Karl Paadam made partner at PwC Estonia at 26, spent a decade in tech, and came back to build United Accountants on a contrarian thesis: the future of accounting is human. He joins Blake to explain how a firm can hand bookkeeping, categorization, and reconciliation to an AI operating system that layers on top of whatever software a firm already runs, freeing CPAs to keep their local brand and focus on judgment and advisory work. They also get into outcomes-based pricing, what it means to build "the first big small firm," and why the accountant who ignores AI is the one who gets replaced.

Chapters

• (00:00) - Welcome Karl Paadam to the Earmark Podcast
• (01:51) - Building a Practice
• (02:40) - Leaving PwC for Tech
• (03:29) - Accounting Is Human
• (05:17) - Advisory Skills Shift
• (06:35) - AI Productivity in Practice
• (09:25) - United OS Walkthrough
• (10:34) - Partner Model Keep Brand
• (14:50) - Integrations No Rip Replace
• (18:44) - First Big Small Firm
• (21:48) - Outcomes Based Pricing
• (25:00) - AI Like Excel Era
• (28:05) - What AI Does Next
• (29:21) - Fear Traps and Controls
• (32:39) - Who United Fits Best
• (33:25) - Wrap Up and Contact

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Connect with Our Guest, Karl Paadam

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/karl-paadam-39730214

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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

Is AI really replacing accountants—or just changing the job? Blake Oliver talks with Capterra analyst David Jani about new survey data showing where AI is gaining traction in accounting, from chatbots and data entry to forecasting and fraud detection. They unpack why 89% of users report ROI, why firms are still struggling to hire, and why weak AI data-handling policies could create serious security problems.

Accounting Trends in 2026: How AI is Changing Work, Skills, and Strategy
https://www.capterra.com/resources/accounting-trends-ai-software-changing-work/

Chapters

• (00:00) - EAP 114
• (01:26) - Survey Methodology
• (04:26) - AI Adoption Today
• (05:39) - Where AI Shows Up
• (19:57) - Staffing Crunch Data
• (24:10) - Manual Work and Spreadsheets
• (26:17) - Next 12 Months Ahead
• (28:11) - 2027 Predictions and Threats
• (32:04) - Where to Place AI Bets

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Connect with Our Guest, David Jani

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jani-7627872b/

Learn more about Capterra

https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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

What if AI wipes out the entry-level accounting work firms have relied on for decades? Blake Oliver talks with Sikich managing principal Richard Lynch about the rise of the “super accountant,” why the pyramid-shaped firm may become a diamond, and how AI could force firms to rethink training, billing, and performance metrics. You’ll hear what firm leaders must change now—and what happens to those who don’t adapt.

Chapters

• (00:00) - EAP 112
• (07:41) - Training The Next Gen
• (09:39) - Rethinking Early Career Work
• (14:17) - Learning Review Without Doing
• (18:41) - Automated Tax Prep Reality
• (21:28) - Billable Hour Under Pressure
• (26:33) - Why Timesheets Persist
• (28:21) - Why Hours Persist
• (29:53) - Timesheets Trust and Control
• (30:53) - Preventing Burnout with Targets
• (32:30) - AI Breaks Time Productivity
• (34:39) - Shift from Production to Value
• (37:02) - New Metrics Client and Staff
• (39:13) - Revenue Incentives and Attribution
• (44:24) - Basketball Team Performance Model
• (46:33) - Hours Culture and Team Standards
• (51:34) - Leaders Choose Progression

Download the Earmark CPE App

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

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Connect with Richard Lynch, CPA

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

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

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