-salary-survey
The Ultimate 2026 Accounting Salary Guide
https://blog.workday.com/en-us/ultimate-2026-accounting-salary-guide.html
Deloitte's CTO: companies are spending 93% on tech and only 7% on people and that has to change
Accounting firm waited 18 months to announce breach
https://cybernews.com/security/sax-data-breach-quarter-million-exposed/
Should Public Companies Move to Semi-Annual Reporting?
https://www.cpajournal.com/2025/12/19/should-public-companies-move-to-semi-annual-reporting/
United States Mint Hosts Historic Ceremonial Strike for Final Production of the Circulating One-Cent Coin
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Thanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.
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Transcripts
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
5 January 2026, 3:00 pm - 56 minutes 36 secondsWhat Tax Pros Charge & the PE "Dumpster Fire"
Is private equity turning firms into a 'dumpster fire'? Blake and David unpack Accounting Today's survey showing partners are upbeat while staff are sour on PE. They hit Andersen's $176M IPO, why Big Four ties to Big Tech raise independence questions, and how AI could finally kill the billable hour. Plus, what tax pros really charge in 2025 - and the wild 'Middle Finger Ranch' fraud.
Sponsors
OnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay
Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas
Chapters- (00:56) - Private Equity in Accounting Firms
- (01:51) - Sponsor Message: OnPay Payroll Solutions
- (04:15) - Arthur Andersen's Legacy and IPO
- (07:45) - Private Equity Survey Results
- (21:04) - Big Four and Tech Giants
- (28:25) - Pricing Models for CAS Engagements
- (30:22) - Tax Preparers' Fees Breakdown
- (36:12) - Cloud Accountant Staffing
- (37:34) - Economic Growth and Consumer Spending
- (40:26) - Fraud Stories: Middle Finger Ranch and More
- (43:24) - PCAOB Budget Cuts and Enforcement Actions
- (52:29) - IRS Readiness for Tax Season
- (53:43) - Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
Show Notes
PE in accounting firms: From 'dumpster fire' to excitement
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pe-in-accounting-firms-from-dumpster-fire-to-excitement
Andersen Group Shares Gain 47% After $176 Million US IPO
Andersen goes public, hits $2.6B valuation
https://thefinancestory.com/andersen-group-ipo-2-6b-valuation
The Big Four consulting firms are embedded in Big Tech. Here's who audits each of the Magnificent 7 companies
What do tax preparers charge?
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/what-do-tax-preparers-charge
How much do tax professionals charge in 2025? Insights from NATP's Fee Study
U.S. economic growth surges in third quarter to 4.3%
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/12/23/gdp-economy-consumer-spending/
The US economy expanded at the fastest pace in two years as wealthier Americans kept spending
https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/23/economy/us-gdp-q3
Kansas accountant diverted family funds to fictitious 'Middle Finger Ranch'
Kansas Accountant, Who Created Fictitious 'Middle Finger Ranch' for Fraud Scheme, Sentenced to 4 Years in Jail
PCAOB to tighten budget in 2026
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pcaob-to-tighten-budget-in-2026
PCAOB Approves 2026 Budget
https://pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/pcaob-approves-2026-budget
Accounting Firms Must Stop Charging for Time
https://cpatrendlines.com/2025/12/02/accounting-firms-must-stop-charging-for-time/
Dirty money gangster jailed over plot worth almost £12m
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/dirty-money-gangster-jailed-over-36410033
PCAOB Sanctions CPA for Violations Related to Audit Evidence and Her Former Audit Firm for Quality Control Issues
Ahead of Tax Filing Season, Warren, King, 15 Senators Warn of Tax Filing Chaos After Trump Admin Attacks on IRS
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29 December 2025, 5:00 pm - 58 minutes 20 secondsThe CPA Who Controls Epstein's Fortune
Sponsors
Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas
Relay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relay
OnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay
Chapters- (00:47) - Jeffrey Epstein's CPA and Lawyer
- (03:10) - Wall Street Journal Article on Epstein's Associates
- (05:58) - Discussion on Epstein's Financial Operations
- (14:25) - Trump's Executive Order on Cannabis Businesses
- (18:16) - Tax Implications for Gambling and Prediction Markets
- (20:47) - IRS Criminal Investigations Unit Record Year
- (25:13) - Lawyer Sues IRS to Recognize Dog as Dependent
- (28:09) - Trump's New US Tech Force
- (29:27) - Trump's Hiring Plans and Tech Startups
- (30:22) - Startup Fraud in Tax Accounting
- (34:23) - Intuit and Circle Partnership
- (36:38) - AI and Stablecoin Payments
- (44:16) - AI's Impact on Accounting Jobs
- (51:24) - AI-Powered Fraud in Finance
- (55:59) - Closing Remarks and Announcements
Show Notes
The CPA and the Lawyer Who Served Jeffrey Epstein—and Control His Fortune and Secrets
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-cpa-and-the-lawyer-who-served-jeffrey-epstein-and-control-his-fortune-and-secretsTaking a gamble on prediction market taxation
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/taking-a-gamble-on-prediction-market-taxationLawyer sues IRS to recognize pets as dependents
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/lawyer-sues-irs-to-recognize-pets-as-dependentsSEC Charges Shiloh Luckey
https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-26424The FBI is investigating a startup founder accused of using VC money to pay for her house and a Caribbean wedding
Intuit taps Circle's USDC to add stablecoin payments across TurboTax and QuickBooks
https://www.theblock.co/post/383184/intuit-circle-usdc-stablecoin-payments-turbotax-quickbooksIntuit and Circle Partner to Unlock the Future of Money Movement with Stablecoins
https://investors.intuit.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1292/intuit-and-circle-partner-to-unlock-the-future-of-money-movement-with-stablecoinsAI Is Reshaping Accounting Jobs by Doing the "Boring" Stuff
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/ai-reshaping-accounting-jobs-doing-boring-stuffHuman + AI in Accounting: Early Evidence from the Field
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/working-papers/human-ai-accounting-early-evidence-fieldIRS-CI issues fiscal year 2025 annual report showcasing banner investigative results
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-ci-issues-fiscal-year-2025-annual-report-showcasing-banner-investigative-resultsIRS Criminal Investigation uncovers $10.6B in financial crimes
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-criminal-investigation-uncovers-10-6b-in-financial-crimesDext warns businesses over losses from ChatGPT-style financial advice
https://fintech.global/2025/12/18/dext-warns-businesses-over-losses-from-chatgpt-style-financial-advice/ChatGPT tax advice already costing UK firms, say accountants
https://itbrief.co.uk/story/chatgpt-tax-advice-already-costing-uk-firms-say-accountantsTrump admin to hire 1,000 specialists for 'Tech Force' to build AI, finance projects
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/15/trump-ai-tech-force-amazon-apple.htmlOPM Launches US Tech Force to Implement President Trump's Vision for Technology Leadership
Double Raises $6.5 Million Series A from Album Ventures, Jack Altman, and Y Combinator to Double Accountants' Productivity https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251210027851/en/Double-Raises-$6.5-Million-Series-A-from-Album-Ventures-Jack-Altman-and-Y-Combinator-to-Double-Accountants-Productivity
Zoho announces enterprise billing, spend management products
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/zoho-announces-enterprise-billing-spend-management-productsZoho Announces Zoho Spend and Zoho Billing Enterprise Edition
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251218170986/en/Zoho-Announces-Zoho-Spend-and-Zoho-Billing-Enterprise-Edition-Offering-Large-Businesses-Greater-Control-and-Flexibility-Over-Billing-Operations-and-Company-Spend-as-They-ScaleAI giving scammers new tricks, enhancing old ones
https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/ai-giving-scammers-new-tricks-enhancing-old-onesFrom secure to spooked: White-collar workers face rising job fears
https://www.businessreport.com/article/from-secure-to-spooked-white-collar-workers-face-rising-job-fears22 December 2025, 7:00 pm - More Episodes? Get the App