Excel Gets AI, FP&A Pros Under Threat, QBO AI Feeds Blowback

Are AI “super agents” like Xero’s Jax actually useful—or just shiny chatbots? Blake and David unpack Xerocon announcements, why embedded agents lack context, smarter way to automate bank feeds with rules, the leaked “no tax on tips” job list and planning opportunities, IRS staffing whiplash, plus what billion‑dollar AI pledges from big firms really mean. Walk away with practical steps to deploy AI that saves hours without losing control.SponsorsTeamUp - http://accountingpodcast.promo/teamupRippling - http://accountingpodcast.promo/ripplingDigits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/digitsChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Overview (00:45) - Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits (03:20) - Live Stream Interactions and Coffee Talk (04:09) - Upcoming Deadlines and Tax Season Tips (05:52) - Upcoming Conferences and Events (14:48) - Blake's New Book Announcement (24:27) - No Tax on Tips Discussion (28:57) - IRS Workforce Challenges (31:41) - State Tax Implications for NFL Players (36:22) - Xero Con and AI Financial Super Agent (37:51) - Analyzing Gross Profit Trends (39:43) - Limitations of AI in Accounting (42:12) - AI-Powered Bank Reconciliation (49:47) - Automating Invoice Creation with AI (55:01) - Grant Thornton's AI Investment (01:02:16) - The Future of AI in Accounting (01:13:03) - AI's Impact on Accounting Jobs (01:21:26) - Implementing AI in Accounting Firms  Show NotesTreasury names jobs for Trump's 'no tax on tips' deduction https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/03/treasury-trump-no-tax-on-tips-jobs.htmlScoop: List of jobs covered by Trump's "no tax on tips" (See if you qualify) https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/no-tax-on-tips-jobs-trump-billWorkers in 68 occupations may soon be exempt from paying taxes on tips, including some surprising jobshttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-tax-on-tips-trump-big-beautiful-bill-68-occupations-heres-who/IRS is canceling its layoff plans, will ask some it fired or pushed out to return https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/08/irs-canceling-its-layoff-plans-will-ask-some-it-fired-or-pushed-out-return/407620/The IRS is Downsizing: Key Divisions Most Affected in 2025 https://sandbergphoenix.com/the-irs-is-downsizing-key-divisions-most-affected-in-2025/Grant Thornton Advisors investing $1 billion to arm the multinational workforce across its platform with powerful AI tools and technologyhttps://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904414830/en/Grant-Thornton-Advisors-investing-$1-billion-to-arm-the-multinational-workforce-across-its-platform-with-powerful-AI-tools-and-technologyGrant Thornton Advisors to Sink $1 Billion Over Three Years on AI https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/09/05/grant-thornton-advisors-to-sink-1-billion-over-three-years-on-ai/168500/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Are AI bank feeds helping—or just creating more work? Blake and David unpack Intuit’s missteps, why “use AI to make the rules” matters, and how a no‑code agent now posts multi‑line bills to Xero. They demo Excel’s new "copilot()" function, share how FP&A roles are shifting, and hit headlines from Barstool’s lawsuit to tariffs and Gusto’s Guideline deal. You’ll leave with practical ways to deploy AI, avoid hidden risks, and boost margins.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay TeamUp - http://accountingpodcast.promo/teamupDigits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/digitsChapters(00:43) - Planning with AI (02:03) - The Threat of AI to Consultants (04:41) - AI in QuickBooks: A Double-Edged Sword (06:19) - AI's Limitations and Future in Accounting (27:02) - Excel's New AI Copilot (28:22) - Introducing the Copilot Function in Excel (33:50) - AI in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities (37:44) - Barstool Sports vs. Omega Accounting Solutions (41:29) - New Tariff Policies and Their Impact (53:45) - Gusto Acquires Guideline for Retirement Services (54:26) - Conclusion and CPE Information  Show NotesBring AI to your formulas with the COPILOT function in Excel https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/bring-ai-to-your-formulas-with-the-copilot-function-in-excel/4443487FP&A pros anticipate AI-driven headcount reductions https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/fp-a-pros-anticipate-ai-driven-headcount-reductionsPresident Trump Ends Unfair "De Minimis" Tariff Exemption, A Major Victory in Securing the Homeland https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/31/president-trump-ends-unfair-de-minimis-tariff-exemption-major-victory-securingFact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump is Protecting the United States' National Security and Economy by Suspending the De Minimis Exemption for Commercial Shipments Globally https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/07/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-is-protecting-the-united-states-national-security-and-economy-by-suspending-the-de-minimis-exemption-for-commercial-shipments-globally/Barstool Sports Sues Accounting Firm Over Unpaid Advertising Bills https://www.sportico.com/law/analysis/2025/barstool-omega-accounting-solutions-advertising-lawsuit-1234868719/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Can AI agents actually reduce your workload—or just add hype? Blake demos how he rebuilt bill-entry “Hubdoc-style” in about an hour with Zapier Agents, then maps out why most AI pilots fail without documented workflows and human approvals. Plus: PwC’s plan to hire one-third fewer grads, juniors supervising AI, HMRC scanning social posts for tax gaps, and fresh salary and pricing benchmarks. Learn where AI truly fits—and how to price with confidence.SponsorsRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relayTeamUp - http://accountingpodcast.promo/teamup Human at Scale - http://accountingpodcast.promo/humanDigits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/digitsChapters(05:36) - AI Agents: Hype vs. Reality (07:49) - AI's Impact on Corporate America (10:28) - Challenges in AI Integration (19:11) - PWC and AI: Training the Next Generation (21:43) - Building AI Agents with Zapier (41:00) - Human at Scale: Transforming Accounting Firms (42:34) - Live Stream Chat and AI Future (45:14) - Outsourcing vs. AI in Business (46:37) - AI in Accounting: Supervision and Customization (48:33) - Intuit's Q4 Earnings and QuickBooks Live (51:00) - AI's Impact on Accounting Jobs and Tools (59:48) - UK's AI Tax Fraud Detection (01:03:27) - Accounting Salary Survey Results (01:13:40) - Client Relationships and Free Speech Issues (01:18:18) - Conclusion and CPE Information  Show NotesThe GenAI Divide: State of AI in Business 2025 (MIT NANDA Report)https://fortune.com/2025/08/18/mit-report-95-percent-generative-ai-pilots-at-companies-failing-cfo/Getting a job at PwC out of college will be a lot tougher. It plans to recruit a third fewer grads by 2028 https://www.aol.com/getting-job-pwc-college-lot-120316405.htmlHMRC uses AI to spot tax fraud on social media https://www.accountancyage.com/2025/08/12/hmrc-uses-ai-to-spot-tax-fraud-on-social-media/The 2025 Accounting Today Salary Survey: Sweetening the deal https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/the-2025-accounting-today-salary-survey-sweetening-the-deal2025 U.S. Accounting and Tax Pricing Benchmark (Ignition) https://www.ignitionapp.com/us/2025-accounting-tax-pricing-benchmarkTaxDome Releases First-of-Its-Kind 2025 Niche Business Accounting Report https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20250819ph53815/taxdome-releases-first-of-its-kind-2025-niche-business-accounting-report2025 Niche Business Accounting Report (TaxDome) https://taxdome.com/niche-report-2025Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Can an AI reconcile your books while you sleep? Blake and David run a live experiment with ChatGPT-5’s Agent Mode in Xero—watching it match transactions, stumble on prepayments, and reveal what’s realistically automatable today. They also break down a flood of app news: Dext's bill pay, Ramp’s mega raise, Thomson Reuters and Deloitte’s agentic AI, plus Ignition–Financial Cents and Canopy portal moves. They dig into survey findings showing that 58% of employees are secretly using AI at work despite company bans, and take a look at how AI is disrupting the job market for college graduates. SponsorsTeamUp - http://accountingpodcast.promo/teamupRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relayHuman at Scale - http://accountingpodcast.promo/humanMissive - http://accountingpodcast.promo/missiveChapters(01:32) - Exploring AI in Accounting (02:20) - Testing ChatGPT for Accounting Tasks (05:26) - Reconciling Transactions with AI (10:27) - App News (18:34) - AI and Automation in Accounting (23:29) - Recent Raises and Acquisitions (31:10) - Government and Regulatory Updates (35:14) - AI Agent Struggles with Prepayment (35:39) - VC Investments in Accounting Firms (37:43) - Ignition and Financial Sense Integration (40:13) - Canopy's Smart Intake and AI Innovations (42:58) - AI in the Workplace: Surveys and Insights (44:39) - AI Agent Finally Figures Out Prepayment (52:36) - AI's Limitations and Future Potential (01:01:55) - Fundraising and AI in Accounting Apps (01:12:28) - Impact of AI on the market (01:13:42) - Conclusion and CPE Information  Show NotesProduct Specialist-Accounting,AI - Xerohttps://builtinlondon.uk/job/product-specialist-accounting-ai/6683466Rillet raises $70M to replace 20th-century accounting software with AI-native ERP built by accountantshttps://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/06/3128328/0/en/Rillet-raises-70M-to-replace-20th-century-accounting-software-with-AI-native-ERP-built-by-accountants.htmlAI accounting startup Rillet raises $70 million in Andreessen Horowitz, ICONIQ-led roundhttps://www.investing.com/news/economy-news/ai-accounting-startup-rillet-raises-70-million-in-andreessen-horowitz-iconiqled-round-4172975Ramp Raises $500 Million at $22.5 Billion Valuation to Accelerate AI and Build the Future of Financehttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ramp-raises-500-million-at-22-5-billion-valuation-to-accelerate-ai-and-build-the-future-of-finance-302516953.htmlRamp hits $22.5B valuation just 45 days after reaching $16Bhttps://techcrunch.com/2025/07/30/ramp-hits-22-5b-valuation-just-45-days-after-reaching-16b/IRS, White House clashed over immigrants' data before Billy Long was oustedhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/08/09/trump-administration-irs-data-dispute/Trump replaces IRS Commissioner Billy Long with Scott Bessenthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/08/08/billy-long-irs-commissioner-bessent/Trump ousts Billy Long as IRS commissioner, names Bessent acting headhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/08/08/politics/billy-long-ousted-irs-commissionerIRS Chief Forced Out After Immigrant Tax Data Pushback—Reporthttps://www.newsweek.com/irs-chief-forced-immigrant-tax-data-pushback-report-2111292Billy Long's IRS ouster follows clashes with Treasury, sparks concernhttps://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5449180-treasury-clashes-irs-commissioner/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to c...

Blake and David discuss how both AICPA and NASBA have officially endorsed a 120-hour CPA licensure pathway in the ninth edition of the Uniform Accountancy Act, validating Blake's long-standing advocacy against the 150-hour requirement. They also examine Baker Tilly's policy, which requires CPAs to remove their designations from email signatures and LinkedIn profiles due to alternative practice structures. They move on to the launch of GPT-5, praising its improved integration but noting concerning chart errors in OpenAI's presentation and ongoing hallucination issues. Rounding things out, they also discuss Trump's firing of newly-appointed IRS Commissioner Billy Long after just weeks in office, comparing it to his dismissal of the Bureau of Labor Statistics head over unfavorable job revision data.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpay Keeper - http://accountingpodcast.promo/keeperMissive - http://accountingpodcast.promo/missive TeamUp - http://accountingpodcast.promo/teamupChapters(00:41) - AICPA and NASBA owe Blake an apology (02:35) - AI and GPT-5 Launch (04:17) - CPA License Controversy (13:04) - IRS and BLS Firings (24:54) - Tariffs and Economic Impact (37:13) - Impressive Results with GPT-5 (41:13) - Private Equity and Accounting Firms (45:16) - AI Errors in High-Stakes Presentations (56:41) - SEC's New Stable Coin Regulations (59:56) - China's Response to US Stable Coin Regulations (01:01:16) - KPMG and the Silicon Valley Bank Collapse (01:03:20) - Macy's Executive Bonuses Clawed Back (01:05:33) - Luckin Coffee's Auditor Penalized (01:08:34) - Mike Lynch's Estate Hit with $1 Billion Judgment (01:09:51) - Match Group's Stock Surge and Economic Optimism (01:12:58) - Final Thoughts and Continuing Education  Show NotesNASBA, AICPA give blessing to 120-hour CPA pathwayhttps://www.cfo.com/news/governing-bodies-of-accounting-give-blessing-to-120-hour-cpa-requirement/754033/ AICPA and NASBA Approve Model Legislation for New CPA Licensure Pathhttps://nasba.org/blog/2025/05/13/aicpa-and-nasba-approve-model-legislation-for-new-cpa-licensure-path/NASBA and AICPA Publish Ninth Edition of the Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA)https://nasba.org/blog/2025/07/22/nasba-and-aicpa-publish-ninth-edition-of-the-uniform-accountancy-act-uaa/Alaska Becomes the Latest State to Offer an Alternate CPA Pathway, With No Help From the Governorhttps://www.goingconcern.com/alaska-becomes-the-latest-state-to-offer-an-alternate-cpa-pathway-with-no-help-from-the-governor/CPA requirements by statehttps://www.cfo.com/news/cpa-requirements-by-state-cfo-accounting-updates-changes-150-hour/740328/Baker Tilly Secures Private Equity Investment in Largest CPA Transaction to Datehttps://insidepublicaccounting.com/2024/02/05/baker-tilly-secures-private-equity-investment-in-largest-cpa-transaction-to-date/Trump ousts Billy Long as IRS commissioner, names Bessent acting headhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/08/08/politics/billy-long-ousted-irs-commissionerIRS Commissioner Billy Long replaced after less than two monthshttps://www.npr.org/2025/08/08/nx-s1-5496549/irs-billy-long-trumpTrump removes Billy Long as IRS commissioner, giving him the shortest-ever tenure in the rolehttps://federalnewsnetwork.com/management/2025/08/trump-removes-billy-long-as-irs-commisioner-less-than-2-months-after-his-confirmation/OpenAI botches the charts in GPT-5 introductionhttps://flowingdata.com/2025/08/07/openai-botches-the-charts-in-gpt-5-introduction/GPT-5 Launch Demo Plagued With Catastrophically Dumb Errorshttps://futurism.com/gpt-5-demo-dumb-errorsSam Altman addresses 'bumpy' GPT-5 rollout, bringing 4o back, and the 'chart crime'https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/08/sam-altman-addresses-bumpy-gpt-5-rollout-bringing-4o-back-and-the-chart-crime/Introducing GPT-5https://openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-5/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube...

What happens when the traditional path from college to accounting career gets disrupted by AI and automation? This week, Blake and David explore who's most likely to quit accounting firms (hint: it's the middle managers), why wages are rising while jobs disappear, and how one college is revolutionizing accounting education. You'll discover which employees are happiest and most miserable in accounting, learn why ChatGPT conversations could be used against you in court, and hear from Nicole Wetter about Green River College's innovative applied accounting program that puts students in real internships while teaching them AI tools alongside traditional skills.SponsorsKeeper - http://accountingpodcast.promo/keeperTeamUp - http://accountingpodcast.promo/teamupHuman at Scale - http://accountingpodcast.promo/humanMissive - http://accountingpodcast.promo/missiveChapters(00:48) - AI in Accounting: Opportunities and Limitations (02:11) - Impact of AI on Accounting Jobs (04:07) - Interview with Nicole Wetter: Applied Science in Accounting (04:57) - ChatGPT and Legal Concerns (05:29) - Accounting Industry Updates and Opinions (06:55) - Employee Satisfaction in Accounting Firms (12:12) - Mergers and Acquisitions in Accounting (13:38) - Sponsor Messages and Livestream Welcome (17:40) - Conflicting Survey Data on Tech Adoption (25:16) - ChatGPT Study Mode: A New Way to Learn (31:13) - Second Sponsor Message: Team Up (32:10) - Free Resources for Listeners (32:29) - Billy Long's IRS Leadership (36:02) - Jeffrey Epstein's Tax Planning Scandal (38:03) - Rant on Tariffs and Economic Policies (47:04) - Interview with Nicole Wetter on Applied Accounting Education (01:10:04) - Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events  Show NotesWho's most likely to leave your accounting firm?https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/whos-most-likely-to-leave-your-accounting-firmSam Altman warns there's no legal confidentiality when using ChatGPT as a therapisthttps://techcrunch.com/2025/07/25/sam-altman-warns-theres-no-legal-confidentiality-when-using-chatgpt-as-a-therapist/OpenAI to appeal New York Times copyright case over user data preservationhttps://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/openai-appeal-copyright-ruling-ny-times-case-altman-calls-ai-privilegeHow we're responding to The New York Times' data demands in order to protect user privacyhttps://openai.com/index/response-to-nyt-data-demands/'I don't care about Direct File': IRS chief says agency plans to end free filing programhttps://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/30/irs-chief-says-agency-plans-to-end-free-direct-file-program.htmlIRS Chief Says Direct File Is 'Gone,' Other Audit Tech Is Cominghttps://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report/irs-chief-says-direct-file-is-gone-other-audit-tech-is-comingNew commissioner confident IRS can implement OBBBA's tax provisionshttps://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2025/jul/new-commissioner-confident-irs-can-implement-obbbas-tax-provisions/Continuing Epstein Investigation, Wyden Probes IRS's Failure to Investigate Sex Trafficker's Highly Lucrative Tax Planning Workhttps://www.finance.senate.gov/ranking-members-news/continuing-epstein-investigation-wyden-probes-irss-failure-to-investigate-sex-traffickers-highly-lucrative-tax-planning-workWyden probes IRS failure to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's tax planninghttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/wyden-probes-irs-failure-to-investigate-jeffrey-epsteins-tax-planningAs Trump Sits on Key Epstein Files, Wyden Lays Out "Follow the Money" Investigation for DOJhttps://www.finance.senate.gov/ranking-members-news/as-trump-sits-on-key-epstein-files-wyden-lays-out-follow-the-money-investigation-for-dojNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://clouda...

What happens when politicians threaten to cut funding from accounting standard-setters unless they eliminate specific rules? Blake and David explore unprecedented political interference in FASB and PCAOB operations, plus the IRS facing a 23% budget cut despite Trump's push for more customer service staff. They unpack Sam Altman's warning about AI breaking voice authentication at major banks, why accounting degrees deliver 261% ROI (fourth-best among all majors), and how $28.7 billion in private equity money is reshaping CPA firms. Plus, the economic reality behind Stephen Colbert's show cancellation, Bitcoin's institutional takeover, and how tariff uncertainty is creating impossible planning conditions for businesses.SponsorsHuman at Scale - http://accountingpodcast.promo/humanKeeper - http://accountingpodcast.promo/keeperMissive - http://accountingpodcast.promo/missiveCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casChapters(00:41) - The Decline of Late Night TV (03:02) - The Shift to Digital Media (13:51) - AI in Accounting Firms (16:46) - PCOB Leadership Changes (20:06) - Legislation to Eliminate PCOB (21:06) - FASB Funding Threats (24:54) - IRS Budget Cuts (31:56) - Deloitte's Audit Investigation (32:55) - Uncovering Glencore Energy's Bribery Scandal (34:19) - The ROI of an Accounting Degree (38:01) - Private Equity's Surge in Accounting Firms (54:46) - The Immigration Debate and Economic Consequences (01:00:57) - Alternative Pathways in Accounting: Alaska's New Law (01:01:48) - Conclusion Final Thoughts  Show NotesCBS is ending 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' next year | CNN Business https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/17/media/cbs-cancels-stephen-colbertStephen Colbert's 'Late Show' run will come to an end next year as CBS cancels franchise https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/stephen-colbert-late-show-end-cbs-rcna219499Inside CBS' 'agonizing decision' to cancel Colbert's top-rated late-night show | CNN Business https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/18/media/colbert-cbs-late-show-cancel-paramount-trumpSEC.gov | SEC Announces George Botic to Serve as Acting Chair of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Boardhttps://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-100-sec-announces-george-botic-serve-acting-chair-public-company-accounting-oversight-boardGeorge Botic Takes Over as Acting Chief of the PCAOB - CPA Practice Advisor https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/07/22/george-botic-takes-over-as-acting-chief-of-the-pcaob/165364/SEC names George Botic as acting chair of PCAOB | Accounting Today https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/sec-names-george-botic-as-acting-chair-of-pcaobHouse Republicans propose to withhold funds from FASB unless income tax reporting standard is withdrawn | Accounting Todayhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/house-republicans-propose-to-withhold-funds-from-fasbGOP Threatens Accounting Board Funding Over Tax Disclosure Rules https://news.bloombergtax.com/financial-accounting/gop-threatens-accounting-board-funding-over-tax-disclosure-rulesAmericans Want to Know Which Corporations Aren't Paying Taxes, but House Republicans Want to Keep this Information Secrethttps://itep.org/corporate-tax-avoidance-house-republicans-spending-bill/Trump wants to reverse the staffing cuts he's overseen for IRS customer service. House Republicans disagree. - Government Executivehttps://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/07/trump-wants-reverse-staffing-cuts-hes-overseen-irs-customer-service-house-republicans-disagree/407002/Trump slashes 25% of IRS workforce with buyouts, firings of nearly 26,000 agency staff https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/jul/22/trump-slashed-25-irs-workforce/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/Ov...

What happens when a $2 trillion cryptocurrency market suddenly requires monthly audits? Blake and David break down the Genius Act, the new federal stablecoin legislation that just created a massive opportunity for auditors—but also potentially recreated the chaotic "wildcat banking" era of the 1800s. You'll learn why every stablecoin issuer now needs monthly attestation reports and annual audits, creating hundreds of new recurring revenue streams for accounting firms willing to take on the risk. Plus, they explore whether there are enough auditors to actually make this system work, and what happens if quantum computing breaks cryptocurrency security. The episode also covers PCAOB leadership changes under the new administration, live-tests AI agents trying to enter invoices (spoiler: it's messier than the hype suggests), and updates on the 23 states now offering alternative CPA pathways.SponsorsMissive - http://accountingpodcast.promo/missiveRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relayCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casChapters(01:17) - AI in Accounting: Browser Integration (02:35) - Major News: The Genius Act and Its Implications (03:38) - Sponsor Shoutouts and Livestream Interaction (05:06) - Audit News: Erica Williams and PCAOB Changes (08:27) - Federal Audit Failures and OMB's Strategic Reset (09:48) - AICPA's New Fraud Detection Standards (12:52) - Sponsor Highlight: Missive (15:38) - Fraud Case Study: Christine Hunsicker's $300M Scam (20:08) - Deep Dive: The Genius Act and Stablecoins (41:21) - The Risk of Stablecoins and Financial Contagion (42:07) - Quantum Computing Threat to Bitcoin (42:38) - The Challenge of Upgrading Cryptocurrency Systems (43:22) - Summary and Predictions for Accounting Firms (43:38) - Fraud in the Traditional Banking System (44:08) - Relay: The Small Business Banking Solution (45:43) - Pig Butchering: A Growing Fraud Problem (48:05) - The Case for a Federal Stablecoin (50:26) - Alternative Pathways for CPA Licensure (52:02) - Decline in CPA Licenses and Modernizing Education (54:59) - Cloud Accountant Staffing: Solving the Labor Shortage (56:01) - Agentic AI: The Future of Automation (59:13) - Challenges and Potential of AI in Accounting (01:02:31) - The Role of AI in Data Entry and Research (01:17:53) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts  Show NotesTrump signs landmark GENIUS Act, hailing "exciting new frontier" for crypto - CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-signs-genius-act-crypto-bill/Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Signs GENIUS Act into Law – The White House https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/07/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-signs-genius-act-into-law/Stablecoin regulation bill heads to Trump's desk https://www.axios.com/2025/07/17/house-passes-genius-act-stablecoins-trumpA 'Crypto Week' win: Congress passes 1st major crypto legislation in the U.S. https://www.npr.org/2025/07/17/nx-s1-5451413/crypto-week-stablecoin-genius-act-trumpGENIUS Act Passes in US Congress: A Breakdown of the Landmark Stablecoin Law – Publications https://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2025/07/genius-act-passes-in-us-congress-a-breakdown-of-the-landmark-stablecoin-lawErica Williams Resigns as PCAOB Chair - CPA Practice Advisor https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/07/15/erica-williams-resigns-as-pcaob-chair/164956/PCAOB chair Erica Williams steps down | Accounting Today https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/pcaob-chair-erica-williams-steps-downSEC.gov | Statement Regarding Tenure of Erica Williams at the PCAOB https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/atkins-statement-erica-williams-pcaob-071505Southern District of New York | CaaStle Founder Charged In $300 Million Fraud Scheme | United States Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/caastle-founder-charged-300-million-fraud-schemeThe surprising details of fashion entrepreneur Christine Hunsicker's fraud indictment- Fast Company https://www.fastcompany.com/91371881/the-surprising-details-of-fashion-entrepreneur-christine-hunsickers-fraud-indictmentFashion startup founder Christine Hunsicker accused of cheating investors out of over $300 million - CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/christine-hunsicker-charged-fraud-300-million-fashion-startup-founder/States move beyond the 150-hour rule for CPA licensure | Accounting Today https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/states-move-beyond-the-150-hour-rule-for-cpa-licensureTracking CPA licensure paths: Removing the 150-hour-rule hurdle | CFO Dive https://www.cfodive.com/news/broadening-cpa-licensure-paths-marching-beyond-150-hour-rule-accounting-talent-shortage/745282/The rise and fall of the 150-hour rule https://www.cfobrew.com/stories/2025/04/10/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-150-hour-ruleAICPA, NASBA approve alternatives to the 150-hour rule https://www.cfobrew.com/stories/2025/05/15/aicpa-nasba-approve-alternatives-to-the-150-hour-ruleNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and

Why is AI failing at basic accounting tasks while claiming to outsmart PhD students? Blake and David dive into the stark reality of AI implementation in accounting, from Ramp's promising new expense management agents to QuickBooks' baffling suggestion to credit and debit the same account. You'll discover the critical security vulnerabilities in AI systems and learn why clients are increasingly using AI to fact-check their accountants' advice. Plus, get a comprehensive breakdown of the top 10 tax planning opportunities in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act—from permanent 100% bonus depreciation to Trump accounts for children. The hosts also explore which companies will be AI's biggest losers and why the future of accounting lies in financial management, not advisory services.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casKeeper - http://accountingpodcast.promo/keeperChapters(00:30) - The Big Beautiful Bill: Tax Provisions Overview (01:53) - AI in Accounting: RAMP's New AI Agents (02:56) - QuickBooks AI Agents: Frustrations and Feedback (06:05) - RAMP's AI Agents: Features and Benefits (14:38) - AI's Impact on Employment: Winners and Losers (20:54) - Grok 4: The Future of AI in Accounting (36:53) - Juno and Tax Prep Automation (37:52) - The Rise of AI in Cyber Attacks (38:26) - Social Engineering and AI (39:18) - Hidden AI Prompts in Academic Papers (41:25) - AI Security Risks and Internal Controls (45:45) - The Accountant's Labor Shortage (46:59) - Tax Planning Opportunities in the New Bill (56:29) - The Impact of the New Tax Bill (01:00:45) - Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up  Show NotesRamp agents: Let finance teams do finance https://ramp.com/blog/ramp-agents-announcementMicrosoft shares $500M in AI savings internally days after cutting 9,000 jobshttps://techcrunch.com/2025/07/09/microsoft-shares-500m-in-ai-savings-internally-days-after-cutting-9000-jobs/Indeed, Glassdoor to lay off 1300 staff amid AI pushhttps://techcrunch.com/2025/07/11/indeed-glassdoor-to-lay-off-1300-staff/Workday Stock Takes A Hit After Piper Sandler Survey Flags AI-Driven Headwinds, But Retail's Optimistic https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/workday-stock-takes-a-hit-after-piper-sandler-survey-flags-ai-driven-headwinds/ch8GfqaR5kYElon Musk's xAI launches Grok 4 alongside a $300 monthly subscription https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/09/elon-musks-xai-launches-grok-4-alongside-a-300-monthly-subscription/Hidden AI prompts in academic papers spark concern about research integrity https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/04/japan/ai-research-prompt-injection/Tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2025/jun/tax-changes-in-senate-budget-reconciliation-bill/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsREFRAME 2025 - http://accountingpodcast.promo/reframe2025Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

What happens when AI decides who gets promoted and who gets fired? Blake and David dive into the shocking reality that 60% of managers now use AI for HR decisions, with over 20% letting algorithms make final calls without human oversight. They explore a Stanford study revealing that tax preparers are the #1 profession seeking automation, but only for basic calendar scheduling. Plus, discover why young Americans now rank health over wealth as their top measure of success, and how this generational shift is reshaping talent recruitment in accounting.SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casKeeper - http://accountingpodcast.promo/keeperChapters(01:27) - Tax Prom: The Must-Attend Event (04:15) - AI in HR: Promotions and Firings (08:48) - AI in the Workplace: Automation and Worker Preferences (13:32) - AI Adoption and Security Concerns (18:21) - AI Training and Education in Firms (24:01) - Armanino's New AI-Powered Data Warehouse (33:07) - The Annoying Know-It-All Employee (33:18) - The Perfect AI Assistant (35:48) - Young People's Values on Success (38:55) - Global Perspectives on Success (41:23) - The Talent Shortage in Accounting (43:10) - Unlimited PTO and Burnout (46:53) - Tariffs Update (50:42) - The Big Beautiful Bill (01:03:52) - IRS Staffing Cuts and Refund Delays (01:08:26) - Conclusion and CPE Information  Show Notes  Half of Managers Use AI To Determine Who Gets Promoted and Firedhttps://www.resumebuilder.com/half-of-managers-use-ai-to-determine-who-gets-promoted-and-fired/Future of Work with AI Agentshttps://futureofwork.saltlab.stanford.edu/Future of Work with AI Agents: Auditing Automation and Augmentation Potential across the U.S. Workforce https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.06576 What workers really want from artificial intelligence https://hai.stanford.edu/news/what-workers-really-want-from-artificial-intelligence Big 4 Firm Discovers That Bragging About AI Efficiencies Leads Clients to Expect a Discounthttps://www.goingconcern.com/big-4-firm-discovers-that-bragging-about-ai-efficiencies-leads-clients-to-expect-a-discount/ Monday Morning Accounting News Brief: PwC Clients Ask For an AI Discount; Big 4 Firms Losing Hundreds of Partners https://www.goingconcern.com/monday-morning-accounting-news-brief-pwc-clients-ask-for-an-ai-discount-big-4-firms-losing-hundreds-of-partners-6-30-25/ Armanino planning data warehouse service, used AI for development https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/armanino-planning-data-warehouse-service-used-ai-to-help-development Bolt’s millennial founder has just ‘killed’ its unlimited PTO perk because it was actually causing burnout https://fortune.com/2025/07/02/bolt-millennial-founder-ceo-ryan-breslow-killed-unlimited-pto-burnout-mandatory-four-weeks-paid-vacation-fintech-startup/ Agentic Misalignment: AI Agents in Corporate Environmentshttps://www.anthropic.com/research/agentic-misalignment Relationships, health and financial stability are the defining priorities for Gen Z, according to new EY survey https://www.ey.com/en_gl/newsroom/2025/05/relationships-health-and-financial-stability-are-the-defining-priorities-for-gen-z-according-to-new-ey-survey 2025 Technology Perceptions Survey https://www.intapp.com/2025-tech-perceptions-survey/ Trust, attitudes and use of artificial intelligence https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/trust-attitudes-and-use-of-artificial-intelligence.html Tax Foundation Tax Prom 2025 https://taxprom.comNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsREFRAME 2025 - http://accountingpodcast.promo/reframe2025Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebo...