AJAG PD POD with CPA's Tabac and Tucker

Hosted by AJAG Professional Development

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to our AJAG PD Pod, the place for discussion, debate and learning about all things accounting. Our hosts, Ivan Tabac and Jonathan Tucker, are CPAs that have been in practice for more than three decades. Together, they bring varying experience and viewpoints to the table - not to mention a little humour too. Join us as we talk through current issues and hot topics, tap into expert guest insights and enjoy the odd walk down AJAG memory lane. This podcast is produced and distributed by AJAG Professional Development, For more information about AJAG or any of its offerings, please visit ajag.ca .

Listen to episodes

31 recent

May 18, 202658 min

Part 1 | AI in Practice: Cutting Through the Hype in Accounting

Artificial intelligence has become one of the biggest topics in accounting — but what does it actually mean for CPAs and firms today?In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Ivan and Jonathan sit down with Anshul Kaushik, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Ryzolv, for a practical conversation about the realities of AI in the profession. Together, they break down key terminology, explain how the technology actually works, and explore important questions around trust, risk, security, and vendor hype.Whether you’ve experimented with AI tools already or still feel unsure where to begin, this episode offers a grounded introduction to the technology and the conversations firms should be having right now.

March 11, 20261 hr 5 min

Bookkeeping Matters: Why Training and Collaboration Are Key

In this AJAG PD Pod episode, Ivan and Jonathan are joined by Naomi Wilkins, a bookkeeping and business foundations educator, to explore why strong bookkeeping is the foundation of good accounting work. The conversation looks at the important relationship between CPAs and bookkeepers, the growing demand for well-trained bookkeeping professionals and how practical training and collaboration can improve the quality of client files. Naomi shares insights from her work supporting small businesses and bookkeepers, highlighting why better books ultimately lead to better advice and better outcomes for clients. CPB Canada Entry-Level Quiz: https://portal.cpbcan.ca/courses/cpb-canada-entry-level-quiz/

February 18, 202649 min

Can Investment Bookkeeping Really Be Automated? A Conversation with Artiffex

In this episode of the AJAG PD Pod, Ivan and Jonathan are joined by Guy Vadish, Founder and CEO of Artiffex, to explore the question: can investment bookkeeping really be automated?From inconsistent broker statements and FX tracking to T1135 reporting, options trading and high-volume self-directed accounts, the conversation digs into the real challenges accountants face when reconciling investment portfolios. Tune in for a candid look at what automation - and even outsourcing - might realistically look like within a CPA practice. Learn more about Artiffex here: https://artiffex.com/

February 4, 20261 hr 6 min

Why Life Insurance Deserves More Attention in CPA Practices

In our AJAG PD Pod season 3 opener, Ivan and Jonathan are joined by Hemal Bulsara, Head of Tax, Retirement and Estate Planning at Manulife, to unpack a commonly misunderstood area that CPAs encounter in client files: life insurance. From corporate-owned policies and Capital Dividend Account (CDA) planning to ownership structures, permanent vs. term insurance, leveraged strategies and post-mortem tax considerations, this conversation highlights where CPAs can run into risk and where meaningful planning opportunities exist. Hemal shares practical insights to help CPAs ask better questions, spot red flags earlier and feel more confident navigating insurance discussions - especially when strategies are presented by third parties. A timely, practical discussion for CPAs looking to better support clients as life insurance continues to play a growing role in tax and estate planning.Resource link: https://advisor.manulife.ca/advisors/insurance/tax-retirement-and-estate-planning/search-by-topic.html

June 2, 202655 min

Part 2 | AI in Practice: Cutting Through the Hype in Accounting

Artificial intelligence may be advancing rapidly but successfully applying it within a firm is far more complex than simply turning on a new tool. In Part 2 of this conversation, Ivan and Jonathan continue their discussion with Anshul Kaushik, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Ryzolv, exploring why so many AI initiatives fail, the critical role of domain expertise and human oversight and how trust is evolving as firms begin integrating AI into their workflows. The conversation also touches on practical accounting use cases, the future role of professionals and simple ways to start building your own AI knowledge and confidence.

December 17, 202533 min

Reflecting on 2025: Change, Growth & Gratitude

In this special year-end episode of the AJAG PD Pod, hosts Ivan and Jonathan are joined by AJAG’s COO, Alison Winton, to reflect on a year defined by constant change for CPAs. From CRA updates and legislative curveballs to shifting professional development needs, the conversation explores how 2025 reshaped the day-to-day reality of accounting professionals.They also reflect on how AJAG has evolved over the years - and the human-first approach that will always remain a constant. Along the way, they share a few favourite moments and look ahead to what CPAs can expect in 2026 as AJAG continues to support the profession through whatever comes next.Don’t miss this thoughtful, candid conversation to close out the year!

December 10, 202543 min

How New Rules Are Shaping Intergenerational Transfers

Intergenerational business transfers have always been a challenge, but the 2024 legislative updates have added an entirely new layer of complexity for CPAs and their clients. In this AJAG PD Pod episode, Jonathan sits down with Nathan Choran, who leads the Canadian Tax Group at Zeifmans, to break down what’s changed and why it matters.From estate freezes and surplus-strip concerns to voting control requirements, capital gains reserves, CRA interpretations and real client scenarios, this conversation offers practical insights for any CPA advising family-owned businesses.If your clients are planning a transition to the next generation - or should be - this episode will help ensure you’re fully informed.

November 12, 202552 min

Inside the One Big Beautiful Bill: What Canadian CPAs Need to Know

The US government’s One Big Beautiful Bill brought together a massive collection of tax measures that will have some implications north of the border as well. In this episode, Ivan and Jonathan sit down with Mark Feigenbaum, FCPA, FCA, to unpack what’s inside this sweeping legislation and what it means for practitioners. From cross-border tax complexities to citizenship renunciation implications, Mark shares practical examples, real-world anecdotes and insights drawn from his experience working with clients who navigate both sides of the border. Whether you’re focused on compliance or advisory work, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

October 8, 202559 min

From Scams To Shutdowns: Cyber Risks CPAs Can’t Afford To Ignore

What happens when your firm’s systems go down in the middle of tax season — or worse, client data gets exposed? This episode gets real about the cyber threats facing Canadian CPA firms. Ivan & Jonathan sit down with Fred Turner from ITS Canada Inc to discuss cyber scams, downtime, and the real risks of IT failure. To hackers CPA firms are goldmines – with tax returns, payroll and banking info – your firm has everything they want in one place. Don’t miss this episode for insights about what you can do to manage risk and protect your firm.

August 20, 202538 min

Why Firms Are Falling Short on CSQM & How To Get Prepared

Many firms are struggling to meet the new CSQM requirements and failed inspections are becoming increasingly common. Marcus Guenther of FocusHGK LLP joins Ivan & Jonathan to break down what’s driving the tougher environment and what firms can do to stay compliant. Want to go deeper? Don’t miss his Quality Management Unplugged sessions — live on August 26th or available on-demand later this month at ajag.ca.