The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Day and Joe Woodard

Hosted by Woodard Events

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100

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Nov 2026

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About the show

We empower business advisors to transform businesses. This podcast is your source for information and news you need for your accounting, bookkeeping, or tax practice. Don't forget to check out ScalingNewHeights.com for information about our conference in June. And if you subscribe to this podcast, we will have a special registration offer just for you coming up soon. For more information, please visit https://www.woodard.com/podcast

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60 recent

November 11, 202638 min

Episode 196 - The Human Advantage: Why Trust and Accountability Matter in an AI-Powered Accounting Profession - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Kenji Kuramoto about how artificial intelligence is transforming the accounting profession and why human relationships, professional judgment, and accountability will remain essential. They explore how accountants can adapt to AI by moving beyond routine tasks, strengthening client relationships, and creating new opportunities to deliver value. Kenji also shares why he believes accountants are uniquely positioned to lead the way in building trust and providing oversight as AI becomes increasingly integrated into business. About Kenji Kuramoto Kenji is currently Managing Partner-in-Residence at Basis where he serves as a bridge between the accounting profession and the builders of AI tools. Kenji is the Founder and former CEO of Acuity, a pioneering CAS, advisory, and tax firm that grew into one of Accounting Today's Top Firms for Technology and a Top Firm to Work For, before merging into Sorren in 2025. He is also the co-founder of 404 Invests, making early-stage investments in accounting technology, SaaS, FinTech, and crypto startups, and has served on advisory councils for Xero, Gusto, FreshBooks, Expensify, Intuit, and Mercury. He began his career at Arthur Andersen and holds an accounting degree from Wake Forest University. Learn more about Basis Connect with Kenji on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced pros, access to skill building and resources and a community to continually inspire your practices transformation. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

November 4, 202629 min

Episode 195 - The Future of Accounting: AI, Human Connection and Innovation - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Brad Messner about how AI and emerging technologies are transforming the accounting profession, from shifting firms toward proactive client relationships to reshaping education, cybersecurity and regulatory oversight. They explore the importance of human communication, emotional intelligence and leadership in an AI-driven future, along with opportunities to improve client experiences through smarter technology and automation. Brad also shares insights from his upcoming book on AI in the boardroom and discusses a satirical picture book for adults that imagines a child unknowingly creating an AI that takes over the world. About Brad Messner Brad Messner, PhD, EA is the third-generation owner of Messner & Fox, LLC and an industry leader on cybersecurity, AI, automation, and data solutions for accountants. With over 30 years of experience in tax strategy, commercial beverage, R&D credits, and entity structuring, Brad pairs deep accounting expertise with a strong background in information systems. He is an Enrolled Agent, professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and a Department of Defense NSA NCAE-C scholar for his PhD research on financial system security. Named the 2023 Tax Professional of the Year by the National Association of Tax Professionals, Brad is also a nationally recognized speaker on AI, automation, ethics, and cybersecurity in finance. Learn more about Messner & Fox Connect with Brad on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Digits! Digits is the world's first agentic general ledger, accounting software that works for you, built from the ground up for the AI era. Digits automates bookkeeping and month-end, shifting your team from data entry to review and advisory. Visit digits.com to get started today. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

October 28, 202634 min

Episode 194 - Plan Your Exit, Build Your Legacy: Transition Strategies for Accounting Firms - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Patricia Hendrix about transition strategies for accounting firm owners, including the importance of planning for succession, building transferable business value, and preparing for life beyond the practice. They discuss how documenting processes, establishing contingency plans, and identifying long-term goals can create more options and smoother transitions while protecting clients and team members. About Patricia Hendrix Patricia Hendrix is the Sr. Vice President of Woodard Communities, Director of Woodard's Practice Advancement Coaching Team and Producer of Woodard's Reality Style Case Study project, "Tech Makeover". With over 28 years of experience at the helm of an accounting practice and specializing in QuickBooks and QB-Ecosystem products, Patricia leads a team of mentors at Woodard that provide practice and professional transformation to business advisors to optimize their practices and improve their advisory skills through structured community learning, mentorship and accountability. Connect with Patricia on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Canopy! Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they've always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals and more. Check out getcanopy.com . Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

October 21, 202636 min

Episode 193 - Navigating the AI Revolution: Leadership, Growth, and Planning for the Future - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about the rapidly evolving AI landscape, the importance of responsible innovation, and how accounting professionals can prepare for the potential of AI-driven self-improvement (commonly called, "recursive self improvement"). They explore leadership lessons from popular films, strategies for challenging personal assumptions, and why accounting firms should use the fourth quarter to plan rather than overcommit to major initiatives. Current events — 1 in 5 Workers Say Their Current Job Is Not What They Were Hired to Do AI CEO's issued a public warning to slow down the pace of AI development TV/Movie quote of the week — The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Excellent Thing We Learned — Loving What Is: Four Questions that Can Change Your Life Recursive Self-Improvement The Woodard Report article of the week — Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together after the Accrual Acquisition Thank you to our show sponsor Meridian by Pilot, the AI operating system for accounting firms. Grow capacity, strengthen client relationships, and improve margins. Meridian automates the month end close across your entire client portfolio, so your team reviews finished books and spends their time on the work that grows the firm. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

October 14, 202633 min

Episode 192 - Building Trust in Accounting Technology: AI, Innovation, and the Future of the Profession - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Seth Fineberg about the importance of building trust between accounting professionals and technology providers as AI transforms the profession. Drawing on his decades of experience in accounting journalism and his work with Accountants Forward, Seth discusses how vendors can better understand practitioners' challenges, communicate honestly, and demonstrate real-world value rather than overpromise solutions. They also explore how AI is empowering accountants to create their own tools and why listening, transparency, and strong relationships are essential to moving the profession forward. About Seth Fineberg Seth Fineberg is a content marketing and PR specialist with a keen focus on the accounting profession. He is a 35-year journalist and editor, mostly overseeing accounting. Learn more about Accountants Forward Connect with Seth on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Rightworks! RightWorks has everything your firm needs to do exactly that. Most accounting firms are juggling scattered apps, dealing with ongoing security risks and relying on manual workarounds, all on top of serving your clients. RightWorks takes that off your plate. One secure workspace for all your apps and tools. Enterprise-grade security managed for you. And the AI and productivity tools built specifically for accounting firms. Whether you have an IT team or not, whether you have five employees or 45, RightWorks grows with your firm and keeps you ready for whatever comes next. RightWorks, it's all right here. Learn more at RightWorks.com . Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

October 7, 202636 min

Episode 191 - AI, Ethics & the Power of the Small - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Tanya Hilts about her experience as a delegate at a United Nations summit focused on AI governance and the importance of giving small businesses and developing countries a voice in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. They discuss AI guardrails, the risks of losing human judgment and critical thinking, the potential for an AI investment bubble, environmental concerns, and why accounting professionals should use AI as a tool rather than surrender decision-making to it. Tanya also shares practical advice for embracing AI while staying informed, skeptical, and in control. About Tanya Hilts Tanya Hilts, CPB, FCPB—award-winning accounting pro helping firms adopt practical AI, tighten processes, and grow profit-focused advisory. Download 102 Fail-Proof AI Prompts for Bookkeepers Learn more about Tanya's Bookkeeper's Bootcamp Connect with Tanya on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Meridian by Pilot , the AI operating system for accounting firms. Grow capacity, strengthen client relationships, and improve margins. Meridian automates the month-end close across your entire client portfolio so your team reviews finished books and spends their time on the work that grows the firm. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

September 30, 202628 min

Episode 190 - The Human Side of a Thriving Accounting Firm - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Liz Farr about the six foundational pillars of a successful accounting firm: a clear North Star, strong systems and processes, the right people in the right roles, trust and transparency, clear communication, and accountability. They explore why embracing the "messy human stuff" is becoming increasingly important in an AI-driven profession, and Liz shares practical advice for firms looking to deepen client relationships, identify their ideal clients, and build a better way of working. About Liz Farr Liz has been a CPA since 2004 and a full-time freelance writer and ghostwriter since 2018. She also hosts The Disruptors podcast for CPA Trendlines. Learn more about Farr Communications Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community, and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced professionals, access to skill building and resources, along with the community, to continually inspire your practice's transformation. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

September 23, 202647 min

Episode 189 - Transcending the Machines: AI, Skills, Truth & the Future of Accounting - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather talk about the latest developments in accounting technology, including Accrual's acquisition of Puzzle and the growing convergence of tax and CAS services. They also explore how AI is reshaping professional education and the need to develop and test real-world skills, while discussing AI governance, empathy, the concept of "reverse centaurs," and why accounting professionals must learn to use AI as a tool rather than become tools for AI. Current events — Accrual to Acquire Puzzle 4 State Societies Combined forces to launch Five Storm Systems. TV/Movie quote of the week — Rocky Horror Picture Show Wonder Woman Excellent Thing We Learned — Empathy is "feeling with people" Centaurs and reverse centaurs The Woodard Report article of the week — 10 Ways Your Writing May Look AI-Generated Thank you to our show sponsor Canopy! Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals, and more. Check out GetCanopy.com Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

September 16, 202632 min

Episode 188 - From Burnout to Belonging: Redefining the Future of Accounting - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Randy Crabtree about his next chapter after retiring from Tri-Merit, his continued work supporting the accounting profession, and his passion for addressing burnout, mental health, and leadership. They discuss how AI can give accountants more freedom to focus on relationships and meaningful work but only if firms resist the temptation to simply fill newfound efficiency with more work. Randy and Heather also explore vulnerable leadership, curiosity, empathy, and the importance of understanding your strengths and passions to build a more fulfilling career and a stronger profession. About Randy Crabtree Randy Crabtree, CPA, is President of The Brainstorm Group and founder and host of The Unique CPA podcast and the Bridging the Gap conference. The Brainstorm Group is Randy Crabtree's speaking and advisory practice. Randy delivers keynotes and workshops at conferences and events across the accounting profession, and works directly with firms to build healthier cultures, prevent burnout, and create workplaces where people can thrive. He also advises companies that serve the accounting profession, helping them understand the industry and connect with the firms they support. Learn more about The Brainstorm Group Connect with Randy on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Puzzle! The next generation firm, AI-powered human lead. Puzzle replaces manual QuickBooks workflows with AI-driven books built for review, approval, and audit-ready accountability. Learn more at puzzle.io . Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

September 9, 202636 min

Episode 187 - The Heart, Spirit & Soul of Accounting - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe discuss major changes shaping the accounting profession, including the growing influence of private equity, market consolidation, and the importance of maintaining a strong mindset regardless of the size of your firm. They also explore the concept of "crappification" in software, and what accountants can learn from the unsung role meteorologists played in D-Day. Current events — Top 50 Women in Accounting H.I.G. Capital just became HBK's first institutional investor TV/Movie quote of the week — House of the Dragon Pressure Excellent Thing We Learned — Ensh*tification is an actual word, with a very specifically defined meaning Member Spotlight — Laura Solt of Solt Bookkeeping and Advisory The Woodard Report article of the week — I Found My Wife with a Sales Pipeline by Camden Bean Thank you to our show sponsor, Digits! Digits is the world's first agentic general ledger, accounting software that works for you. Built from the ground up for the AI era, Digits automates bookkeeping and month-end, shifting your team from data entry to review and advisory. Visit digits.com to get started today. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast