In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, Calvin Harris Jr. speaks with Nadia Maria Matthie, an experienced financial services audit partner. They discuss Nadia's journey into accounting, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges faced in the accounting profession, including branding, retention, and cyber threats. Nadia emphasizes the need for exposure to the profession for young people, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, and her commitment to giving back through mentorship and support for future accountants.

They also discuss the critical role of accountants in data protection, trust-building, and the economy. They explore the misconceptions surrounding the profession, the need for better branding, and the importance of financial literacy from a young age. The discussion emphasizes the unsung heroism of accountants and the necessity of educating future generations about money management to empower them financially.

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, Calvin Harris Jr. interviews Brittany Bartula, a CPA and clinical assistant professor of accounting at the University of Buffalo. They discuss Brittany's journey into accounting, the importance of introductory courses in shaping students' perceptions of the profession, and the challenges posed by rapidly changing technology and AI in accounting education.

Brittany emphasizes the need to break down stereotypes about accounting careers and highlights the diverse opportunities available in the field.

In this engaging conversation, Brittany Bartula and Calvin Harris Jr. discuss the importance of basic math skills in accounting, the need for innovative teaching methods, and the significance of financial literacy for young children.

Brittany shares her vision for revolutionizing accounting education through immersive experiences and her journey in writing a children's book aimed at introducing financial concepts to kids. The discussion also touches on the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and finding hobbies outside of work.

In this episode of the Trusted Professional podcast, Nicole DeRosa, CPA, shares her journey into the accounting profession, discussing her early experiences, the challenges faced by accountants, and the importance of changing perceptions about the field. She emphasizes the need for accountants to promote the positive aspects of their profession and highlights the value of being a generalist in a world that often pushes for specialization. Nicole also discusses her passion for wellness and how it plays a crucial role in avoiding burnout and maintaining a balanced life while pursuing a fulfilling career in accounting and taxation. In this engaging conversation, Nicole DeRosa and Calvin Harris Jr. discuss the importance of maintaining a work-life balance through passion projects, the need for innovation in the accounting profession, and the lasting impact of COVID-19 on workplace culture. They explore how the pandemic has reshaped remote work dynamics and presentation skills, while also sharing insights on the portrayal of accountants in media. Nicole shares her unique career bifurcation, balancing traditional tax compliance with her role as a brand ambassador, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in professional branding.

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, host Calvin Harris Jr. speaks with Beth Van Bladel, a seasoned CPA with over three decades of experience in accounting. Beth shares her journey into the accounting profession, highlighting the importance of early exposure and hands-on experience. She discusses her internship experiences at prestigious firms, the challenges facing the accounting profession today, and the significance of adapting to a multi-generational workplace culture. Beth emphasizes the need for organizations to understand and value the diverse perspectives of different generations in the workforce. In this conversation,

Beth discusses the importance of creating a safe environment for change within organizations, emphasizing the value of finance and accounting departments beyond mere compliance. She highlights the need for investment in technology to enhance strategic decision-making and shares her vision for innovating nonprofit accounting processes. Additionally, she encourages CFOs to assess their roles and responsibilities to maximize their impact within their organizations.

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, Dr. Sean Stein Smith shares his journey into the accounting profession, highlighting the importance of embracing technology such as AI and blockchain. He discusses the challenges facing the accounting profession, including the need for adaptation to new tools and trends.

Dr. Smith emphasizes the broad spectrum of opportunities available to CPAs beyond traditional audit and tax roles. He advocates for continuous education as a means to remain relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.

The conversation also touches on the perception of accounting careers and the importance of recognizing opportunities in midsize firms. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about fictional accountants and their portrayal in media.

Summary

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, host Calvin Harris Jr. interviews Renata Serban, a CPA and CMA with a unique background in cannabis accounting. Renata shares her unconventional journey from Kazakhstan to becoming a leading figure in the cannabis accounting space.

The conversation explores the challenges faced by accountants today, misconceptions about the profession, and the importance of accountants in the cannabis industry. Renata also discusses innovative ideas for attracting new talent to the profession and the future of cannabis accounting amidst changing regulations.

Takeaways

• Renata's journey from Kazakhstan to accounting is inspiring.
• The accounting profession is facing significant challenges today.
• Misconceptions about accountants being mere tax preparers persist.
• The cannabis industry presents unique opportunities for accountants.
• Engaging middle schoolers can help raise awareness about accounting.
• Accountants need to adapt to technological advancements.
• Renata emphasizes the importance of empathy in client relationships.
• The cannabis industry is evolving, and accountants play a crucial role.
• Innovative ideas are needed to attract new talent to accounting.
• The future of cannabis accounting is promising with potential reforms.

Summary

In this episode of The Trusted Professional Podcast, host Calvin Harris Jr. speaks with Mark Mallare, an audit manager and next-gen chair of the Buffalo chapter of the CPA society. They discuss Mark's journey into accounting, the challenges facing the profession, the perception of accountants as workaholics, and the importance of educating the next generation about diverse career paths in accounting. Mark emphasizes the need for accountants to tell better stories about their profession and to connect with students to inspire future generations.

Takeaways

• Mark Mallare emphasizes the importance of engaging younger CPAs.
• The accounting profession faces challenges, particularly in the pipeline of new talent.
• Accountants often have a negative perception as workaholics.
• Education about diverse career paths in accounting is crucial for students.
• Mark's journey into accounting was influenced by his interest in math and job security.
• The CPA exam, while challenging, opens many doors for career opportunities.
• Accountants should focus on the positives of their profession rather than the negatives.
• Building personal connections is essential in the accounting field.
• Mark advocates for better storytelling to improve the profession's image.
• The future of accounting relies on educating and inspiring the next generation.

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, host Calvin Harris Jr. speaks with Timothy Hammond, CPA, about his journey into the accounting profession, the challenges faced by the industry, and the importance of mentorship and communication skills. They discuss the staffing crisis in accounting, misconceptions about the profession, and the role of NYCPA in supporting CPAs. Timothy shares his thoughts on the future of the CPA profession and proposes a thought experiment about temporarily trying roles outside of public accounting. The conversation concludes with a light-hearted discussion about favorite fictional accountants and reflections on the profession.