Leaders of the Ledger

Leaders of the Ledger

In this episode, Rob Brown sits down with Arna Erazo, a rising leader in Client Accounting Services. She built a thriving outsourced accounting practice at GHJ from scratch while working remotely from Oklahoma. Arna shares her journey from Big Four audit to industry to advisory. She opens up about balancing motherhood and leadership. She discusses...…

Leaders of the Ledger

Rob Brown sits down with Tailor Hartman, founder of Celerity, to unpack his journey from burnout and rigid corporate structures to becoming one of the most authentic voices in accounting. Tailor shares how he built a thriving CAS firm. He explains why vulnerability online works. He also discusses what accountants must do to stay relevant...…

Leaders of the Ledger

Lexi Weber, Senior Manager of Emerging Professionals Initiatives at AICPA and CIMA, joins Rob Brown for a powerful conversation about the future of accounting. As one of the profession’s rising voices, Lexi shares what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change as the industry transforms. Growing up in an accounting family, Lexi discovered her...…

Leaders of the Ledger

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with John Malone—an attorney-turned-accounting firm owner who’s redefining what it means to lead in the modern accounting world. John shares how he built a $4M firm without being a CPA, why personal branding is no longer optional, and how embracing AI is...…

Leaders of the Ledger

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with Zach Gordon—CPA, entrepreneur, and thought leader reshaping what it means to lead in accounting. Zach shares his unconventional journey through big firms, startups, and now running his own practice—all while helping modernize the profession’s reputation. From AI and automation to advising...…

Leaders of the Ledger

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with Victor Garrido, Managing Member of GG CPA Services and a passionate advocate for the accounting profession’s evolution. Victor’s story takes us from Madrid to Milan to New York, where he built a career spanning Big Four experience and small-business leadership. Today,...…

Leaders of the Ledger

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with Tim Petrey, CEO of HD Davis CPAs and one of the founding partners at Ascend, a private equity–backed platform transforming regional accounting firms across the U.S. Tim’s journey from answering phones at a small firm to leading an $8 million practice is nothing short of inspiring....…

Leaders of the Ledger

Tim O’Neill, a senior manager at Wipfli LLP, discusses how young professionals can build influence in accounting. He shares his journey from starting in a big CPA firm to becoming a thought leader in the profession, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring the next generation of CPAs.

Leaders of the Ledger

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, we explore how the accounting profession is evolving with guest Rachel Farris—a dynamic young CPA from San Francisco. Gen Z is reshaping the profession with fresh ideas, innovation, and a drive to make accounting a modern, tech-driven career. Rachel discusses how remote work and emerging tools like...…

Leaders of the Ledger

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, Rob Brown speaks with Mac Lillard, Senior Manager at GRF. Mac shares his influential role in the accounting profession and his passion for advocating for the accounting degree. Discover how it can shape diverse career paths, including risk management, forensic auditing, and digital transformation. Learn how Mac...…

Leaders of the Ledger

What happens when CPAs move beyond compliance and bring their skills to creators, entertainers, and gamers? In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown talks with Kendale King, CPA and founder of CPACon. Kendale shares his journey from Deloitte auditor to business manager for creators. He also explains why compliance-only careers no...…

Leaders of the Ledger

What happens when burnout sparks the journey to building a thriving CPA firm? In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown talks with Kathryn Horton, CPA. She is the founder of Kathryn K. Horton, CPA, P.A., based in Stuart, Florida. Kathryn shares how she moved from national firms to launching her own...…