Most accounting firm owners assume the big, PE-backed players have an unbeatable head start on AI.

In this state-of-the-industry conversation, Joey Kinney, Virtual CFO at Anders, pinch-hits for Tom Wadelton and sits down with Adam Hale, Partner at Anders, for an unscripted look at where AI is actually changing accounting advisory work right now. Fresh off a live Basis AI conference with the top 100 firms in the room, Adam explains why smaller, faster-moving firms may have more room to close the gap than anyone expects. From there, the conversation covers what happens when clients start showing up with their own AI-built financial analysis, why tracking 50 KPIs is the same as tracking none, how the COO role is quietly folding into the CFO seat, and why Adam believes the traditional CPA firm staffing pyramid is about to flip into a diamond.

They also get into an honest conversation about trust: what it actually takes for a young, AI-fluent advisor to be believed in the room. If you're trying to figure out how AI changes your firm's pricing, staffing, and advisory model over the next year, this episode is a working session, not a keynote. ▶️ Why Smaller CPA Firms Have the AI Advantage with Joey Kinney and Adam Hale.

Episode resources:
● Website: https://anderscpa.com/
● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com
● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes:

• Adam Hale: "One of the biggest takeaways is they're not very far ahead either, in this entire space. Smaller firms really have an opportunity here to make up a lot of ground."
• Joey Kinney: "If you're tracking 50 KPIs, you're tracking no KPIs, because you don't have any KPIs at 50."

About the Hosts

Joey Kinney, CPA, pinch-hits as host for this episode. He's a Virtual CFO at Anders. Coming from an accounting family, Joey began learning about basic accounting principles from his parents as a teen. From there, he continued to build his experience by taking on a variety of roles in the accounting and financial industry. Joey enjoys helping business owners navigate the ever-changing business landscape. He loves being a trusted advisor who can help his clients achieve their personal and professional goals.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-kinney-cpa-60658188/

Adam Hale, CPA, Partner and Managing Director of Advisory at Anders, is dedicated to transforming traditional accounting practices through innovative Virtual CFO services. With over 20 years in public accounting, Adam has been instrumental in the ideation and development of CPA training courses.

Website: https://anderscpa.com/about/your-anders-team/#adam-hale
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhalecpa/

Tom Wadelton is out this episode, back next time.

About the Show

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo

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