Why do so many accounting firms struggle to bridge the gap between their stated values and actual workplace culture? In this episode, Blake Oliver sits down with Erin Daiber, founder of Well Balanced Accountants, to explore how firms can move beyond culture theory to real operational change. You'll discover why "we've always done it this way" thinking kills retention, learn specific strategies for showing appreciation without micromanaging, and understand how being too busy prevents the culture improvements you need most. Erin shares her framework for defining your current culture honestly, creating accountability structures that stick, and making small changes that build significant cultural shifts over time.

Chapters

• (01:06) - Erin's Journey into Accounting
• (09:06) - Transition to Coaching
• (28:52) - Operationalizing Culture Change
• (30:55) - Defining Firm Values and Goals
• (33:12) - Balancing Client Service and Employee Well-being
• (35:10) - Aligning Personal and Professional Goals
• (38:09) - Overcoming Scarcity Mindset
• (46:12) - Showing Appreciation and Respect
• (53:21) - Strategies for Reducing Micromanagement
• (55:53) - Implementing and Sustaining Culture Change
• (57:46) - Conclusion and Contact Information

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Erin Daiber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpacoacherin/

Learn more about Well Balanced Accountants

Website: https://www.wellbalancedaccountants.com/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What should you tell clients when tariffs increase and hiring slows? Blake Oliver discusses with Gusto senior economist Nicholas Tremper the effects on small businesses of high tariffs, reduced job growth, and a tighter labor market influenced by immigration policy. Find out how advising on cash flow and employee benefits can help your clients identify opportunities in a post-pandemic startup boom driven by artificial intelligence.

Learn more about Gusto
https://earmarkcpe.promo/gusto

Chapters

• (01:09) - Meet the Guest: Nich Tremper, Senior Economist
• (02:36) - Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses
• (11:12) - Labor Market Trends and Challenges
• (20:37) - Strategies for Small Business Success
• (22:37) - Impact of AI
• (30:00) - Trends in Offshore Hiring
• (32:36) - Impact of Inflation on Small Businesses
• (39:47) - The Role of Accountants in Business Strategy
• (42:48) - Rise of New Business Formations
• (48:39) - Optimism for Small Businesses in 2026

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Nich Tremper

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichtremper

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Please note: This episode was recorded before changes were made to the Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminated the removal of the PCAOB.

What happens when AI agents start doing your journal entries and reconciliations? Mike Whitmire, founder and CEO of Floqast, explains why accounting AI is fundamentally different from other business applications—and why auditability creates unique challenges that many companies will struggle to overcome. In this conversation, you'll learn how Floqast Transform enables accountants to build AI agents using simple narrative descriptions, thereby creating comprehensive audit trails while automating repetitive tasks. Mike walks through real-world examples, from benefit allocation journal entries to variance analysis, demonstrating how the "human-in-the-loop" approach handles exceptions and ensures compliance. Plus, hear his vision for the future accounting professional as an "accounting cyborg" who manages AI agents rather than junior staff.

Chapters

• (00:43) - Agents in Accounting
• (01:22) - Flow Cast's AI Implementation
• (02:29) - Starting Points and Use Cases
• (04:14) - Flow Cast Transform and Integration
• (06:58) - Workflow Automation and Human Review
• (16:03) - Future of AI in Auditing
• (29:11) - Materiality Thresholds and Budget Analysis
• (30:29) - Financial Statement Narratives with AI
• (32:35) - AI in Financial Analysis and Risk Detection
• (36:02) - The Role of AI in Legislative Analysis
• (37:46) - AI Tools and Automation in Accounting
• (42:40) - The Future of Accounting with AI

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Mike Whitmire

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcwhitmire/

Learn more about FloQast

http://www.floqast.com

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/