In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, we sit down with Tim O’Neill, a senior manager at Whitley LLP, to discuss how young professionals can make a big impact in accounting. Tim shares his journey from starting in a big CPA firm to becoming a thought leader in the profession, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring the next generation of CPAs.

Topics covered in this episode:

• How to build a personal brand while working at a big firm.
• Strategies to stand out and influence within the accounting profession.
• Balancing technical expertise with leadership, empathy, and innovation.
• Opportunities for young professionals to shape the future of accounting.
• How CPAs can leverage thought leadership, state societies, and networking.

Whether you’re an aspiring CPA, a young professional in finance, or someone interested in leadership and influence, this episode offers actionable insights to grow your career and make a difference.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on accounting leadership and innovation!

Leaders of the Ledger spotlights innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping accounting's future with practical insights and proven strategies. The podcast is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. Learn more about episodes and recaps at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

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In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, we dive into the changing landscape of the accounting profession with Rachel Farris, a young and dynamic CPA from San Francisco. With Gen Z and millennials bringing a fresh perspective, accounting is no longer the old, traditional career it used to be. From the rise of remote work to embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain, Rachel shares her journey of pushing for change and making the profession more exciting for young people.

Rachel opens up about:

• How the profession is evolving with the emergence of new technologies.
• Why the image of accounting has taken a hit and how to fix it.
• The entrepreneurial mindset that accountants need to adopt.
• How to leverage a personal brand to build trust and expand influence.
• Rachel’s passion for educating and inspiring the next generation of accountants.

If you’re curious about how the accounting industry is changing and how young influencers are leading the charge, this episode is for you!

Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps, and more at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

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Leaders of the Ledger is an ongoing podcast series spotlighting the innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping the future of accounting with practical insights and proven strategies.

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, Rob Brown speaks with Mac Lillard, Senior Manager at GRF, about his influential role in the accounting profession. Mac shares his passion for advocating for the accounting degree and its potential to shape diverse career paths, including risk management, forensic auditing, and digital transformation.

Learn how Mac navigated his career from a financial statement auditor to a leader in advisory services, and how he uses thought leadership and mentorship to inspire the next generation of accountants.

In a rapidly changing industry driven by technology and AI, Mac discusses how staying ahead of trends and building a personal brand can help accounting professionals thrive. Don't miss his advice on continuous learning, upskilling, and getting comfortable with public speaking to elevate your career and make a lasting impact on the profession.

Tune in for actionable tips and stories that can help you stand out in the accounting world!

Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps, and more at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:

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Leaders of the Ledger is an ongoing podcast series spotlighting the innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping the future of accounting with practical insights and proven strategies.

What happens when CPAs step beyond compliance and bring their skills into the worlds of creators, entertainers, and gamers?

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown talks with Kendale King, CPA and founder of CPACon, about how he’s redefining what it means to be an accountant. Kendale shares his journey from Deloitte auditor to business manager for content creators, his perspective on the accounting talent crisis, and why compliance-only careers are no longer sustainable.

From gamifying recruitment and retention to building advisory-first firms, Kendale outlines a bold vision for the profession—one where CPAs align their work with passion, embrace entrepreneurial opportunities, and thrive in the age of AI.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why the accounting profession faces a talent crisis—and what needs to change.
• How gamification can transform recruiting and retention.
• The rise of business management services for creators, entertainers, and gamers.
• Predictions for solo entrepreneurial firms and AI’s role in the profession.
• Tips for CPAs who want to become influential and break out of traditional paths.

Whether you’re an accountant, an aspiring CPA, or simply curious about the future of accounting and entertainment, this conversation is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

Leaders of the Ledger is an ongoing podcast series spotlighting the innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping the future of accounting with practical insights and proven strategies.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:

Twitter: https://x.com/cpapracadvisor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpapracticeadvisor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3927201/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPAPracticeAdvisor

Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps, and more at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

What happens when burnout becomes the spark for building a thriving CPA firm?

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with Kathryn Horton, CPA, to talk about her bold move from national firms to starting her own practice, her passion for data analytics, and why personal branding matters more than ever for accountants.

Kathryn also shares insights on the role of mentors, how networking transformed her career, and why AI could soon become “the auditor of the future.”

Whether you’re an aspiring CPA, an established professional, or simply curious about the changing face of accounting, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps, and more at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:

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Leaders of the Ledger is an ongoing podcast series spotlighting the innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping the future of accounting with practical insights and proven strategies.

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, Caleb Jenkins, an Enrolled Agent (EA), shares his unique journey into the world of accounting, not as a traditional CPA, but as an educator and mentor, committed to reshaping the profession. Caleb discusses the evolution of accounting, the impact of AI, and why he believes human connection remains at the heart of the industry.

From his early days helping his mom with QuickBooks and sending invoices for homemade cookies, Caleb’s love for accounting grew organically. He talks about how mentorship, relationships, and communication have been central to his career and the profession as a whole. Caleb also offers predictions for the future, including the emergence of new AI-first tax software and the importance of becoming more human in the age of AI.

Key Highlights:

• Caleb's origins in accounting and how he got his start at a young age
• The importance of mentorship and relationship-building in accounting
• How AI is transforming the accounting profession and creating new opportunities
• Caleb’s views on human connection and staying adaptable in the face of technology
• Predictions for the future of accounting software and industry trends
• Advice for young professionals looking to influence the industry

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in accounting, finance, or business, offering insights into how to balance technical expertise with the human element of mentorship and relationships.

Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Connect with the Speakers:
Caleb Jenkins - an Enrolled Agent (EA). Connect with Caleb on LinkedIn.
Rob Brown – International podcast host and accounting influencer. Connect with Rob on LinkedIn.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:

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In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown speaks with Goran Gmitrovic, founder of Outlook Accounting & Taxes, named one of CPA Practice Advisor’s 40 Under 40. Goran shares his inspiring journey from Croatia to Chicago, his path from football player to firm owner, and how he’s growing Outlook into a top 500 firm.

We dive into topics like:

• Building a professional services firm from scratch.
• The challenges and sacrifices behind entrepreneurial success.
• The impact of AI and automation on accounting.
• Private equity’s growing role in the profession.
• Why human relationships and culture remain the core of accounting.

This conversation is about leadership, resilience, and the evolving future of the accounting profession.

Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Connect with the Speakers:
Goran Gmitrovic – Founder, Outlook Accounting & Taxes (Chicago, IL), and co-founder of Simply Flow AI. Connect with Goran on LinkedIn.
Rob Brown – International podcast host and accounting influencer. Connect with Rob on LinkedIn.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:

Twitter: https://x.com/cpapracadvisor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpapracticeadvisor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3927201/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPAPracticeAdvisor

This is the premiere episode of Leaders of the Ledger, brought to you by CPA Practice Advisor. While technology dominates much of the conversation in accounting, this podcast focuses on the people—the leaders driving change with courage, culture, and vision.

Hosted by Rob Brown, this show highlights the human side of accounting: the disruptors, culture builders, rainmakers, and unsung heroes reshaping the profession.

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Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Connect with the Speakers:
Rob Brown – International podcast host and accounting influencer. Connect with Rob on LinkedIn.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:

Twitter: https://x.com/cpapracadvisor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpapracticeadvisor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3927201/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPAPracticeAdvisor