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The Accounting Podcast

The Accounting Podcast

By: Blake Oliver & David Leary
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 The Accounting Podcast (formerly the Cloud Accounting Podcast) is the world's #1 accounting, bookkeeping, and tax podcast! Join us weekly for a roundup of accounting news, analysis, and interviews. Plus, earn free NASBA-approved CPE credits for listening with the Earmark app. Learn more at https://earmarkcpe.com.© 2023 Earmark Media LLC Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Xero Buys Melio, QuickBooks AI Agents Are Here, More Big Four Cheating

    Xero Buys Melio, QuickBooks AI Agents Are Here, More Big Four Cheating
    Jul 3 2025
    What happens when AI agents promise to transform accounting but create more cognitive burden than productivity gains? Blake and David explore the reality behind the AI agent hype as QuickBooks, Digits, and Big Four firms launch their "digital teammates." They also dig into Xero's massive $2.5 billion acquisition of Melio and what it means for the payments landscape. You'll learn why managing AI agents might be like managing offshore contractors—you wake up to work that's 80% done but everyone has questions. Plus, they discuss how external investors are reshaping the profession, why traditional CPA protections might go the way of car dealership laws, and the ongoing problems with audit quality enforcement despite millions in PCAOB fines.Sponsors Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas Human at Scale - http://accountingpodcast.promo/humanChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome(00:42) - David's Return and Big News(01:01) - The Acquisition of Emilio by Xero(01:33) - Implications of the Acquisition(04:52) - David's Journey with Bill Pay Solutions(06:42) - Emilio's Unique Features and Market Impact(10:47) - Xero's New Features and Updates(20:56) - QuickBooks AI Agents: A Game Changer?(31:21) - Digits AI Agents and Their Potential(36:59) - Big Firms Investing in AI(39:48) - Managing AI Agents: The New Workforce(41:09) - Cognitive Load and Productivity Limits(42:45) - Infinite Workdays and AI's Role(44:48) - AI in Accounting: Potential and Pitfalls(46:30) - AI Spending Trends and Future Outlook(47:18) - Building AI Workflows and Multi-Agent Systems(50:40) - Big Four and AI Integration(52:11) - AI-Powered Pricing and Payment Solutions(58:06) - VC-Backed AI Rollups in Accounting(01:01:47) - Regulatory Challenges and Industry Changes(01:09:10) - Audit Quality and PCAOB Fines(01:18:51) - Conclusion and CPE Information Show NotesXero to acquire Melio, a leading US SMB bill pay solution, to accelerate global growth https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xero-to-acquire-melio-a-leading-us-smb-bill-pay-solution-to-accelerate-global-growth-302490268.htmlNew Zealand's Xero to buy US fintech Melio for up to $3 billion | Reutershttps://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/australia-listed-xero-acquire-fintech-melio-over-25-billion-deal-2025-06-24/Intuit Introduces Ground-Breaking Virtual Team of AI Agents to Fuel Growth for Businesses https://investors.intuit.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1258/intuit-introduces-ground-breaking-virtual-team-of-ai-agents-to-fuel-growth-for-businessesIntuit debuts AI agents for QuickBooks | Accounting Today https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/intuit-debuts-ai-agents-for-quickbooksHow AI is improving accounting efficiency – without replacing jobs | Stanford Report https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/06/ai-accounting-bookkeeping-benefits-jobsAI Is Reshaping Accounting Jobs by Doing the "Boring" Stuff | Stanford Graduate School of Business https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/ai-reshaping-accounting-jobs-doing-boring-stuffPCAOB fines Deloitte, PwC, EY Netherlands member firms for exam misconduct | Accounting Todayhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pcaob-fines-deloitte-pwc-ey-netherlands-member-firms-for-exam-misconductPCAOB Imposes Fines Totaling $8.5 Million on Netherlands Member Firms of Deloitte, PwC, and EY After Widespread Exam Misconduct https://pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/pcaob-imposes-fines-totaling--8.5-million-on-netherlands-member-firms-of-deloitte--pwc--and-ey-after-widespread-exam-misconductHow an Accounting Change Hit Store Prices - UCLA Anderson Review https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/how-an-accounting-change-hit-store-pricesNeed 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/OvercastClassifiedsREFRAME 2025 -
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Tariffs, Iran, PE, CPA Pipeline, PCAOB, SEC

    Tariffs, Iran, PE, CPA Pipeline, PCAOB, SEC
    Jun 25 2025
    What happens when 19 states simultaneously abandon the 150-hour CPA requirement while tariffs create unprecedented uncertainty for CFOs? Blake and CFO.com reporter Adam Zaki explore the rapid transformation of CPA licensure—from New York's recent changes to the coordinated state-by-state rollout that followed Barry Melancon's AICPA retirement. You'll discover how political and economic volatility is driving demand for accounting services, why the PCAOB may disappear in the Senate's tax bill, and how AI is reshaping audit teams while raising questions about the future value of CPAs. Plus, insights on navigating everything from reciprocal tariffs to the SEC's new chief accountant.Sponsors Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas Human at Scale - http://accountingpodcast.promo/humanChapters(01:38) - Tariffs and Their Impact on CFOs (03:19) - Supreme Court and Tariff Legalities (05:47) - Economic Impact of Tariffs and Inflation (08:09) - Geopolitical Conflicts and Economic Uncertainty (11:17) - Federal Reserve and Economic Policies (18:51) - CPA Pipeline and 150 Hour Rule Changes (33:08) - Chief Accountant at the SEC (40:11) - Smart Moves by Congress: Nonprofit Pay Scales (40:44) - The Impact of Budget Cuts on PCAOB (41:34) - Challenges in Government Oversight (42:02) - Senate's Big Bill: Key Changes and Controversies (46:25) - Tax Implications and Political Dynamics (52:42) - Business Deductions and Higher Education (55:40) - AI in Accounting: Transforming the Big Four (57:37) - The Future of Accounting Education (01:02:10) - AI's Role in Auditing and the Future Workforce (01:05:19) - The Impact of Automation on Jobs and Society (01:15:48) - Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook Show NotesSupreme Court Challenge to Trump Tariffs by Toy Companies https://www.reuters.com/legal/supreme-court-trump-tariffs-toy-companies-challengeConsumer Price Index Impact of Current Tariffs https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htmNew York State CPA Licensure Reform Legislation https://www.nysscpa.org/news/publications/the-trusted-professional/article/new-york-cpa-licensure-reform-passes-legislaturePennsylvania CPA Pathway Bill Senate Approval https://www.picpa.org/articles/advocacy/cpa-pathway-legislation-senate-approvalMaine CPA Exam Requirements Change https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/accountants/cpa-exam-requirementsCFO.com State-by-State CPA Licensure Tracker https://www.cfo.com/news/cpa-licensure-changes-state-tracker-2025Kurt Hoel Appointed SEC Chief Accountant https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2025-89AICPA Barry Melancon Retirement Impact Analysis https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2025/01/melancon-retirement-cpa-pipeline-changesSenate Modifications to Big Beautiful Bill https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/actionsAvalara 2025 Accountants Confidence Report https://www.avalara.com/us/en/resources/reports/2025-accountants-confidence-reportPCAOB Elimination Implications Analysis https://www.pcaobus.org/oversight/inspections/implications-elimination-analysisKPMG Clara AI Audit Platform Interview https://www.cfo.com/news/kpmg-thomas-mackenzie-clara-ai-audit-interviewPwC USA Tax Leader Agentic AI Implementation https://www.cfo.com/news/pwc-tax-agentic-ai-implementation-2025Bill.com Small Business Paperless Survey 2030 https://www.bill.com/resources/small-business-paperless-2030-surveyUniversal Technical Institute CFO Interview https://www.cfo.com/news/uti-cfo-future-higher-education-interviewNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comLearn more about Adam Zaki: Website: https://www.cfo.com/editors/azaki/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamzakinycGet 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://clo...
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • AICPA Doesn't Care If PCAOB Goes Away

    AICPA Doesn't Care If PCAOB Goes Away
    Jun 19 2025
    What happens when venture capitalists spend billions on AI but need customers to buy it? In this episode, Blake and David explore how investment firms are now purchasing accounting firms to force-feed AI adoption, comparing it to Pepsi buying restaurants to sell more soda. They also dig into the massive gap between AI promises and reality, questioning bold claims that 80% of tax prep is now automated while basic bookkeeping tools still make obvious errors. You'll learn about the AICPA's surprising neutrality on eliminating the PCAOB, Billy Long's confirmation as IRS commissioner despite his controversial past, and why accountant optimism has plummeted 58 points in just four months. Plus, discover how Miley Cyrus hid drug purchases from her accountant and why audit reports get downloaded only 30 times despite millions of investors.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relay Keeper - http://accountingpodcast.promo/keeperPayhawk - http://accountingpodcast.promo/payhawkChapters(00:57) - Updates from AICPA Engage (01:45) - AI in Accounting: Hype vs Reality (03:38) - The Future of the PCAOB (13:52) - The Role of Technology in Accounting (29:15) - Miley Cyrus' Financial Deception (29:56) - Miley Cyrus' Vintage Clothing Purchases (30:32) - Accountant's Responsibility in Client Purchases (32:11) - Billy Long Confirmed as IRS Commissioner (33:03) - Controversial Tribal Tax Credits (36:51) - Elon Musk's Opposition to the Big Beautiful Bill (46:06) - Accounting Firms' Optimism and AI Adoption (49:29) - Conclusion and Sponsor Messages Show NotesCPAacademy 2025 AI and Accounting Report https://www.cpaacademy.org/resources/ai-accounting-report-2025How to Reimagine Audit Quality Beyond the PCAOB https://www.cpajournal.com/2025/01/15/reimagining-audit-quality-beyond-pcaob/Inflow Survey: 70% of US Businesses Open to Switching Audit Firms https://www.inflowaudit.com/resources/audit-firm-switching-survey-2025Gian Porzio LinkedIn Post on Tribal Tax Credit Investigation https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gianporzio_tribal-tax-credits-investigation-billy-longEconomist-YouGov Poll on Big Beautiful Bill Public Opinion https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2025/06/13/americans-support-musk-criticism-trump-tax-billCBO Analysis of Big Beautiful Bill Wealth Transfer Effects https://www.cbo.gov/publication/61234Avalara 2025 Accountants Confidence Report https://www.avalara.com/us/en/resources/reports/2025-accountants-confidence-report.htmlCenter for Audit Quality Audit Partner Pulse Survey https://www.thecaq.org/audit-partner-pulse-survey-2025European Business Travel to US Drops 25% in April https://www.businesstravelnews.com/Management/European-Business-Travel-US-Drops-Tariff-ConcernsXero 2025 State of the Industry Report https://www.xero.com/us/resources/small-business-insights/state-of-industry-report-2025/Indiana CPA Society Survey on Firm Headcount Predictions https://www.incpas.org/resources/surveys/firm-headcount-predictions-2025BDO $1 Billion AI Strategy Investment Announcement https://www.bdo.com/insights/business-financial-advisory/technology/bdo-ai-strategy-investmentRSM $1 Billion AI Investment Plan https://rsmus.com/insights/rsm-ai-investment-strategy-2025Create Professional Alliance CPA $500 Million Investment Plan https://www.createprofessionalalliance.com/investment-strategyThrive Capital $1 Billion OpenAI Investment Details https://www.techcrunch.com/2024/08/15/thrive-capital-openai-investment-billionGeneral Catalyst Accrual AI Startup and Accounting Firm Acquisitions https://www.generalcatalyst.com/portfolio/accrual-ai-accounting-vertical-integrationNeed 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://cl...
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    58 mins
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