254. Putting people first, with Jan Lewis

Strengthening the accounting profession's talent pipeline takes more than attracting new professionals. It also means creating opportunities, supporting career development, and giving the next generation reasons to stay.In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, former Chair of both the MACPA and AICPA and current Chair of the MACPA Foundation, to discuss how the profession can build a stronger future through mentorship, inclusion, and meaningful engagement.Kimberly explores the importance of retaining talent, expanding career opportunities, and adapting professional development as AI transforms the workplace. She also highlights how the MACPA Foundation and individual CPAs can help shape the profession's future.Resources: The MACPA FoundationKimberly Ellison-Taylor, LinkedIn profile

With new auditing standards taking effect and more changes on the horizon, staying current is essential for CPAs working in audit and assurance.In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Mike Manspeaker, past Chair of the MACPA Board of Directors and current member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board, to discuss the latest developments in auditing standards and what practitioners should be preparing for.Mike breaks down upcoming requirements for group audits and quality management, along with newly approved standards addressing confirmations and fraud risk. He also shares what's ahead for attestation standards, going concern, and audit technology, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how new standards are developed to improve audit quality while remaining practical for firms.Resources:Mike Manspeaker, CPA, CGMAAICPA Quality Management ResourcesSAS 149: Understanding Group AuditsSAS 151: Fraud Standard at a GlanceAICPA Auditing Standards Resources

The accounting profession is preparing for a future shaped by AI and evolving expectations, but resistance to change could slow its progress. In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Tom Hood, Executive Vice President of Business Engagement and Growth at the AICPA, to explore the findings of the Rise2040™ report and what they mean for accounting and finance professionals.Tom discusses why trust, ethics, and professional judgment remain essential as AI reshapes the profession. He also explores the need to accelerate AI adoption, develop critical human skills, and prepare the next generation of CPAs for a future where humans lead AI, rather than simply use it.Resources:Rise2040™ Vision Report and ResourcesRise2040™ NavigatorAICPA Profession Ready InitiativeBusiness Learning Institute AI Accelerator

AI is changing how accounting work gets done, but what could that mean for the role of the CPA? In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Shane Mason, CPA and co-founder of Brooklyn Fi (BKFi), to explore what an AI-powered accounting and financial planning practice could look like.Shane discusses how AI can take on routine and technical work, the new skills CPAs will need to work effectively with these tools, and why prompting is becoming an important part of the profession’s skill set. He also explains why the real opportunity may be using AI to create more time for what clients value most: meaningful conversations, thoughtful guidance, and human connection. Resources:Shane Mason / Brooklyn Fi (BKFi)MACPA Personal Financial Planning ConferenceOpenAI Prompting GuideBILL, episode sponsor

As technology, talent challenges, and changing business models reshape the accounting profession, Jan Lewis believes its greatest strength remains the same: its people.In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Jan, current Chair of the AICPA Board of Directors, to discuss her people-first approach to the profession and what’s on her radar as she begins her year as chair.Jan shares why technical and technological skills must be paired with critical thinking and strong people skills, and discusses talent, trust, the changing role of firms, and the importance of creating a profession where different paths to success can thrive.Resources:BILL, AI-powered financial operations platform., episode sponsorRise2040™Jan Lewis, AICPA Chair, partner at BMSS Advisors & CPA MACPA Volunteer Opportunities

After a year spent listening to CPAs, students, firm leaders, regulators, and others across the profession, Lexy Kessler has a unique perspective on where the profession stands and where it’s headed.In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Lexy to reflect on her year as AICPA chair and what she learned from conversations across the profession and around the world.Lexy shares her perspective on the progress being made around talent and technology, the importance of trust, ethics, integrity, and quality, and why listening to different perspectives matters. She also discusses the growing sense of unity across the profession and the opportunity to carry that momentum forward as CPAs navigate continued change.Resources:Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, Partner in Aprio’s Assurance Services Practice and immediate past Chair of the AICPA Board of DirectorsBILL, AI-powered financial operations platform., episode sponsorRise2040™MACPA Classroom Visit Program

Private equity is reshaping the accounting profession, changing how firms think about succession, valuation, technology, profitability, and growth.In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Brannon Poe, founder of Poe Group Advisors, to explore the opportunities and risks that come with private equity investment in CPA firms. Brannon shares a balanced perspective on what PE is bringing to the profession, why not all investors are the same, and what firm owners should consider before pursuing a deal.From finding the right cultural fit to understanding firm value and protecting client and employee relationships, this conversation offers practical guidance for firm owners navigating a rapidly changing succession landscape.Resources:Brandon Poe, Poe Group Advisors WebsiteThe Economics of Selling Your CPA Firm, A Poe Group Advisors articleCPA Firm Valuation Guide

The accounting profession is evolving, and so is the role of today's CPA.In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Savedra Scott, President and Owner of Savvy Financial Solutions and the newly elected Chair of the MACPA Board of Directors, to discuss the evolving role of CPAs and the opportunities shaping the profession's future.Savedra shares why today's accountants are moving beyond being historians of the numbers to becoming trusted advisors and strategic business partners. She also explores the profession's biggest challenges, including talent shortages, burnout, artificial intelligence, and the need to better communicate the value and flexibility of a CPA career to the next generation.This conversation offers an inspiring look at how leadership, innovation, and a commitment to service can help build a stronger, more future-ready profession.Resources:Beyond The Numbers, MACPA interview with Savedra ScottSavvy Financial Solutions MACPA Volunteer Opportunities

Can AI do more than improve efficiency? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Brad Gustafson, Head of the Accounting Partner Channel at Ramp, to explore how AI is reshaping the accounting profession and helping firms address long-term talent challenges.Brad shares why AI should be viewed as a capacity multiplier rather than a replacement for accountants, how agentic AI is transforming workflows, and why the firms embracing AI strategically today will be best positioned to grow tomorrow.This conversation offers practical insight into how firm leaders can use AI to strengthen client relationships, increase capacity, and build a more resilient future.Resources:Ramp for Accounting & Finance ProfessionalsBrad Gustafson, Channel Partnership Leader at Ramp, LinkedIn ProfileMACPA Preferred ProvidersMACPA AI Resource Page

What does the next generation really want from work? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Dr. Tara Ceranic Salinas, professor of business ethics at the University of San Diego, to explore what organizations often get wrong about Gen Z in the workplace.Tara explains why Gen Z isn't rejecting leadership. They're rethinking what leadership should look like. From flexibility and purpose to skill development and AI, she shares how organizations can better attract, develop, and retain emerging talent by creating more human-centered workplaces.This conversation offers practical insight for leaders looking to build stronger cultures and prepare their organizations for the future of work.Resources:Tara Ceranic Salinas Knauss School of Business, University of San DiegoDaniel Pink – Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us