This episode marks the Accounting Leaders Podcast’s 50th release. To celebrate, we flipped the tables on our show host and Karbon CEO, Stuart McLeod. No question was off limits. In this episode, Karbon’s Content Marketing Specialist, Jess Marcello, and Marketing Development Manager, George Connor, had a lively conversation with Stuart about the hardest part of running a growing firm, how to find meaning and purpose in work, Karbon’s culture, Stuart’s favorite Karbon employee, and everything...

Zane Stevens is the Director of Protea Financial—an accounting and bookkeeping firm specializing in wineries. In this episode, Zane talks about his life in South Africa, how he got into accounting, and what made him move to the US to start working in the winery consulting space. Zane and Stuart discuss what’s unique about winery accounting, how they attract clients, and what the future holds for Protea Financial.

Jim Dunham is the President and General Manager of IRIS Software Group. With over 25 years of experience leading enterprise software companies across the public and private sectors, Jim is a seasoned executive in accountancy and tax markets. In this episode, Jim shares the story of his professional journey, his experience working in different industries, and how he ended up in accounting. Stuart and Jim discuss how cloud technology changed everything, how it developed over time, and where the...

Michael Ly is the Founder and CEO of Reconciled—a virtual bookkeeping and accounting firm for busy business owners and entrepreneurs across the US. He is also a Co-Founder of PunchPay—a small micro-loan fintech startup that offers post-payment and micro-installment loans for small business expenses. In this episode, Michael shares how his family escaped Cambodia as refugees and relied on entrepreneurship to survive the new world, his introduction to accounting, and the entrepreneurial spirit...

Joe Cox is the Founder and Managing Partner of Ecommerce Accountants LLP—the leading accountancy in the UK for e-commerce businesses. In this episode, Joe shares his story of being an e-commerce seller who spotted an opportunity to serve like-minded entrepreneurs in the accounting domain (eventually creating Ecommerce Accountants). Joe and Stuart discuss the trajectory of Ecommerce Accountants, their tech stack, the nuances of working in this niche, the impact of COVID and Brexit on...

Andrew Hunzicker is the Founder of Dope CFO, a comprehensive cannabis accounting and tax training program, which helps firms in over 25 states unlock a new world of clients. In this episode, Andrew shares his professional journey, how he started working in the cannabis industry, and what cannabis accounting looks like. Stuart and Andrew also discuss the complexities that he faces in his work, and how the government treats cannabis businesses.

Graeme Tennick is the Founder and Chief Legacy Maker at Tennick Accountants. Before founding his own company, Graeme worked in a small accounting practice and eventually moved to senior roles in PwC and public sector organizations. In this episode, Graeme shares his professional journey, entrepreneurial passion from a young age, and business-first accounting second approach. Graeme and Stuart also discuss an accountant's purpose and the rewarding impact they can have on their clients’ lives.

Gary Bell is the Co-Founder and Partner at FLB Accountants, an independent firm of Chartered Accountants based in the UK. In this episode, Gary and Stuart chat about Gary’s experience attending the first-ever Karbon customer conference in Lake Tahoe, FLB’s rationale for going hybrid, working with high-profile clients such as Apple TV, Netflix, and Amazon, and some exciting projects he’s working on in the renewable energy space.

Martin Bown is the founder and managing director of My Management Accountant—an accountancy service that works with small businesses across the UK to help them save time and money. In this episode, Martin shares his professional journey, My Management Accountant's story, and how they operate. Martin and Stuart also discuss his life outside of work, including sports and the joys of living the village life with his family.

Twyla Verhelst is the Head of FreshBooks Accountant Channel, leading the Accounting Partner Program, and has been recognized as one of Ignition’s Top 50 Women in Accounting. In this episode, Twyla and Stuart discuss the state of the accounting profession, how COVID forced the industry to evolve and why there is a shortage of young professionals in the industry. They also talk about the importance of diversity, the accounting community, and what running a marathon and running a business have...

Kyle Bryant is the Managing Partner of Market Street Partners in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Kyle oversees the firm’s operations and has provided assurance, tax, and business consulting services for over a decade. In this episode, Kyle and Stuart discuss the rapid growth of Chattanooga, what attracts businesses to invest in the region, and what the projections are for the future. As a manager of the largest transaction in Chattanooga’s history, Kyle is a top-tier professional in his city and...

Chris Williams is the CEO of System Six, a modern accounting firm focused on providing dream accounting careers to their team members and superior services for their clients. In this episode, Chris explains how to achieve just that, including the criteria for selecting System Six for acquisition and what challenges he faced along the way. Besides Chris' journey with System Six, he and Stuart also discuss life outside work, the best golf spots in the Bay Area, and how his wedding preparation...

Andrew Jordon is the CEO and Founder of Connect4, a meeting platform that enables structured and efficient client meetings. Apart from a successful business career, Andrew is also the youngest trustee and treasurer at Prison Fellowship, the world's largest Christian non-profit organization for prisoner and justice reform. In this episode, Andrew and Stuart talk about Andrew's early career, the story of finding Connect4 and where it's heading. They also discuss charity, and how Andrew's values...

Dave is the Founder of Tidemark. He has 20+ years of experience in investing, advising, and building technology companies. In this episode, Dave and Stuart discuss the difference between technology companies in 1999 vs. 2021, how technology in accounting has been developing, and why Dave chooses to work with B2B software companies. Dave also talks about his passion for venture capital, and what the future holds for him and his company.

Martin Chee is the CFO and Co-Founder at Amaka, an accounting integrations system that allows firms to automate their data entry processes. In this episode, Martin and Stuart dive into the story of Amaka, how it delivers value to clients, and the challenges and complexities that Martin faces in this niche. They also discuss Martin’s professional journey, how to work with clients efficiently, and the impact the pandemic had on his business.

Simon is the CEO and Co-Founder of Stamped Technologies, a tech-enabled audit firm focusing on year-end compliance services that leverage technology, purposely built AI, and seasoned CPAs. In this episode, Simon and Stuart discuss the technological advancements in the accounting industry, Simon’s career journey, and the story of Stamped. They deep-dive into the application of AI in the industry and how Simon sees the development of Stamped in the future.

Jeremy Hyman is the Founder and Principal of Jeremy Hyman Associates, an IT services and consulting company that helps firms make sound IT decisions. With over 25 years of experience in the professional services sector and a degree in law, Jeremy is an IT manager, partner, software developer, and management consultant. In this episode, Jeremy and Stuart discuss multiple technological breakthroughs over the last two years, as well as some things to keep an eye out in the future. They also chat...

Edward Chan is a Co-Founder of Wize Mentoring and a Non-Executive Chairman at Chan & Naylor. He started Chan & Naylor from his kitchen table and grew it to 10 offices around Australia with 160 staff and 15,000 clients. He then co-founded Wize Mentoring, which is now in 47 countries, connecting over 125,000 accountants. In this episode, Ed shares his tips on how to grow your business without sacrificing your life. He and Stuart dig into the success of Chan & Naylor, what the...

Matthew May is the VP of Sales & Marketing at Acuity, a virtual accounting solution for entrepreneurs. In this episode, Matthew and Stuart discuss how important it is to have a partner and mutual support in both rewarding and challenging times. They also talk about how Acuity has transformed throughout the years and the main challenges of a company's growth. Tune in for this inspirational discussion that dives deep into the challenges of partnership and leadership.

Jeff Phillips is the CEO of Padgett, one of the largest tax and accounting firms in North America. He also founded the recruitment platform Accountingfly in 2012 and has been recognized as one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People for helping solve the hiring challenges of CPA firms. In this episode, Jeff and Stuart discuss combining work with vacation while being remote, the story of Accountingfly, and what it takes to be a great leader. They also talk about holidays, Jeff's...

Kenji Kuramoto is the Founder & CEO of Acuity, one of the largest CAS accounting firms in the US. Kenji has provided thousands of companies with a full range of financial solutions, from high-level strategic financial counsel to virtualized bookkeeping and tax services. In this episode, Kenji and Stuart discuss the challenges of growing a company, building a strong culture, and the importance of being flexible for employees. They also talk about discussing sensitive topics in the...

As the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at AICPA, Crystal Cooke focuses on increasing the representation of minority groups in the accounting profession. In this episode, Crystal explains the current state of diversity and inclusion in the accounting industry, including ways to promote it and what AICPA is doing about it. Join Crystal and Stuart as they dissect the typical profile of the US accountant, and delve into the statistics around minority professionals.

Joe David is the Founder and Managing Director of two UK-based firms: Nephos and a leading crypto accounting firm, Myna. In this episode, Stuart and Joe discuss crypto accounting and regulations, what the future of this space might look like, and how it can change our lives. Tune in for a great chat to learn about crypto and the future of podcasts in the metaverse.

Katie Bryan is the CEO and Founder of Propeller Advisory—a successful multi-figure accounting and business advisory firm based in Melbourne, Australia. She’s a business owner, mum to a newborn, wife, sister, and also helps her clients build businesses and lives they deserve. In this episode, Stuart and Katie discuss the accounting industry, the story of Propeller Advisory, and what made Katie open a venture to inspire women business owners.

Scott Scarano is the President of Padgett Business Services in North Carolina. He leads a team of unique advisors who share his passion for helping small businesses thrive. In this episode, Stuart and Scott discuss the impact of social media on productivity, Scott’s journey with Padgett, the parallels between cartels and accounting, and interacting with people in a post-COVID world. Scott also shares his unique story of learning how to run a business and what led him to be a podcast host.