The Young CPA Success Show Hannah Hood, Joey Kinney, Summit Virtual CFO by Anders

Donna Serdula, Founder and President of Vision Board Media and LinkedIn expert, joins the show to dive into the nuances of personal branding on LinkedIn. The conversation covers the evolution of the platform from strictly professional to a space for authentic personal expression. Donna advises on the importance of consistent content creation and engagement to build a memorable brand.

Hannah and Joey are joined by Cory Gayman, Owner and President of JCG CPA Firm, to break down the intricacies of remote work in the accounting industry. They explore the dual-edged nature of remote work, discussing its challenges, such as communication and trust-building, alongside its benefits, like flexibility and work-life balance. The conversation also covers the adaptation of services for virtual environments, the significance of outcome-focused management, and the impact of remote work on recruitment and retention.

Kaden Cook, a senior advisor at Summit Virtual CFO, joins the show to share his insights on the accounting profession, specifically his strategic choice of pursuing his CMA certification before the CPA certification. Joey and Kaden delve into the nuances of accounting certifications, the 150-hour rule, and the impact of technology on the field. They stress the importance of truly understanding the material over just aiming for good grades. The episode concludes with advice for young professionals to embrace AI and analytical skills. Since this episode was recorded, Kaden has passed the CPA exam!

Don’t miss this dynamic conversation about the accounting industry and growing up with the internet.
Jesse Rubenfeld, Founder of FinOptimal, and Tom Zehentner, Director of Growth and Product for FinOptimal, join Joey and Hannah as they reminisce about the early days of internet music, draw parallels to the evolution of accounting software, and share personal career experiences. Jesse talks about founding FinOptimal and its focus on automating accounting processes. The group discusses the importance of embracing change, leveraging technology, and the entrepreneurial mindset among younger accountants.

Hannah and Joey are joined by Carol Bowser, Founder and Owner of Conflict Management Strategies, to discuss the vital topic of conflict resolution in the accounting industry. As a former employment lawyer turned conflict-resolution expert, Carol discusses the importance of empathy, understanding cultural norms, and the emotional aspects of conflict—while also offering practical advice on handling conflicts and feedback.

Kyle Geers, Co-founder and CEO or Zeroed-In Consulting, joins Hannah and Joey to explore the dynamic world of accounting. They share personal anecdotes about starting businesses and the shift from traditional accounting roles to consulting. Kyle recounts his transition from audit to advisory services, emphasizing the need for diverse skills and the importance of asking “why” to understand the business side of accounting. The conversation also covers the challenges of career changes, the value of self-reflection, and the benefits of networking, as well as a discussion on the evolving landscape of the accounting profession and the critical role of adaptability and continuous learning.