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Running an accounting firm does not have to feel overwhelming or isolating.

In this episode of the Canopy Practice Success Podcast, we sit down with Beth Whitworth, CPA, owner of Accounting with Confidence and host of the Accounting with Confidence podcast, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling accounting practice.

With more than 20 years in public accounting, Beth shares the real lessons she’s learned along the way. From navigating burnout and redefining success to building confidence as a firm owner and leader, this episode goes far beyond technical skills. It is about mindset, clarity, and creating a practice that works for you and your clients.

You’ll hear Beth’s perspective on what small firm owners struggle with most, how to balance client impact with profitability, and why confidence is one of the most overlooked tools in running a successful firm. Whether you are early in your firm journey or looking to make your practice more sustainable, this conversation is packed with relatable insights and practical takeaways.

If you have ever felt stuck, stretched thin, or unsure if you are building the right kind of firm, this episode will remind you that there is a better way forward.

Connect with our guest here! https://www.linkedin.com/in/asg-stl/

Beths Podcast: Accounting with Confidence: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/accounting-with-confidence-podcast

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Editor in chief of Accounting Today, Dan Hood, joins host KC Brothers to look back at two decades of “whispers” in the profession that either reshaped accounting or quietly disappeared. From the long, painful march to the cloud to the hype cycle around blockchain, Dan unpacks what actually sticks, what fizzles out, and what that pattern tells us about the next 5 to 10 years for firms of every size.

Together, Dan and KC dig into the forces quietly reshaping the profession right now, including CAS, private equity, ESG, AI, and the massive wave of ownership transitions on the horizon. If you’re an accountant wondering, “What should I actually be paying attention to?” this conversation will help you sort the signal from the noise and spot real opportunity for your firm and your career.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why it took accountants nearly a decade to adopt the cloud, and what that pattern reveals about every “new” idea
• How blockchain went from “this will destroy audit” to quietly being baked into tools in the background
• Where AI is different from past tech waves, and why future managers will be leading both people and AI agents
• Why CAS is still in the whisper stage and what it will take for it to become mainstream
• How private equity, ESG reporting, and a generational handoff of firm ownership could completely change firm structures
• The rise of lifestyle focused and solo firms, and why the barrier to starting your own modern practice has never been lower

Perfect for firm owners, partners, and ambitious staff who want a realistic, insider look at where the profession is actually headed next.

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In this episode of the Canopy Practice Success Podcast, KC Brothers sits down with Dheeraj Pandey, co-founder and CEO of Credfino, a fast-growing firm that supports more than 100 accounting and tax practices across North America.

Dheeraj shares how Credfino started during the pandemic, how they quickly scaled to a 70-person team, and what he sees under the hood of so many accounting firms today. From tool overload to process gaps, to content that misses the mark, he explains the most common mistakes firms make—and how small shifts can create massive efficiencies.

You’ll also hear how top firms are using automation, SOPs, and smarter workflows to handle more volume with better accuracy, plus what Dheeraj believes AI will realistically change over the next five years.

In this episode, we cover:
• How Credfino grew from a startup to a 70-person operation
• The most common software and workflow mistakes firms are making
• Why customer research is the missing ingredient in most accounting firm marketing
• How automations and strong processes help firms scale
• Where AI is headed and how it will reshape accounting roles
• Why every firm needs a clear ICP and consistent marketing effort

If you support clients, run an accounting firm, or manage operations, this conversation is packed with insights you can put to work today.

Follow Dheeraj on LinkinedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pandey-dheeraj/

Website: https://credfino.com/services/hire-offshore-tax-accountant

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Guest: Darren Root, CPA
Host: KC Brothers
Topic: Darrens Book Building The Simple Firm

In this episode of Canopy Practice Success, host KC Brothers sits down with Darren Root, CPA, author, and co-founder of Rootworks and Better Everyday, to explore how firm owners can simplify their practices and reclaim their freedom.

With more than 30 years of experience leading firms and mentoring thousands of accountants, Darren shares the key ideas behind his book The Simple Firm: clarity, intentionality, and designing a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.

Together, they unpack his three guiding questions—What do you do? Who do you serve? How do you deliver it? and discuss how firm leaders can strip away complexity, rethink client relationships, and create a more meaningful way to work. Darren also shares his “Four Freedoms” framework: Time, Money, Relationships, and Purpose, and explains how to protect them as your firm grows.

If you’ve ever felt like your business is running you instead of the other way around, this episode offers a practical path back to focus, simplicity, and freedom.

Key Highlights:

• The origin of The Simple Firm and what inspired Darren to write it
• How to find clarity in what you offer, who you serve, and how you deliver
• The difference between running a business and being run by it
• Darren’s “Four Freedoms” and why they’re critical for every firm owner
• How to clean out your firm’s “messy closet” of services and clients
• Practical steps to align your work with your ideal day and ideal client

Why You’ll Love It:
This episode is for firm leaders who want to move beyond survival mode and start building a business that supports their purpose. Darren’s insights are both inspiring and actionable—helping you create space, systems, and simplicity so you can lead with intention.

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In this episode of Canopy Practice Success, host KC Brothers sits down with Ashley Carroll, founder of Operations House, to explore the balance between people, process, and profit.

Ashley’s journey is one of grit, growth, and giving back. From growing up below the poverty line to leading a purpose-driven operations consultancy, she’s built her career on helping firms create equitable, scalable, and human-centered systems.

Together, KC and Ashley discuss:

• Why psychological safety is the cornerstone of productive, profitable teams
• How to identify and eliminate single points of failure in your firm
• What happens when leaders stop equating busyness with success
• The systems every modern accounting firm needs to support sustainable growth
• Why firm culture isn’t “soft stuff” — it’s the foundation of everything that works

Ashley brings a refreshing mix of operational expertise and empathy, reminding us that success in modern accounting isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about building businesses that people actually want to be part of.

Whether you’re a firm owner, team leader, or operations professional, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to lead with more clarity, compassion, and confidence.

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In this episode of Canopy Practice Success, host KC Brothers welcomes two leaders who have been shaping Client Advisory Services for years: Deneen Dias and Christine Triantos, co-founders of Infinite Ties. From their early-adopter journeys to launching a new venture, Deneen and Christine share candid lessons on what works, what fails, and why vulnerability accelerates learning in the CAS community.

You’ll hear how top-performing firms structure dedicated CAS teams, keep advisory connected to clean data, and say no to the wrong clients to protect margins and morale. We dig into defining an ideal client profile that goes beyond industry niche, the reality of pricing monthly engagements, and practical ways to align with tax without derailing recurring revenue during busy season.

The trio also explores AI’s two buckets, automation in the GL stack versus advisory intelligence, and why technology should free accountants to do the human work that never goes out of style. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by AI, you’ll get a grounded take on where to start and when it is perfectly fine to wait for your core tools to bake it in.

• How to design CAS teams that own day to day, close the books accurately, and level up into trusted advisory
• Why a clear ICP drives better margins, healthier teams, and more focused advisory
• Pricing realities for CAS, including common monthly ranges and why hourly models hold you back
• How to separate CAS and tax workflows without losing knowledge transfer or client experience
• A practical lens on AI in accounting, what to pilot now, and what to expect from your existing stack

Firm leaders, CAS directors, and practitioners moving from compliance to advisory who want a confident, sustainable operating model.

• Deneen Dias https://www.linkedin.com/in/deneen-dias-643b711/
• Christine Triantos https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinetriantos/

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In this episode of Canopy Practice Success, host KC Brothers sits down with Dave Spence, a CPA turned financial planner with decades of experience in both public accounting and wealth management. With six years in public accounting, 18 years at AXA Advisors, and 15 years at LPL Financial, Dave brings a unique perspective on the intersection of tax strategy, financial planning, and client advisory services.

KC and Dave explore the “science vs. art” of accounting and financial planning, why tax planning is often the natural gateway to advisory services, and how CPAs can evolve from compliance work into forward-looking strategies that build long-term client trust. They also discuss practical models for firms, whether through certification, hiring, or strategic partnerships, and how collaboration across disciplines can deliver better outcomes.

Along the way, Dave shares his personal journey, his perspective on today’s tax environment, and insights from his book The Tax Pros Guide to Using LERPs for Advanced Tax Planning. From practical strategies to industry trends, this conversation offers inspiration and actionable advice for firms ready to expand their role in clients’ financial futures.


Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davespencecfp/

Get Daves book here: https://taxfreetutors.com/

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Summary

In this conversation, Michael Ly, founder of Reconciled, shares insights on the importance of listening in sales, the unique structure of his accounting firm, and how to build trust with clients. He emphasizes the need for accountants to ask the right questions and focus on client needs rather than just selling their own skills. The discussion also touches on the challenges of standardizing client experiences and the role of AI in the accounting industry.

Takeaways

• Listening is crucial in sales calls.
• Building trust with clients is essential.
• Accountants should focus on client needs.
• Standardizing services can improve client experience.
• Sales is about asking the right questions.
• Rejection is a part of the sales process.
• You can delegate client work to others.
• AI cannot replace the human element in sales.
• Execution is key to success in business.
• Good work is valued by clients.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelly/