We continue our special CAS block on The Unique CPA as Kane Polakoff, the Client Advisory Services Practice Leader at CohnReznick, joins Randy on Episode 217. Kane has nearly three decades of experience in starting CAS practices, and they discuss the evolution, challenges, and best practices in building and managing CAS. Kane goes into significant detail on the importance of integrating technology, the opportunity of expanding operations globally, and of hiring dynamic individuals who can handle CAS’s unique challenges, but he is also a passionate advocate for culture and mental health awareness within accounting, and he stresses that a supportive work environment is just as vital in ensuring the success of any practice, CAS or otherwise. Ultimately, he and Randy agree that above all, the profession is highly collaborative, and you will find support with anything you need, particularly CAS, if you simply ask for help from those who have been there before.

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Episode 216 of The Unique CPA kicks off a three-episode CAS block, starting with Randy Crabtree’s conversation with Christine Triantos. Christine, who has over 30 years of experience as one of the trailblazers of CAS within the profession, discusses its fundamentals, differentiating it from traditional accounting services like bookkeeping and write-ups. She highlights the importance of proactive guidance and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, and explores how her own service providers, Infinite Advisors and Infinite Ties, can smooth this process. Delving into best practices, pricing strategies, managing client expectations, and the significance of industry-specific niches, Christine emphasizes the value of effective client communication and the boon to work-life balance that maintaining a successful CAS practice can provide.

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Randy Crabtree welcomes Terrell Turner back to The Unique CPA for his third appearance in anticipation of the upcoming Bridging the Gap Conference 2025 in Denver, Colorado, July 22nd-24th. Terrell will be interviewing several participants this year as well as giving his own talk, as he did each of the first two years, and he and Randy take this opportunity to discuss the history and unique aspects that have come out of the conference as it’s found its identity. Perhaps unsurprisingly for longtime listeners of The Unique CPA, community and relationship building are among the central themes. Randy and Terrell also preview a few sessions and speakers for the conference, including discussions on topics like vulnerability in leadership and redefining the accounting industry.

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Randy Crabtree connects with Carlos Garcia, co-founder of the Reframe Conference with his brother, former Unique CPA guest Hector, on Episode 214. Carlos’s focus is on transforming how accounting professionals communicate with clients by promoting confidence and clear messaging. Sporting a certification in the “Exactly What to Say” methodology, which aids accountants in becoming strategic partners rather than mere compliance officers, Carlos emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and trust in interactions with both clients and your team, and delves into the impact of language on trust building. The Reframe Conference takes these important ideas into its mission to rebrand the accounting profession as innovative and forward-thinking.

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Mike Whitmire returns to The Unique CPA to share his unique perspective on the profession on Episode 213. The co-founder and CEO of FloQast, Mike talks to Randy about the expansion and shift in responsibilities for controllers and others within accounting, going beyond traditional functions to include operational efficiency and strategic planning. Focusing on the impact of technology and AI in automating mundane tasks, Mike explains that accountants’ ability to focus on more high value work is key to this transformation. Rather than the talent pipeline issue being a major concern, Mike emphasizes that by using oft-discussed themes of the show like mental health awareness, strong workplace relationships, and putting people in positions to do work they love, everyone can get more out of their careers and see increased engagement and fulfillment, which can benefit every person and organization from top to bottom.

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On Episode 212 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree digs into an extraordinary alternative firm model with Jacob Schroeder, the founder and CEO of Ascend Consulting. In addition to balancing multiple businesses, Jacob’s entrepreneurial journey has been informed by his passion for innovation and invention in the context of the accounting profession. Jacob’s bold move to split Ascend Consulting into three separate firms to allow for separate focuses on advisory services, tax, and bookkeeping has so far been a resounding success, and he and Randy delve into the central role that collaboration, partnerships, and allowing each individual to focus on their strengths and passions have played in driving that success.

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Randy Crabtree goes in-house with Tri-Merit’s Barry Devine, a veteran in the specialty tax incentive space, on Episode 211 of The Unique CPA. Renewable energy tax credits have come to the forefront as a way for nonprofits to fund community-strengthening projects, and Barry pulls from his extensive experience in leveraging these credits and incentives to illustrate the incredible opportunities that are out there right now. Highlighting the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on making these credits accessible to nonprofits, they discuss real-world examples Barry was a part of, including projects for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County and a Minnesota hospital, while delving into the legislative landscape and future prospects for renewable energy incentives. Barry’s strong advice to CPAs on how to support their nonprofit clients in taking advantage of these lucrative credits is a must-listen.

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Randy Crabtree connects with business development specialist Chris Cocca on Episode 210 of The Unique CPA. The President of Strategic Sales and former actively practicing CPA, Chris now specializes in helping accounting firms grow and scale by identifying and leveraging their rainmakers, implementing effective business development processes, and formalizing sales methodologies. Focusing on efficiency in business development and highlighting the importance of having a sales leader within the firm, Chris emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to coaching salespeople and aligning business development with firm growth goals on a person-to-person level.

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