The Young CPA Success Show

In this podcast episode, Joey and Hannah delve into the rigors of busy season in the accounting industry, discussing the personal and professional challenges it presents. They share their experiences with long hours, work-life balance, and the need for industry change. While highlighting the importance of leadership in creating sustainable work environments and the role of self-care, they also explore the value of mentorship and being open to advice and constructive criticism, emphasizing the significance of empathy and communication in the workplace.

In this episode of the Young CPA Success Show, the host and co-hosts Joey and Hannah discuss the challenges faced by young professionals, particularly in accounting, with guest Madeline Miller, a coach with a background in law and entertainment. They explore generational stereotypes, the importance of good leadership, and the need for purpose and recognition in the workplace. Madeline shares her journey and emphasizes the significance of empathy, mentorship, and building supportive work environments. The conversation highlights the evolving expectations of younger generations and the role of leaders in fostering inclusive and fulfilling workplaces.

Joey and Hannah welcome Chris Papin, Founder of Papin CPA, to discuss the importance of mindset, empathy, and adaptability for young accounting professionals. Joey shares lessons from his first mentor, emphasizing the significance of mindset in navigating industry changes. Hannah highlights the value of empathy and positivity in client interactions, while Chris delves into the psychology of change management, stressing the need for accountants to adapt and engage in meaningful conversations. The episode underscores the importance of building relationships and embracing change for career success in accounting.

John Scott, Virtual CFO and Partner at Anders CPAs + Advisors, joins Hannah and Joey to discuss strategies for young accounting professionals to establish themselves as subject matter experts within their firms. They emphasize the importance of demonstrating interest in a niche, seeking mentorship, and mastering effective communication. Key takeaways include building strong client relationships, asking questions, and learning from mistakes.

In this special episode of The Young CPA Success Show, four speakers with Halloween-themed personas—Jamie Nightmare, Hannah Hexed Hood, Adam Haunted Hale, and Joey Killing Kenny—engage in a lively draft-style discussion about their favorite Halloween movies. Jamie, the enthusiastic host, sets the stage and outlines the draft rules. Hannah humorously admits her limited horror movie experience, while Adam and Joey share their deep knowledge and personal anecdotes. The conversation is filled with playful banter and passionate debates as they each select and defend their top horror film picks, creating an engaging and entertaining Halloween-themed episode.

“I feel like way too often when somebody hears the word accountant, they think of a man in a suit and tie sitting behind a desk just pumping out tax returns. I don’t have a suit and tie on, I am not a man, and I’m not doing tax returns. I’m in this industry having the best time of my life,” remarks Hannah Hood. This episode is all about shaking things up for the next generations of accountants! Chayton Farlee, current accountant student, shares his journey and insights, emphasizing the need for practical experience and mentorship. Hannah, Joey and Chayton discuss the evolving landscape of the accounting profession and the importance of engaging younger audiences. They highlight the importance of modernizing perceptions of accounting, leveraging technology, and proactive outreach to attract new talent.

The man, the myth, the legend — don’t miss the episode with Jody Grunden, Co-founder of Summit CPA Group (now Summit Virtual CFO by Anders). Joey and Hannah sit down with their fearless leader for a discussion on transforming the accounting profession and changing industry perceptions. Jody shares his journey from public accounting to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for a flexible, task-oriented work culture. He discusses the benefits and challenges of remote work, the importance of curiosity in questioning established practices, and the future role of technology in accounting. The episode encourages young professionals to embrace change and develop essential soft skills.

Hannah and Joey are joined by Ayo Owodunni, Management Consultant at Prime Target Consulting, for an insightful conversation on the importance of inclusive leadership and DEI initiatives. They emphasize the need for genuine actions over lip service and highlight the business benefits of diversity. Ayo underscores the value of privilege for community good and the necessity of building trust with diverse team members through personal connections. The conversation also explores emotional intelligence, empathy, and the T-GROW model for goal setting in coaching. Ayo shares practical strategies and personal anecdotes, stressing the significance of understanding and connecting with individuals in the workplace.

In this episode of the Young CPA Success Show, Joey and Hannah sit down with Karl Baker, owner of Baker CFO Advisory, LLC, as they share their career experiences, including the concept of "do overs" and the challenges of balancing personal life with professional growth. Karl discusses his transition from public accounting to consulting, emphasizing the importance of industry understanding. The conversation highlights the value of mentorship, the impact of organizational culture, and the benefits of embracing challenges for personal and professional development.

Donna Serdula, Founder and President of Vision Board Media and LinkedIn expert, joins the show to dive into the nuances of personal branding on LinkedIn. The conversation covers the evolution of the platform from strictly professional to a space for authentic personal expression. Donna advises on the importance of consistent content creation and engagement to build a memorable brand.

Kaden Cook, a senior advisor at Summit Virtual CFO, joins the show to share his insights on the accounting profession, specifically his strategic choice of pursuing his CMA certification before the CPA certification. Joey and Kaden delve into the nuances of accounting certifications, the 150-hour rule, and the impact of technology on the field. They stress the importance of truly understanding the material over just aiming for good grades. The episode concludes with advice for young professionals to embrace AI and analytical skills. Since this episode was recorded, Kaden has passed the CPA exam!

Hannah and Joey are joined by Carol Bowser, Founder and Owner of Conflict Management Strategies, to discuss the vital topic of conflict resolution in the accounting industry. As a former employment lawyer turned conflict-resolution expert, Carol discusses the importance of empathy, understanding cultural norms, and the emotional aspects of conflict—while also offering practical advice on handling conflicts and feedback.