Leaders of the Ledger

Leaders of the Ledger

In this season finale, host Rob Brown distills the most powerful insights from 14 standout accounting innovators featured in the CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40. Throughout this episode, discover the 5 transformative themes that surfaced across every conversation. Learn how influence begins with service, why your personal story is your greatest asset, and what...…

Leaders of the Ledger

In this episode, Rob Brown sits down with Matt Tait, a recovering attorney turned entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple companies, including Decimal. Matt shares how he accidentally became an accounting influencer. He explains why honesty and transparency outperform perfection. Leading through change matters now more than ever as accounting experiences its biggest transformation...…

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...…