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.

Summary

In this episode of The Trusted Professional Podcast, host Calvin Harris Jr. speaks with Mark Mallare, an audit manager and next-gen chair of the Buffalo chapter of the CPA society. They discuss Mark's journey into accounting, the challenges facing the profession, the perception of accountants as workaholics, and the importance of educating the next generation about diverse career paths in accounting. Mark emphasizes the need for accountants to tell better stories about their profession and to connect with students to inspire future generations.

Takeaways

• Mark Mallare emphasizes the importance of engaging younger CPAs.
• The accounting profession faces challenges, particularly in the pipeline of new talent.
• Accountants often have a negative perception as workaholics.
• Education about diverse career paths in accounting is crucial for students.
• Mark's journey into accounting was influenced by his interest in math and job security.
• The CPA exam, while challenging, opens many doors for career opportunities.
• Accountants should focus on the positives of their profession rather than the negatives.
• Building personal connections is essential in the accounting field.
• Mark advocates for better storytelling to improve the profession's image.
• The future of accounting relies on educating and inspiring the next generation.

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, host Calvin Harris Jr. speaks with Timothy Hammond, CPA, about his journey into the accounting profession, the challenges faced by the industry, and the importance of mentorship and communication skills. They discuss the staffing crisis in accounting, misconceptions about the profession, and the role of NYCPA in supporting CPAs. Timothy shares his thoughts on the future of the CPA profession and proposes a thought experiment about temporarily trying roles outside of public accounting. The conversation concludes with a light-hearted discussion about favorite fictional accountants and reflections on the profession.

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, host Calvin Harris Jr. speaks with Mark Stone, CPA, about his journey into the accounting profession, the importance of sales tax advocacy, and the challenges faced by accountants today. Mark shares insights on the stability of accounting careers, the misconceptions surrounding taxes, and the value of proper record-keeping for small businesses. He emphasizes the need for education to prevent tax issues and discusses innovative ideas for improving small business education. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the future of accounting education and the importance of specialization within the profession.

Carla McCall, the chair of the AICPA, joins Calvin Harris Jr. on the Trust Professional Podcast. They discuss Carla's journey into the field of accounting, the biggest challenges facing the profession, and the misconceptions people have about accountants. Carla emphasizes the importance of change management and the need for an integrated tech stack for firms. She also highlights the diversity of work, the relationship focus, and the flexibility and financial freedom that the accounting profession offers. The conversation ends with a discussion on the importance of people skills and building relationships in the profession.

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, Calvin Harris Jr., CPA, CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs, chats with Liren Wei, Managing Partner of Wei Wei & Co., LLP.

Liren began his accounting career 29 years ago as a staff accountant at the firm. Today, as Managing Partner, he is in charge of overall management and administration of the firm, including directing the activities of managerial, professional and support staff, and coordinating manpower needs, among other resources.

In addition to his role as managing partner, Liren is in charge of the firm’s government and not-for-profit practice group. He is responsible for overall administration and coordination of engagements, including planning and developing audit strategies, directing and implementing audits, supervising staff, and working with clients to ensure the timeliness and quality of the firm's accounting and auditing services. His government clients include the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the New York City Department for the Aging, Department of Youth and Community Development, Department of Homeless Services, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Administration for Children’s Services, Human Resource Administration, and the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation.

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, Calvin Harris Jr., CPA, CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs, chats with Zachary Gordon, the founder of Red Five Services LLC. Zach is a CPA with more than fifteen years of professional experience across multiple industries and functions. He serves as the fractional CFO, strategic advisor or head of technical accounting for a portfolio of crypto, cannabis, psychedelics, AI, and tech companies.

In this episode of the Trusted Professional Podcast, Calvin Harris Jr., CPA, CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs, chats with John M. Spatola, the Partner of the Emerging Business (Tax), Business Valuation, Forensic Accounting and Dispute Resolution Services (BVFDR) practice at Nawrocki Smith LLP. John has diversified experience in income tax planning and preparation, business valuations, insurance loss consulting, economic damages, agreed upon procedure engagements and various other complex matters. He has performed numerous training presentations to clients, attorneys, accountants, and other groups on various topics. Mr. Spatola provides assistance to counsel in all aspects of litigation-related matters. In his capacity as a director, he works with high-net-worth individuals and their business as it relates to tax preparation and planning in addition to being in charge of various business valuation, insurance consulting, forensic accounting, and litigation support engagements.

John is currently serving as a vice president of the New York State Society of CPAs. He has previously served the Society as a Director-at-Large on the Board of Directors, a member of the Awards and Nominating committees, and in chapter roles with the Suffolk Chapter as President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. He is also a Past Co-Chair of the Suffolk Chapter Litigation, Forensic and Valuation Services, and Membership committees.