In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, host Calvin Harris Jr. speaks with Beth Van Bladel, a seasoned CPA with over three decades of experience in accounting. Beth shares her journey into the accounting profession, highlighting the importance of early exposure and hands-on experience. She discusses her internship experiences at prestigious firms, the challenges facing the accounting profession today, and the significance of adapting to a multi-generational workplace culture. Beth emphasizes the need for organizations to understand and value the diverse perspectives of different generations in the workforce. In this conversation,

Beth discusses the importance of creating a safe environment for change within organizations, emphasizing the value of finance and accounting departments beyond mere compliance. She highlights the need for investment in technology to enhance strategic decision-making and shares her vision for innovating nonprofit accounting processes. Additionally, she encourages CFOs to assess their roles and responsibilities to maximize their impact within their organizations.

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, Dr. Sean Stein Smith shares his journey into the accounting profession, highlighting the importance of embracing technology such as AI and blockchain. He discusses the challenges facing the accounting profession, including the need for adaptation to new tools and trends.

Dr. Smith emphasizes the broad spectrum of opportunities available to CPAs beyond traditional audit and tax roles. He advocates for continuous education as a means to remain relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.

The conversation also touches on the perception of accounting careers and the importance of recognizing opportunities in midsize firms. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about fictional accountants and their portrayal in media.

Summary

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, host Calvin Harris Jr. interviews Renata Serban, a CPA and CMA with a unique background in cannabis accounting. Renata shares her unconventional journey from Kazakhstan to becoming a leading figure in the cannabis accounting space.

The conversation explores the challenges faced by accountants today, misconceptions about the profession, and the importance of accountants in the cannabis industry. Renata also discusses innovative ideas for attracting new talent to the profession and the future of cannabis accounting amidst changing regulations.

Takeaways

• Renata's journey from Kazakhstan to accounting is inspiring.
• The accounting profession is facing significant challenges today.
• Misconceptions about accountants being mere tax preparers persist.
• The cannabis industry presents unique opportunities for accountants.
• Engaging middle schoolers can help raise awareness about accounting.
• Accountants need to adapt to technological advancements.
• Renata emphasizes the importance of empathy in client relationships.
• The cannabis industry is evolving, and accountants play a crucial role.
• Innovative ideas are needed to attract new talent to accounting.
• The future of cannabis accounting is promising with potential reforms.