The Accounting Podcast

Discover the chaos of Paxos's accidental minting of $300 trillion in PayPal USD as experts delve into the implications for stablecoins. Political maneuvering emerges with plans to transform IRS Criminal Investigations under the Trump administration, while NASBA faces scrutiny over flawed CPA exam data. The debate heats up over forced AI rollouts in small businesses, and can AI really help a solo accountant juggle 300 clients? Join the conversation on the future of accounting amidst a talent shortage and changing examination standards!

Could an AI catch what auditors and a CFO missed? This week, Blake and David unpack how a founder used Claude to scan QuickBooks and uncover a $2.1M embezzlement in 18 minutes. They also tackle Deloitte’s AI ‘workslop’ refund, shutdown-driven IRS and air travel woes, the IRS’s new “CEO” and crypto ties, OpenAI’s personal finance play, EY’s audit rebound, BDO’s ESOP squeeze, and crypto funds courting CPA clients.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas Rippling - http://accountingpodcast.promo/ripplingAssembly - http://accountingpodcast.promo/assemblyChapters(01:35) - Deloitte's AI Report Scandal (09:05) - Government Shutdown Impact on IRS and Air Travel (23:56) - AI in Accounting: Risks and Opportunities (34:49) - Competing with the Status Quo (35:38) - Pricing Bookkeeping Services (36:31) - Standardizing Services Based on Price (37:14) - Client Needs vs. Service Offerings (38:00) - The Monthly Close Obsession (40:01) - Broken Charts in Financial Reports (43:15) - Cracker Barrel Logo Controversy (47:08) - EY's Audit Quality Turnaround (49:53) - Crypto Investment Schemes (55:48) - BDO's Financial Struggles (01:00:34) - Conclusion and Announcements  Show NotesDeloitte to partially refund Australia for report with apparent AI-generated errors https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/deloitte-partially-refund-australian-government-report-apparent-ai-126281611Claude Exposed My Co-Founder's $2M Theft — AI Evidence Turned Into Lawsuit https://techbullion.com/claude-exposed-my-co-founders-2m-theft-ai-evidence-turned-into-lawsuit/New Research: 20% of Americans use AI tools 10X+/month, but growth is slowing and traditional search hasn't dippedhttps://sparktoro.com/blog/new-research-20-of-americans-use-ai-tools-10x-month-but-growth-is-slowing-and-traditional-search-hasnt-dipped/The Danger of Bad Charts https://www.cpajournal.com/2025/10/10/the-danger-of-bad-charts-2/Cracker Barrel's logo controversy was driven by bots https://www.nrn.com/casual-dining/cracker-barrel-s-logo-controversy-was-driven-by-bots-what-operators-should-learn-from-thisOur commitment to audit quality — Ernst & Young LLP's 2025 report https://www.ey.com/en_us/assurance/audit-quality-reportEY drops clients to improve audits after leading Big Four in deficiencies https://www.cfobrew.com/stories/2024/08/27/ey-drops-clients-to-improve-audits-after-leading-big-four-in-deficienciesOpenAI Buys Personal Finance App Roi https://www.pymnts.com/acquisitions/2025/openai-buys-personal-finance-app-roi/With its latest acqui-hire, OpenAI is doubling down on personalized consumer AI https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/03/with-its-latest-acqui-hire-openai-is-doubling-down-on-personalized-consumer-ai/BDO USA Expands Professional Services Capabilities Through HORNE https://www.bdo.com/insights/press-releases/bdo-usa-expands-professional-services-capabilities-through-horneAuditor BDO Cuts Jobs With Focus on Managing Apollo Debt https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-11/auditor-bdo-cuts-jobs-with-focus-on-managing-apollo-debtNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsCollective by DBA - https://collective.cpa/ Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe ...

The rise of AI-driven CEO impersonator scams is causing significant financial havoc. Controversy surrounds the WNBA Commissioner's management style, especially regarding her interactions with players. There’s a discussion on the need for standardizing tech stacks in accounting firms. AI's evolving role in client management raises questions about its effectiveness. The potential fallout from an IRS shutdown looms large. Innovative new CPA pathways are emerging in California and New Jersey, while funding for AI-driven accounting solutions continues to surge.

Blake and David examine the growing threat of AI-generated fake receipts, with 32% of accountants unable to recognize fraudulent documents and 30% reporting an increase in fraud since last year. They also discuss the concerning decline in entry-level auditor positions (down 43% since January) as firms adopt AI automation, while nearly half of accounts payable professionals now fear layoffs and also explore the concept of "work slop"—low-quality AI-generated work costing businesses nearly $200 per employee monthly—and debate whether firms should require clients to use standardized technology stacks, with only 37% currently doing so. SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas Rippling - http://accountingpodcast.promo/ripplingBill.com - http://accountingpodcast.promo/billBluebook - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bluebookChapters(01:43) - Headline Story: Tech Stack Adoption in Accounting Firms (03:05) - Survey Insights: Tech Stack Usage in Firms (07:15) - AI's Impact on Entry-Level Jobs (13:55) - The Rise of 'Work Slop' and Its Costs (20:44) - AI and Automation in Accounting (25:08) - Human-in-the-Loop Automation with Zapier (28:22) - AI in Tax Research and IT Blockers (30:51) - Competitive Moats and Custom Bots (32:26) - Exciting Changes in CPE Standards (34:59) - Drake Software's Cloud-Based Tax Solution (43:06) - State Department Embezzlement Scandal (44:59) - Trump's Tariff Announcements (50:28) - H-1B Visa Fee Increase (56:20) - Conclusion and CPE Information  Show Notes32% of accountants can't recognize AI-generated fake receipts https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/32-admit-they-cannot-recognize-ai-generated-fake-receiptsEntry-level auditor job postings fell 43%, per Randstad https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/entry-level-auditor-job-postings-fell-43-per-randstadAI-Generated "Workslop" Is Destroying Productivity https://hbr.org/2025/09/ai-generated-workslop-is-destroying-productivity97% say CPA firms not using tech efficiently says survey https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/97-say-cpa-firms-not-using-tech-efficiently-says-surveyCPA.com & BILL Growth Survey: How Firms Plan to Stay Ahead https://www.bill.com/blog/cpa-and-bill-growth-technology-surveyAP Pros Face Growing Layoff Concerns and See Automation as a Career Lifeline https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/09/11/ap-pros-face-growing-layoff-concerns-and-see-automation-as-a-career-lifeline-2/168818/Get more control over your workflows with Human in the Loop! https://help.zapier.com/hc/en-us/articles/38838619533069-Get-more-control-over-your-workflows-with-Human-in-the-Loop54% use AI in tax research, but search engines remain prominent https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/54-use-ai-in-tax-research-but-search-engines-remain-prominentDrake Software Introduces Drake Tax Online https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/09/24/drake-software-introduces-drake-tax-online/169572/Drake Software Launches Drake Tax Online: Powerful, Flexible Tax Software in the Cloud https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drake-software-launches-drake-tax-online-powerful-flexible-tax-software-in-the-cloud-302566087.htmlNASBA, AICPA release proposed revisions to CPE standards https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2025/sep/nasba-aicpa-release-proposed-revisions-to-cpe-standardsNASBA, AICPA Release Exposure Draft of Proposed Revisions to CPE Standardshttps://nasba.org/blog/2025/09/15/revisions-to-cpe-standards-2025/ H-1B FAQhttps://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/h-1b-faq Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser:

Are accounting firms quietly having their best year ever? Blake and David break down why revenues and partner comp are rising—despite AI anxiety—and what it means for pricing and staffing. They unpack Gusto Money’s Melio-powered bill pay, Relay’s $1B milestone, Drake’s new workflow, and AI tools that actually help (note-takers, agents, research). Plus: Trump’s biannual reporting idea, peer review for PE-backed firms, BOI reversal, and the messy ‘no tax on tips’ proposal.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay TeamUp - http://accountingpodcast.promo/teamupBluebook - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bluebookChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Revenue Insights (00:43) - Welcome to the Accounting Podcast (01:00) - Gusto Showcase Event Highlights (04:18) - The Importance of Long-Term Relationships in FinTech (08:58) - Advisory Amplified Tour Announcement (11:06) - AI in Accounting: Honest Reflections from a Tech Founder (16:48) - AI Meeting Assistants for Accounting Firms (21:03) - Comparing AI Tools: Blue Jay vs. ChatGPT (29:43) - Accounting Firms' Revenue and Compensation Growth (31:12) - Rising Costs and Accounting Firm Strategies (32:25) - NASBA's New Mobile App for CPA Exam Candidates (33:50) - Drake Software's Workflow Automation Launch (37:13) - AI in the Workplace: Surveys and Trends (41:16) - Fiverr's Shift to AI and Layoffs (44:09) - Trump's Proposal on Financial Reporting (50:01) - Private Equity and Peer Review Oversight (52:28) - Tax-Free Tips and Proposed Regulations (54:13) - AICPA and NASBA's Earn and Learn Program Shutdown (55:20) - Conclusion and Listener Engagement  Show NotesCPA Firms Report Steady Growth in Revenue and Profit, AICPA Research Finds https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/cpa-firms-report-steady-growth-in-revenue-and-profit-aicpa-research-findsVinyl Raises $2M to Build the Future of AI Meeting Assistants for Accountantshttps://www.usevinyl.com/insights/blog/vinyl-seed-funding-announcementDrake Software Unveils Powerful New Tax Workflow Automation Toolshttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drake-software-unveils-powerful-new-tax-workflow-automation-tools-302558230.htmlNASBA Releases CPA Mobile App for Future CPAs https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/nasba-releases-cpa-mobile-appAICPA Seeks Comment on Peer Review Proposal for Firms with Private Equity Backinghttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/09/16/aicpa-seeks-comment-on-peer-review-proposal-for-firms-with-private-equity-backing/169014/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsCollective by DBA - https://collective.cpa/Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Blake and David dive into the proposed HIRE Act, which could impose a hefty 25% tax on offshore labor. They discuss the impact of AI on recruitment at major firms, like PwC's reduced graduate hiring. The conversation shifts to the consequences of poor financial advice from social media and reveals a shocking fraud case involving The Epoch Times. Additionally, they explore practical strategies for AI implementation in accounting beyond basic chatbots. A mix of potential challenges and industry transformations keeps the insights fresh and engaging!

Is AI really changing accounting, or just adding shiny distractions? The hosts dive into Xero’s latest features and explore the intriguing implications of a tax exemption for tips. Listen as they discuss the IRS's staffing challenges and what it means for professionals. They also investigate the limitations of AI in automating tasks and offer smart strategies to leverage technology without losing control. Wrap it all up with insights into the future of AI and its potential impact on the workforce.

Discover how AI is reshaping accounting practices with tools like Excel's new Copilot feature. The discussion covers the pros and cons of AI-driven bank feeds in QuickBooks, including potential workload increases. Hear about the shifting roles in financial planning and analysis, and the looming threat AI poses to traditional consulting jobs. Learn about innovative partnerships, the impact of new tariff policies, and how companies like Gusto are adapting through strategic acquisitions. Get ready to enhance your productivity while navigating the challenges of AI!

Explore how AI is reshaping the accounting job market, with PwC planning to hire fewer graduates. Discover the balance between automation and human oversight in integrating AI into workflows. Learn about the challenges firms face and the dual nature of job creation versus replacement. Curious about tax enforcement? Hear how HMRC uses AI to detect fraud through social media. Plus, get insights into salary trends and the evolving landscape for accountants.

Can an AI reconcile your books while you sleep? Blake and David run a live experiment with ChatGPT-5’s Agent Mode in Xero—watching it match transactions, stumble on prepayments, and reveal what’s realistically automatable today. They also break down a flood of app news: Dext's bill pay, Ramp’s mega raise, Thomson Reuters and Deloitte’s agentic AI, plus Ignition–Financial Cents and Canopy portal moves. They dig into survey findings showing that 58% of employees are secretly using AI at work despite company bans, and take a look at how AI is disrupting the job market for college graduates. SponsorsTeamUp - http://accountingpodcast.promo/teamupRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relayHuman at Scale - http://accountingpodcast.promo/humanMissive - http://accountingpodcast.promo/missiveChapters(01:32) - Exploring AI in Accounting (02:20) - Testing ChatGPT for Accounting Tasks (05:26) - Reconciling Transactions with AI (10:27) - App News (18:34) - AI and Automation in Accounting (23:29) - Recent Raises and Acquisitions (31:10) - Government and Regulatory Updates (35:14) - AI Agent Struggles with Prepayment (35:39) - VC Investments in Accounting Firms (37:43) - Ignition and Financial Sense Integration (40:13) - Canopy's Smart Intake and AI Innovations (42:58) - AI in the Workplace: Surveys and Insights (44:39) - AI Agent Finally Figures Out Prepayment (52:36) - AI's Limitations and Future Potential (01:01:55) - Fundraising and AI in Accounting Apps (01:12:28) - Impact of AI on the market (01:13:42) - Conclusion and CPE Information  Show NotesProduct Specialist-Accounting,AI - Xerohttps://builtinlondon.uk/job/product-specialist-accounting-ai/6683466Rillet raises $70M to replace 20th-century accounting software with AI-native ERP built by accountantshttps://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/06/3128328/0/en/Rillet-raises-70M-to-replace-20th-century-accounting-software-with-AI-native-ERP-built-by-accountants.htmlAI accounting startup Rillet raises $70 million in Andreessen Horowitz, ICONIQ-led roundhttps://www.investing.com/news/economy-news/ai-accounting-startup-rillet-raises-70-million-in-andreessen-horowitz-iconiqled-round-4172975Ramp Raises $500 Million at $22.5 Billion Valuation to Accelerate AI and Build the Future of Financehttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ramp-raises-500-million-at-22-5-billion-valuation-to-accelerate-ai-and-build-the-future-of-finance-302516953.htmlRamp hits $22.5B valuation just 45 days after reaching $16Bhttps://techcrunch.com/2025/07/30/ramp-hits-22-5b-valuation-just-45-days-after-reaching-16b/IRS, White House clashed over immigrants' data before Billy Long was oustedhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/08/09/trump-administration-irs-data-dispute/Trump replaces IRS Commissioner Billy Long with Scott Bessenthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/08/08/billy-long-irs-commissioner-bessent/Trump ousts Billy Long as IRS commissioner, names Bessent acting headhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/08/08/politics/billy-long-ousted-irs-commissionerIRS Chief Forced Out After Immigrant Tax Data Pushback—Reporthttps://www.newsweek.com/irs-chief-forced-immigrant-tax-data-pushback-report-2111292Billy Long's IRS ouster follows clashes with Treasury, sparks concernhttps://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5449180-treasury-clashes-irs-commissioner/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to c...