In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Ryan joins Alex Roman to talk about what his first year as a full-time firm owner has really looked like, from landing large clients to navigating concentration risk, losing a key team member, and rebuilding with a more sustainable approach.

They also discuss why Backpocket CPA chose to niche down into creative marketing agencies, the importance of intentionally building company culture from the beginning, and why aspiring firm owners should think about entrepreneurship as an evolution rather than expecting perfection from day one.

Topics covered:

• Ryan’s path from PwC to entrepreneurship
• Building Backpocket CPA as a side business
• Why becoming a father pushed Ryan to go all in
• Navigating client concentration risk
• Losing a key team member and continuing to rebuild
• Why Backpocket CPA niched down into creative marketing agencies
• How writing on LinkedIn helped Ryan clarify his ideal client
• Building company culture intentionally from the beginning
• Turning personal values into company values
• Why new entrepreneurs shouldn’t expect perfection
• Thinking about entrepreneurship as an evolution

Humans in Accounting is brought to you by South Offices, connecting accounting firms with skilled professionals across Latin America.

🎧 South Offices Home
https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company
https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led Nearshore Team Specialist
https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Today, Ian is an executive coach and founder of Mindset Magic, working with small business owners while intentionally making room for another major part of his life: music.

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Ian joins Alex Roman to talk about the mindset behind building a business without letting it consume everything else.

They discuss why successful business owners can become victims of their own growth, the difference between building a business and simply creating a job for yourself, how urgency affects decision-making, and why making clear commitments matters more than simply moving fast.

Topics covered:

• Building a business that supports the life you want
• Ian’s journey from recruiting to executive coaching
• Making space for work, music, and life outside business
• When business growth starts to feel like a treadmill
• The difference between building a business and creating a job for yourself
• How to step back and reassess your priorities
• What separates a good accountant from a great one
• Why honoring agreements matters more than speed
• How urgency impacts your decisions and relationships
• Turning goals into real commitments

Humans in Accounting is brought to you by South Offices, connecting accounting firms with skilled professionals across Latin America.

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led Nearshore Team Specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Since then, System Six has grown from 20 to 65 team members, expanded through organic growth and acquisitions, and stayed focused on one principle: putting its people first.

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Chris joins Alex Roman to talk about what it really takes to grow an accounting firm without losing the culture that made it successful in the first place.

They discuss the lessons behind scaling too quickly, why growth sometimes means slowing down sales, how System Six found its niche serving recently acquired businesses, and what Chris has learned from acquiring and operating accounting firms.

Topics covered:

• Why Chris chose to acquire an accounting firm
• What made System Six the right business to buy
• Growing from 20 to 65 team members
• Why rapid growth can create hiring mistakes
• Putting team members before clients
• Finding a niche beyond a specific industry
• Lessons from acquiring accounting firms
• Why sales and marketing should start earlier than you think

Humans in Accounting is brought to you by South Offices, connecting accounting firms with skilled professionals across Latin America.

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led Nearshore Team Specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Jabree Brooks, Founder and Principal at Four Palm Advisory, to talk about his journey from EY, UBS, and JPMorgan to CFO roles and, eventually, entrepreneurship.

Jabree shares what pushed him to start Four Palm Advisory, how the firm grew from fractional CFO services into a broader accounting offering, and what he has learned while building a team and scaling quickly.

They also talk about one of the biggest challenges founders face: moving from working in the business to working on the business, and why Jabree believes surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you is essential to making that transition.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• Why Jabree chose accounting and how it shaped his career

• What led him from large financial institutions to smaller, entrepreneurial companies

• How his first fractional CFO client became the starting point for Four Palm Advisory

• The challenges of onboarding multiple clients while scaling

• Why hiring great people creates leverage for founders

• How client referrals became an important milestone for Four Palm

• Why accounting firm owners should learn from others instead of reinventing the wheel

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led Nearshore Team Specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

It's about building one that evolves as your life does.

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Eman Abdur-Rahman, Founder & CEO of Your Virtual Keeper, to discuss her journey from business operations to building a successful virtual accounting firm.

Eman shares how she found her niche, built a remote team, created systems that scale, and why documenting processes became one of the biggest turning points in her business. She also opens up about balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and running a family farm while continuing to grow her firm.

Whether you're starting your own accounting firm or looking to build a business that supports the life you want, this conversation is full of practical lessons on leadership, systems, and intentional growth.

🎯 What You'll Learn

• How Eman transitioned from operations into accounting

• Building a virtual accounting firm from scratch

• Why documented systems are essential for growth

• How to build and lead a successful remote team

• The importance of onboarding and repeatable processes

• Balancing entrepreneurship, family, and business ownership

• Why your business should evolve as your life changes

Topics Covered

• From operations to entrepreneurship

• Starting a virtual bookkeeping firm

• Finding your niche

• Hiring and onboarding remote teams

• Building systems that scale

• Delegation and leadership

• Entrepreneurship and motherhood

• Adapting your business through different seasons of life

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led Nearshore Team Specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

It takes confidence, relationships, a clear business model, and the willingness to bet on yourself.

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Mike Payne, Chief Growth Officer at Haga Kommer, to discuss his journey from the Big Four to building his own accounting and law firm from scratch.

Mike shares the lessons he learned from starting with zero clients, why accountants consistently undervalue themselves, how strong client relationships become your greatest competitive advantage, and what every future firm owner should think about before taking the leap.

Whether you're planning to launch your own firm or looking to grow the one you already have, this conversation is full of practical advice from someone who's been through every stage of the journey.

🎯 What You'll Learn

• Why Mike left the Big Four to build his own firm

• How he landed his first clients

• Why accountants often undervalue themselves

• The importance of choosing the right business model

• What aspiring firm owners should plan before getting started

• How client relationships become your biggest competitive advantage

• Lessons learned from building, scaling, and selling a firm

Topics Covered

• Mike's journey from the Big Four to entrepreneurship

• Building an accounting and law firm

• Landing the first clients

• Choosing a business model

• Pricing and understanding your value

• Why the accounting community is different

• Client relationships and trust

• Lessons for future firm owners

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Scaling it—and eventually selling it—is another.

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Sharrin Fuller, founder of Glass Wallet Ventures and Clone & Conquer Hub, to discuss the lessons she learned from building multiple accounting businesses, documenting systems, overcoming self-doubt, and creating firms that can grow beyond their founders.

Sharrin shares her unconventional path into accounting, why doing things right the first time saves years of frustration, and how strong systems became the foundation for every business she built.

Whether you're starting your first firm or thinking about scaling the one you already have, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who's done both.

🎯 What you'll learn

• How Sharrin built and sold accounting firms

• Why systems are the foundation of growth

• Doing things right the first time

• Overcoming self-doubt as a business owner

• Why documentation matters

• Building a firm without a traditional accounting path

• Lessons for firm owners at every stage

Topics Covered

• Buying her first business

• Entering the accounting profession

• Building multiple accounting firms

• Scaling through systems

• Selling accounting firms

• The importance of documentation

• Overcoming self-doubt

• Advice for firm owners

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Karen McConomy, Founder of Your Numbers Person, to discuss building systems that allow business owners to step away without everything falling apart.

Karen shares how she went from starting her firm on Upwork to leading a growing remote team, why saying "no" is sometimes the best way to help clients, and how mentors accelerated her growth as a firm owner.

If you're building an accounting firm that supports your life, not the other way around, this episode is for you.

🎯 What you'll learn

• How systems create work-life balance

• Why saying "no" can improve client relationships

• Building a remote accounting firm

• The importance of mentors

• Avoiding scope creep

• Creating processes that empower your team

• How to step away from day-to-day operations

Topics Covered

• Starting a firm on Upwork

• Building Your Numbers Person

• Finding a niche

• Systems for work-life balance

• The problem with scope creep

• Learning to say no

• Mentorship in accounting

• Favorite food 🍴

• Advice for new firm owners

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Miguel Centeno doesn't think so.

He believes the firms that thrive won't be the ones avoiding AI—they'll be the ones learning how to use it better than everyone else.

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Miguel Centeno, Managing Partner at Centurion Firm and host of Beyond the Bottom Line, to discuss building an accounting firm, finding the right clients, pricing based on value, and why AI is changing the profession without replacing it.

Miguel also shares how he left PwC, landed his first clients, built a niche, and the mindset that helped him grow a successful firm.

If you're building an accounting firm—or wondering how AI will reshape the profession—this episode is for you.

🎯 What you'll learn

• Why AI won't replace great accountants

• How to leave a Big Four firm

• Finding your ideal client profile

• Pricing based on value instead of hours

• Why niching down accelerates growth

• Patience vs growth as a firm owner

• Building a modern accounting practice

Topics Covered

• Miguel's journey from PwC

• Starting Centurion Firm

• Landing the first clients

• Biggest early mistakes

• Finding a niche

• AI in accounting

• Value-based pricing

• Favorite food 🍴

• Advice for firm owners

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Not every CPA has a mentor.

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Nancy Benet, CPA, entrepreneur, and CEO of Fix It Accounting, to discuss the lessons she learned from building her firm after multiple failed businesses, crushing debt, and starting over from scratch.

Nancy shares why mentorship completely changed the trajectory of her business, how she built a recognizable accounting brand, and why helping the next generation of firm owners has become one of her biggest missions.

They also discuss leadership, recurring revenue, advisory services, hiring, delegating, and creating a firm that can operate without the owner being involved every day.

🎯 What you'll learn

• Why every CPA should have a mentor

• Lessons from five failed businesses

• Building a recognizable accounting brand

• How to create recurring revenue

• Delegating and stepping out of day-to-day operations

• Hiring great people and building culture

• Advice for firm owners starting today

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• Nancy's career journey

• Five failed businesses before accounting

• Starting Fix It Accounting

• Building an online accounting brand

• Mentoring firm owners

• Franchise model explained

• Pulling herself out of operations

• Hiring and leadership lessons

• Why mentorship matters

• Advice for new firm owners

Monica Siciliano sees it differently.

She believes people are a company's greatest opportunity.

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Monica Siciliano, Partner at De Novo HR Consulting and Zinman & Company, to discuss leadership, business advisory, human resources, and what really drives long-term business success.

Monica shares how she transitioned from business operations into HR consulting, why accounting and human capital naturally overlap, and what entrepreneurs often underestimate when building a company.

They also discuss career changes, generational leadership, company culture, and why fulfillment matters just as much as financial success.

If you're building an accounting firm—or any business—this conversation offers practical lessons that go far beyond accounting.

🎯 What you'll learn

• Why payroll is more than just an expense

• The overlap between HR and accounting

• What entrepreneurs underestimate about hiring

• Why career changes aren't failures

• Managing different generations in the workplace

• Balancing fulfillment, enjoyment and financial success

• Advice for firm owners and business leaders

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• Monica's path into HR consulting

• Becoming partner at Zinman & Company

• Why people drive business performance

• Working with entrepreneurs

• Young professionals and credibility

• Generational leadership

• Challenges every growing business faces

• Advice for founders

• Career fulfillment vs financial success

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Seth Kamens, founder of Kamens & Associates, to discuss how he grew a firm from a handful of clients into a practice serving more than 2,000 clients across the world.

Seth shares why he left corporate accounting, what he learned from Big Four culture, and how listening became one of the most valuable skills in his career.

They discuss building trust with clients, growing through networking, scaling a firm organically, and why the best accountants aren't necessarily the smartest people in the room.

Along the way, Seth shares stories about his first major client, receiving a call from a client who received a billion-dollar acquisition offer, and how accounting relationships often become much more than vendor relationships.

If you're building an accounting firm—or simply want to become a better advisor—this episode is packed with practical lessons.

🎯 What You'll Learn

• Why Seth left corporate accounting

• Building a firm from 15 clients to 2,500+

• The networking strategy that grew his practice

• Why listening is more important than selling

• How to build long-term client trust

• Lessons from scaling a boutique firm

• Why relationships matter more than expertise

• Advice for accountants starting a firm today

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• Leaving Deloitte and corporate accounting

• Starting a firm from scratch

• Growing through networking and referrals

• The difference between Big Four and boutique firms

• Why clients hire accountants they trust

• From 15 clients to thousands

• The billion-dollar client story

• Sales without selling

• Advice for future firm owners

For most accounting firms, it wasn't even an option.

But that's exactly when Josh Zweig decided to build a virtual accounting firm.

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Josh Zweig, Co-Founder and CEO of LiveCA, to discuss how a simple desire for location freedom led to one of Canada's first fully virtual accounting firms.

Josh shares his journey from PwC to entrepreneurship, how he built a remote practice using Skype and QuickBooks Desktop, and what it was like convincing clients—and the accounting profession—that work didn't need to happen inside an office.

They also discuss living in Argentina, building a distributed team, delegation mistakes, the evolution of accounting technology, and how AI is changing the profession today.

If you're building a modern accounting firm, this episode offers a unique perspective from someone who was doing remote accounting long before it became mainstream.

🎯 What You'll Learn

• How Josh built a virtual accounting firm in 2012

• Why remote work was controversial in accounting

• The early days of cloud accounting

• Lessons from scaling a distributed team

• Delegation mistakes firm owners make

• How AI is changing accounting roles

• Why human accountability still matters

• What future accounting firms may look like

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• Josh's journey from PwC to entrepreneurship

• Becoming one of Canada's first virtual accountants

• Building LiveCA remotely in 2012

• The evolution of cloud accounting

• Remote work before it became mainstream

• Living and working from Argentina

• AI's impact on accounting firms

• Human accountability vs automation

• Delegation and scaling lessons

• Advice for future firm owners

Josh shares his journey from leaving the CPA firm world behind to becoming an entrepreneur, the struggles of building from scratch, and how a painful experience with his own accountant ultimately led him to launch Multiply Advisors.

The conversation dives deep into topics that go far beyond accounting — including fear of success, leadership, employee growth, entrepreneurship mindset, and why work should give something back to people instead of simply draining them.

We also discuss company culture, helping employees grow as humans (not just workers), finding rhythm instead of balance, and how entrepreneurs can stay focused through uncertainty.

Plus — Josh shares his love for pizza 🍕 and Mediterranean food 🥙.

Because behind every balance sheet, there’s a story worth telling.

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• Leaving the CPA firm world to become an entrepreneur

 • Why Josh founded Multiply Advisors

 • The fear of success vs. fear of failure

 • Entrepreneurship and personal growth

 • Building culture with high expectations and high grace

 • Why work should help humans grow

 • Finding rhythm instead of balance

 • Leadership, employee engagement & curiosity

 • Advice for entrepreneurs starting a firm

 • Favorite foods: pizza 🍕 & Mediterranean food 🥙

Nicole Rose Yen believes it comes from better processes.

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Nicole Rose Yen, Founder of Aerial Core, to talk about building systems that actually support growth.

Nicole shares how her background in software and medical businesses led her into accounting, why she pivoted from healthcare into construction and manufacturing, and how helping small businesses became her mission.

They also discuss why processes should exist from day one, how strong systems improve culture, and why businesses struggle when everything depends on one person.

Plus: sushi vs asado, hobbies outside work, and why every founder should protect time away from the business.

If you’re building a business—or thinking about starting one—this episode is packed with practical advice.

🎯 What you’ll learn:

• Why processes matter from day one

• How to scale without chaos

• Why niching down sometimes happens accidentally

• Building cross-trained teams

• Why hobbies actually improve your business

• Construction & manufacturing accounting insights

• The mindset needed to grow a business

🎧 South Offices Home

https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company

https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist

https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

📌 Topics Covered

• Nicole’s background in software & healthcare

• Starting in bookkeeping during COVID

• Why small businesses matter

• Expanding into HR & back-office services

• Pivoting into construction & manufacturing

• Why hobbies improve business performance

• Building process-driven companies

• Cross-trained teams & operational resilience

• Advice for entrepreneurs starting businesses

• Why businesses break without systems

They fail because they run out of cash—or underestimate how long growth actually takes.

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Michael Coronado, President of Pronto Advisors, to talk about building a firm that has evolved over 35 years.

Michael shares how his father started the business after getting laid off, how they adapted through multiple industry shifts, and why they transitioned from a tax-focused firm to a full advisory model.

They also discuss working with high-net-worth clients, building a niche in real estate, and what most firm owners misunderstand about scaling.

Plus, Michael shares what they’re building next—a new platform designed to bridge the gap between business owners and accountants.

If you’re starting or scaling your firm, this episode is packed with real, practical advice.

🎯 What you’ll learn:

• Why cash flow matters more than revenue
• Why growth always takes longer than expected
• How to build a niche in accounting
• When to say no (and when to say yes and charge more)
• The reality of scaling an accounting firm
• Working with high-net-worth and real estate clients
• Building tools to improve client visibility

🎧 South Offices Home
https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company
https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist
https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• Origin story (laid off → starting firm)

• Evolution from tax → advisory

• Working with high-net-worth clients

• Real estate niche strategy

• Building and validating a new platform

• Cash flow vs revenue mindset

• Growth timelines (expectations vs reality)

• Pricing, boundaries, and client management

• Saying no vs “yes and charge more”

• Advice for firm owners

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Ashley Connell, CEO of Prowess Project, to talk about the real problem behind talent loss—and how she built a business to solve it.

Ashley shares how she started with a simple insight, tested her idea by working for free, and eventually built a model that helps CEOs match with fractional operations leaders who can run the business.

They also discuss niching down into accounting firms, why community matters more than competition, and what most firm owners get wrong when trying to scale.

If you’re building a firm—or struggling to step out of day-to-day operations—this episode will change how you think about growth.

🎯 What you’ll learn:

• Why women leave (and return to) the workforce
• How to validate a business idea early
• Why your first client matters more than your plan
• How to build an operations function in your firm
• The power of niching down (accounting firms)
• Fractional hiring and scaling smarter
• Why CEOs shouldn’t run operations

🎧 South Offices Home
https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company
https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist
https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• The 43% workforce stat & insight

• Building Prowess Project from a problem

• First client strategy (working for free)

• From idea → real business model

• Matching CEOs with operators

• Why most firms become “accidental agencies”

• Niching down into accounting firms

• Community mindset in accounting

• How the matching process works

• Advice for founders

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, James Bohan shares how he built his firm starting from one client—and why taking action early mattered more than having everything figured out.

From preparing tax returns by hand to becoming a CFO and eventually launching his own firm, his path wasn’t linear—and that’s exactly the point.

They talk about hiring before you feel ready, building systems as you grow, and how “done is better than perfect” actually plays out in real life.

If you’re thinking about starting or scaling your firm, this episode is a practical reminder:

You don’t need perfect—you need momentum.

🎯 What you’ll learn:

• Why waiting for perfect slows you down
• How one client can start a firm
• The importance of taking action early
• Why hiring sooner can unlock growth
• How to build a niche in accounting
• Offshore hiring and scaling
• Real lessons from building a firm

🎧 South Offices Home
https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company
https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist
https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• James’ early career and starting as a bookkeeper

• From no accounting experience to CPA

• Transition from firm to CFO role

• Starting his own firm from a single client

• Building a niche in real estate & private equity

• Offshore hiring and scaling a team

• In-person vs online networking today

• Lessons from the GFC and early career struggles

• Systems and hiring early

• Advice for new firm owners

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Astrid Daniela Galvez, Founder of Accounting Specialist & Business Solutions, to talk about building a firm from scratch—and the identity challenges that came with it.

Astrid shares how she started her firm with no clients and only six months of savings, how she landed her first opportunities, and why she made the decision to change how she introduced herself professionally.

They dive into imposter syndrome, building trust as a new firm owner, and what it really takes to grow a business over 13 years.

If you’re starting from zero—or navigating confidence and identity in your career—this episode will resonate.

🎯 What you’ll learn:

• How to start an accounting firm from zero
• How to get your first clients
• Imposter syndrome in the accounting industry
• How identity can impact opportunities
• Why community is key when starting out
• Building trust as a new firm owner
• Lessons from 13 years in business

🎧 South Offices Home
https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company
https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist
https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• Astrid’s early career and transition into accounting
• Starting a firm with no clients
• First clients and early challenges
• Imposter syndrome and identity in business
• Why she adapted how she introduced herself professionally
• Building trust as a new firm owner
• Working with minority-owned businesses
• The role of community and connections
• Defining an ideal client
• Advice for new firm owners

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Geoff Bruskin, Managing Partner at White Tiger Connections, to break down how accounting firms are built, scaled, and ultimately sold.

Geoff shares his journey into the accounting space through M&A, recruiting, and consulting—and how private equity is reshaping the industry.

They dive into what most firm owners get wrong about valuation, why being involved in day-to-day operations can hurt your exit, and how to build a firm that buyers actually want.

They also explore how AI is starting to impact accounting firms, and what founders should do today to stay competitive.

If you’re thinking about growing, or eventually selling, your firm, this episode gives you the playbook.

What you’ll learn:

• How to build an accounting firm with exit in mind
• What determines the value of an accounting firm
• Why founders hurt their own valuation
• The difference between SDE and EBITDA
• How private equity is changing accounting
• How AI will impact bookkeeping and operations
• What buyers look for during due diligence

🎧 South Offices Home
https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company
https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist
https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• Geoff’s path into M&A and accounting firms

• Building White Tiger Connections

• Private equity in the accounting industry

• Accounting firm valuation basics

• SDE vs EBITDA explained

• What affects exit value

• Why founders lower their own valuation

• AI in accounting firms (current vs future)

• Niche strategy for accounting firms

• How to build a firm to sell

In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman sits down with Chase Damiano, Founder & CEO of Human at Scale, to break down why so many accounting firm owners struggle to scale—and what actually needs to change.

Chase shares his journey from Accenture to building and scaling a coffee business, and how that experience led him to work closely with accounting firms as an operations partner.

They dive into the real reasons firms get stuck: lack of visibility, weak systems, unclear roles, and founders who become the bottleneck.

If you’ve ever felt like your firm is growing… but you’re still overwhelmed, this conversation is for you.

Because scaling isn’t about working more—it’s about building a business that works without you.

What you’ll learn:
• How to scale an accounting firm without burning out
• Why most accounting firms hit growth plateaus
• How to stop being the bottleneck as a firm owner
• The operational systems every firm needs to grow
• How to get out of day-to-day client work

🎧 South Offices Home
https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company
https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist
https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• How to scale an accounting firm sustainably
• Why firm owners burn out while growing
• The biggest bottlenecks in accounting firms
• Lack of visibility and operational data
• Why meetings don’t drive real progress
• Systems, SOPs, and workflow breakdowns
• CEO vs operator mindset shift
• Revenue plateaus and how to break them
• Why niche focus accelerates growth
• The power of the accounting community

Tracy shares her background in construction accounting, how she transitioned from employee to business owner, and the role networking played in getting her first clients and scaling early on.

We also talk about why she chose not to niche down, how her firm approaches client relationships and technology, and what it takes to build systems that support long-term growth.

Plus — we dive into hybrid work, building team culture, moving to monthly recurring revenue, and the importance of community when growing a business.

Because behind every balance sheet, there’s a story worth telling.

🎧 South Offices Home
https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company
https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist
https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• From employee to business owner in accounting

• Getting the first clients through networking

• Why Tracy chose not to niche down

• Construction accounting and client complexity

• Hybrid work and building team culture

• Moving from hourly billing to monthly recurring revenue

• Scaling a firm with systems and structure

• The importance of community and mentorship

• Favorite food: chips & salsa 🌮

Chris shares his journey from starting at Welch as a student to working in government, including roles at the Bank of Canada and as CFO within public finance, before returning to the firm as a partner.

We also dive into how accounting firms are evolving, the role of client relationships in a world shaped by AI, and why vulnerability and communication are becoming key differentiators in the industry.

Plus — we talk about career growth, scaling a service line, favorite foods (pizza 🍕 and steak 🥩), and practical advice for professionals and entrepreneurs.

Because behind every balance sheet, there’s a story worth telling.

🎧 South Offices Home
https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company
https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist
https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• Chris’s career journey from Welch to government and back

• Working in finance during the global financial crisis

• What a full-service accounting firm actually does today

• The rise of Client Accounting Services (CAS)

• Why human relationships matter in accounting

• Generational differences in client communication

• Scaling a service line inside a firm

• Favorite foods 🍕 pizza & 🥩 steak

• Advice for professionals and entrepreneurs

Greg shares the personal journey that led him to rebuild his life and launch his accounting practice after overcoming alcoholism — and how mentorship, community, and referrals helped him grow a successful bookkeeping and accounting business.

Wayne explains how entrepreneurs grow faster when they learn from business owners outside their own industry, and why even in a world filled with AI tools and automation, business is still fundamentally about human relationships.

Together they explore the role of trust, mentorship, and referrals in building a sustainable accounting practice.

Plus — we also dive into favorite foods (Mexican enchiladas 🌮 and Berkshire pork ribeye 🥩), business coaching insights, and practical advice for anyone starting their own firm.

Because behind every balance sheet, there’s a story worth telling.

🎧 South Offices Home
https://southoffices.com/

🌎 Nearshore Accounting Company
https://southoffices.com/nearshore-accounting-company/

📞 Talk to a CPA-led nearshore team specialist
https://calendly.com/alex-southoffices

Topics Covered

• Greg’s journey into accounting and entrepreneurship
• Overcoming addiction and rebuilding a career
• Building an accounting firm through referrals
• Why smaller firms often offer broader experience
• Mentorship and coaching in entrepreneurship
• Mixing industries to solve business problems
• Favorite foods segment 🌮 Berkshire pork ribeye & enchiladas
• Advice for entrepreneurs starting a business

Jacob shares his inspiring story from growing up in a small Louisiana town and volunteering as a firefighter to owning his first business at 20 and eventually launching Expert Bookkeeping. He discusses how the pandemic transformed his business, why AI is a tool (not a threat), and why understanding your “why” is the most important step before starting any venture.

We cover:

• From small-town roots to running Expert Bookkeeping.

• What being a volunteer firefighter taught Jacob about service and leadership.

• Owning a gas station at 20 and lessons learned from early entrepreneurship.

• The explosion of his business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Why AI is like the nail gun — and how it’s changing bookkeeping.

• Building a purpose-driven business and saying yes to helping others.

• Niche focus: service industries and insurance clients.

• Favorite food 🍲 sauce piquant and seasonal crawfish.

• Best advice: Focus on your why — your purpose will lead to profit.
  

If you’re an accountant, bookkeeper, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on building a purpose-driven firm, navigating the future of AI, and making a real difference in clients’ lives.

K.C. shares her professional journey from Big Four audit to client advisory services, and how her lifelong passion for sports—beach volleyball, soccer, pickleball, and cycling—shapes her approach to teamwork, leadership, and business.

We cover:

• Transition from Big Four audit to Dark Horse CPAs.

• Why sports like volleyball, futsal, and pickleball sharpen focus and resilience.

• The parallels between team chemistry in sports and leadership in accounting.

• Lessons from failure and why embracing mistakes leads to growth.

• Favorite food (spoiler: ribeye steak 🥩).

• Advice to her younger self and professionals: find activities that push you to grow.

If you’re an accountant, entrepreneur, or leader looking for inspiration on team dynamics, resilience, and business growth, this episode is for you.

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from firm owners and accounting leaders.

#AccountingPodcast #Leadership #Bookkeeping #AdvisoryServices #Teamwork #SportsAndBusiness #HumansInAccounting

They talk about:

✅ Selling her first tech firm and discovering the gaps in the accounting industry

✅ Building a founder-funded SaaS from scratch

✅ The shift from compliance to advisory work in accounting ✅ Launching Account Groove’s CRM and community for accountants

✅ Irene’s love for home-grown food, goulash 🥘 and pumpkin pie 🥧

✅ Her advice for new founders: Just start — and build systems early!

🎧 Listen till the end for an exclusive promo code for Humans in Accounting listeners: one month free on Account Groove’s annual Pro plan.

Corry shares her inspiring journey—from starting bookkeeping at age 14, to launching multiple businesses, to building Digit Squid into a thriving firm alongside her husband. She talks about the lessons learned from failure, the importance of community in accounting, and how she now helps startups and bookkeepers succeed.

We cover:

• Starting bookkeeping as a teenager.

• Launching multiple businesses (including a cloth diaper service).

• Lessons from failed ventures and why so many businesses struggle in the first 5 years.

• Founding Digit Squid Accounting in 2021 and growing it with her husband.

• Creating a QuickBooks Online cleanup course for bookkeepers.

• Being named a 2025 Top 100 ProAdvisor by Insightful Accountant.

• Favorite food 🍲 (caldo de pollo, chicken soup).

• - Best advice: prepare for success, not failure.

If you’re an accountant, bookkeeper, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on startup growth, advisory services, and building a sustainable business.

Amanda shares how she transitioned from hospitality to bookkeeping, the emotional story behind a $2 bill, and how she’s preparing her team (and herself) for the impact of AI in the industry.

🔍 Topics we cover:
• Why mentors are essential when starting out
• Building boundaries as a people pleaser
• The value of great customer service
• Adapting to AI and becoming more relational
• Naming your business with meaning

Whether you're in the industry or just curious about the human side of accounting, this conversation is full of honest, relatable insights.

🎧 Subscribe for more stories from the humans behind the numbers.

Chad shares his family’s legacy in accounting, his own path from physics to entrepreneurship, and how he grew ABT into a firm that supports virtual companies, SaaS businesses, and expats around the world. From moving between Arizona and Spain to launching his own podcast, Chad’s journey is a true mix of sprinting at the start and learning to run the marathon of business.

We cover:

• The story of ABT Financial Consultants, founded by his grandfather and father.

• Chad’s transition from physics and engineering to accounting.

• Lessons learned running a remote firm between Spain and the U.S.

• Why outsourced accounting services are critical for SaaS companies and expats.

• Favorite food 🍅 (Caprese Salad) and the story behind it.

• His podcast Burn Rate and Beyond and what inspired him to start it.

• Best advice: If you think you need an accountant, you probably do.

If you’re an entrepreneur, accountant, or expat, this episode is full of insights on remote firms, cash management, and long-term growth.

Adel shares her journey from investment banking in Egypt and New York to starting her own firm focused on small professional services businesses.

We dive into how she chose her niche, hired her first remote employee, and uses KPIs and financial strategy to help law firms run like businesses.

🎙️ Hosted by: Alex Roman – South Offices

💼 Guest: Adel Senoussi – Scale Pro Advisors

💬 Subscribe for more real stories from leaders transforming the accounting world.

Tony shares his inspiring journey from IT management to building a full-service accounting firm. From running his practice as a side hustle for 8 years, to going all-in, acquiring a firm in the middle of tax season, and growing into a respected leader in the industry—Tony’s story is full of lessons on faith, resilience, and action.

We cover:

• Starting his firm in 2007 while working in IT.

• Going full-time in 2015 and his first acquisition in 2016.

• Balancing life as a firm owner, speaker, husband, and dad.

• Favorite food 🍑 (smothered turkey wings & peach cobbler!).

• How AI and technology are reshaping accounting.

• The power of consistency in content creation (video per day challenge).

• Best advice: don’t wait for the “perfect moment”—take action, adjust, and keep moving.

  
  

If you’re an entrepreneur, accountant, or business owner wondering how to scale, balance life, and lead with purpose, this episode is for you.

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from firm owners and leaders in accounting.

#AccountingPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Bookkeeping #Leadership #TaxServices #HumansInAccounting

In Episode 6 of Humans in Accounting, hosted by Alex Roman, Jessica shares:
✔ How she shifted from 100% referrals to inbound leads through content and SEO.
✔ Why systems gave her the freedom to cut her workweek to 25 hours.
✔ The importance of charging your worth from day one.
✔ Lessons from winning “Top 50 Accounting Practice in North America” three years in a row.

Anne-Sophie shares her journey from social work and recruiting to building a company that bridges deep tech, accounting, and human-centered hiring. She opens up about her experience working in Canada, South Korea, and the U.S., and why she believes AI in recruitment must keep humans at the center.

We cover:

• Her path from recruiting accountants to specializing in deep tech and blockchain talent.

• Lessons from living and hiring in South Korea.

• Why AI and hiring platforms aren’t enough without human alignment.

• The software she’s building to help startups define technical needs.

• Favorite food 🍽️ (Peking Duck).

• Her vision for scaling MyTechtal and helping companies recruit globally.

If you’re curious about AI in recruitment, accounting talent, and the future of hiring, this episode is for you.

Yuri opens up about his journey from big firm accounting to building his own practice, the role of contracting as a bridge to financial freedom, and how sharing content on LinkedIn transformed his career—leading to networking events, speaking gigs, and his own Fun CPA Podcast.

We cover:

• Why contracting gave him stability while launching his firm.

• How “The Fun CPA” brand started by accident and grew to 20,000+ followers.

• Lessons from creating content and community in accounting.

• Favorite food 🍋 (ceviche & lomo saltado).

• His passion for languages and Spanish practice in Miami.

• Why accounting doesn’t have to be boring—it can (and should) be fun.

If you’re an accountant, entrepreneur, or firm owner thinking about going out on your own, this episode is packed with insights on financial freedom, personal branding, and building a business on your terms.

Melissa shares her journey as a third-generation accountant and why she launched her own firm just a year ago. She opens up about creating No se habla taxes to educate solopreneurs, her love for cats 🐱, and her passion for helping clients truly understand their numbers.

We cover:

• From public accounting to launching Steady Hand Advisory.

• Why Melissa started the podcast No se habla taxes.

• Using AI tools to streamline content creation.

• Her passion for cats & adoption stories (shoutout to Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue).

• Favorite food (Puerto Rican arroz con gandules 🍚)

• Best advice: know what you truly want, then go all in.
  

If you’re a solopreneur, accountant, or business owner, this episode brings insights on building a purpose-driven firm, using content to connect with clients, and balancing life with passion.

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from accountants and entrepreneurs.

#AccountingPodcast #CPA #AdvisoryServices #Bookkeeping #Entrepreneurship #NoSeHablaTaxes #HumansInAccounting

Lynn shares her journey from building, scaling, and selling a 15-employee bookkeeping firm to coaching independent bookkeepers worldwide. She talks about:

• Why hiring the right people changes everything

• The human side of bookkeeping (yes, psychology matters!)

• How she overcame the fear of hiring abroad — and why her first hire in Argentina was a success

• The importance of lifelong learning in a rapidly changing industry

Plus, she reveals her favorite food (hint: 🌮) and the advice she wishes she had known when starting her business.

If you’re an independent bookkeeper, or thinking of becoming one, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration.

From building a business while traveling full-time to saying no to bad-fit clients, Michael shares his honest take on what works (and what doesn’t) when going solo.

Hosted by Alex Roman, this episode dives deep into niching, client boundaries, content marketing, and keeping it real in an industry full of templates and noise.

💬 Subscribe for more real conversations with accounting professionals redefining the game.

✨ Featuring: Michael Eckstein — @Resting Business Face🎙️ Hosted by: Alex Roman — Humans in Accounting / South Offices

Kate shares her inspiring journey, from being a military spouse with no accounting background to building a thriving virtual bookkeeping business, becoming one of the world’s top FreshBooks experts, and leading a community of nearly 40,000 bookkeepers.

She talks about the power of leveraging your unique gifts, the realities of switching from QuickBooks to FreshBooks, and why your past experiences — even the unexpected ones can shape your greatest strengths.

We cover:

• Transitioning from corporate life at ExxonMobil to entrepreneurship.

• Starting from zero income and landing her first $800 bookkeeping client.

• Why she focused exclusively on FreshBooks — and how it helped her stand out.

• Building a 40,000-member community with Bookkeeping Side Hustle.

• How YouTube inbound marketing transformed her business.

• Favorite meal 🍳 “Breakfast for Dinner” — and why fresh eggs make it special.

• Best advice: Leverage your unique gifts and strengths.

If you’re a bookkeeper, accountant, or entrepreneur building your own path, this episode is full of actionable insights on niching down, creating content that converts, and building a business aligned with your strengths.

In this episode, we talk to Heidi Ryder, founder of Keepful, about her journey from math teacher to bookkeeper to SaaS founder. She opens up about:

• Launching her business with a newborn in her arms

• The unexpected road that led her to buy Keepful

• What it takes to grow a business when you’re never fully “ready”

• Why learning to say no is essential to growth

In Episode 5 of Humans in Accounting, hosted by Alex Roman, Jeremy shares:
✔ Why showing your true colors can accelerate growth.
✔ How niching to nonprofits transformed his inbound leads.
✔ The culture strategy that keeps his team engaged and clients loyal.
✔ How his podcast, Unaccountable, blends fun with industry insights.

Justin’s story is one of resilience and reinvention—from struggling with addiction in his 20s, to building multiple businesses (including one that hit 7 figures in its first year), to creating PropelYour, a platform that helps entrepreneurs scale with systems, assistants, and clarity.

We cover:

• His journey from sales and addiction to launching a marketing agency.

• The painful lessons of a failed partnership that cost millions.

• How he rebuilt from scratch and eventually created PropelYour.

• Why clarity and vision are the foundation for business decisions.

• His favorite food 🍨 (ice cream… but now steak, thanks to a fitness journey).

• Best advice: get clear on what matters to you.

If you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or accounting leader, this episode is full of insights on overcoming challenges, building habits, and creating growth through clarity.

Jaime shares his inspiring journey: from being stuck in a draining 9–5 job, to building his own bookkeeping business, to ultimately becoming the CEO and owner of Bookkeepers.com, one of the most influential platforms in the accounting space.

We cover:

• Why Jaime left the traditional 9–5 path to start a bookkeeping business.

• The challenges of getting his first client and how Bookkeepers.com changed everything.

• Founding Paralledger and the story behind its name.

• Becoming CEO (and now owner) of Bookkeepers.com

• The importance of community in building a successful business.

• Favorite food 🍕 (spoiler: it involves pizza… a lot of it).

• His advice for entrepreneurs: Don’t do it alone.

• What’s next for Bookkeepers.com → AI, education, and GrowCon 2025.
  

If you’re an accountant, bookkeeper, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on how to build, scale, and thrive in accounting through community and innovation.

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from firm owners and accounting leaders.

#Bookkeeping #AccountingPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BookkeepersDotCom #SmallBusinessFinance #HumansInAccounting

• Why she left the healthcare industry to pursue bookkeeping.

• The challenges of balancing family life with entrepreneurship.

• How she found her niche in healthcare clients and concierge medicine practices.

• Key milestones, including her first CFO advisory client.
  

• The importance of networking, industry conferences, and community in accounting.
  

• Her best advice for entrepreneurs: get comfortable being uncomfortable.
  

If you're an accountant, bookkeeper, or entrepreneur looking for insights on growing your firm, scaling advisory services, and creating impact for small businesses—this episode is for you.

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from firm owners worldwide.

🔗 Learn more about Katie: https://coalcreekledgers.com

#Bookkeeping #AccountingPodcast #AdvisoryServices #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessFinance #HumansInAccounting