What happens when Congress votes to eliminate the watchdog that's overseen public company audits for two decades? In this episode, Blake Oliver sits down with three leading accounting academics—Maureen McNichols from Stanford, Nemit Shroff from MIT, and Daniel Aobdia from Penn State—to examine the research behind the PCAOB's effectiveness and what elimination could mean for audit quality. You'll discover why companies with clean audit inspections can raise capital more easily, how the infamous "40% deficiency rate" actually works, and why these researchers believe dismantling the PCAOB could undermine trust in U.S. capital markets. The conversation reveals the hidden economics of audit oversight and explains why there hasn't been a major public company fraud since Enron and WorldCom.

Chapters

• (00:49) - Legislation Impact on Audit Oversight
• (01:10) - Meet the Experts
• (02:59) - Discussion on PCAOB's Elimination
• (08:17) - Research Insights on PCAOB's Effectiveness
• (20:11) - Deficiency Rates and Audit Quality
• (24:50) - Economic Impact of Fraud and PCAOB's Role
• (25:20) - Regulatory Model of the PCAOB
• (25:59) - Incentive Structure and Audit Quality
• (26:59) - Inspection Deficiency Rates
• (28:54) - Restatement Rates vs. Deficiency Rates
• (30:23) - Auditor-Client Relationship Tensions
• (31:42) - Documentation Issues in Audits
• (35:15) - Effectiveness of PCAOB Inspections
• (37:49) - Impact of PCAOB on Financial Reporting Quality
• (40:33) - Potential Elimination of the PCAOB
• (44:00) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guests:

Maureen McNichols
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/maureen-mcnichols
Nemit Shroff
https://mitsloan.mit.edu/faculty/directory/nemit-shroff
Daniel Aobdia
https://directory.smeal.psu.edu/dza5396

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What if private equity could transform accounting firms without sacrificing their independence? David Wurtzbacher, founder of Ascend, shares how his "anti-rollup" model allows firms to maintain their identities while accessing enterprise-level resources. Discover why transitioning firm leaders from client work to true CEO roles unlocks explosive growth, and how employee equity ownership creates alignment across organizations. With CPAs needing to be 2.7 times more productive by 2035, David reveals practical strategies for talent acquisition, business development, and technology that are helping mid-sized firms not just survive but thrive in an increasingly complex profession.
Chapters

• (01:07) - Understanding Ascend's Vision
• (01:59) - Challenges in Public Accounting
• (08:24) - Lessons from the Dental Industry
• (17:13) - Ascend's Approach to Firm Integration
• (17:53) - Leadership and Culture in Accounting Firms
• (24:02) - Case Study: Transforming Firm Leadership
• (27:45) - Overcoming Overwhelm: Delegating Client Relationships
• (28:36) - The Importance of Carving Out Thinking Time
• (29:20) - Focusing on One Thing at a Time
• (29:53) - Talent Strategy and Acquisition Challenges
• (31:10) - Building an Irresistible Offer for Candidates
• (34:13) - Equity and Ownership in Ascend
• (37:17) - Business Development and Marketing Strategies
• (45:13) - The Role of Technology and AI in Accounting
• (50:36) - Conclusion and Contact Information

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, David Wurtzbacher

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwurtzbacher/

Learn more about Ascend

Website: https://www.ascendtogether.com/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What happens after the ink dries on an accounting firm acquisition? Michael Ly and Ashley Rhoden reveal why many buyers overinvest in the purchase but underinvest in the crucial integration phase. Drawing from their hard-won experiences—both successful and unsuccessful—they walk through how to develop a comprehensive 100-day integration plan that begins during due diligence. You'll learn why keeping key employees is the difference between retaining and losing clients, how to effectively communicate changes to minimize disruption, and when to choose between a full roll-up versus platform approach. Whether you're considering an acquisition or have one in progress, this practical roadmap helps you navigate the complexities of merging firms.

Chapters

• (00:51) - Meet the Guests: Michael and Ashley
• (02:41) - Michael's Integration Experiences
• (07:16) - Ashley's Integration Insights
• (09:39) - The Importance of Due Diligence
• (17:49) - Managing Change and Communication
• (20:47) - Employee Integration Strategies
• (23:33) - Key Employees and Leadership Buy-In
• (24:52) - HR and Payroll Integration
• (26:18) - Communication Plans and Financial Operations
• (29:30) - Access to Financial Systems and IT Considerations
• (34:37) - Communication Strategies
• (37:54) - Seller Involvement Post-Acquisition
• (41:33) - Integration Approaches: Full Rollup vs. Platform
• (47:10) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guests:

Michael Ly

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelly/
Website: https://www.reconciled.com/

Ashley Rhoden

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyrhodenmba/
Website: https://highrock.co

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What if the solution to accounting's talent shortage has been hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Navy veteran Mark Steinhoff reveals how the precision required to maintain life support systems on submarines directly translates to accounting excellence. Having managed critical oxygen systems hundreds of feet underwater, Mark now applies that same meticulous attention to detail as an accountant for a water utility. With the profession facing a 70,000-person annual deficit while 200,000 service members transition to civilian life each year, discover how military experience with procedures, documentation, and quality assurance creates natural accounting professionals—and why veterans might be the untapped talent pool accounting desperately needs.

Chapters

• (01:09) - Transitioning from Military to Accounting
• (02:37) - Similarities Between Military and Accounting
• (05:46) - Life on a Submarine
• (11:31) - How Did Working On a Sub Translate to Accounting
• (16:43) - The Procedure is Not Optional
• (20:50) - Current Role and Future Aspirations
• (24:30) - Exploring Career Paths in Accounting
• (24:53) - Transitioning from Military to Accounting
• (26:31) - Leveraging the GI Bill for Education
• (26:44) - Navigating the Pandemic and Career Decisions
• (28:36) - The Value of a Business Degree
• (29:08) - Balancing Education and Personal Life
• (30:53) - Gaining Practical Experience in Accounting
• (32:23) - Pursuing an MBA and CPA
• (45:24) - The Evolving Role of Accountants
• (47:01) - Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Mark Steinhoff

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marknsteinhoff/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What if the numbers we use to measure audit quality are fundamentally flawed? PCAOB Board Member Christina Ho reveals why the headline-grabbing 46% deficiency rate in public company audits deserves serious scrutiny. In this candid conversation, Ho explains why smaller audit firms face disproportionate regulatory burdens, how the PCAOB's inspection approach may distort quality metrics, and why less than 5% of "deficient" audits result in incorrect opinions. She also shares her experience of being publicly criticized by Senator Elizabeth Warren for challenging the status quo. Whether you're an auditor, investor, or financial professional, this insider perspective will transform how you interpret future audit quality statistics.

Chapters

• (00:58) - Explaining the PCAOB
• (01:59) - Inspection and Enforcement Programs
• (03:53) - Sampling and Inspection Frequency
• (05:58) - Challenges for Smaller Audit Firms
• (10:50) - State of Audit Quality
• (14:03) - Deficiency Rates and Their Implications
• (31:34) - PCAOB's Role and Accountability
• (37:11) - Has the PCAOB Improved Audit Quality?
• (49:23) - Public Dispute with Senators
• (54:32) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Christina Ho

https://pcaobus.org/about/the-board/board-bios/christina-ho

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

In this episode, Blake Oliver interviews Nicolas Boucher, one of LinkedIn's top finance thought leaders, who demonstrates how AI tools like ChatGPT and Python can dramatically accelerate financial data analysis and reporting while maintaining confidentiality. Nicolas shows how finance professionals can create instant analyses and dashboards, integrate AI with existing systems, and automate repetitive tasks to save time and advance their careers.

Chapters

• (00:00) - Nicolas Boucher's Journey and AI in Accounting
• (03:11) - Practical Applications of AI in Accounting
• (04:07) - Demonstration: Cohort Analysis with ChatGPT
• (08:56) - Challenges and Solutions with AI Tools
• (15:50) - Advanced Data Visualization with AI
• (22:52) - AI's Surprising Insight with Box Plots
• (25:48) - Integrating AI with Excel for Confidential Analysis
• (27:38) - Exploring AI Tools for Finance
• (28:46) - Concourse.io: Automating Monthly Financial Reports
• (33:04) - The Future of Finance Jobs with AI
• (45:02) - Nicolas Boucher's AI Resources and Community

Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast

https://earmarkcpe.com
https://earmark.app/

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Join leaders from the Illinois, New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania state CPA societies as they explore recent and proposed CPA licensure changes. Discover the latest state-by-state updates, timelines, and resources you need to stay on track. We address the 150-hour rule, potential alternative pathways, and practical mobility and reciprocity concerns. Whether you’re a student or a candidate, gain real-world guidance to confidently navigate your journey toward the CPA license.

(Originally recorded on March 4, 2025, on Earmark Webinars+)

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Earning CPE Credit
• (00:17) - Welcome and Overview of CPA Licensure Discussion
• (00:41) - The Talent Shortage in Accounting
• (01:04) - State Actions on CPA Licensure
• (01:26) - Introduction of Guest Speakers
• (01:59) - Overview of Changing Licensure Pathways
• (03:14) - Detailed Discussion on New Pathways
• (05:17) - State-Specific Updates on Legislation
• (17:57) - Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions
• (26:10) - Flexibility in Accounting Education
• (26:41) - Second Career Opportunities in Accounting
• (27:15) - Adapting to Future CPA Skills
• (27:53) - Challenges in Implementing Changes
• (28:36) - State-Based Licensing Complexities
• (32:21) - Efforts to Address Talent Shortage
• (38:14) - Unintended Consequences of Deregulation
• (44:10) - The Importance of State Coordination
• (46:42) - Future of the CPA Profession
• (49:02) - Improving Working Conditions in Accounting
• (56:11) - Next Steps for Aspiring CPAs
• (57:43) - Conclusion and CPE Credit Information

Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast

https://earmarkcpe.com
https://earmark.app/

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guests

Geoffrey Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-brown-cae-9039484
Jen Cryder - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencryder
Denise Froemming - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-leduc-froemming-
Calvin Harris Jr. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinhjr
Jodi Ann LaFreniere Ray - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiannlafreniereray
Shelly Weir - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellysiceloff

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Ever wondered why there's so much questionable tax advice circulating on social media? In this eye-opening episode, Blake Oliver sits down with Jasmine DiLucci, a rare triple-threat professional - attorney, CPA, and enrolled agent with nearly 500,000 YouTube subscribers.

Jasmine pulls back the curtain on why tax misinformation spreads like wildfire online and reveals the number one reason tax strategies fail (even legitimate ones): poor implementation and documentation. Through her journey from taking over her parents' small practice to building a multi-million dollar firm, she shares hard-earned wisdom about scaling a tax practice and finding team members who can uphold your standards.

You'll discover how Jasmine unexpectedly found that her social media presence attracted not just clients, but exceptional talent to her firm. She also provides practical insights on tax resolution work, dealing with the IRS, and resources that can help tax professionals level up their expertise. Whether you're a tax practitioner looking to grow or a business owner wanting to avoid tax pitfalls, this conversation delivers valuable takeaways that could save you thousands in an audit.

Sponsor
MakersHub - https://earmarkcpe.promo/makershub

• (00:00) - Introduction to Jasmine DiLucci
• (01:25) - The Rise of Tax Misinformation
• (05:34) - Challenges in Tax Law and IRS Audits
• (08:38) - Jasmine's Practice and Clientele
• (12:22) - The Importance of Proper Tax Documentation
• (29:11) - Leveraging Social Media for Tax Education
• (31:38) - Inspiration from Family
• (32:28) - Early Exposure to Tax Profession
• (34:15) - Taking Over the Family Business
• (35:49) - Scaling the Firm & the Power of Social Media
• (42:32) - Building a Strong Team
• (50:33) - Technology Stack
• (51:48) - Conclusion and Community

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Jasmine DiLucci

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminedilucci/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DiLucciCPA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diluccicpas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diluccicpa
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diluccicpa

Learn more about DiLucci CPA Firm

https://dilucci.com/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/