On The Books

ICYMI: A discussion on technology change management

In episode 21, Chris Willams, CEO of System Six summarized the key focus areas of any merger or acquisition as “get the keys to the technology and focus on the people.” Practically, what is entailed in‌ getting the keys to the technology?Erin Hutton and Janelle Fox have lived this experience. Both were accounting firm leaders at a large top 40-firm and now work at Intuit helping firms navigate technology changes necessitated by a merger or acquisition. Erin and Janelle discuss who owns which software and data, how to ensure contracts are transferred to the new firm and the best lens to use when prioritizing technology decisions. The group also talks about the role of AI, data cleanup, and truly how to simplify a firm’s tech stack. For more full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com

The 2026 Intuit AI Impact Report: Insights from 5.3 Million Businesses

In this episode of On the Books, hosts Jessica McCracken and Tom Menzies sit down with Simon Worsfold, head of data communications at Intuit QuickBooks, to break down the findings of the 2026 Intuit AI Impact Report. This comprehensive study, which analyzes real business data from over 5.3 million small and medium-sized businesses and survey responses from over 34,000 businesses across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, reveals that seven in ten small businesses are now regularly using AI. The discussion explores the significant shift in adoption since early 2023, the rise of power users who are deeply integrating AI into their operations, and the surprising positive impact on job growth and productivity. The panel discusses the demographic trends of AI adoption, the concerns regarding privacy and accuracy, and why businesses that move beyond experimentation to core integration are seeing the most significant gains in revenue and efficiency.For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com

Why things change in QuickBooks

Let’s talk to the man that metaphorically decides to move your cheese. Why do buttons move in QuickBooks? Who decides when, how, and why Intuit changes how the software works?This episode focuses on the vital role of design in the QuickBooks and how it shapes the way accountants and small businesses interact with technology. We are joined by Alastair Simpson, Vice President of Design for the QuickBooks Ecosystem at Intuit. Alastair’s background includes leadership roles at Atlassian and Dropbox, and he brings a unique perspective on building software that users rely on to get their best work done.We dive into the "jobs to be done" philosophy, the transition to a more predictable thematic release cycle, and how Intuit balances modernization with the deep-rooted muscle memory of power users. Alastair also talks about the exciting, yet daunting, integration of AI into professional workflows and the importance of maintaining trust through traceability.For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com

Firm leaders discuss mental health in accounting

If you are experiencing mental health challenges, please consult local resources for assistance. This episode is intended to offer encouragement, but is not intended to provide medical advice. See below for resources to help you in yourmental health journey. This episode is part two of our discussion on mental health and burnout in the accounting industry. Part 1 with Randy Crabtree is available on all podcasts feeds. For this episode, we are joined by Kane Polakoff, CAS Practice Leader at CohnReznick, and Jennifer Alleva, CEO of Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC).We dive into the shifting culture of the accounting industry, specifically focusing on the transition from busy seasons to a year-round workload. They share their personal stories and leadership strategies for prioritizing staff well-being, fostering a supportive firm culture, and navigating the exciting yet daunting integration of AI into professional workflows.The group discusses:Rethinking busy season": “Busy season” is now “busy year” and the guests talk through managing workload year-round, offering flexible schedules and other ways to help accountants find balance.Managing macroeconomic stress: The impact of macroeconomic forces on clients creates a unique mental load for the advisors who serve them.The "Sunday Scaries" test: Kane and Jennifer discuss the importance of being attuned to staff stress levels and fostering an environment where employees aren't dreading the start of their work week.The power of vulnerability: Overcoming the industry stigma against asking for help and the importance of leaders modeling healthy boundaries and self-care.Capacity management: Differentiating between capacity of time and capacity of skill to provide the right support for every team member.For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com

Vulnerability, Mental Health, and the Evolving Culture of Accounting

If you are experiencing mental health challenges, please consult local resources for assistance. This episode is intended to offer encouragement but is not intended to provide medical advice. See full show notes for resources to help you in your mental health journey. In this episode, hosts Ted Callahan and Jessica McCracken dive into a critical conversation on mental health, burnout, and the evolving culture of the accounting industry. Their guest, Randy Crabtree (co-founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax and host of The Unique CPA podcast), shares his harrowing personal journey of suffering a stress-induced stroke and how it transformed his approach to leadership and life.Randy details the events leading up to February 6, 2014, when he suffered a stroke at age 51.The power of vulnerability - Post-recovery, Randy realized that pretending to be perfect was detrimental to his firm's culture.Redefining Success and metrics in the industry - Randy challenges the traditional accounting model that equates long hours with success.AI as an Enabler: Randy views AI as a tool to remove the drudgery of compliance and data entry, allowing accountants to step into their true value as advisors.Passion vs. Role: Randy stepped down as managing partner to focus on what he loves—inspiring change and speaking—demonstrating that career paths should align with personal skills and passions.For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com

Building trust and scaling with intention in an AI world

Technology is constantly evolving, but people don’t change. In this special crossover episode of On the Books and Intuit Connect On, hosts Ted Callahan and Jessica McCracken sit down with Dave Olsen, founder of Nimbl.Dave shares his journey from working at one of the Big Four accounting firms to becoming a fractional CFO, and eventually founding Nimbl. He dives deep into the philosophy of "wide experimentation and narrow adoption," the nuances of leading a global team, and why the best accountants are often the best listeners.In This Episode, We Discuss:The transition from practitioner to leader: Why Dave decided to stop doing the work himself to focus on building the systems that empower others.Wide experimentation, narrow adoption: A strategic framework for introducing AI and new tech without burning out your team.The human intelligence factor: Why technology makes growth possible, but people are the ones who make that growth meaningful.Managing a global workforce: How Nimble integrates offshore teams in the Philippines and Argentina to create a seamless client experience.Overcoming tech stack fatigue: Strategies for consolidating tools to improve internal efficiency and employee retention.Leadership mindset: The importance of progression over change and how to instill confidence in your team and your clients.For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com

Upskilling 1 million accountants in the next five years

In this episode of On the Books, we talk about one of the hottest topics in the accounting industry: the talent and skills shortage. Joining us are Katie Rosenberg and Lynn Letukas from the Intuit for Education team to talk about Intuit’s bold mission to upskill the next generation, the impact of AI on early-career roles, and how modern accounting is currently one of the most tech-forward professionsIn This Episode, We Discuss:Intuit’s Bold Goals: How Intuit aims to help 50 million students become financially literate by 2030 and upskill 1 million future accounting professionals over the next five years.The Talent Pipeline: Addressing the 8% year-over-year decline in accounting graduates and the upcoming retirement of 70% of the current workforce.AI + HI: Why AI won't replace accountants, but rather empower them to focus on high-value advisory services and critical thinking.Hands-On Learning: Exploring the Food Truck Program and other simulations that give high school and college students real-world experience using tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp.Changing the Narrative: Moving away from the "Big Four or bust" mentality to show students the diverse, tech-driven opportunities in the Client Advisory Services space.

In Conversation with Sasan Goodarzi, Intuit's Chairman and CEO

"I believe we live in a world of confidence... AI will eliminate almost all the drudgery and manual work over time, but it will not change the importance of human interaction." — Sasan GoodarziIn this landmark episode, hosts Ted Callahan and Jessica McCracken are joined by Sasan Goodarzi, the Chairman and CEO of Intuit. Sasan shares his unique leadership philosophy, the future of the "human-to-AI" connection, and how Intuit is revolutionizing the accounting industry through the newly launched Intuit Accountant Suite.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Pillars of Customer Obsession: Sasan breaks down his hands-on approach to leadership, including spending 30% of his time on the road, responding personally to customer escalations, and meeting directly with frontline engineers and sales teams.The Birth of "Intuit Intelligence": Sasan recounts a pivotal "aha moment" at an Accountant Council meeting. After seeing accountants manually use external AI tools due to safety concerns, he pivoted the company's strategy to build a secure, generative AI "thought partner" directly into the Intuit platform.AI + HI (Human Intelligence): A deep dive into why AI will never replace the accountant. Sasan emphasizes that while AI eliminates manual "drudgery," the "X-factor" remains the human confidence and expertise provided by accounting professionals.The Intuit Accountant Suite: Sasan discusses the vision behind this massive release—the biggest for the community in over a decade—designed to help firms manage their practice, clients, and workforce in one unified ecosystem. For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com. And to see the full video of this episode head over to the Intuit Connect ON website.

Around the world: The Canadian Accounting Landscape

In this episode of On the Books, hosts Ted Callahan and Jessica McCracken head north to explore the global accounting landscape, starting with the Canadian market. They are joined by Mike Libbey, Partner and COO at YBL (formerly Your Bottom Line) and co-founder of Edgeflow.Mike shares his journey of scaling a 26-year-old family-run firm in Oshawa to a team of 33, while navigating the rapid technological shifts currently transforming the industry. From the nuances of Canadian capital gains tax to the "vibe coding" revolution, Mike provides a high-energy look at how firms can stay human in an increasingly automated world.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Canadian vs. US Market: Mike breaks down the similarities and key differences between the two markets, specifically regarding app availability and tax complexities.Scaling a Family Business: Insights into working alongside parents and siblings, and the professional maturity required to grow a family firm without losing the personal touch.Navigating Regulatory Uncertainty: How YBL is managing tariff uncertainty and impending changes to Canadian capital gains inclusion rates.The Power of "I Don't Know": Why radical candor and fact-checking are more important than ever in the age of AI.Vibe Coding and Custom Apps: Mike explains how he is building custom tools like Stash (in beta) to solve internal inefficiencies and why "vibe coding" is the most transformative thing to happen to his firm.The Human Differentiator: Why the future of accounting isn't just about compliance, but about being an integrated business partner that provides the human interaction AI can't replicate. For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com

Numbers & Narratives: Redefining Advisory for 2026

In this episode, hosts Ted Callahan and Jessica McCracken reflect on the transformative year of 2025 and look ahead to the future of the accounting profession. The episode features panel discussion from Intuit Connect, featuring industry leaders Dixie McCurley, Kim Blascoe, Greg Landers, and Liz Mason. The conversation moves beyond the buzzword of "advisory" to define the "augmented advisor"—a professional who leverages the power of technology to drive real economic impact. The discussion dives deep into the practicalities of integrating AI and human intelligence within accounting firms. The experts address the current trust gap regarding AI accuracy and emphasize the necessity of clean data architecture and strong data governance as the foundation for new technology. Looking toward the next generation of talent, the panel outlines how the accountant profile is evolving to require a blend of technical numeracy, data analytics, and the soft skills of storytelling and empathy. By embracing vulnerability and a willingness to learn in public, the panelist detailed how firms can close the gap between traditional compliance and high-value advisory, ultimately creating a more healthy and sustainable future for the industry. For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com