The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Debra about the power of relationships in accounting, why bookkeepers and accountants are often the true drivers behind their clients' dreams, and how human connection creates lasting value far beyond tax returns and reconciliations. Debra shares the inspiration behind her podcast, Bookkeepers on Fire, her philosophy on advisory conversations, and how AI is freeing firms from tedious tasks so they can focus more on strategy, leadership, and client trust. About Debra Kilsheimer Debra Kilsheimer is a Curiosity Powered Advisor, Speaker and creative thinker based in Port Orange. She challenges the norm! She is a Top 100 ProAdvisor, Top 10 ProAdvisor, Woodard CAS Winner, and an Intuit Accountant Council alumni. Behind the Scenes (BSFS) is a Port Orange, Florida firm helping business owners stay on top of bookkeeping, accounting, payroll and tax prep. We streamline the work so you can make faster decisions with fewer surprises. Learn more about Behind the Scenes (BSFS) Connect with Debra on LinkedIn 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

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Kacee Johnson about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the accounting profession far beyond simple efficiency gains. They discuss the difference between firms that are reacting to AI with quick-fix tools versus those strategically rethinking their entire operating model, including pricing, staffing, advisory services, and client expectations. Kacee also shares insights on AI hype versus reality, the future of advisory-focused firms, and the mission behind the new AI Native Accounting Foundation to help firms navigate AI adoption responsibly and effectively. About Kacee Johnson Kacee is a fintech innovation leader who lives at the intersection of emerging tech and practical transformation. She has been honored as CPA Practice Advisor's Top 25 Thought Leaders, Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential, AICPA's Most Powerful Women, and is a Certified Corporate Director from NACD. As an independent nonprofit, the AI Native Accounting Foundation equips firms and finance teams to adopt AI with confidence through education, research, and recognition thereby moving the profession past hype and into practice. Learn more about the AI Native Accounting Foundation Connect with Kacee Johnson on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Digits! Digits is the world's first agentic general ledger. It is accounting software that works for you. Built from the ground up for the AI era, Digits automates bookkeeping in month end, shifting your team from data entry to review and advisory. Visit Digits.com to get started today. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with David Leary about the biggest shifts shaping the accounting profession such as the rollback of the 150-hour CPA requirement and how alternative pathways are already boosting the pipeline of new accounting graduates. They also dig into what AI is actually good for (and where it still fails without strong firm processes and human oversight), plus why private equity in accounting can create serious conflicts of interest, particularly for assurance-related work. About David Leary David Leary is the Co-Founder and COO of Earmark. He is an innovative and influential force in the small business accounting world with over 22 years of QuickBooks experience. Learn more about Earmark Connect with David on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Zoho! Zoho is a unique and powerful software suite to transform the way you work, designed for businesses of all sizes, built by a company that values your privacy. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about major January updates in the accounting space, including the IRS's Free File program and why Joe prefers a subsidized third-party prep model over direct IRS filing. They also dig into how large firms like RSM are rolling out tightly governed generative AI tools (like "Ask Luca"), and what that teaches smaller firms about AI quality being driven by both model capability and data control. Current events — IRS got rid of Direct File and is promoting Free File RSM lauched its own Generative AI Tool caled AskLuca TV/Movie quote of the week — Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Your Honor Excellent things we learned — In the Room Where It Happens: Generative AI Policy Creation in Higher Education The JOLT Effect: How High Performers Overcome Customer Indecision Member spotlight — Jennifer Scott of HireEffect The Woodard Report article of the week — The Competitive Advantage of AI Training for Accounting Professionals 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

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Nancy McClelland, CPA about her journey as the "Dancing Accountant" and how embracing authenticity, community connection, and people skills has shaped her firm and career. They explore the importance of trust, niching, and collaboration between bookkeepers and tax professionals. About Nancy McClelland, CPANancy The Dancing Accountant is a CPA on a lifelong mission to educate the professionals who support small businesses and their communities. She runs 'Ask a CPA', a Q&A membership for bookkeepers who want to learn to prepare "tax-ready" books; co-hosts "She Counts" (the real-talk podcast for women in accounting); was named Top CAS ProAdvisor; Top 50 Women in Accounting; Bridging the Gap Mentor of the Year; ToPS Speaker of the Year; and AICPA Global Women to Watch – you can check out her award-winning MSN column at thedancingaccountant.com. 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 pros, access to skill building and resources and a 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 speak about major shifts in the accounting profession, including new partnership and franchise models that are democratizing technology and intellectual property for firms of all sizes. They explore how innovation, hospitality-driven client experiences, and intentional generosity can help advisors stand out while navigating talent shortages and industry change. Current events — The 2025 top 100 most influential people in accounting Pilot anounced the launch of a partnership program with local, independent, bookkeeping practices TV/Movie quote of the week — The Diplomat Red Dragon Excellent things we learned — Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect Member spotlight — Ospino Consulting The Woodard Report article of the week — Holiday Generosity Without Turning Your Firm Into a Charity Thank you to our show sponsor, CorpNet! CorpNet is the trusted leader in business formation and compliance services, offering one of the best tools for accountants, CPAs and tax professionals nationwide. The CorpNet Partner Program can 10X your firms revenue by helping clients form a business, register for payroll taxes, maintain compliance and more. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Dr. Rico D. Short about his remarkable rise from a single-parent household to becoming a world-class endodontist, author, and speaker, and how faith, mentorship, and identity shaped every step of his journey. They explore how finding your true identity and purpose, rather than comparing yourself to others, can unlock your greatest potential, and how perseverance through personal and professional adversity can transform both your life and leadership. About Dr. Rico D. Short Dr. Short is a board-certified endodontist, author, professor, and international speaker. He just published his 3rd inspirational book, Purpose Full, which can be found on Amazon at this link. His company is Apex Endodontics and he can also be found on LinkedIn. Dr. Short's YouTube channel is at this link Thank you to our show sponsor, Bill, your financial operations platform! Bill is the intelligent way to create and pay bills, send invoices, manage expenses, control budgets and access the credit your business needs to grow all in one platform. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Keila Hill-Trawick about how boutique accounting firms can thrive by prioritizing deep relationships, proactive communication, and intentional growth. Keila shares how Little Fish Accounting creates a high-touch client experience through streamlined processes, boundaries that protect team capacity, and a focus on year-round partnership rather than transactions. She and Joe also discuss why saying "no" to misaligned clients is essential to delivering consistently excellent service. About Keila Hill-TrawickKeila leads the strategy and vision at Little Fish Accounting, ensuring every client experience is personal, strategic, and rooted in real-world expertise. As a seasoned entrepreneur herself, she understands the unique challenges that come with building and scaling a business with a small, intentional team. Learn more about Keila at BuildToEnough.com 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