top 10 red flags to watch for in accounting offices | arc

outdated technology, unrealistic billable hours, and “unlimited pto” among key issues discussed. 

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss.

accounting arc
with liz mason, byron patrick, and donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

the accounting profession is undergoing significant change, and workplace culture is at the forefront of that transformation. in a recent episode of accounting arc, industry leaders donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma; byron patrick, cpa.citp, cgma; and liz mason, cpa, explore the red flags professionals should watch for in accounting firms. 

more arc: analysis, reaction, comedy

 

more accounting arc: jeremy dubow: private equity as a catalyst for growth | break the burnout cycle in accountingaccounting in transition: 2024 reflections & the road ahead | ron baker: visions for the accounting professionangie grissom: next gen inspo for accountantsdoes accounting belong in stem?rose wang: where numbers meet strategy and creativitytiktok fraud exposes gaps in financial literacy | how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbersrachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics eduction | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know |

“a firm that isn’t leveraging modern technology is a huge warning sign,” says mason, ceo of high rock accounting. she and the other panelists agreed that firms clinging to outdated systems often fail to create efficient work environments. “automated hr processes should be a baseline by now,” adds shimamoto, founder and managing director of intraprisetechknowlogies llc and founder and inspiration architect for the center for accounting transformation. 

read more →

jeremy dubow: private equity as a catalyst for growth | arc

ceo says private equity isn’t about cost-cutting—it’s about investing in technology and talent.

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss.

accounting arc
with donny shimamoto
center for accounting transformation

the accounting profession is evolving, and if private equity is any indicator, firms like prosperity partners are leading the charge. in the latest accounting arc episode, host donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma, speaks with ceo and pe-backed prosperity partners llc co-founder jeremy dubow, cpa, about the firm’s innovative approach, private equity backing, and non-traditional practices. 

more accounting arc: breaking the burnout cycle in accountingaccounting in transition: 2024 reflections & the road ahead | ron baker: visions for the accounting professionangie grissom: next gen inspo for accountantsdoes accounting belong in stem?rose wang: where numbers meet strategy and creativitytiktok fraud exposes gaps in financial literacy | how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbers |

new: m&a, pe, or independence: chart your cpa firm’s future in 2025 – webinar jan. 28

“we’re not your traditional firm,” says dubow, who started the firm with two partners in 2003 as ndh advisors, and sold a stake to unity partners in in 2023, rebranded as prosperity and launched a series of knock-on acquisitions. “we focus on transformative technologies and people-first culture to redefine what an accounting firm can achieve.” 

unlike most accounting firms, prosperity partners operates without an attest function. “our roots are in tax and client accounting services,” dubow explains. this focus has allowed the firm to streamline operations and specialize in high-demand areas such as mergers and acquisitions and litigation support. 

read more →

break the burnout cycle in accounting | arc

“a firm’s culture during busy season reveals its true colors.”  

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss.

more arc: analysis, reaction, comedy

accounting arc
with liz mason, byron patrick, and donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

as the busiest time of year looms for accountants, industry leaders byron patrick, cpa.citp, cgma; donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma; and liz mason, cpa, share practical advice in the first episode of the second season of accounting arc on maintaining resilience during tax season. their conversation explores actionable strategies to counteract stress and promote mental health. 

more accounting arc: accounting in transition: 2024 reflections & the road ahead | ron baker: visions for the accounting professionangie grissom: next gen inspo for accountantsdoes accounting belong in stem?rose wang: where numbers meet strategy and creativitytiktok fraud exposes gaps in financial literacy | how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbersrachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics eduction | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know | leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic vision |

the hosts share relatable anecdotes, from patrick’s newfound habit of scheduling haircuts to mason’s candid discussion about balancing adhd with professional responsibilities. shimamoto, founder and managing director of intraprisetechknowlogies llc and founder and inspiration architect for the center for accounting transformation, adds, “if it’s not on my calendar, it’s not happening,” highlighting the need for intentional scheduling. 

read more →

accounting in transition: 2024 reflections & the road ahead | arc

accounting arc wraps 2024 with insights and bold 2025 predictions. 

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss.

more arc: analysis, reaction, comedy

accounting arc
with liz mason, byron patrick, and donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

since its launch in may, the accounting arc podcast, hosted liz mason, cpa; byron patrick, cpa.citp, cgma; and donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma, has quickly gained traction as a thought leader in accounting. as the year concludes, the trio reflects on their journey and the pressing issues reshaping the industry. 

more accounting arc: ron baker: visions for the accounting professionangie grissom: next gen inspo for accountantsdoes accounting belong in stem?rose wang: where numbers meet strategy and creativitytiktok fraud exposes gaps in financial literacy | how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbersrachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics eduction | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know | leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic vision |

mason, ceo and founder of high rock accounting, notes that one of the year’s standout discussions centered on ethics. “it’s fascinating to see how ethical theories apply to our decisions as accountants,” she says. “these frameworks aren’t just academic—they directly impact our role as trusted advisors.” 

read more →

ron baker: visions for the accounting profession | arc

“i’d rather have questions i can’t answer than answers i can’t question.”

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss.

more arc: analysis, reaction, comedy

accounting arc
with donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

ron baker discusses his revolutionary journey in accounting, his challenge to the status quo, and how accountants can lead transformation. 

in the latest episode of accounting arc, baker, founder of the verasage institute, shares his insights into the accounting profession’s evolution. a pioneer in value pricing, baker’s career is defined by a relentless pursuit of better client relationships and innovative business models. 

more accounting arc: angie grissom: next gen inspo for accountantsdoes accounting belong in stem?rose wang: where numbers meet strategy and creativitytiktok fraud exposes gaps in financial literacy | how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbersrachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics eduction | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know | leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic vision |

“i knew i wanted to be a cpa in high school,” baker says. this passion led him to a big eight firm, but it wasn’t long before he began questioning traditional practices like the billable hour. “the billable hour was a lousy customer experience,” he explains. 

read more →

angie grissom: next gen inspo for accountants | arc

“leadership and culture define the future of accounting firms.”

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss.

more arc: analysis, reaction, comedy

accounting arc
with donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

when angie grissom first stepped into a nashville-based consulting firm, she likely didn’t foresee owning and transforming it. yet, over two decades later, she leads the rainmaker companies, a firm dedicated to empowering accounting professionals through leadership development, business growth strategies, and culture-building initiatives. 

more accounting arc: does accounting belong in stem?rose wang: where numbers meet strategy and creativitytiktok fraud exposes gaps in financial literacy | how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbersrachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics eduction | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know | leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic vision |

“selling is helping,” grissom says in accounting arc. “business development is about uncovering opportunities and serving clients holistically. it’s about being a true advisor.” 

read more →

does accounting belong in stem? | accounting arc

accounting experts debate stem designation and its implications for the accounting field. 

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss.

more arc: analysis, reaction, comedy

accounting arc
with liz mason, byron patrick, and donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

as accounting evolves into a technology-driven profession, a question looms: does accounting qualify as a stem (science, technology, engineering, and math) field? on the latest episode of accounting arc, thought leaders hosts liz mason, cpa; byron patrick, cpa.citp, cgma; and donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma, tackle this provocative question. 

more accounting arc: rose wang: where numbers meet strategy and creativitytiktok fraud exposes gaps in financial literacy | how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbersrachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics eduction | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know | leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic vision |

“stem is about applying rules-based knowledge in real-world scenarios,” explains mason, ceo of high rock accounting. “accounting fits because we apply principles and make ethical decisions just like other stem professions.” 

but not everyone agrees with mason.

read more →

rose wang: where numbers meet strategy and creativity | accounting arc

the cpa, entrepreneur, and now author demonstrates how accounting can drive creativity and innovation.

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss.
more arc: analysis, reaction, comedy

accounting arc
with donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

as the accounting profession expands beyond its traditional boundaries, rose wang represents a new wave of cpas who bring strategic thinking and entrepreneurial savvy to the table. with roles as a principal consultant at both intraprisetechknowlogies llc and apaira group llc, wang has carved a career path that spans accounting, business strategy, and now, authorship. 

more accounting arc: how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbersrachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics education | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know | leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic vision |

“i’ve always approached accounting as more than just numbers,” says wang. “it’s about translating those numbers into a business strategy that makes sense for the client.” based in hawaii and california, wang launched her career with a cpa firm focused on supporting small businesses. rather than just managing books, she partnered with clients to drive business growth. her approach involves analyzing financial statements and identifying strategic opportunities for improvement. 

read more →

tiktok fraud exposes gaps in financial literacy | accounting arc

social media users jumped on a chase atm “free money” scheme—but the consequences were severe. 

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss.

more arc: analysis, reaction, comedy

accounting arc
with liz mason, byron patrick, and donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

in the age of social media, financial misinformation can spread as rapidly as it’s created, and the recent chase bank atm scam exemplifies this.

more accounting arc: how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbersrachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics eduction | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know | leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic vision |

a supposed “glitch” that allowed users to deposit checks and withdraw amounts above the federally set limit for immediate withdrawals became a viral trend on tiktok, leading many to commit fraud unknowingly. in a recent accounting arc episode, hosts liz mason, cpa; byron patrick, cpa.citp, cgma; and donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma; analyze the scam’s implications and highlight the lack of financial literacy that may have facilitated its spread.

read more →

how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | accounting arc

from free speeches to paid engagements, thought leaders discuss breaking into the speaking circuit and what they’ve learned along the way.

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss.

accounting arc
with liz mason, byron patrick, and donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

public speaking is not for the faint of heart, especially in the accounting world.

in a recent episode of accounting arc, hosts liz mason, cpa; byron patrick, cpa.citp, cgma; and donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma; share how their speaking careers transitioned from volunteer gigs to paid engagements. they delve into their varied approaches to preparation, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning from feedback, painting a picture of how they influence the profession from the stage.

more accounting arc: greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbers | rachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics eduction | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know | leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic visionin-person conferences still essential | non-accountants in accounting: a game-changer for the professionrubik yeriazarian: smaller firms offer big opportunities for rapid skill development in forensic accounting | accounting arc | ai will steal your job. and that’s a good thing | accounting arc | the right kind of lazy: innovative approaches to streamlining workflows | accounting arc

in their early speaking years, shimamoto, mason, and patrick often presented free of charge, primarily as a way to share knowledge and establish credibility. “when it’s a paid gig, there’s a different level of responsibility,” says patrick, ceo of verifyiq and vice president of client success at the b3 method institute®. today, these professionals are in high demand for keynotes and panels, representing a new, evolving face of the accounting profession.

read more →

greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbers | accounting arc

find your unique voice in the profession, and don’t be afraid to innovate. 

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss

accounting arc
with donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

greg kyte defies every stereotype of the typical accountant. kyte, a licensed cpa and in-house accountant for a company managing medical office buildings, is also a stand-up comedian.

in a recent interview on accounting arc, hosted by donny shimamoto, cpa, citp, cgma, kyte discussed his unconventional journey and how he uses humor to engage audiences in the accounting field. 

more accounting arc: rachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics eduction | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know | leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic visionin-person conferences still essential | non-accountants in accounting: a game-changer for the professionrubik yeriazarian: smaller firms offer big opportunities for rapid skill development in forensic accounting | accounting arc | ai will steal your job. and that’s a good thing | accounting arc | the right kind of lazy: innovative approaches to streamlining workflows | accounting arc

before entering accounting, kyte spent over a decade teaching middle school math. reflecting on the shift, kyte recalls, “after 10 years, i realized i wasn’t enjoying teaching anymore, and i knew it was time for a change.” driven by his longstanding interest in numbers and the promise of stability, kyte made the leap to accounting. “i had always loved math and organization, so accounting was a natural fit,” he adds. 

kyte’s current role as an in-house cpa for a commercial real estate company involves a blend of accounting and property management, including overseeing financial operations, contract reviews, and even some maintenance oversight.

“i get to make up my title to fit whatever circumstance i’m in,” he says with a laugh. “if i want to flex on somebody, i’m the cfo. if i’d like to dodge responsibility, i’m an accounts payable clerk.” 

read more →

rachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | accounting arc

discover how nontraditional professionals leverage their skills to bring innovation and growth to the accounting profession. 

accounting arc
with donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

the accounting profession is experiencing a wave of disruption, and nontraditional professionals are leading the charge. 

more accounting arc: leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic visionin-person conferences still essential | non-accountants in accounting: a game-changer for the professionrubik yeriazarian: smaller firms offer big opportunities for rapid skill development in forensic accounting | accounting arc | ai will steal your job. and that’s a good thing | accounting arc | the right kind of lazy: innovative approaches to streamlining workflows | accounting arc

in a recent episode of accounting arc, host donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma, sits down with rachel bashore, the director of operations at herbein, to discuss her journey from attorney to accounting professional and the valuable perspective she brings to her firm. 

“accounting is ripe for change, and that’s what excites me,” bashore says, reflecting on how her varied career—from it consulting to trial law—helped prepare her for the challenges of modern accounting. bashore has a unique path into the industry. after years working with ibm, she transitioned into law, specializing in litigation before moving into banking and fintech. 
read more →

beyond the basics in ethics education | accounting arc

the difficulty isn’t identifying the ethical decision; it’s making the right choice with difficult implications.”

click to subscribe anywhere: applegoogle/youtubespotifyiheartdeezer, amazon music and audibleplayer fmaudacygaana (india)boomplay (africa), or rss

accounting arc
with liz mason, byron patrick, and donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

accounting ethics training needs a major reboot, according to the latest episode of accounting arc. while traditional ethics training often feels like a check-the-box exercise, hosts liz mason, byron patrick,  and donny shimamoto argue the profession must move toward a more engaging and comprehensive approach. 

more accounting arc: leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic visionin-person conferences still essential | non-accountants in accounting: a game-changer for the professionrubik yeriazarian: smaller firms offer big opportunities for rapid skill development in forensic accounting | accounting arc | ai will steal your job. and that’s a good thing | accounting arc | the right kind of lazy: innovative approaches to streamlining workflows | accounting arc

“ethics education in accounting has become stale,” says patrick, ceo and founder of verifyiq and vice president of client success at the b3 method institute, reflecting on his 80-plus hours of ethics training over his 22-year career. “the right decisions are usually obvious, but it’s the process of making them that’s difficult. unfortunately, none of my training has equipped me to handle that challenge.” 
read more →