Rob Brown sits down with Tailor Hartman, founder of Celerity, to unpack his journey from burnout and rigid corporate structures to becoming one of the most authentic voices in accounting. Tailor shares how he built a thriving CAS firm, why vulnerability online works, and what accountants must do to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.

Tailor opens up about his leap from BDO and private accounting to starting Celerity, where he earned $200K in his first year working just 20 hours a week. He discusses why authenticity beats polished, AI-written posts, and how loneliness and mental health challenges shaped his early founder journey. Community connections became his lifeline and referral pipeline.

Key topics covered:

• The power of niches: specializing in QuickBooks Online and NetSuite for sustainable growth
• Why accountants must post online even when engagement feels low
• How AI is making soft skills and personal brand the number one differentiator
• Practical advice for leaving your job to start a firm on your own terms

This episode offers powerful insights for accountants, creators, and firm owners who want to grow their influence and build a business while staying true to themselves.

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This is an ongoing podcast series spotlighting the innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping the future of accounting with practical insights and proven strategies.

Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps, and more at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with Tim Petrey, CEO of HD Davis CPAs and one of the founding partners at Ascend, a private equity–backed platform transforming regional accounting firms across the U.S.

Tim’s journey from answering phones at a small firm to leading an $8 million practice is nothing short of inspiring. He opens up about mentorship, overcoming complacency in the industry, and how accountants can find purpose, fulfillment, and impact in their careers.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Tim went from receptionist to managing partner at 25
• The power of mentorship and why it changed everything for him
• Why accounting needs a brand makeover
• How AI, technology, and generational shifts are reshaping the CPA world
• What “influence” really means in the accounting space
• Tim’s advice for young accountants and firm leaders: “Embrace the change and keep an open mind.”

Leaders of the Ledger spotlights innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping accounting's future with practical insights and proven strategies. The podcast is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. Learn more about episodes and recaps at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

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Lexi Weber, Senior Manager of Emerging Professionals Initiatives at AICPA and CIMA, joins Rob Brown for a powerful conversation about the future of the accounting profession. As one of the profession's rising voices and influencers, Lexi brings a unique perspective on what's working, what's broken, and what needs to change as accounting undergoes its biggest transformation in decades.

Growing up in an accounting family, Lexi's path into the profession was shaped by mentors, early classroom experiences, and a deep passion for leadership development. Now working at the heart of the AICPA's emerging professional initiatives, she's helping to bridge the gap between what firms need and what the next generation of talent actually wants—flexibility, leadership opportunities, meaningful work, and a more human profession.

In this episode, Lexi and Rob explore:

• Why the pipeline problem starts in high school—and what firms can do about it
• How AI is removing busywork while increasing demand for strategic, trusted advisors
• The AICPA's Rise 2040 project and the major trends shaping accounting's next 15 years
• Private equity's growing influence on firm ownership, leadership, and culture
• The urgent need for succession planning as Baby Boomers retire
• How authenticity and personal branding can attract talent and humanize the profession

Whether you're a firm leader, HR professional, young accountant, or student exploring the profession, this episode offers a roadmap for navigating change and building a stronger, more sustainable future for accounting.

Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps, and more at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:

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Leaders of the Ledger is an ongoing podcast series spotlighting the innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping the future of accounting with practical insights and proven strategies.

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with John Malone—an attorney-turned-accounting firm owner who’s redefining what it means to lead in the modern accounting world.

John shares how he built a $4M firm without being a CPA, why personal branding is no longer optional, and how embracing AI is transforming how firms serve clients. From football fields to boardrooms, John brings a refreshing, entrepreneurial energy to an industry that’s rapidly evolving.

What You’ll Hear:
✅ Building a thriving accounting firm as a non-CPA
✅ Why accountants must step outside their comfort zone to build visibility
✅ How AI can boost client service and firm efficiency
✅ The power of personal brand in attracting both talent and clients
✅ Embracing change and staying ahead of industry shifts

A must-listen for firm leaders, accountants, and ambitious professionals who want to stay relevant and influential in a fast-changing profession.

Leaders of the Ledger spotlights innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping accounting's future with practical insights and proven strategies. The podcast is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor.

Learn more about episodes and recaps at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:
Twitter: https://x.com/cpapracadvisor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpapracticeadvisor
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPAPracticeAdvisor

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with Zach Gordon—CPA, entrepreneur, and thought leader reshaping what it means to lead in accounting.

Zach shares his unconventional journey through big firms, startups, and now running his own practice—all while helping modernize the profession’s reputation. From AI and automation to advising in emerging industries like cannabis and crypto, Zach is part of the new wave of CPAs redefining influence, innovation, and impact.

He opens up about:
✅ Why accounting’s brand problem needs urgent fixing
✅ How AI and automation are transforming firm work
✅ Why the next generation of CPAs must think like entrepreneurs
✅ The skills accountants must develop to stay relevant
✅ His mission to make accounting exciting again

A must-listen for firm leaders, partners, and ambitious accountants ready to embrace the future of the profession.

Leaders of the Ledger spotlights innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping accounting's future with practical insights and proven strategies. The podcast is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor.

Learn more about episodes and recaps at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:
Twitter: https://x.com/cpapracadvisor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpapracticeadvisor
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In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with Victor Garrido, Managing Member of GG CPA Services and a passionate advocate for the accounting profession's evolution. Victor's story takes us from Madrid to Milan to New York, where he built a career spanning Big Four experience and small-business leadership. Today, he's not just a CPA — he's a commissioner on the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission, an advocate for the Hispanic business community, and a mentor pushing accounting into a more modern, human, and influential era.

What You'll Hear:

• Victor's journey from Spain to the U.S. accounting scene.
• How accountants can influence communities beyond tax and audit.
• Why it's time to fix accounting's brand problem.
• How joining boards and organizations can elevate your career.
• The two most important skills accountants need to stay relevant.
• Why mentorship, curiosity, and technology are the future of accounting.
• The truth about AI — and why human connection still matters most.

Leaders of the Ledger spotlights innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping accounting's future with practical insights and proven strategies. The podcast is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. Learn more about episodes and recaps at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:
Twitter: https://x.com/cpapracadvisor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpapracticeadvisor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3927201/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPAPracticeAdvisor

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, we sit down with Tim O’Neill, a senior manager at Whitley LLP, to discuss how young professionals can make a big impact in accounting. Tim shares his journey from starting in a big CPA firm to becoming a thought leader in the profession, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring the next generation of CPAs.

Topics covered in this episode:

• How to build a personal brand while working at a big firm.
• Strategies to stand out and influence within the accounting profession.
• Balancing technical expertise with leadership, empathy, and innovation.
• Opportunities for young professionals to shape the future of accounting.
• How CPAs can leverage thought leadership, state societies, and networking.

Whether you’re an aspiring CPA, a young professional in finance, or someone interested in leadership and influence, this episode offers actionable insights to grow your career and make a difference.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on accounting leadership and innovation!

Leaders of the Ledger spotlights innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping accounting's future with practical insights and proven strategies. The podcast is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. Learn more about episodes and recaps at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpapracticeadvisor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3927201/
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In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, we dive into the changing landscape of the accounting profession with Rachel Farris, a young and dynamic CPA from San Francisco. With Gen Z and millennials bringing a fresh perspective, accounting is no longer the old, traditional career it used to be. From the rise of remote work to embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain, Rachel shares her journey of pushing for change and making the profession more exciting for young people.

Rachel opens up about:

• How the profession is evolving with the emergence of new technologies.
• Why the image of accounting has taken a hit and how to fix it.
• The entrepreneurial mindset that accountants need to adopt.
• How to leverage a personal brand to build trust and expand influence.
• Rachel’s passion for educating and inspiring the next generation of accountants.

If you’re curious about how the accounting industry is changing and how young influencers are leading the charge, this episode is for you!

Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps, and more at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:

Twitter: https://x.com/cpapracadvisor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpapracticeadvisor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3927201/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPAPracticeAdvisor

Leaders of the Ledger is an ongoing podcast series spotlighting the innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping the future of accounting with practical insights and proven strategies.