On The Books

Growth, Change, and the Future of CAS: A Conversation with Kane Polakoff

Here is a much-needed dose of accountant wisdom.Get ready for a deep dive into the evolving world of Client Advisory Services (CAS). In this episode, Ted and Jessica are joined by special guest Kane Polakoff, Partner and Practice Leader at CohnReznick and a pioneer in the CAS space. The trio talk about the increasing demand for CAS and its rapid growth, with CohnReznick experiencing over 60% practice growth last year. The group also discusses how the talent profile for CAS is changing, with a need for analytical, dynamic, and communicative individuals who are open to change and skilled in problem-solving. The conversation also covers the critical role of technology in CAS, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on client expectations and technology adoption, and the importance of change management for both clients and firms. With his characteristic humor, Kane shares his passion for making CAS a more appealing career path for recent college graduates and discusses the challenges and opportunities in building awareness for the profession. Be sure to catch the rapid-fire section at the end where Kane tries to sell Ted on the superiority of Detrot’s sports teams and mic-drop pitch for anyone interested in working with his team at CohnReznick. Tune in and be encouraged by the direction of CAS accounting. For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com.

Accountants Speak: You tell us what you think about technology

In our latest On the Books episode, we explore the insights gathered from the 2025 Intuit QuickBooks Accountant Technology Survey. The survey sheds light on accountants' perspectives on the current technology landscape, including the benefits and challenges you face, as well as the evolving nature of your work. Key findings include insights into technology standardization, the integration of AI in accounting practices, and the state of technology training within firms.We also take a look at what you told us about your clients’ sentiments and expectations around technology adoption. For full show notes, head over to firmofthefuture.com

What is an AI Accounting Agent?

“Our mantras have been, ‘we will turn it on for every firm once we’ve earned the right’ and ‘every click matters.’”If you have been curious about the new QuickBooks Accounting Agent, we can help. In this episode of On the Books, Michael Hitchcock, VP of Product for Core FMS at Intuit, joins Ted and Jessica to delve into the AI Accounting Agent, an important piece of the groundbreaking new agentic technology in QuickBooks.Michael walks through the key features of the Accounting Agent such as AI-powered bank feeds that improve categorization accuracy and the 'ready to post' functionality that simplifies transaction management. The team also discusses the importance of review and approval capabilities for all agentic work and how his team worked to maintain control for accountants. The discussion emphasizes the benefits of increased efficiency, better data accuracy, and the ability for firms to focus on strategic client advice. For full show notes, log on to firmofthefuture.com

Navigating the AI Frontier: Chad Davis on Transforming Accounting

Meet your AI-sherpa, your guide, in this new accounting frontier. Chad Davis, Co-Founder and Partner of LiveCA, joins Ted and Jessica to talk about his journey with AI in accounting. Chad's interest in AI grew as he saw its potential to revolutionize the accounting industry. He has since become a leading expert and speaker on the subject, implementing robust AI solutions in his firm and fostering a community of learning and support through Automation Town, a group of accountants interested in how AI can be integrated into their work. This episode explores the importance of education, trust, and adaptability in embracing AI, and how Chad's experiences can inspire other accountants to lean into the future of their profession.And in true summer road trip vibes, we also talk with Chad about what it is like to live with is family and run a firm from his RV while traveling around Canada and the U.S. For full show notes, check out firmofthefuture.com

Everything you need to know about the new QuickBooks innovations

You may have heard. QuickBooks is getting a glow-up.In this episode of the podcast, Ted and Jessica sit down with Joe Preston, Vice President of Product and Design at Intuit, to explore the exciting new QuickBooks experience. Joe talks through why these changes and why now. He also details the multi-month journey to develop the new changes team's focus on providing new tools to improve productivity and efficiency. The group talks through:New agentic technologyA new business feed and new customer hubThe rigorous testing and responsible AI practices that help ensure the changes are both innovative and secureAnd the group discusses what’s NOT changing in QuickBooks For full show notes, check out firmofthefuture.com

The new landscape of business development

How do you talk about your firm? How do you find new clients, or honestly, how do new clients find YOU? How do you (gasp!) market your services? Referrals remain strong, but there's a whole world of communication methods and ideas that have entered the industry.
 
Business development doesn't look the same as it did just a few short years ago. Social media, always-on content, video, audio … there are a million new ways to reach potential clients, while the trust and relationship part remains the same.
 
Keila Hill-Trawick, founder and CEO of Little Fish Accounting, does this better than almost anyone in the industry. On the episode, we talk with Keila about:
 
The differences in communicating with potential clients from what worked just a few short years ago.
The unchanging nature of referrals and relationships.  
Honing in on the ideal client for your firm.
Why it's important to keep talking about your services, even if hiring and retention are hard.
The approach to social media that has worked for her.
 
If you are responsible for marketing or any communication to potential clients at any size firm, there's wisdom in this episode for you. 
 
For more information:
Keila Hill Trawick
Little Fish Accounting’s LinkedIn

From Theory to Practice: The university accounting class you wish you had

It’s graduation season, and in this episode, we explore a groundbreaking university class that is changing how students learn about Client Advisory Services.Recorded live at Utah Valley University, Intuit’s Jaclyn Anku interviews Accounting Professor David Waite, Brittany Brown, CEO of LedgerGurus, and Dan Luthi, Partner and COO at Ignite Spot. They discuss a pioneering new class that integrates real-world case studies and hands-on technology training, with a strong emphasis on soft skills and emotional intelligence.The curriculum includes the 'Game of Urban Edge,' a 4-month case study that simulates real-life accounting scenarios, while emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills - essential for building strong client relationships. Learn how Professor Waite developed the class, how Brittany and Dan became involved, and hear stories of students who are now considering Client Advisory Services as their career path after graduation.Don’t miss this inspiring story about the next generation of the accounting industry. For more information and full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com

Turning feedback into innovation

Intuit receives over 15,000 pieces of feedback specifically from accountants every year. What in the world do we do with it all? In this episode of 'On the Books,' Ted Callahan and Jessica McCracken are joined by Karla Uribe, Director of Accountant Product at Intuit,, to delve into the essential role of accountant feedback in product development. Karla shares how her team collects and prioritizes feedback, ranging from strategic insights to specific usability concerns, to guide the product roadmap. The conversation underscores the iterative process of product development and the role of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) to ensure the product meets the needs of the accounting community. Karla also highlights the importance of deep customer empathy and the strong partnership between Intuit and the accounting community.For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com

Does feedback really matter?

That sentiment is best expressed by four accounting industry experts who have spent the past two years giving targeted product feedback to Intuit. Meet Matt, Lisa, Korey, and Ben - all members of Intuit Accountant Partner Council, all have spent time with product teams to shape the future of Intuit products that are critical for accountants.Ted and Jessica talk with the group about their time on Council, their experiences in giving tough but necessary feedback, and what encourages them about the future technology in the accounting industry. For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com

Ask us Anything - You asked, we (attempt to) answer

In this slightly off-the-rails (books?) episode, Ted and Jessica answer your listener-submitted questions. We tackle Intuit’s investment in direct-to-client services, the relationship between QuickBooks Online and AI over the next 5-10 years, how does Inuit really respond to accountant feedback; and we give an update on innovations announced at Intuit Connect 2024. And if Ted and Jessica had to switch jobs with each other for a week, who would crack under pressure first? For full show notes, visit firmofthefuture.com