In Episode 42 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I’m joined by Brant Hansen, co-founder of Hansen Harding, an intermediary firm that works with Private Equity to facilitate deals with accounting firms. In this episode, Brant walks us through the reasoning behind these private equity deals, how PE generates their returns on these deals, and the factors that will most often lead to a deal’s outcomes. We get really into the details on multiples arbitrage, and the firm dynamics that will lead...

In Episode 41 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I’m joined by Michael Hoover, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at Bennett Thrasher. In this episode, we cover what Bennett Thrasher does differently to remain fiercely independent and entrepreneurial at scale, how that makes them a unique place to work, why so many firms are doing PE deals and the positives and negatives of these deals. Follow Michael: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwhoover/ Get in touch with me: Website:...

In Episode 40 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I’m joined by Tim Petrey, CEO of HD Growth Partners, a regional accounting firm that was acquired this year by Ascend, a platform for firms backed by PE. Tim shares his journey with the acquisition, what it’s like working with Ascend, and how the acquisition has changed things for his team. Tim also talks about his views on the accounting industry as a whole, and what drove him to start a payroll practice while running his firm as well. We also...

In Episode 39 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Sharrin Fuller, CEO of Glass Wallet, an advisory group focused on helping firms scale more effectively as well as CEO of Core Financial Pros, an accounting firm focused on the health & wellness sector. In this episode, Sharrin and I discuss where many firm owners get stuck, and some really simple changes to make to your firm and your contracts that can make a world of difference when selling your firm. Check out our Sponsor,...

In Episode 38 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Mike Sylvester, Partner at SBS CPA Group, and most recently the founder of the collaboration room, a community for accounting professionals. In the episode, we talk about Mike’s late career pivot into accounting, how he and his wife scaled their firm together, and how they are currently doing their succession planning to retire while setting up their employees for success. We also touch on a few current topics, like the debacle...

In Episode 37 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Tony Wilson, Founder of Acquip, a virtual CFO firm for digital agencies, and Tax-Minded, a community for professionals in the tax space. In this episode, we discuss how Tony decided his area of specialization and the niche for his firm to focus on. We also cover rotational programs and the type of student jobs that will set you up for success later in your career. Follow Tony: LinkedIn:...

In Episode 36 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Ben Wann, Owner of CFO Consultants LLC, a firm built up by acquisitions. Ben walks us through how he’s made 3, and maybe soon to be 4 acquisitions in the accounting space over the last 18 months. We also get deep into the details of how he financed these acquisitions, where he found these firms, and how he’s working on integrating them all. We also discuss private equity’s involvement in the space, and how an acquirer can get...

In Episode 35 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Tal Ben Bassat, CFO and COO at Anchor. Tal has a background as a CPA as well as an attorney working in prosecuting white collar crime. He shares how being educated in both areas gave him the base he needs to be a great generalist in the business world when it comes to finance and operation and how that led him to a COO and CFO position at Anchor. Check out our Sponsor, Anchor: https://hubs.la/Q02R2ygD0 Follow Tal: LinkedIn:...

In Episode 34 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Blake Oliver, host of the Accounting Podcast, and CEO / Founder of Earmark. In part 2 of this interview, we discuss the new generation of accountants and what people are seeking from their careers, where remote work is falling short, and the flaws in the current firm model. Check out our Sponsor, Forwardly:...

In Episode 33 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Blake Oliver, host of the Accounting Podcast, and CEO/Founder of Earmark. In part 1 of this interview, we discuss Blake’s early career, transitioning to music all the way to selling his cloud-based accounting firm and how he taught himself how to build the firm along the way. We also dive deep into the topic of processes and the increasingly important role software plays in firm operations. Check out our Sponsor, Forwardly:...

In Episode 32 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Dean Blachford, an independent tax lawyer specializing in tax disputes in Canada. In this episode, we cover what differentiates tax law, and the different streams within it, Dean’s story of how he launched his own practice, and a story of stepping up to the plate when faced with career adversity. We also talk about the Blachford Tax Law Charity Softball game, an annual event which I believe to be the perfect blend of...

In Episode 31 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Isaac Perdomo, the Co-Founder of Opzer, a company which helps accounting firms improve their workflows and implement tools to automate processes. Isaac shares frameworks on the different applications of AI, the different metrics firms can use to assess the effectiveness of their processes, and where to start if you want to become a pro at automation. Check out our Sponsor, Forwardly:...

In Episode 30 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Katrina Nacci, a solo practitioner working in cross-border advisory, working out of Germany and Boston. We chat all about her journey to where she is today, the cultural difference of working in Europe versus North America and her views on Private Equity in the accounting space. Check out our Sponsor, Forwardly:...

In Episode 29 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Jason Blumer, CEO of Thriveal, and of Blumer & Associates. Jason has been a huge inspiration to me in the podcast world, showing how consistency with podcasting can lead to great business outcomes. Jason talks about the need for inspiration as a founder, and how he has become so productive by learning to leverage his time through administrative support. Follow Jason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonblumer/ Twitter:...

In Episode 28 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Nick Boscia, Partner at Boscia & Boscia P.C. who shares the stories of taking over his father’s firm with his brother and working toward modernizing the practice in order to support a more balanced lifestyle. Nick goes into detail on the initiatives he undertook to improve the firm operations and the impact of each change which now allow him to live a great lifestyle, incorporating fitness, travel and mindfulness into his...

In Episode 27 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Wade Runge, an exited partner from a small firm that was acquired, and current director at Porte Brown. Wade shares his almost 4 decade journey in public accounting with us, and recounts the stories of becoming a junior party in his late 20s and how that shaped his experience in the industry. Wade also walks us through what it was like selling his firm, and how he’s remained happy as a director at the acquiring firm for 9 years...

In Episode 26 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Chad Davis, Co-Founder and Partner at LiveCA LLP. I recently met Chad at Bridging The Gap Conference in Chicago where he was on panels discussing EOS. In this episode, we dive a little deeper into his experience implementing EOS at his firm, how that changed his experience working there and where the firm is today after the implementation. We also discuss automation as Chad has had great success with improving operational...

In this episode, I share some thoughts about broadening my horizons and information diet while I’m at Bridging the Gap 2024 in Chicago, IL.

In Episode 24 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Jeanne Hardy, Founder and CEO of Creative Business Inc., an accounting, operations and back-office support firm for the creative industries as well as the Founder and CEO of Levvy, a practice management software for accounting firms specializing in CAS offerings. In this episode, we discuss why accounting firm operators are uniquely positioned to create software for the industry, how Jeanne was able to step back from most of the...

In this episode, I share a business update about Big 4 Transparency and talk about the company’s mission. Get in touch with me: Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/ Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/ Email: [email protected] Twitter: https://twitter.com/B4Transparency LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/

In Episode 22 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Julian White, founder of Zentia AI and an expert at improving firm workflows and efficiency by implementing AI in practical manners. In this episode, we discuss where firms are finding success with AI today, some successful applications Julian has been a part of, and what accounting professionals can do to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the evolution of AI in our profession. Follow Julian LinkedIn:...

In Episode 21 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Tina Teodorescu, founder of Talent Edge Advisors, and former Chief People Officer in various accounting firms. Tina shares insights from her experience in accounting firms to shed some light on discussions being had at the most senior levels in firms. Firm leadership is generally concerned about people no longer being as motivated by the traditional partnership model, and how difficult it has become to attract and retain strong...

In Episode 20 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Jason Staats, host of the Staats Daily Podcast, Founder or Realize, and former public accounting firm partner prior to selling the practice. In this episode, we discuss Jason’s career in accounting leading to where he is today, what he’s most excited about for the profession, and advice to young professionals. We also discuss his creative process, and where he gets the inspiration for his daily podcast. Follow Jason...

In Episode 19 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Josh McGowan, Associate Director of the William H. Carr School of Accountancy at Troy University in Alabama. In this episode, we talk about what led Josh into the academic field as a CPA, and what he finds most fulfilling in the role. We also discuss how students are feeling about the accounting industry, where they are getting their information and what Josh is most excited about in the industry. Follow Josh LinkedIn:...