Shows
CPA Trendlines PodcastsStudents Challenge Accounting's Traditional Career Path | ARCEmerging professionals and a Gen X CFO explore mentorship, curiosity, and why success no longer wears a suit and tie.Accounting ARCWith Arpan Grewal and Chayton FarleeCenter for Accounting TransformationWhen you think of accounting, do you picture spreadsheets and number crunchers locked in back offices? Think again.In a special student-led edition of the Accounting ARC podcast, high school senior and Center for Accounting Transformation intern Arpan Grewal joins college accounting student Chayton Farlee and seasoned professional Nealy Wheat, CAE, SPHR...
2025-07-2449 min
The Accounting PodcastExcel Still Trumps AI, Tariffs Under Threat, QBO Price Increases Justified?What happens when a major newspaper publishes a summer reading list where only five of the 15 books actually exist? Blake and David explore this real example of AI-generated content gone wrong and what it means for accounting professionals who increasingly rely on automated tools. They break down QuickBooks' latest price increases, demonstrate how AI can now build complex consolidation spreadsheets in minutes, and discuss why Excel skills still outrank AI knowledge in finance hiring. Plus, they examine the legal challenges facing Trump's tariff policies, alternative CPA pathway expansion, and hear from accounting student Jason Farley about the dangerous gap...
2025-06-051h 27
The Big 4 Transparency PodcastMastering Networking and Unlocking Opportunities with Chayton FarleeIn Episode 58 of the Big 4 Transparency Podcast I’m joined by Chayton Farlee, a friend of mine in the accounting space and a student filled with boundless enthusiasm for the industry. Chayton is passionate about cloud accounting, CAS, and the opportunities that exist in the accounting profession for young professionals and students alike. Connect with Chayton:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaytonfarlee/Get in touch with me:Website: https://www.big4transparency.com/Newsletter: https://big4transparency.beehiiv.com/Email: dom@big4transparency.comTw...
2025-03-2034 min
From Zero to Millions: Accounting EditionHow to Harness The Power of Personal Branding for Accountants with Chayton FarleeWe have the pleasure of talking with Chayton Farlee, an inspiring figure in the world of accounting. He takes us on a journey from his high school days to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the industry. He shares his story of discovering accounting as a career path, highlighting the pivotal moments that led him to where he is today. We dive deep into the importance of building a personal brand in the accounting field and explore how Chayton has leveraged social media to create opportunities that propelled his career forward. As he opens up...
2024-10-3023 min
The Young CPA Success ShowAccounting Myths 101: Suits, Ties, and Other Lies with Chayton Farlee“Finding a good mentor can be hard, but it is such a big deal. My internship opened my eyes to all the possibilities the industry has to offer.” – Chayton Farlee The finer details of this episode:The need for modernizing content delivery methods in the accounting profession.The potential of using platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn to engage younger audiences.The importance of mentorship and networking for accounting students.The challenges faced by students in understanding the diverse career paths in accounting.The significance of practical experience and internships in preparing for accounting careers.The role...
2024-10-0758 min
Accounting Conversations30 EA vs. CPA: The Great Certification Debate featuring Parker Ling, EAJoin Chayton Farlee and Parker Ling as they discuss the Enrolled Agent (EA) certification and explore various career options in accounting. Parker shares his reasons for choosing the EA path instead of becoming a CPA, highlighting the unique opportunities for growth in the tax field. They also discuss how taking charge of your career and specializing in a specific area can lead to greater fulfillment. To cap off the episode, they delve into a comparison of the EA and CPA exams and discuss the importance of following your career dreams.
Connect with Parker Ling...
2024-09-1746 min
Accounting Conversations29 Pizza Parties Don’t Cut It: Real Solutions for the Accounting Profession featuring THE FUN CPAIn this conversation, Chayton Farlee and Kaden Cook interview Yuri Kapilovich, also known as The Fun CPA. They discuss the importance of networking on LinkedIn, the value of meaningful relationships, and the need for authenticity on social media. They also talk about the journey from staff to firm owner, the significance of gaining diverse experiences, and the importance of managing workload and expectations. They touch on the challenges in public accounting, such as the pipeline issue and the need for firms to prioritize their staff. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, communication, and creating a positive...
2024-09-1159 min
Accounting Conversations28 Lessons from a Big 4 Intern featuring Donovan FoxDonovan Fox, a BYU accounting student and former KPMG intern, shares his journey into accounting and his experience as an intern. He discusses how he chose accounting after initially planning to go to dental school, and how he was drawn to the field after taking an accounting class.
Donovan also talks about his internship at KPMG, where he worked on assurance and audit projects for clients like Cafe Rio and a real estate company. He highlights the importance of work-life balance and the supportive culture at KPMG.
Donovan also shares his current part-time job at...
2024-09-0236 min
Accounting Conversations27 The Unique Structure and Culture of Dark Horse CPAs Featuring Marcus SteinfeldThere are a few accounting firms that are leading the way into the future. One of the most innovative firms doing this is Dark Horse CPA's! They have created a whole new structure and culture that is going to change the way that accounting firms operate forever!
Marcus Steinfeld is an accountant at Dark Horse CPA's and is a great mentor to young accounting professionals! In the episode he digs into what makes Dark Horse special and how young accountants can leverage mentors to have a more fulfilling career.
A bonus Xero vs QuickBooks debate...
2024-08-2147 min
Accounting Conversations26 Big Announcement About the Future of Accounting Conversations!Accounting Conversations is taking a massive step into the future by welcoming a new cohost, Kaden Cook CPA, CMA!
Kaden will bring the perspective of a Senior Associate to each episode as well as the experience of working at one of the leading Cloud Accounting Firms, Summit Virtual CFO!
Together Chayton and Kaden hope to bring new perspectives and fun conversations to future episodes!
Special thanks to Big 4 Transparency for sponsoring this episode! Dom is leading the charge in bringing compensation transparency to the accounting profession! Make sure to visit the website below...
2024-08-1216 min
Accounting Conversations25 From Personal Training to Fractional CFO to Content Creator: Lukas Sundahl's Unique Career JourneyContent creation has taken the accounting world by storm. It is a great way to build a brand and stand out from the crowd! It is proving the world wrong that accountants are boring!
Lukas Sundahl is doing this better than anyone. He consistently puts out hilarious and relatable content that shows the world how great accounting is! He has made accounting fun!
In this episode of Accounting Conversations, Lukas Sundahl digs into his unorthodox career journey from a Personal Trainer to a Fractional CFO.
He also gives great advice on how young...
2024-08-0651 min
Accounting Conversations24 Revolutionizing Compensation: A New Era for Accountants with Logan Graf, CPAFor decades accountants have been overworked, underpaid, and unsatisfied with their work. Work and life were not balanced.
Today there is a group of accountants who are changing the game. They are tech-forward, happy, incredibly smart, content creators, and they have a work-life balance. This group is finally doing everything right that has been done wrong for the past decades.
They have one big secret, it is pricing! They charge what they are actually worth which allows them to work less and work only with the clients they want! Pricing is one of the biggest...
2024-07-2451 min
Accounting High217 Timeless Guidance from an Accounting Student (feat. Chayton Farlee)Episode 217
FACULTY: Chayton Farlee
CLASS: #TheGuide
Join us in this enlightening episode where young accounting professional Chayton Farlee shares his journey of discovering the vibrant side of accounting beyond the classroom. Tune in to hear his insightful conversation on breaking free from the traditional 'Big Four' mindset, the importance of real-world experience, and his passion for making accounting both fun and impactful.
📣 Shout Outs:
Blake Oliver, David Leary, Cloud Accounting Podcast, Logan Graff, Jason Staats, Ryan Lazanis, Liz Mason, XeroCon, Scaling New Heights, Randy Crabtree, The Unique CPA, EY, Xero...
2024-07-2153 min
Accounting Conversations23 How to Become an Automation Expert with Isaac PerdomoThe future of the accounting profession will rely a lot on technology. Automation and AI are helping take the data entry and mundane jobs away from accountants so that they can focus on more important tasks.
For accounting professionals to be relevant in the coming years it is imperative that they are tech savvy and that they become automation experts.
Entry-level accountants can have an impact from day one if they know how to leverage technology to save time and money.
Isaac Perdomo is an accounting automation expert. He co-founded Opzer which helps...
2024-07-1830 min
Accounting Conversations22 Finding Fulfillment in Your Career with Freeman Scott Bedwell, CPAOne of the most underrated benefits of getting an accounting degree is the versatility that it brings. There are hundreds of different paths that an accounting major can take. Tax and Audit are just the tip of the iceberg.
With so many different paths to take it is essential that young accounting professionals find great mentors who can guide them.
This week's guest is Freeman Scott Bedwell, CPA. He is a Senior Tax Manager at Richey May. Freeman gives amazing advice on how to make the most of your career!
He also discusses...
2024-07-0956 min
Accounting Conversations21 The Impact of Technological Skills and Continuous Learning with Kevin Kimball MAcc, CPA, CIDAThe accounting field has changed immensely in the past decade. With those changes have come challenges but also great opportunities. With the right mindset, today's accounting students are uniquely positioned to ride the wave of change to success!
Two major things that young accounting professionals can do to ensure success in their careers are to focus on technological skills, and always have a growth mindset! Technology is changing the profession at a rapid pace, and those with the right skillset will jump to the top!
This week's guest is Kevin Kimball, MAcc, CPA, CIDA. He...
2024-07-0329 min
Accounting Conversations20 How to Choose Your Own Adventure with an Accounting Degree with Dr. Jack Castonguay PhD, CPAMany different degrees have different career paths. An accounting degree is so special because it opens the door to so many different opportunities. Accounting professionals can choose from hundreds of different roles and many different career paths!
The guest for this week's episode is Dr. Jack Castonguay, PhD, CPA. Dr. Castonguay is a professor at Hofstra University and is also the Vice President of Learning and Development at Surgent. In the episode, he shares a few of his hot takes about the accounting pipeline problems and also shares why the accounting profession is such an exciting place...
2024-06-2645 min
Accounting Conversations19 Adding Rocket Fuel to Your Career Trajectory Through Internships with Heather MillerMany students struggle to land and find good jobs after graduating from college. Getting that first job when you still have no experience is extremely difficult, but there is a hack that can help you be prepared to land your dream role right out of school. That is internships!
Internships are incredibly important to career development. Not only do they provide the perfect place to learn while the stakes are low, but they also allow for great opportunities to network with other professionals.
Heather Miller is an Internship Expert! She did six internships as an...
2024-06-1433 min
Accounting Conversations18 The Power of Experience in Your Accounting Education with Joseph Timothy, CPBTo really learn accounting, it is critical to have real-world practice along with everything you are learning in the classroom.
Joseph Timothy, CPB is the perfect example of a student who went out of his way to make learning accounting outside of the classroom a priority.
He has been providing tax and bookkeeping services at H&R Block for over two years now along with studying full-time. He also recently became a Certified Public Bookkeeper.
In the episode, Joseph shares his experience and gives great advice to students about how they can become...
2024-06-0838 min
Accounting Conversations17 The New Accounting Career Road Map with Randy CrabtreeAccounting is changing for the better! It will involve more remote work, better work-life balance, better pay, and increased opportunities to add REAL value to clients. How can young professionals navigate the new and unknown landscape?
In this week's episode, Randy Crabtree shares key insights that all young accountants can use to get the most out of their accounting careers and take advantage of the changes that are coming. Randy is one of the top voices in the accounting world right now! He hosts both the Unique CPA Podcast and the Bridging the Gap Conference!
...
2024-05-2949 min
Accounting Conversations16 How Communication Can Transform Your Accounting Career with Jeff BartschAccountants do so much more than just compliance, they help their clients understand financial data and they help their clients' businesses grow. To really add the most value possible to your clients, you must be a master communicator!
Jeff Bartsch is the world's best storyteller! He spent 20 years in Hollywood telling stories for names like ABC, Netflix, NBC, Disney, Apple, and many more! He understands exactly how to leave a lasting impact on an audience. He now is teaching accountants how to use storytelling to transform their businesses!
In the episode, Jeff explains how human...
2024-05-2349 min
Accounting Conversations15 How to make 6 Figures Only Working 15 Hours a Week with Erica Goode, CPAAn accounting career doesn't just have to be crazy busy seasons at a huge firm downtown, stay-at-home parents can have incredible careers as well!
Erica Goode, CPA is changing the game for accounting professionals. She started her career out at KPMG and then moved into industry accounting at Walgreens. Since then, she has had a family and built her own accounting firm at the same time.
Erica is changing the game for accounting professionals who want to practice accounting and also have a family! It is 100% possible and you...
2024-05-1733 min
Accounting Conversations14 How to Take Part in the New Age of Accounting with Seth FinebergThe future of the accounting profession is incredibly bright! The guest of episode 14 of Accounting Conversations is Seth Fineberg. He is an accounting industry expert, consultant, speaker, and editor. There are not many people who know the industry better than he does. He has followed the industry through all of its ups and downs over the past few years.
The main focus of the episode is all of the good things that are currently happening in the profession, including accounting conferences. Seth describes each major accounting conference in detail and explains just how beneficial...
2024-05-0854 min
Accounting Conversations13 Adding Tax Planning to Your Accounting Tool Belt with Dave Spence, CPA, CFPWith the national debt continuing to rise, higher tax rates seem to be on the horizon. Dave Spence is a CPA and CFP who is on a mission to help all CPAs understand the implications of future tax rate hikes on their client's income. All CPAs have an amazing opportunity to add value to their clients and to increase their own revenue!
In the episode, Dave discusses the history of tax rates in the US, how scary the national debt is, and how CPAs can be a partner and guide to each of their clients in preparing...
2024-05-0346 min
Accounting Conversations12 Making Accounting Fun with Scotty ScaranoScotty Scarano is not only a firm owner, but he is a rapper, a podcaster, and the founder of Accounting High! He is one of many people who is making the accounting profession fun and changing the profession for the better. Scotty has one of the most unique paths to becoming a firm owner of anyone in the field!
The episode covers the cool things that Scotty is doing at Accounting High, including the March Madness Tournament that they held for accounting software, influencers, and conferences. Scotty also explains his views on entrepreneurship and...
2024-04-2457 min
Accounting Conversations11 How Accounting Entrepreneurship Can Transform Your Life with Caitlynn Eldridge, CPAHaving a career and a family can be incredibly hard, but Caitlynn Eldridge CPA has done both! Not only is she the founder of Eldridge CPA, but she previously worked at Deloitte and Union Pacific. Caitlynn is the perfect example of how much flexibility a career in accounting can give a young professional. Caitlynn is also an advocate for the profession and is going back to school to get her MBA so that she can teach accounting as a professor!
In the episode, Caitlynn explains how we can solve many of the problems facing the profession and...
2024-04-1935 min
Accounting Conversations10 How to best be prepared for a career in accounting with Hannah Hood and Joey KinneyIf you are a young accounting professional, this episode is for you! Hannah and Joey are the perfect mentors! They give great advice on how to find career mentors and take advantage of the early years of your career! They also discuss the challenges facing the accounting profession and why they are still so positive about the future of it. Don't forget to check out their podcast, The Young CPA Success Show! They share great insights and interview amazing guests!
Check out The Young CPA Success Show
The Young CPA Success Show - YouTube
2024-04-1251 min
Accounting Conversations9 Steps to Accounting Entrepreneurship with Tony Wilson, CPA, CMAHave you ever wondered what it would be like to own your very own accounting firm? Tony Wilson is one of the brightest minds in the accounting space and in this episode, he shares his accounting entrepreneurial journey. Tony also shares insights he gained while working at a top 10 firm and while working in industry. Tony is a great example of how you can shape your accounting journey to fit what you want out of life!
Connect with Tony Wilson, CPA, CMA
Tony Wilson, CPA, CMA | LinkedIn
...
2024-04-0432 min
Accounting Conversations8 Best Practices for Passing the CPA Exam with Blake Carroll, CPAWould you like to learn how to best prepare for the CPA Exams? Blake Carroll, CPA is a CPA Exam Coach and shares key insight into how to be most successful when taking the CPA Exams. Blake also shares his experience at PWC and how accountants can find new opportunities without ever burning bridges.
Follow Blake Carroll, CPA on LinkedIn
Blake Carroll, CPA | LinkedIn
Check out Blake's Coaching Website
Blake Carroll Coaching | CPA Exam Prep Coaching
Follow Chayton Farlee on LinkedIn
2024-03-2745 min
Accounting Conversations7 The Advisory Accounting Path with Kaden Cook, CPA, CMAWant to learn about other paths for young accounting professionals outside of public accounting? This week's guest, Kaden Cook, CPA, CMA chose a career path that did not involve tax or audit. The episode covers what that path looks like, what it's like working for a virtual firm, should I get the CMA or the CPA and so much more!
Connect with Kaden Cook, CPA, CMA
Kaden Cook, CPA, CMA | LinkedIn
Information about the CMA
About CMA Certification: Accounting Certification | IMA
CMA...
2024-03-1837 min
Accounting Conversations6 Life Automation and Excel Macros with Derek Henry, CPAWant to learn how to save time and automate your life? Check out this episode of Accounting Conversations for great life and Excel advice from Derek Henry, CPA! Derek started his career in accounting and is now a Financial Services Consultant at Workday. He is an Excel Macros Master and is the Owner of Excelevate! In the episode, Derek dives into how young accounting professionals can use Macros to save hundreds of hours each year! He also gives great career and life advice!
Connect with Derek Henry, CPA
Derek Henry, CPA, CFE...
2024-03-1336 min
Accounting Conversations5 Compensation Transparency and Accounting Pipeline Problems with Dominic Piscopo, CPADominic Piscopo, CPA, the founder of Big 4 Transparency is the guest of episode 5. In the episode, Chayton and Dom discuss the current pipeline issues facing the accounting industry. They also talk about how accounting professionals can leverage Big 4 Transparency, an accounting salary database, to negotiate a fair salary. Dom shares amazing insights that young accounting professionals can apply today to be better prepared for a career in accounting! Enjoy the episode!
Connect with Dominic Piscopo, CPA
Dominic Piscopo, CPA | LinkedIn
Check out Big 4 Transparency
big4transparency.com
...
2024-03-0737 min
Accounting Conversations4 Leveraging Public Accounting Experience to Land Your Dream Job with Mike Manalac, CPAIn episode 4, Chayton interviews Mike Manalac, CPA. Mike is an Accounting Manager at Google and previously worked at Walmart and PWC. Chayton and Mike talk about the pipeline shortage, interviewing in Silicon Valley, and building your dream career in accounting. Make sure to check out Mike's playbook, No Flux Given! It is the perfect guide for Young Accounting Professionals!
Connect with Mike Manalac, CPA
Mike Manalac, CPA | LinkedIn
Check out Mike's Website and Playbook
@MikeFromAccounting
Connect with Chayton Farlee
Chayton Farlee | LinkedIn
Check out...
2024-03-0739 min
Accounting Conversations3 Forensic Accounting and Networking with Anna McLaughlinThis week's episode is a conversation with Anna McLaughlin. Anna is a forensic accounting student at Embry Riddle. In the episode, Anna and Chayton discuss what a career in forensic accounting could look like. They also discuss how students can leverage LinkedIn to build real connections. Enjoy the episode!
Connect with Anna McLaughlin
Anna McLaughlin | LinkedIn
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (acfe.com)
Connect with Chayton Farlee
Chayton Farlee | LinkedIn
Check out the YouTube Channel
Accounting Conversations - YouTube
2024-03-0738 min
Accounting Conversations2 Student Leadership and Career Development with Noah BrabbleThis week's guest is Noah Brabble. Noah is an accounting student and a student leader at UNC Greensboro. Noah and Chayton discuss how students can leverage student experiences such as leadership and internships to jump-start their careers. Enjoy this episode of Accounting Conversations!
Check out our YouTube Channel
Accounting Conversations - YouTube
Connect with today's guest, Noah Brabble
Noah Brabble | LinkedIn
Connect with Chayton Farlee
Chayton Farlee | LinkedIn
2024-03-0738 min
The Accounting PodcastFrom Carpet Cleaner to CPA: An Accounting Student's JourneyBlake and David talk with Chayton Farlee, an accounting student at the University of the Pacific, about his journey into accounting and his thoughts on the profession. They discuss his inspiring path from cleaning carpets during the pandemic to pursuing his CPA and CMA, the disconnect many students feel between accounting theory and real-world application, the importance of bookkeeping skills, and considerations around starting his career at a Big Four firm or a smaller, more lifestyle-friendly firm.Meet Our Guest, Chayton FarleeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaytonfarlee/Listener...
2024-02-1722 minAccounting Conversations1 Intro to Accounting ConversationsWelcome to Accounting Conversations, the podcast for Young Accounting Students and Professionals. This episode is a brief intro into what the future of the Podcast will look like. Enjoy!
Check out our YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@AccountingConversations
Connect with Chayton Farlee
www.linkedin.com/in/chaytonfarlee
https://dot.cards/chayton_farlee
2024-02-0304 min