The Independent CPA Firm Podcast: Your Source to Thrive in Today’s Market

As CPA firms grow, complexity grows with them. More clients, more engagements, and more regulatory expectations mean that the old manual ways of managing risk and compliance can quickly become a bottleneck. In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, Dave Kells sits down with Jay Purashotham from Intapp to discuss how firms can rethink their processes and use technology to support smarter, scalable growth.In this episode, you will be able to:• Understand why compliance processes often become the hidden bottleneck in growing firms• Learn how better client acceptance and risk management systems reduce costly mistakes• Discover how technology can streamline the engagement lifecycle from prospecting to delivery• Explore why firm leaders must think differently about risk, compliance, and scalability• See how improving compliance velocity can support faster, more sustainable firm growthListen to the full episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast to learn how firms can grow while staying efficient, compliant, and competitive.#IndependentCPAFirm #AccountingTechnology #FirmGrowth #CPAStrategy #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

How do you grow a CPA firm without losing the personal relationships that built it in the first place? In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, Dave Kells sits down with Bobby Greco, Co-CEO of CSI Group, to discuss how their firm has expanded to more than 20 locations while staying focused on client service, culture, and strategic acquisitions.In this episode, you will be able to:• Understand why focusing on middle-class clients can be a powerful growth strategy• Learn how referrals and client satisfaction fuel sustainable firm expansion• Discover the playbook for acquiring and integrating smaller CPA practices• See why culture and relationships matter more than numbers in M&A deals• Explore how firms can scale while still being the “first call” for their clientsListen to the full episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast to hear how client-first thinking can drive long-term growth and scalability.#IndependentCPAFirm #CPAFirmGrowth #AccountingLeadership #CPAStrategy #FirmScaling

Are you future-proofing your firm—or falling behind the curve?AI and outsourcing aren’t just buzzwords—they’re survival tools. In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells sits down with the Chief Vision Architect of SPNX Consulting, Karan Gupta, for a game-changing look at what it takes to scale in 2026 and beyond.In this episode, you will be able to:Understand how offshore 4.0 and AI can reduce reliance on headcountDiscover the truth behind AI “magic” and how real firms are implementing it todayLearn how to structure an AI-native outsourcing center from day oneIdentify process mistakes firms make when outsourcing and how to fix themHear why small and midsize firms must evolve—or risk becoming obsoleteListen now to hear how the smartest firms are building global capacity with less, not more!#IndependentCPAFirm #AccountingInnovation #OutsourcingStrategy #AIPoweredFirms #FutureOfAccounting

Can you really scale your CPA firm—without giving up control?In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells is joined by Joel Cooperman, CEO of Citrin Cooperman, for a powerful conversation on how firms can build for long-term success. From reinvesting in talent to finding the right partners (not just deals), Joel shares the mindset, strategies, and hard-won lessons from scaling one of the most respected firms in the industry.In this episode, you will be able to:• Learn why reinvesting in your firm—not extracting profits—is key to growth• Understand the difference between finders, minders, and grinders—and why it matters• Discover how organic growth extends far beyond new client acquisition• Explore how firm culture, coaching, and personalization drive retention and results• Hear a behind-the-scenes look at how 65+ successful M&A deals were executedListen now and walk away with practical strategies for building a stronger, smarter CPA firm!#IndependentCPAFirm #FirmLeadership #AccountingGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

Tired of outdated succession models?In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells sits down with Michelle Hammond, Chief Strategy Officer at SSC CPAs and Advisors, to explore how their ESOP structure, offshoring strategy, and people-first culture fuel sustainable growth—without giving up control. In this episode, you will be able to:• Learn how ESOPs can support succession planning and partner transitions• Discover how employee ownership drives retention, culture, and leadership• Explore how offshoring can relieve pressure on your domestic team• Understand how SSC builds consistency with firm-wide service models• Hear how consulting and advisory work powers long-term organic growthListen now and find out how to lead your firm forward—on your own terms!#IndependentCPAFirm #ESOP #SuccessionPlanning #Offshoring #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

What does it really take to grow—and stay strong—in today’s accounting landscape?In this episode, host Dave Kells talks with Steve McDonald, Managing Partner at ABDO, about building a thriving firm without losing sight of culture, people, and long-term strategy. From navigating growth and technology to leadership development and succession planning, Steve shares how ABDO continues to evolve while staying true to its values.In this episode, you will be able to:• Learn how to balance firm growth with culture and accountability• Understand why leadership development and succession start on day one• Explore how to leverage AI and innovation without losing the human element• Discover the KPIs and metrics that truly drive firm performance• Hear how hybrid work and intentional communication strengthen cultureListen now to hear how one firm built lasting success through strategy, culture, and continuous improvement!#CPAstrategy #FirmGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #AccountingInnovation #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

Thinking About Wealth Management? Start Here.In this episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host Dave Kells sits down with Dennis Covington, Managing Partner at Savant Wealth Management, to explore how CPA firms can expand their services—and deepen client relationships—by integrating wealth management through a TAMP model. From time leverage to tech integration and compliance, this conversation breaks down what it really takes to get started.In this episode, you will be able to:• Understand what a TAMP is and how it supports firm efficiency• Learn how CPAs can offer holistic advice without sacrificing independence• Explore the tools, costs, and steps to start an RIA or integrate wealth services• Discover how white-labeled solutions help you stay front and center with clients• Recognize why CPAs are uniquely positioned as long-term financial advisorsListen now and uncover how your firm can do more—for your best clients—without burning out your team.#CPAstrategy #WealthManagement #TAMP #AccountingGrowth #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

Does your firm treat learning as a checkbox—or a growth strategy?In this episode, host Dave Kells is joined by learning and development experts Mary Ardath and Jason McKeever for a deep-dive into how accounting firms can use L&D to boost retention, improve performance, and build future leaders. From onboarding and technical upskilling to soft skills and succession planning, this episode explores what it takes to create a learning culture that drives firm growth.In this episode, you will be able to:Understand the link between L&D investment and staff retentionExplore how learning culture impacts recruiting, engagement, and firm reputationLearn how to connect training strategy to growth, industry expansion, and successionDiscover different L&D models for small firms, from in-house to outsourcedGet actionable ideas to improve soft skills, mentorship, and client relationship developmentListen now!#LearningAndDevelopment #CPAstrategy #StaffRetention #FirmGrowth #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

In this episode of the Independent CPA Firm Podcast, host David Kells sits down with Jin Chang, CEO and Co-Founder of Fieldguide, to explore how AI is reshaping the role of CPAs and transforming both audit and advisory practices.This episode gives you an inside look at Fieldguide’s newly released AI Maturity Framework (AMF)—a first-of-its-kind industry guide designed to help firms benchmark where they are today and chart a clear path toward AI adoption.In this episode, you will be able to:• Understand how AI is eliminating manual audit work and unlocking time for higher-value services• Learn how firms are leveraging AI and offshoring to improve efficiency and collaboration• Hear client stories of firms boosting revenue and margins without increasing staff• Explore how the CPA role is evolving in an AI-enabled advisory future• Gain an introduction to the AI Maturity Framework (AMF) and how it helps firms accelerate adoption Listen now and access the AMF to start applying these insights inside your own firm!#CPA #AccountingFirms #ArtificialIntelligence #AdvisoryServices #AuditInnovation

Thinking about offshoring but don’t know where to start?In this episode, host Dave Kells speaks with Laurence Whittam of Impact Global Solutions about how offshoring can help firms create capacity, reduce burnout, reinvest in talent, and scale smart. From pilot programs to full-scale BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) models, they break down how firms of all sizes can approach offshoring strategically—and avoid common pitfalls.In this episode, you will be able to:Understand how offshoring supports firm scalability, margin improvement, and staff retentionExplore different offshoring models and how to choose the right fit for your firmLearn how to overcome roadblocks like quality concerns, communication gaps, and client hesitationDiscover why structure, SOPs, and clear feedback loops are critical to successHear how smaller firms can test offshoring with lower risk and long-term strategic gainsListen now and learn how to add capacity, reduce burnout, and grow—without giving up control.#CPAstrategy #Offshoring #AccountingOperations #FirmGrowth #IndependentCPAFirm #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

Are you undercharging clients—or undervaluing your own expertise?In this episode, host Dave Kells sits down with Tavi Meketon, Managing Director at Whitman Transition Advisors and member of the WTA Profit Team, to explore how independent CPA firms can grow smarter and more profitably—without sacrificing client relationships or control. In this episode, you will be able to:Learn how to raise prices without losing valuable clientsUnderstand how offshoring can increase margins and improve deliveryDiscover how to use metrics like realization to manage profitabilityExplore ways to define and refine your ideal client profileRecognize how partners can shift from doers to firm leadersListen now and start building a more profitable, scalable firm—without giving up control!#IndependentCPAFirm #CPAstrategy #PricingStrategy #Offshoring #ClientRetention #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

Struggling to keep up with tech—but don’t have a massive IT budget?In this episode, Dave Kells is joined by Michael Roglen, Director of Sales at SysCloud, for a deep dive into how independent CPA firms can use technology strategically—not just for security, but to drive growth, efficiency, and smarter decision-making. From cloud-based backups to data insights and discovery, this episode covers what firms need to know to stay competitive in a fast-moving tech landscape.In this episode, you will be able to:Understand how cloud-based tools can support firm security and flexibilityLearn how to turn backup data into insights for advisory opportunitiesExplore what smaller firms can do today without large IT budgetsRecognize the power of discovery in aligning tech with firm strategyHear how smart tech partnerships can support growth without giving up controlListen now and find out how your firm can do more—with what you already have!#IndependentCPAFirm #CPAstrategy #AccountingTechnology #FirmGrowth #DataSecurity #TheIndependentCPAFirmPodcast

We’re excited to kick off our very first episode of The Independent CPA Firm Podcast: Your Source to Thrive in Today’s Market! Host Dave Kells is joined by Tavi Meketon from the Profit Team at Whitman Transition Advisors to explore how firms can grow, evolve, and stay fiercely independent—without needing private equity. From offshoring and tech to partner alignment and talent strategy, this episode is packed with insights for every firm leader.In this episode, you will be able to:Discover proven strategies for staying competitive without private equityLearn how to overcome resistance to outsourcing and offshoringExplore how integrated technology supports smarter decision-makingHear tips on maintaining culture and quality with offshore teamsUnderstand what attracts and retains top talent at independent firmsListen now and get inspired to lead your firm forward—on your terms!#IndependentCPAFirm #AccountingLeadership #FirmGrowth #CPAstrategy #AccountingPodcast