Accountant's Flight Plan

Brannon Poe; Poe Group Advisors

Welcome to The Accountant's Flight Plan, where we guide you toward building a top-tier CPA firm that you would want to buy. With over 20 years of working with accountants in mergers and acquisitions, Brannon Poe, CPA delves into engaging and vital topics with industry leaders. Unpacking everything from transition planning and accounting practice sales to practice management and firm development, Brannon equips you with the tools you need to build the practice of your dreams. Whether you are navigating firm growth or exploring the nuances of succession planning, join us to learn actionable insights that will empower and inspire you to love your firm again.

  1. 28 JANV.

    AI Won't Replace CPAs. It'll Free Them to Do Work That Actually Matters

    The firms winning with AI aren't the ones implementing every tool they can find. They're the ones being strategic about what actually moves the needle. Rachel Ferris learned this firsthand when she built TaxStack AI, not because she wanted to start a software company, but because she needed a solution that didn't exist. As a tax advisor specializing in Puerto Rico's Act 60, she was spending hours researching complex state-specific cases. ChatGPT seemed like the answer, until it started citing Reddit and Quora as sources. When she'd call it out, it would cheerfully admit, "You're right, that's actually not correct." That's when she realized: if she wanted AI that actually worked for tax research, she'd have to build it herself. In this episode, Rachel shares how she created a platform that sources directly from actual tax code, IRS forms, and treasury regulations, so you get accurate answers with citations you can trust. But more importantly, she breaks down the difference between firms that will thrive with AI and firms that will struggle: it's not about adopting everything, it's about adopting responsibly. The conversation covers: Why ChatGPT's fact-check problem makes it dangerous for tax research (and how to fix it by sourcing your own database)The cautionary tale of firms that went all-in on AI integration in 2024, only to abandon everything six months later Why now is the time to pause and evaluate rather than frantically adopt every AI tool that hits the marketHow AI should free you up for higher-value advisory work with existing clients, not just help you take on more volumeEd Kless's "transformation economy" concept: moving from providing transactions to providing transformationsThe three-pillar approach to attracting and retaining young talent: technology + mentorship + entrepreneurship mindsetWhy mandatory mentorship programs fail (and what actually works instead)How being genuinely curious about people has opened more doors than any technical skill Rachel has learnedRachel also breaks down why firms that use AI responsibly will win, while firms that use it to cut personality and human connection will lose clients. She explains why young people crave personal connection more than you think, why entrepreneurial-minded accountants connect better with business owner clients, and how spending three hours talking to a Pizza Hut franchise owner taught her more about business than any textbook. Download Now: https://poegroupadvisors.com/accounting-practice-academy/increase-letter/ Price increases are nothing to fear. The real challenge is effectively informing clients of these changes. Our templates will help you demonstrate your value and help clients understand the increases necessary to keep your firm afloat. *Download now and receive:* - (1) Major Fee Increase Letter Template - (1) 20% Fee Increase Letter Template

    43 min
  2. 15 JANV.

    Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Build a Firm That Prioritizes Mentorship with Yuri Kapilovich

    In this episode, Yuri (aka "The Fun CPA") explains why now is the perfect time to build the kind of firm where people genuinely want to work. He's spent four years building a following on LinkedIn by saying the things that managers and senior accountants at big firms are thinking but can't say out loud.  His mission is to change the perception of accounting by showing what's possible when you prioritize people, mentorship, and actually enjoying the work you do. The good news is that students aren't avoiding accounting because they don't want meaningful work. The firms that figure out how to create those better options internally will win the talent game for the next decade. The conversation covers: Why visibility into firm life (thanks to Reddit and Fishbowl) is actually helping the profession by forcing transparency and accountabilityHow forward-thinking firms are building cultures where people genuinely want to stay, creating competitive advantage in a tight talent marketThe opportunity for firms that invest in mentorship and long-term thinking, while others chase short-term efficiency metricsWhy the current moment is perfect for CPAs who want to build firms differently (or work at firms that prioritize culture over billable hours)How Yuri's Mentors Count community is filling the mentorship gap for accountants in their first five yearsThe rise of networking events that people actually enjoy attending (and why that matters for building genuine professional relationships)BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It―Unlock Your Persuasion Potential in Professional and Personal Life: Voss, Chris, Raz, Tahl  TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 - Introduction of Yuri Capilovich and his mission in accounting  03:10 - Yuri's background and career path into accounting and technology  07:30 - The real problems holding accounting firms back  12:45 - AI as an enabler, not a replacement  18:30 - Using technology to improve client experience and firm margins  23:40 - The mindset shift firm owners must make to scale  29:10 - What forward-thinking firms are doing differently right now  34:50 - Final thoughts on the future of the profession Download Now: https://poegroupadvisors.com/accounting-practice-academy/increase-letter/ Price increases are nothing to fear. The real challenge is effectively informing clients of these changes. Our templates will help you demonstrate your value and help clients understand the increases necessary to keep your firm afloat. *Download now and receive:* - (1) Major Fee Increase Letter Template - (1) 20% Fee Increase Letter Template

    31 min
  3. 7 JANV.

    The Retention Advantage: How CPA Firms Win the Talent Game

    If your best accountants are walking out the door, it's probably not about the money.  In this episode, Tim Schurrer (CEO of David Novak Leadership and author of "The Secret Society of Success") reveals the leadership principle that grew Yum! Brands from $4 billion to $32 billion, and it has everything to do with solving what's plaguing CPA firms right now: the talent crisis. Here's the reality: when your senior accountant flawlessly closes out another month, files returns ahead of deadline, or navigates a complex client situation without you even knowing there was a problem, they become invisible.  That's the curse of excellence in accounting.  And while you're focused on billable hours and realization rates, your best people are quietly wondering if anyone actually notices the value they bring. We talk to Tim about how his company studied companies that built decades-long dynasties (Walmart, Southwest Airlines), and found one non-negotiable: they created cultures where everyone counted. Not through pizza parties during busy season or casual Friday perks, but through systematic recognition that made people feel genuinely seen for their contributions.  Tim breaks down how this translates directly to CPA firms struggling to keep talent. In this episode, we cover: The two reasons people quit (spoiler: your compensation package isn't fixing either of these)The danger of taking "the joy of the decision" away from your team, especially during tax season when you're tempted to control every client interactionHow firm owners can stop micromanaging review notes and start empowering staff to own client relationships (with the right training framework)Why so many managing partners hit burnout chasing revenue targets that don't actually align with what success means to them personallyThe "empowerment is an earned right" framework that lets you delegate without losing quality controlDownload Now: https://poegroupadvisors.com/accounting-practice-academy/increase-letter/ Price increases are nothing to fear. The real challenge is effectively informing clients of these changes. Our templates will help you demonstrate your value and help clients understand the increases necessary to keep your firm afloat. *Download now and receive:* - (1) Major Fee Increase Letter Template - (1) 20% Fee Increase Letter Template

    36 min
  4. 22/12/2025

    When Internal Succession Fails: Why Multi-Partner CPA Firms Are Turning to External Sales

    You've spent years developing your next generation of partners, but what happens when they don't want to lead, can't secure financing, or simply aren't the right fit to take over?  In this episode, our Ontario Market Leader Darryl Boyd, reveals why so many multi-partner firms are discovering that their "default" internal succession plan isn't working, and why external sales often deliver better outcomes for everyone involved. Over his decade with Poe Group Advisors, Darryl has helped the Canadian M&A landscape transform from earnout-heavy transactions to all-cash deals that prioritize fit over spreadsheets.  We explore the uncomfortable truth about internal succession: technical excellence doesn't equal business leadership, and the partner who's great at client work may have zero interest or aptitude for running the firm. The conversation highlights that: Why exhausted accounting firm owners often just need better systems, not an exit strategyHow private equity is slowly earning trust in Canada, and why most CPA firm sellers still choose CPA buyersThe hidden assumptions killing Accounting M&A deals (like the "25% client loss" myth with zero data behind it)Why the best transactions happen when both parties forget about price and focus on whether the handoff will actually workWe also tackle the massive variability across firms that makes a cookie-cutter valuation worthless: profitability, owner workload, geographic markets, and cultural dynamics all impact valuation more than sellers realize. Whether you're a multi-partner firm wrestling with succession, a solo tax practitioner planning your exit, or a buyer trying to understand what sellers really care about, this episode will challenge your assumptions about how accounting practice transitions actually work. Download Now: https://poegroupadvisors.com/accounting-practice-academy/increase-letter/ Price increases are nothing to fear. The real challenge is effectively informing clients of these changes. Our templates will help you demonstrate your value and help clients understand the increases necessary to keep your firm afloat. *Download now and receive:* - (1) Major Fee Increase Letter Template - (1) 20% Fee Increase Letter Template

    43 min
  5. 09/12/2025

    From Survival Mode to Sustainable Success in Your CPA Firm with Lisa Smith

    In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Smith who is a functional medicine dietitian, gut-health expert, and founder of Lisa Smith Wellness. We explore the realities of deep stress and the health impacts that so many accounting firm owners quietly carry. We start by talking about the concept of “deep stress,” how it differs from everyday overwhelm, and why professionals who juggle multiple roles often don’t realize their bodies are stuck in long-term survival mode. Lisa breaks down the signs many CPAs ignore: waking up tired, constant tension, reliance on caffeine or wine, disrupted sleep, brain fog, and that ever-present feeling of being “on.” Timestamps: 03:55: Introducing the concept of deep stress 05:58: How stress impacts sleep and cortisol 07:57: What entrepreneurs consistently overlook in wellness 10:50: Habit change and understanding personal motivators 12:52: Redesigning your life and business through intentionality 16:34: Long-term health implications of unmanaged stress 18:59: Feeling trapped in your business and how to begin unwinding it 23:05: Reducing stress and improving clarity 24:26: Price’s Law, the Pareto Principle, and understanding real productivity 29:14: Pre-tax-season tips for improving energy and well-being 30:46: The “campfire method” for stabilizing daily energy 34:29: Lisa’s book recommendations for leaders and entrepreneurs Lisa’s Resource Recommendations: Prepare Your CPA Firm for A Sale by Brannon Poe [https://poegroupadvisors.com/prepare/]Atomic Habits by James Clear [https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299]The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson [https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463]Who Not How by Dan Sullivan [https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork-ebook/dp/B0867ZJ151]Traction by Gino Wickman [https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837]The Common Path to Uncommon Success by John Lee Dumas [https://www.amazon.com/Common-Path-Uncommon-Success-Fulfillment/dp/1400221099]Journaling Guide: [http://lisasmithwellness.com/the-morning-mindset-journal]Connecting with Lisa:   Listen to my Pretty Well PODCAST https://apple.co/3Y2IbSZ Visit my Website https://lisasmithwellness.com Read my Wellness BLOG  https://lisasmithwellness.com/blog/ Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/ lisa.lsw@outlook.com Download Now: https://poegroupadvisors.com/accounting-practice-academy/increase-letter/ Price increases are nothing to fear. The real challenge is effectively informing clients of these changes. Our templates will help you demonstrate your value and help clients understand the increases necessary to keep your firm afloat. *Download now and receive:* - (1) Major Fee Increase Letter Template - (1) 20% Fee Increase Letter Template

    38 min
  6. 24/11/2025

    Building an Offshore Staffing Strategy for your CPA Firm with Nick Sinclair

    In this episode, we sit down with returning guest Nick Sinclair, founder and chairman of TOA Global, one of the largest accounting outsourcing companies in the world. Nick shares the unlikely origin story of how a leadership trip to the Philippines revealed the talent  and scalability his own firm desperately needed. This inspired him to build what has now become a powerhouse with more than 4,500 team members serving over 1,100 firms worldwide. His personal “why” behind the business was shaped by watching his parents lose everything when he was young. This drives his mission to ensure more people get the financial advice they need by helping firms leverage the offshoring support they need to deliver high-touch service. Timestamps:00:37 – Introduction to Nick and his background02:46 – How TOA Global began04:10 – Early offshoring lessons and growing pains06:40 – The unexpected demand that revealed a real business07:43 – Nick’s personal “why” and decision to scale globally09:12 – Why the Philippines has such strong accounting talent11:25 – Why every accounting firm needs a people plan13:30 – Industry capacity issues and long-term global staffing strategy15:07 – How offshoring perceptions have evolved16:19 – Quality challenges, cultural misunderstandings & outsourcing stigma18:00 – Outsourcing reveals internal firm weaknesses19:16 – Offshoring accelerates local careers20:00 – People are the product in accounting firms22:20 – Human connection as the profession’s long-term differentiator23:02 – Why training and quicker competency paths matter25:06 – Building career plans and accelerating development27:39 – Challenges firm owners face when building global teams28:56 – Cultural nuances in leading global teams31:21 – Leadership, flexibility, and knowing your people32:30 – Nick’s most memorable career moment34:23 – Book recommendation: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell35:24 – Where to connect with Nick: LinkedIn Download Now: https://poegroupadvisors.com/accounting-practice-academy/increase-letter/ Price increases are nothing to fear. The real challenge is effectively informing clients of these changes. Our templates will help you demonstrate your value and help clients understand the increases necessary to keep your firm afloat. *Download now and receive:* - (1) Major Fee Increase Letter Template - (1) 20% Fee Increase Letter Template

    36 min
  7. 12/11/2025

    Building Trust and Value In Your Accounting Firm Through Marketing with Kristen Corey

    In this episode of The Accountant’s Flight Plan Podcast, we sit down with Kristen Corey, founder of Media Books Agency, to talk about how accountants can use marketing to strengthen their brand, attract ideal clients, and communicate value beyond compliance work. With experience in both public accounting and marketing, Kristen shares how her journey from working as an auditor to owning her own marketing agency taught her the importance of storytelling and connection in the profession. Key Timestamps 00:57: Introduction of Kristen Corey and her journey from auditor to marketer 03:00: Building a marketing career abroad and launching Media Books Agency 07:00: The importance of communication skills for accountants 10:10: Why every firm needs marketing, even if referrals are strong 13:05: Using AI tools like ChatGPT for tone, content, and creative brainstorming 16:31: Marketing strategies for small accounting firms under $5M 17:29: The power of newsletters and relationship-based marketing 20:41: Under-the-radar marketing tactic: consistency on social media 23:54: Funny story: catching potential fraud during an internship 27:20: Book recommendation: Extraordinary Circumstances by Cynthia Cooper Download Now: https://poegroupadvisors.com/accounting-practice-academy/increase-letter/ Price increases are nothing to fear. The real challenge is effectively informing clients of these changes. Our templates will help you demonstrate your value and help clients understand the increases necessary to keep your firm afloat. *Download now and receive:* - (1) Major Fee Increase Letter Template - (1) 20% Fee Increase Letter Template

    32 min
  8. 30/10/2025

    The AI-First CPA Firm: Redefining Accounting with Jody Padar, The Radical CPA

    In this episode of The Accountant’s Flight Plan Podcast, we sit down with Jody Padar, known across the industry as The Radical CPA, to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the accounting profession. Jody shares her journey from founding one of the first cloud firms in 2010 to working in tech startups like Botkeeper and now launching her newest venture, XcelLabs. Her mission is to prepare firms for 2030 by building AI-first practices that leverage automation to expand the capacity for empathy, client connection, and creativity in order to transform advisory work. Timestamps: 00:00: Using AI strategically to enhance advisory work 01:06: Jody’s career journey and launch of XcelLabs 04:00: PE capital, fintech, and aging leadership disrupting the accounting industry 08:00: How money movement and tech are transforming accounting 10:11: How to leverage AI to build deeper client relationships at scale 13:20: PE-driven competition for top accounting talent 14:26: Using AI to rewrite firm operations and scale 15:24: ChatGPT, Claude, and creative thinking over automation 23:20: Using AI for unbiased performance feedback 27:35: Book Recommendation: Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can and Can’t Do Download Now: https://poegroupadvisors.com/accounting-practice-academy/increase-letter/ Price increases are nothing to fear. The real challenge is effectively informing clients of these changes. Our templates will help you demonstrate your value and help clients understand the increases necessary to keep your firm afloat. *Download now and receive:* - (1) Major Fee Increase Letter Template - (1) 20% Fee Increase Letter Template

    31 min

À propos

Welcome to The Accountant's Flight Plan, where we guide you toward building a top-tier CPA firm that you would want to buy. With over 20 years of working with accountants in mergers and acquisitions, Brannon Poe, CPA delves into engaging and vital topics with industry leaders. Unpacking everything from transition planning and accounting practice sales to practice management and firm development, Brannon equips you with the tools you need to build the practice of your dreams. Whether you are navigating firm growth or exploring the nuances of succession planning, join us to learn actionable insights that will empower and inspire you to love your firm again.

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