It's not Just the Numbers

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Oct 2026

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It’s Not Just the Numbers is a podcast for accounting firm owners, leaders, and professionals building modern firms beyond compliance. Hosted by Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin, the show explores what it really takes to create a sustainable, advisory-driven accounting practice in a profession undergoing rapid change. From technology, systems, workflow, and pricing strategy to leadership, client experience, staffing, and the future role of the accountant — this podcast goes beyond the spreadsheets and into the real conversations shaping the profession. Each episode features practical insights, honest discussions, and lessons from firm owners, industry experts, technology leaders, and operators working at the forefront of modern accounting. Whether you’re building a Client Advisory Services (CAS) practice, refining your operations, navigating AI and automation, or simply trying to build a better firm, It’s Not Just the Numbers delivers thoughtful conversations grounded in real-world experience. Because the future of accounting isn’t just about compliance. It’s about strategy. It’s about relationships. It’s about systems. It’s about leadership. And ultimately, it’s not just the numbers. A Beyond Numbers podcast.

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October 16, 202644 min

How AI Is Rebuilding the Accounting Firm | It's Not Just the Numbers

Most accounting firms are bracing for AI to replace them. Trent Yesberg went a different direction: he used Claude and ChatGPT to build automation inside his own firm, then turned the industry's most annoying billing problem into a software company. This is what it actually looks like when a working firm goes AI-native, not a slide deck version of it. What You'll Learn How Regional Business Services built automated client reporting workflows using scripts written by Claude, without paying ongoing AI costs to run them Why a non-technical team member can build real production automation just by describing a workflow in plain language The “forward deployed engineer” model AI companies use internally, and why accountants are already positioned to run it How to tell which software vendors in your tech stack will survive the shift to agentic AI, and which will struggle How Trent's firm cut a full day of monthly billing work down to about thirty minutes, and recovered revenue it had been quietly missing What Trent expects to happen to his own client base over the next twelve months as AI adoption splits the market Guest Bio Trent Yesberg is a co-founder of Twine Apps and director of Regional Business Services (RBS), an accounting firm in Townsville, North Queensland that was a repeat finalist, and eventual winner, of Intuit's Firm of the Future award. He built Twine Biller, a subscription rebilling tool for accounting and bookkeeping firms, out of a problem he lived inside his own practice. Connect with Trent on LinkedIn. Check out our Sponsors MoneyPenny, LLC for outsourced backoffice tax and accounting support. TwineApps for simplified subscription billing. Connect with the Hosts Damien Greathead Penny Breslin Links referenced in this episode: bill.com moneypennyllc.com twineapps.co

October 1, 202647 min

The 30% of Accounting Work Your Firm Isn't Tracking | It's Not Just the Numbers

Up to 30 percent of your firm's work might be invisible, never scheduled, never billed, and never counted when it's time to talk about capacity or fees. Jeanne Hardy, founder of the practice management platform Levvy and the CAS firm Creative Business, joins Damien and Penny to explain what that ad hoc work is costing firms, and how a "noise-canceling" approach to practice management can fix it. Key Topics Covered What client advisory services actually means, beyond the buzzword How niching around creative business owners built a 20-year CAS practice Why tribal knowledge trapped in people's heads is the real barrier to good AI The 25 to 30 percent of firm time that never gets tracked or billed How agentic AI is already automating accounts payable at Levvy 00:00 — Welcome, sponsors, and catching up 02:00 — Meet Jeanne Hardy: from Creative Business to founding Levvy 04:00 — What does "CAS" actually mean? 08:00 — Niching down around creative business owners 13:00 — Why most practice management tools create noise instead of clarity 20:00 — The tribal knowledge problem: what happens when it only lives in someone's head 22:00 — Why context is the fuel AI actually needs 28:00 — The invisible work: 25 to 30 percent of a firm's time is ad hoc 33:00 — Radical transparency and fixing team burnout with time data 37:00 — Talking to your team about AI without the fear 38:00 — Inside Levvy's first agentic workflow: automating accounts payable 40:00 — Why advisory work is the future the next generation actually wants 44:00 — Where the name "Levvy" came from, and where to find Jeanne About our Guest Jeanne Hardy is the CEO and founder of Levvy , a practice management platform built for CAS firms, and the founder of Creative Business, a CAS firm serving creative entrepreneurs. Connect with her on LinkedIn . Check out our Sponsors MoneyPenny, LLC for outsourced backoffice tax and accounting support. TwineApps for simplified subscription billing. Connect with the Hosts Damien Greathead Penny Breslin

September 7, 202642 min

Ensuring Consistency in Client Services: A Systematic Approach

This podcast episode elucidates the critical importance of establishing robust processes, policies, and procedures within accounting and bookkeeping firms. We delve into the nuances of Client Advisory Services (CAS) and emphasize that the success of such services is fundamentally rooted in effective bookkeeping practices. Through our discussions, we highlight the myriad challenges firms face when they lack standardized methodologies, illustrating the detrimental impact on client service and operational efficiency. Takeaways: The podcast emphasizes that effective client advisory services rely heavily on well-structured processes, policies, and procedures. Listeners are encouraged to conduct internal assessments of their firm's policies to ensure alignment with current practices and technologies. The hosts highlight that outdated procedures can lead to inefficiencies and errors, especially during critical busy seasons. Implementing technology to streamline workflow and task management is essential for enhancing productivity and client satisfaction. The discussion reveals that many firms underutilize their technology, employing only a fraction of its intended capabilities, which hampers overall performance. Lastly, the importance of having team members articulate and understand procedures is underscored to avoid miscommunication and errors in execution.

August 24, 202645 min

When Clients Drag You Down: Scope, Delays and Profitability in Client Accounting Services

Building a successful client accounting services practice isn't just about choosing the right software or pricing model — it starts with the clients you choose and how openly you communicate with your team about what drives profit. In this episode, co-hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin field listener questions on some of the most pressing operational challenges facing CAS firm owners today. The conversation opens with a deceptively simple question: how much should your team know about client profitability? Penny and Damien unpack why sharing the profitability of services — rather than individual client financials — can help your team understand the impact of scope creep, delays and inefficiency, without exposing sensitive numbers. From there, they dig into the real-world damage caused by clients who chronically delay. Penny shares how repeated bottlenecks from a handful of clients can derail an entire workflow, stress the team and block the path to higher-value advisory work. They discuss practical strategies for identifying the root cause of delays — whether it's missing documents or unanswered questions — and adapting your communication method to suit each client. The episode also covers the case for vertical specialisation, with real examples of firms that specialised in breweries, dental practices and restaurants, including how deep industry knowledge helped one firm help clients pivot through COVID lockdowns. Damien and Penny close with a candid discussion on AI's actual impact on accounting workflows and the realities of using offshore teams, including why team buy-in matters more than client perception. IN THIS EPISODE Understand why service-level profitability matters more than client-level profitability — and how to share that insight with your team without exposing sensitive financial data Identify and manage chronic client delays before they derail your entire workflow and block the path to advisory work Separate "missing information" from "missing documents" in your workflow statuses to diagnose the real cause of bottlenecks Discover how vertical specialisation can sharpen your marketing, reduce overheads and make your firm the go-to expert in an industry Hear real examples of firms that specialised and thrived — including a restaurant specialist who helped clients pivot to distilleries during COVID lockdowns Learn how to respond when clients ask whether AI should reduce your fees — and why the reality of AI in bookkeeping is far messier than the marketing suggests Understand what it takes to make offshore teams successful — and why internal team buy-in matters more than client perception Explore how to communicate the value of monthly CAS services to clients who only see the worth of annual compliance work Companies mentioned in this episode: Moneypennyllc.com QuickBooks Xero

August 6, 202639 min

AI in accounting - Team member or tool?

AI in Accounting: Team or Tool? Is AI a team member, a tool, or both? In this episode, Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin dig into how AI is actually being used inside accounting and bookkeeping practices today — not in theory, but in the day-to-day. Penny walks through a real client cleanup project where she used Claude to turn a messy Excel breakdown into a client-ready proposal in minutes (and caught the AI's own math mistake along the way). The conversation moves into what this means for team development — how firms need to intentionally build critical thinking skills in their people so they don't become passive "bot approvers," and why understanding the full context of a client (not just the transaction data) still requires a human. They close with practical advice on how to write better AI prompts by giving the "set and setting," and where to find more from Penny and Damien. Time Stamps: 0:00 — Intro: welcome to It's Not Just The Numbers, meet your hosts 1:49 — Is AI a team member or a tool? Opening debate 7:31 — Real case study: using Claude to build a client cleanup proposal from a messy Excel file 19:17 — Shifting focus to the team: what AI means for an 80-person accounting staff 21:07 — Teaching critical thinking skills in a technical, linear-trained workforce 23:34 — The "rainforest" mindset: seeing complex opportunity instead of fixating on crisis 26:25 — Gamifying work with AI to build critical thinking habits 31:33 — "Set and setting": how to prompt AI like you'd brief a team member 38:42 — Where to find Penny and Damien, and closing thoughts

July 30, 202639 min

Critical Thinking Is the New Billable Skill (And Most Firms Are Letting It Atrophy) | It's not just the Numbers

Tax season looked different in 2026, and it's not just volume. In this episode, Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin unpack the real AI story inside accounting firms: a live test of Juno saved 25% of prep time, clients are submitting documents faster than ever, and AI meeting assistants are replacing manual notetaking. But the bigger conversation is about critical thinking. As AI handles more routine work, who's making sure your team can still spot the anomaly? Identify the conflict? Give a client a real perspective? Damien shares how Moneypenny is gamifying judgment, hiring non-accountants, and rebuilding firm roles around advisory rather than compliance. This is a practitioner episode — real tools, real results, real friction. If you're building or scaling a CAS practice, this one is essential listening. Thank you to our sponsors MoneyPenny, LLC . From bookkeeping and tax preparation to back-office support, MoneyPenny helps accounting firms increase capacity, improve efficiency, and grow with confidence. In This Episode Why accounting firms are seeing earlier tax document submissions in 2025 Live AI tax prep test: Juno delivers ~25% time savings, but still requires human review The difference between OCR tools (Grunt Works, Shore Prep, 1040 Scan) and AI-layer tools How AI can find conflicting information across reports, workflows, and client communications The 'trust but verify' mindset, and why anomaly-hunting beats confirmation-seeking Gamifying critical thinking to keep accounting teams sharp in an AI-assisted environment The 80/20 rule: who will rise to the top as AI takes over routine tasks Building distinct firm roles: traffic cop, trusted advisor, tax expert Why MoneyPenny is hiring data scientists instead of more accountants Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Damien Greathead Penny Breslin

June 10, 202636 min

It's Not Just the Numbers - Bonus Episode - The Human Side of Advisory with Steven Ladd

In this special "After Hours" episode, hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin sit down with Steven Ladd — recovering engineer, serial entrepreneur, and small business advisor — to explore what it really means to serve small business owners beyond the debits and credits. Steven shares his journey from engineer to entrepreneur to advisor, and how working with small businesses during COVID revealed a hard truth: most owners don't have a financial foundation — and most advisors don't know how to connect with them on a human level. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why speaking plain English (not EBITDA) changes everything The "Lemonade Stand" model for helping owners understand their own business What the Catalyst program looks like in practice — and what real value delivery looks like in the first 90 days The difference between a compliance mindset and a true advisory relationship Why the best advisors ask great questions rather than have all the answers Whether you're an accountant looking to move into advisory, or a bookkeeper ready to offer more value, this conversation will give you the confidence and framework to take that next step. 0:00 – Introduction & Welcome 0:22 – About the "After Hours" format 0:54 – Recap of previous episode: Defining Advisory Services 1:51 – Penny introduces Steven Ladd 4:17 – Steven's background: Engineer → Entrepreneur → Advisor 5:09 – Working with small businesses through COVID 8:28 – How Steven describes what he does: "Love and Systems" 10:40 – Why jargon (like EBITDA) gets in the way 16:35 – What the Catalyst program looks like in practice 17:10 – The "Lemonade Stand" model for business clarity 24:15 – After the Catalyst: bookkeeping options & the fork in the road 29:13 – Empowering owners to become the Operator 31:15 – How big is Steven's company? (The answer may surprise you) 32:44 – A client success story: from skeptic to $250K loan 35:46 – Wrap-up & connect with Steven on LinkedIn

August 9, 202444 min

Smart Ways to Streamline Your Accounting Firm

Are your accounting firm's processes truly optimized, or are you considering automation as a quick fix to deeper workflow issues? In this episode, hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin are joined by Korey Cournoyer to explore the world of automation within accounting firms. They discuss the importance of process documentation, the benefits of strategic automation, and how to approach implementation effectively. The conversation highlights the need for standardization, efficient workflows, and proper utilization of technology to ensure success. Korey emphasizes the significance of understanding why automation is needed and addressing those issues internally before implementation. Korey is the CEO of STRMS.io , which works within the accounting and finance industry to help firms document, optimize, and automate their workflows and processes. He is not building another app for firms to deploy but is helping build custom automations that help firms scale by connecting their existing apps across their existing workflows. His company supports firms looking to scale without exponentially increasing headcount or costs. Before co-founding STRMS, Korey helped grow and scale an accounting firm, GrowthLab Financial, for over nine years. [00:00 - 14:45] Intro and The Importance of Process Documentation Damien, Penny, and Korey discuss the critical role of process documentation in successful automation. Understand the need for standardization before implementing automation solutions. Korey explains his company's approach to helping firms identify automation opportunities. Clear process mapping is crucial for effective automation implementation. [14:46 - 27:14] Benefits of Automation Automation can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance client experiences. Emphasize the importance of transparency with employees about automation goals. Identify areas where automation can positively impact employee satisfaction and retention. Korey shares insights on focusing on high-value, repetitive tasks for automation. [27:15 - 35:35] Practical Applications and Implementation Strategies They discuss specific areas where automation can be particularly effective, such as client onboarding. Utilize automation to streamline internal processes like reporting and communication. Korey explains the subscription model approach to make automation services more accessible. The group discusses the potential cost-effectiveness of automation compared to traditional solutions. [35:36 - 44:06] Long-term Benefits and Final Thoughts Penny and Damien reflect on how automation can free up mental space for firm owners and employees. Regularly review and update processes to maintain efficiency and effectiveness. The value of combining process improvement, outsourcing, and automation strategies. Invest in automation as a long-term solution for firm growth and employee satisfaction. Direct Quotes "Before we even start development or anything, we'll spend a few hours with firms and like help them map and document and understand like what automations are going to be realistic." – Korey Cournoyer "I think standardization is the first step to becoming flexible." - Penny Breslin Connect with Korey Website: http://strms.io/ Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strms-automations Personal Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koreycournoyer/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening. Please like and share this episode with a friend! Websites: https://moneypennyllc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damiengreathead/ Twitter: @Damien_GH LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-breslin-0228b81/ Twitter: @pennyb57

July 26, 202442 min

Outsourcing Your Accounting: Tips and Strategies

Are your accounting firm's processes truly optimized, or are you considering outsourcing as a quick fix to deeper workflow issues? In this episode, hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin delve into the topic of outsourcing within the accounting industry. They discuss the challenges firms face with staffing shortages, the increasing client demand for accounting services, and the importance of having robust internal processes before considering outsourcing. The conversation highlights the need for clear communication, efficient workflows, and proper utilization of technology to ensure success. Penny emphasizes the significance of understanding why work is not getting done and addressing those issues internally before outsourcing. [00:00 - 10:00] Introduction and Staffing Challenges Damien and Penny discuss the constant busy season in the accounting industry and the rising demand for outsourcing services. Understand the industry's current state and the increasing need for efficient processes. Penny discusses the high demand for remote workers and the increase in outsourcing booths at conferences. Competitive salaries and clear role definitions are crucial for attracting and retaining talent. [10:01 - 20:00] Client Demand, AI Impact, and Effective Outsourcing Damien and Penny explore the growing client demand for various accounting services, despite technological advancements. Emphasize the unique value and services your firm offers to differentiate from competitors. Identify and address internal workflow issues to ensure successful outsourcing. [20:01 - 30:00] Technology and Client Communication Damien and Penny discuss the role of technology in managing workflows and client expectations. Utilize technology efficiently and ensure clients are trained to use it properly. Penny shares experiences of managing client expectations and internal team coordination. Allocate responsibilities effectively within the team to maintain operational efficiency. [30:01 - 40:00] Reflecting on Processes and The Role of Internal Training Penny advises firms to revisit and optimize their processes, especially during slower periods. Regularly review and update processes to stay efficient and effective. The value of rephrasing questions is to understand and solve workflow issues better. Invest in training and clear communication to enhance team performance. Direct Quotes "If work isn't getting done for other reasons, outsourcing is the solution because the systems are working well, the teams and you want to grow." - Damien Greathead "You need to present a value to your clients and that you're worthwhile." - Penny Breslin "Before you outsource, make sure you're really good at what you do and your processes are standardized." - Damien Greathead ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening. Please like and share this episode with a friend! Websites: https://moneypennyllc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damiengreathead/ Twitter: @Damien_GH LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-breslin-0228b81/ Twitter: @pennyb57

June 14, 202440 min

Podcast Marketing: Why Do It?

Are you maximizing your firm's potential by effectively marketing your services, even when you're swamped with work? In this episode of "Strategy and the Virtual Controller," Penny Breslin interviews Damien Greathead about marketing for accounting firms. They discuss the importance of maintaining an updated and specific website, effective client communication, and strategic marketing even when firms feel they are overwhelmed with work. They highlight the value of newsletters and automated communication to keep clients engaged and address their needs proactively. The conversation also covers the significance of defining ideal clients and creating a clear referral system, ensuring firms can attract and retain both clients and employees. Dive in to discover strategic tips on balancing workload and client acquisition! [00:00 - 05:21] Introduction and Importance of Specific Websites Damien Greathead emphasizes the need for accounting firms to have specific, updated websites. They discuss basic services like budgeting and forecasting. [05:22 - 15:10] Importance of Marketing and Communication Marketing is important for firms even when overwhelmed with work. The hosts give examples of misleading advertising and defining Client Advisory Services (CAS). [15:11 - 25:30] Effective Use of Websites and Newsletters Penny and Damien discuss how an outdated website can negatively impact firm perception. What is the role of newsletters in client communication and prompting additional projects? [25:31 - 36:00] Client and Employee Engagement Engaging with both clients and potential employees through clear communication is vital. The firm's website and marketing materials reflect the firm's true values and services. [36:01 - 39:00] Practical Marketing Strategies Implement practical marketing strategies such as newsletters and automated follow-ups. Penny and Damien highlight the importance of having a clear and defined marketing and sales process. They also encourage firms to continuously update their marketing strategies and maintain client engagement. Direct Quotes: "I would just encourage accounting firms to take a look at that website and skinny it down. Get more specific." - Damien Greathead "Even if you're not necessarily looking for new clients, I think there's a real opportunity for firms just to take a look at their shop front." - Damien Greathead ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening. Please like and share this episode with a friend! Websites: https://moneypennyllc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damiengreathead/ Twitter: @Damien_GH LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-breslin-0228b81/ Twitter: @pennyb57

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