Accounting Life Podcast

Listen to fellow accountants discuss their experiences with accruals, audits, accounting automation, ERP systems and more.

Episode 43

6 Ways to Know If You Are Ready for AI

Is your company ready for AI? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we talk with Jason Pikoos, Managing Partner of Client Experience at Connor Group, about what indicators to consider when evaluating your AI readiness, along with advice for CFOs trying to get started.

Episode 42

Life in Accounting Advisory Services

Have you considered a career in accounting advisory? On this episode, Jotham Ty talks with Lauren Robinson, Manager, Accounting & Financial Reporting Advisor at TBH Consulting, about what it’s like working in this exciting field and the skills you’ll develop along the way.

Episode 40

How Accountants Add Value

Why are accountants the doctors of the business world? On today’s episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re talking with Nick Corradino (Manager, Solutions Consulting at Tipalti) about:

  • The value of having different experiences in finance.
  • Thoughts on the future of accounting.
  • The importance of the human element.

Episode 41

Technology and The Modern Day Auditor

How has the audit industry evolved when it comes to technology adoption? On today’s episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we talk with Katie Hannah, Solutions Consultant at Gappify and former Audit Manager at Deloitte, about how tech is empowering a new generation of accountants.

Episode 41

Technology and The Modern Day Auditor

How has the audit industry evolved when it comes to technology adoption? On today’s episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we talk with Katie Hannah, Solutions Consultant at Gappify and former Audit Manager at Deloitte, about how tech is empowering a new generation of accountants.

Episode 40

How Accountants Add Value

Why are accountants the doctors of the business world? On today’s episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re talking with Nick Corradino (Manager, Solutions Consulting at Tipalti) about:

  • The value of having different experiences in finance.
  • Thoughts on the future of accounting.
  • The importance of the human element.

Episode 39

The Value of Mentorship

Why should every accountant seek out a mentor? On today’s episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re talking with KJ Neish (Product Manager at Floqast) about the importance of mentoring, how to find a mentor or to become one, and so much more!

Episode 38

A Founder’s Journey

What ingredients do you need to become a successful founder? On today’s episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re talking with Bijan Moallemi (Co-Founder and CEO, Mosaic) about how pain points lead to innovation, balancing the opposing forces of passion and pressure, and so much more!

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Episode 37

The Importance of Recharging

Why should every working professional take a career break to recharge their batteries? On today’s episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re talking with Samee Vohra (Corporate Finance, Atlassian) about the benefits of a sabbatical. We’ll also hear some tips on how to make the most of your time off.

Podcast - Big 4 Learnings with Erik Zhou
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Relaunch - Episode 15

Big 4 Learnings with Erik Zhou

What can you learn by working at the Big 4? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we talk with Erik Zhou (CAO at Brex) about important experiences you should seek out early in your accounting career.

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Episode 36

Accounting and Technology

Why does accounting lag behind when it comes to technology adoption? On today’s episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re talking with Emily Daigle (VP & GM, Zuora Revenue) about the role tech can play in the future of accounting.

How to Save Accounting with Kinman Tong
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Episode 35

How to Save Accounting with Kinman Tong

Is social media creating misconceptions about how a successful professional career should look? On today’s episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re speaking with Kinman Tong (Partner, Moss Adams) about a few ways to strengthen the accounting profession.

Work-Life Balance as an Accounting Leader
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Episode 34

The Importance of Establishing Work-Life Balance as an Accounting Leader

Is it possible to balance an accounting career and Muay Thai? On today’s episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re talking with Guilia Migliaccio (Controller, mParticle) about how you can balance the demands of both work and life.

Does the Accounting Industry need a Rebrand?
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Episode 33

Does the Accounting Industry need a Rebrand?

Does the accounting industry need a rebrand? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re talking with Dan Fletcher (CFO, Planful) about the issues impacting the future of the accounting profession.

What would have kept you in accounting - Todd Cary
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Episode 32

What Would've Kept Me in the Accounting Profession

In recent years, the accounting profession has seen an exodus of people leaving the industry. But what can we actually do to fix this problem? Today, we’re joined by our very own Todd Carry (Product Manager, Gappify), to discuss some ways to attract and retain accounting talent.

Perspectives on Accounting Tech & State of the Profession with Michael Kelly
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Episode 31

Perspectives on Accounting Tech & State of the Profession

How do you balance the need to invest in technology with budgetary constraints? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we welcome Michael Kelly (Director of Accounting, Turo), to talk about accounting tech and the state of the accounting profession.

Learning Development Accounting with Kristen Rampe
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Episode 30

Learning & Development in Accounting​

How do you develop talent on your team? Today we’re joined by Kristen Rampe (Managing Partner, Rosenberg Associates) to talk about learning and development in accounting.

The Future of Accounting and Finance Systems with Rob Bastress
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Episode 29

The Future of Accounting and Finance Systems

What impact will the rise of automation and AI have on accounting in the next few years? Today we’re talking to Rob Bastress (Former VP of Business Technology, Pilot.Com) about how the next couple of years will shape the future of accounting and finance systems.
Internal Audit & Controls with Rich Woodson
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Episode 28

Internal Audit & Controls with Rich Woodson

Why should accountants consider Internal Audit as a career path? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we welcome Alfred Woodson (Rich), Director of Internal Audit at Sunrun, to talk about the joys and challenges that come with working in this area of accounting.

State of the IPO Market
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Episode 27

State of the IPO Market with Barrett Daniels

We are currently in an IPO slump, but how long will it last? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we welcome back Barrett Daniels (Partner, Deloitte) to help us figure out how we got here, what the trends indicate for 2023, and what pre-IPO companies can do before they go public.

2023 Hiring Trends Accounting Professionals
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Episode 26

2023 Hiring Trends and Compensation for Accounting Professionals

What will the accounting job market look like in 2023? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re joined by Kristine Aragon (Senior VP, Robert Half) to discuss important hiring and retention trends, as well as insights from Robert Half’s 2023 Salary Guide.

My First non-accounting Role - Mike Pietrobon
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Episode 25

My First Non-Accounting Role with Mike Pietrobon

Have you ever considered a career beyond accounting? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re joined by Mike Pietrobon (CPA and Product Marketing Manager, Gappify) for advice on how to leverage your accounting skills and experience for success in a wide variety of careers.

Importance Culture Global Accounting Teams
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Episode 24

Importance of Culture for Global Accounting Teams

How important is it for you to develop a team culture for your accounting organization? In this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re joined by Gene Liu (CAO, Atlassian) to discuss how you can build a culture that results in reduced turnover, and time and cost savings for your accounting team.

Navigating Technical Guidance in Accounting
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Episode 23

Navigating Technical Guidance in Accounting

How do you navigate technical guidance in accounting? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re joined by Angela Liu (Former Director of Technical Accounting & Revenue at Glassdoor) about the strategic importance of technical accounting and its nuanced relationship with operational accounting.

The Importance of Heart in Accounting
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Episode 22

The Importance of "Heart" in Accounting

What does “heart” have to do with accounting? Isn’t accounting just about numbers? If this doesn’t seem to add up, you’ve come to the right place. In this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re joined by TaraMcDonough (Executive Coach & former Controller at Glassdoor) to talk about why accountants need to bring heart into their work.

Promoting Professional Development for Accountants
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Episode 21

Promoting Professional Development for Accountants

You’ve hired the right people for your accounting team, so now what? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’re joined by Senad Mustafic (CAO at Benchling) to discuss his thoughts on professional development strategies for retaining accountants.

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Episode 20

The Chief Accounting Officer Role

The Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) provides the accounting department a seat at the “executive table” and the opportunity to make broad, strategic company contributions. What makes an accountant a good fit for chief accounting officer? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we’ve reassembled our expert panel of CAOs, Angelina Hendraka (PowerSchool), Amy Garefis (ZipRecruiter), and Wendy Zheng, (OneTrust), to discuss what it takes to move from an accountant to CAO.

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Episode 19

Accounting ERP Evolution

What do accountants need to know about ERP systems to better manage their day-to-day operations? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, Neil Chua (Managing Director, SOAProjects) discusses important ERP trends and developments to help accountants stay up to date on the latest & greatest in ERP.

From Accountant to Startup Founder with Guzel Lumpkin
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Episode 18

From Accountant to Startup Founder

What does it take to go from an accountant, to an entrepreneur, to a CEO? Why is it so rare to see accountants choose this career route? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we welcome back Guzel Lumpkin (CFO, Innova Medical Group) to interview Gappify CEO & Founder, Jotham Ty about his journey from accountant to CEO.

Embracing Accounting Leadership with Carla Harris
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Episode 17

Embracing Accounting Leadership

What can accountants do to become better leaders? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we talk with Carla Harris (Senior Client Advisor, Morgan Stanley) about how to embrace accounting leadership and her new book: “Lead to Win: How to Be a Powerful, Impactful, Influential Leader in Any Environment.”

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Episode 16

Accounting Perspectives from Today's IPO Environment

How should accountants think about pre-IPO companies in this time of unprecedented challenges and surprises? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we talk with Barrett Daniels (Partner, Deloitte) about how you can navigate the pre-IPO market.

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Episode 15

Big 4 Learnings

What can you learn by working at the Big 4? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we talk with Erik Zhou (CAO at Brex) about important experiences you should seek out early in your accounting career.

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Episode 14

The Awesome Path for Accountants in Sales Engineering Roles

Why are so many organizations placing former accountants in sales positions? On this new episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we talk with Tanya Firdman (Sales Engineering Leader at Teampay), about sales as a career path for accountants.

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Episode 13

Tales from the Corporate Tax Fairy

What does it take to work in corporate tax? On this new episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we talk with Lorraine McIntire (VP of Tax at Camping World). Lorraine makes the case for why tax accounting can be an enjoyable career path.

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Episode 12

Exciting Careers in Internal Audit & Compliance

A career in compliance offers rich opportunities to be involved in your company’s strategy. On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, Susan Coleman (VP Internal Audit & Controls, GoPro) shares why internal audit and SOX compliance roles may be a good fit for accountants.

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Episode 11

Finance Systems Path for Accountants

On this new episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we chatted with Damon McLay, a financial systems leader and former accountant. Learn how he made the journey from an accountant to a Director of Finance Systems at Fastly, and the steps you can take to prepare yourself for a career in financial systems at your organization!

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Episode 10

Controller Perspectives, Part 2

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a Controller? On this new episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we chatted with Angelina Hendraka (Chief Accounting Officer at PowerSchool), Amy Garefis (Chief Accounting Officer at ZipRecruiter), and Wendy Zheng (VP Controller at Okta).

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Episode 9

Building Rockstar Accounting Teams

If you could start over and create your accounting team from scratch, what would you change? On this episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we talked to Senad Mustafic, Chief Accounting Officer at Benchling, about what it takes to succeed with this highly critical responsibility.

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Episode 8

Accounting at Pre-IPO Companies

In this episode we talk to Barrett Daniels (Partner, Deloitte) about what it takes to work in a pre-IPO environment. Barrett has extensive experience working with pre-IPO companies and has been interviewed by top media outlets to provide insights on the IPO market and recent trends. We’re honored to have him in this episode!

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Episode 7

Controller Perspectives, Part 1

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a Controller? On this new episode of the #AccountingLifePodcast, we chatted with Angelina Hendraka (Chief Accounting Officer at PowerSchool), Amy Garefis (Chief Accounting Officer at ZipRecruiter), and Wendy Zheng (VP Controller at Okta).

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Episode 6

FP&A and Controllership Collaboration

Sometimes it seems like the financial planning and analysis team and the accountants work near each other but not with each other. Today, we’re talking about how to foster collaboration between FP&A and accounting. 

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Episode 5

The AAPI Accounting Story

As we celebrate Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage month, we speak with Kinman Tong about his journey in accounting.

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Episode 4

Life as an Accounting Consultant

There are many pathways for accountants to take over the course of their careers. On this episode we’re talking about why accountants should consider independent consulting.

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Episode 3

The Revenue Accountant Journey

In this episode, Natasha Castelli, Founder of Apta Consulting Group, talks about the unexpected journey that led her to become a revenue accountant, and why she finds this work so rewarding.

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Episode 2

Transitioning from the Controllership to FP&A

In episode #2, “From Controllership to FP&A”, we sat down again with the CFO of Innova Medical Group, Guzel Lumpkin as she defines the qualities she looks for in the best FP&A candidate.

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Episode 1

From the Big 4 to CFO

A casual chat with accountants and their daily lives as members of the Controller’s team. We’ll explore their grind, from debits and credits, month-end close nightmares, audits and all the fun in-between.

About Gappify

Gappify, founded in 2016, is a cloud-based provider of accrual automation solutions for mid-market and enterprise accounting teams. The company is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Berkeley, California, Washington DC, and Manila, Philippines.

Its team consists of accountants and CPA’s from Big Four accounting firms and software innovators. Gappify is also supported by strategic advisors from some of the world’s most recognized technology companies and is affiliated with the top companies & accounting organizations.

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