Summary
This episode explores transformative trends in the CPA industry, including staffing shortages, growth in advisory services, technological advancements such as AI, and private equity influence. Hosted by Heidi Henderson with Chelsea Summers, the discussion provides valuable insights for CPA firms, business owners, and investors on navigating industry changes effectively.

Key Topics

• Staffing shortages and succession concerns
• Growth of advisory and strategic services
• Impact of AI and technology on efficiency
• Private equity influence on firm consolidation
• Shift towards specialization and niche markets

Takeaways

• Firms that adapt to pricing, staffing, and specialization stay profitable
• Advisory services now generate over 32% of revenue, up from 19% in 2015
• Technology investments, including AI, are transforming firm operations
• Private equity-backed firms are more profitable, but not drastically different yet
• Offshoring is increasingly common, with 47% of firms using offshore FTEs

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Data and Strategy in Accounting
04:47 Shifts in the Accounting Industry
08:07 The Rise of Advisory Services
09:54 Specialization in Accounting Firms
13:14 Impact of Technology on CPA Firms
15:17 The Role of AI in Accounting
16:36 Staffing Challenges and Opportunities
17:20 Trends in Partner Age and Accounting Graduates
19:19 Billing Structures and Profitability
24:07 Mergers and Acquisitions in the CPA Space
26:51 Private Equity's Influence on Accounting Firms
32:59 Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

Resources
Engineered Advisory - https://engineeredadvisory.com/
Heidi Henderson (LinkedIn) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidihenderson/

Guest Links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseasummers/
Inside Public Accounting (IPA) - https://insidepublicaccounting.com/

Summary
In this episode of the Slash Tax podcast, host Heidi Henderson and guest Rob Burnette discuss the intersection of tax strategies and financial planning. They explore how to effectively combine smart financial planning with tax-efficient strategies to support long-term goals, particularly in retirement and wealth building. Rob shares his unique journey from engineering to finance, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving in financial consulting. The conversation also addresses the challenges faced by high-income earners, the role of insurance in wealth building, and the impact of legislative changes on taxation. Listeners gain insights into navigating the complexities of financial planning and tax strategies, ensuring they are well-prepared for their financial futures.

Takeaways

• Combining financial planning with tax-efficient strategies is crucial.
• Engineering problem-solving skills can be applied to finance.
• Each client presents a unique financial puzzle to solve.
• There is no one-size-fits-all solution in financial planning.
• Planning for longevity and healthcare costs is essential.
• High-income earners face unique challenges in tax planning.
• Insurance can be a valuable tool for wealth building.
• Parents should consider the impact of college funding on retirement.
• Legislative changes can significantly affect tax strategies.
• Understanding the market's response to political changes is important for investors.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tax Strategies and Financial Planning
03:09 Rob Burnette's Journey from Engineering to Finance
05:57 The Importance of Problem Solving in Financial Consulting
09:12 Bridging the Gap Between Tax and Financial Advisors
12:07 Planning for Longevity and Healthcare Costs
15:15 Strategies for High-Income Earners
17:55 Tax-Efficient Investment Approaches
22:28 Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies
24:27 Insurance as a Financial Tool
27:57 Planning for Long-Term Care
30:44 Funding Education and Wealth Transfer
33:01 Navigating Financial Planning for Adult Children
35:55 Understanding Legislative Changes and Their Impact
40:21 Investment Strategies Amid Political Changes

About Rob Burnette
Rob leads Outlook Financial Center in case design, investment management, and daily
operations. He has worked in financial services since 1985 and is licensed to offer investment
advice and insurance products.

As a registered tax preparer with the IRS, Rob participates in the Annual Filing Season Program
and is certified as a National Social Security Advisor. He graduated from the U.S. Naval
Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, earned an MBA from the
University of New Haven, and holds a Financial Planning certificate from Kaplan University.

Rob’s professional memberships include the International Association of Registered Financial
Consultants, Million Dollar Round Table - Court of the Table, and Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA
Advisor Group. He has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Barron’s,
Forbes, MarketWatch, WDTN Dayton, and WHIO Dayton. He is a 2017 Alumnus of Leadership
Troy, Ohio, and is passionate about supporting kids' sports programs, 4H, and FFA.

Connect with Rob Burnette
Rob's Website: https://outlookfc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outlook-financial-center/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutlookFinancialCenterLLC/

Learn More
Engineered Tax Services has helped investors and business owners unlock millions in tax savings for nearly 25 years through cost segregation, R&D credits, and energy incentives like 179D and 45L. 👉 Visit engineeredtaxservices.com
Subscribe to Slash Tax | Leave a review | Share with business owners ready to find better accounting partners

Tax strategy isn't just about saving money; it's about finding the right partners who can help you build wealth.

Host: Heidi Henderson | Sponsor: Engineered Tax Services

Slash Tax Podcast – Blake Oliver (Earmark CPE & The Accounting Podcast)

Join host Heidi Henderson for an essential conversation with Blake Oliver, CPA, founder of Earmark CPE and host of The Accounting Podcast. Blake shares insider insights into the dramatic changes reshaping accounting and their implications for taxpayers and business owners.

From musician to Starbucks barista to CPA to tech entrepreneur, Blake's journey gives him a unique perspective on what's broken in traditional accounting and how technology is creating solutions. He reveals why CPAs are retiring en masse, how AI will transform the profession, and what to look for when choosing an accounting partner who can help slash your tax bill.

Key Topics

• The CPA shortage crisis and retirement wave are hitting the profession
• Why traditional accounting firms burn out talented CPAs
• The shift from compliance to advisory services
• How to evaluate if your CPA is actually saving you money
• Finding specialized CPAs vs generalist firms
• AI's role in accounting: Excel comparison and what's coming
• Private equity takeover of accounting firms
• The rise of fractional CFOs and specialized boutique firms
• Earmark CPE: Free NASBA-approved CPE through podcasts
• YouTube and content marketing for professional services
• Fixed-fee vs billable hour pricing models
• Why giving away knowledge attracts better clients

About Blake Oliver

Blake Oliver is a CPA, entrepreneur, and host of The Accounting Podcast. He founded Earmark CPE, a platform allowing accountants to earn free NASBA-approved CPE credits by listening to podcasts—transforming how CPAs stay current.

Blake studied cello at Northwestern University and performed with the San Francisco Youth Symphony before the Great Recession redirected him to accounting. After working at Starbucks, he transitioned into bookkeeping, discovered his passion for accounting and technology, worked in public accounting, led firms, and eventually sold his practice to focus on technology, education, and media. He uniquely understands both what firms struggle with and what clients need.

Connect with Blake Oliver
Blake's Website: www.blakeoliver.com

Earmark CPE: earmarkcpe.com
The Accounting Podcast: theaccountingpodcast.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver/
Twitter/X: x.com/BlakeTOliver
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlakeTOliver

Learn More

Engineered Tax Services has helped investors and business owners unlock millions in tax savings for nearly 25 years through cost segregation, R&D credits, and energy incentives like 179D and 45L. 👉 Visit engineeredtaxservices.com
Subscribe to Slash Tax | Leave a review | Share with business owners ready to find better accounting partners

Tax strategy isn't just about saving money—it's about finding the right partners who can help you build wealth.

Host: Heidi Henderson | Sponsor: Engineered Tax Services