The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about the rapidly evolving AI landscape, the importance of responsible innovation, and how accounting professionals can prepare for the potential of AI-driven self-improvement (commonly called, "recursive self improvement"). They explore leadership lessons from popular films, strategies for challenging personal assumptions, and why accounting firms should use the fourth quarter to plan rather than overcommit to major initiatives.  Current events — 1 in 5 Workers Say Their Current Job Is Not What They Were Hired to Do AI CEO's issued a public warning to slow down the pace of AI development TV/Movie quote of the week — The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Excellent Thing We Learned — Loving What Is: Four Questions that Can Change Your Life Recursive Self-Improvement The Woodard Report article of the week — Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together after the Accrual Acquisition Thank you to our show sponsor Meridian by Pilot, the AI operating system for accounting firms. Grow capacity, strengthen client relationships, and improve margins. Meridian automates the month end close across your entire client portfolio, so your team reviews finished books and spends their time on the work that grows the firm. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Seth Fineberg about the importance of building trust between accounting professionals and technology providers as AI transforms the profession. Drawing on his decades of experience in accounting journalism and his work with Accountants Forward, Seth discusses how vendors can better understand practitioners' challenges, communicate honestly, and demonstrate real-world value rather than overpromise solutions. They also explore how AI is empowering accountants to create their own tools and why listening, transparency, and strong relationships are essential to moving the profession forward. About Seth Fineberg Seth Fineberg is a content marketing and PR specialist with a keen focus on the accounting profession. He is a 35-year journalist and editor, mostly overseeing accounting. Learn more about Accountants Forward Connect with Seth on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Rightworks! RightWorks has everything your firm needs to do exactly that. Most accounting firms are juggling scattered apps, dealing with ongoing security risks and relying on manual workarounds, all on top of serving your clients. RightWorks takes that off your plate. One secure workspace for all your apps and tools. Enterprise-grade security managed for you. And the AI and productivity tools built specifically for accounting firms. Whether you have an IT team or not, whether you have five employees or 45, RightWorks grows with your firm and keeps you ready for whatever comes next. RightWorks, it's all right here. Learn more at RightWorks.com. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Tanya Hilts about her experience as a delegate at a United Nations summit focused on AI governance and the importance of giving small businesses and developing countries a voice in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. They discuss AI guardrails, the risks of losing human judgment and critical thinking, the potential for an AI investment bubble, environmental concerns, and why accounting professionals should use AI as a tool rather than surrender decision-making to it. Tanya also shares practical advice for embracing AI while staying informed, skeptical, and in control. About Tanya Hilts Tanya Hilts, CPB, FCPB—award-winning accounting pro helping firms adopt practical AI, tighten processes, and grow profit-focused advisory. Download 102 Fail-Proof AI Prompts for Bookkeepers Learn more about Tanya's Bookkeeper's Bootcamp Connect with Tanya on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Meridian by Pilot, the AI operating system for accounting firms. Grow capacity, strengthen client relationships, and improve margins. Meridian automates the month-end close across your entire client portfolio so your team reviews finished books and spends their time on the work that grows the firm. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Liz Farr about the six foundational pillars of a successful accounting firm: a clear North Star, strong systems and processes, the right people in the right roles, trust and transparency, clear communication, and accountability. They explore why embracing the "messy human stuff" is becoming increasingly important in an AI-driven profession, and Liz shares practical advice for firms looking to deepen client relationships, identify their ideal clients, and build a better way of working. About Liz Farr Liz has been a CPA since 2004 and a full-time freelance writer and ghostwriter since 2018. She also hosts The Disruptors podcast for CPA Trendlines. Learn more about Farr Communications Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community, and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced professionals, access to skill building and resources, along with the community, to continually inspire your practice's transformation. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather talk about the latest developments in accounting technology, including Accrual's acquisition of Puzzle and the growing convergence of tax and CAS services. They also explore how AI is reshaping professional education and the need to develop and test real-world skills, while discussing AI governance, empathy, the concept of "reverse centaurs," and why accounting professionals must learn to use AI as a tool rather than become tools for AI. Current events — Accrual to Acquire Puzzle 4 State Societies Combined forces to launch Five Storm Systems. TV/Movie quote of the week — Rocky Horror Picture Show Wonder Woman Excellent Thing We Learned — Empathy is "feeling with people" Centaurs and reverse centaurs The Woodard Report article of the week — 10 Ways Your Writing May Look AI-Generated Thank you to our show sponsor Canopy! Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals, and more. Check out GetCanopy.com Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast