AJAG PD POD with CPA's Tabac and Tucker

AJAG Professional Development

Welcome to our AJAG PD Pod, the place for discussion, debate and learning about all things accounting. Our hosts, Ivan Tabac and Jonathan Tucker, are CPAs that have been in practice for more than three decades. Together, they bring varying experience and viewpoints to the table - not to mention a little humour too. Join us as we talk through current issues and hot topics, tap into expert guest insights and enjoy the odd walk down AJAG memory lane. This podcast is produced and distributed by AJAG Professional Development, For more information about AJAG or any of its offerings, please visit ajag.ca.

  1. Aug 4

    Growing Your Firm Through Acquisition: What Every CPA Should Know

    In this AJAG PD Pod episode, Ivan and Jonathan sit down with Darryl Boyd, Regional Director at Poe Group Advisors, to explore what prospective buyers should know before acquiring a firm. From financing and due diligence to evaluating firm value and planning a successful transition, Darryl shares practical advice drawn from years of helping accounting professionals navigate practice acquisitions. Whether you're looking to accelerate growth through acquisition or simply exploring your options, this conversation will provide valuable insights into the process. In this episode: What buyers should evaluate before making an offerCommon acquisition mistakes and how to avoid themHow accounting practices are valued in today's marketFinancing options available to buyersThe importance of due diligence and transition planningWhy client, staff and cultural fit matter as much as the numbers Subscribe for more practical conversations on the issues shaping the accounting profession and visit AJAG.ca for professional development courses and resources designed specifically for Canadian CPAs.

    Growing Your Firm Through Acquisition: What Every CPA Should Know

  2. Jun 2 ·  Bonus

    Part 2 | AI in Practice: Cutting Through the Hype in Accounting

    Artificial intelligence may be advancing rapidly but successfully applying it within a firm is far more complex than simply turning on a new tool. In Part 2 of this conversation, Ivan and Jonathan continue their discussion with Anshul Kaushik, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Ryzolv, exploring why so many AI initiatives fail, the critical role of domain expertise and human oversight and how trust is evolving as firms begin integrating AI into their workflows. The conversation also touches on practical accounting use cases, the future role of professionals and simple ways to start building your own AI knowledge and confidence.

    Part 2 | AI in Practice: Cutting Through the Hype in Accounting

  3. May 18

    Part 1 | AI in Practice: Cutting Through the Hype in Accounting

    Artificial intelligence has become one of the biggest topics in accounting — but what does it actually mean for CPAs and firms today? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Ivan and Jonathan sit down with Anshul Kaushik, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Ryzolv, for a practical conversation about the realities of AI in the profession. Together, they break down key terminology, explain how the technology actually works, and explore important questions around trust, risk, security, and vendor hype. Whether you’ve experimented with AI tools already or still feel unsure where to begin, this episode offers a grounded introduction to the technology and the conversations firms should be having right now.

    Part 1 | AI in Practice: Cutting Through the Hype in Accounting

  4. Mar 11

    Bookkeeping Matters: Why Training and Collaboration Are Key

    In this AJAG PD Pod episode, Ivan and Jonathan are joined by Naomi Wilkins, a bookkeeping and business foundations educator, to explore why strong bookkeeping is the foundation of good accounting work. The conversation looks at the important relationship between CPAs and bookkeepers, the growing demand for well-trained bookkeeping professionals and how practical training and collaboration can improve the quality of client files. Naomi shares insights from her work supporting small businesses and bookkeepers, highlighting why better books ultimately lead to better advice and better outcomes for clients. CPB Canada Entry- Level Quiz: https://portal.cpbcan.ca/courses/cpb-canada-entry-level-quiz/

    Bookkeeping Matters: Why Training and Collaboration Are Key

  5. Feb 18

    Can Investment Bookkeeping Really Be Automated? A Conversation with Artiffex

    In this episode of the AJAG PD Pod, Ivan and Jonathan are joined by Guy Vadish, Founder and CEO of Artiffex, to explore the question: can investment bookkeeping really be automated? From inconsistent broker statements and FX tracking to T1135 reporting, options trading and high-volume self-directed accounts, the conversation digs into the real challenges accountants face when reconciling investment portfolios. Tune in for a candid look at what automation - and even outsourcing - might realistically look like within a CPA practice. Learn more about Artiffex here: https://artiffex.com/

    Can Investment Bookkeeping Really Be Automated? A Conversation with Artiffex

  6. Feb 4

    Why Life Insurance Deserves More Attention in CPA Practices

    In our AJAG PD Pod season 3 opener, Ivan and Jonathan are joined by Hemal Bulsara, Head of Tax, Retirement and Estate Planning at Manulife, to unpack a commonly misunderstood area that CPAs encounter in client files: life insurance. From corporate-owned policies and Capital Dividend Account (CDA) planning to ownership structures, permanent vs. term insurance, leveraged strategies and post-mortem tax considerations, this conversation highlights where CPAs can run into risk and where meaningful planning opportunities exist. Hemal shares practical insights to help CPAs ask better questions, spot red flags earlier and feel more confident navigating insurance discussions - especially when strategies are presented by third parties. A timely, practical discussion for CPAs looking to better support clients as life insurance continues to play a growing role in tax and estate planning. Resource link: https://advisor.manulife.ca/advisors/insurance/tax-retirement-and-estate-planning/search-by-topic.html

    Why Life Insurance Deserves More Attention in CPA Practices

  7. 12/17/2025

    Reflecting on 2025: Change, Growth & Gratitude

    In this special year-end episode of the AJAG PD Pod, hosts Ivan and Jonathan are joined by AJAG’s COO, Alison Winton, to reflect on a year defined by constant change for CPAs. From CRA updates and legislative curveballs to shifting professional development needs, the conversation explores how 2025 reshaped the day-to-day reality of accounting professionals. They also reflect on how AJAG has evolved over the years - and the human-first approach that will always remain a constant. Along the way, they share a few favourite moments and look ahead to what CPAs can expect in 2026 as AJAG continues to support the profession through whatever comes next. Don’t miss this thoughtful, candid conversation to close out the year!

    Reflecting on 2025: Change, Growth & Gratitude

  8. 12/10/2025

    How New Rules Are Shaping Intergenerational Transfers

    Intergenerational business transfers have always been a challenge, but the 2024 legislative updates have added an entirely new layer of complexity for CPAs and their clients. In this AJAG PD Pod episode, Jonathan sits down with Nathan Choran, who leads the Canadian Tax Group at Zeifmans, to break down what’s changed and why it matters. From estate freezes and surplus-strip concerns to voting control requirements, capital gains reserves, CRA interpretations and real client scenarios, this conversation offers practical insights for any CPA advising family-owned businesses. If your clients are planning a transition to the next generation - or should be - this episode will help ensure you’re fully informed.

    How New Rules Are Shaping Intergenerational Transfers
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About

Welcome to our AJAG PD Pod, the place for discussion, debate and learning about all things accounting. Our hosts, Ivan Tabac and Jonathan Tucker, are CPAs that have been in practice for more than three decades. Together, they bring varying experience and viewpoints to the table - not to mention a little humour too. Join us as we talk through current issues and hot topics, tap into expert guest insights and enjoy the odd walk down AJAG memory lane. This podcast is produced and distributed by AJAG Professional Development, For more information about AJAG or any of its offerings, please visit ajag.ca.

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