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"If you gave people a third of their time back to do high-value-add strategic stuff, think about the ripple effect on clients, their businesses, and their lives."
In this episode of the RightNOW podcast, host Derek Distin welcomes Davis Bell, CEO of Canopy, for an insightful discussion about how AI is transforming the accounting profession while addressing the challenge of technology adoption.
Bell shares a dual perspective on industry changes over the past year—while AI capabilities have advanced dramatically, actual adoption rates in accounting practices remain relatively modest. This disconnect reveals a critical opportunity for firms willing to embrace change. The conversation explores how the accounting profession can use AI to eliminate the tasks professionals dread most, particularly the time-consuming process of "chasing people for stuff."
For firm leaders evaluating their technology trajectory, Bell emphasizes the importance of clarifying personal and professional objectives before selecting metrics. Whether building an empire or simply seeking better work-life balance, success looks different for each practice. The conversation also addresses the distinction between AI capabilities and practical adoption, comparing today's technological revolution to previous innovations that took decades to fully integrate.
Looking to the future, both Davis and Distin express optimism that accounting professionals who embrace automation for mundane tasks will discover greater fulfillment in high-value strategic work that machines cannot replicate. As Bell notes, the goal isn't to replace accountants but to help them "build the firm of their dreams" by removing the aspects of their work they dislike most.***
The RightNOW podcast is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com.
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"The AI you're using today is the dumbest AI you will ever use in the future." This powerful insight frames an essential conversation about how technology is transforming the accounting profession at unprecedented speed.
In this episode of the RightNOW podcast, host Derek Distin welcomes Robbie Randall, National Sales Leader at Intuit, for a candid discussion about how AI and democratized knowledge are reshaping the accounting landscape. Randall reveals how specialized accounting knowledge that once took years to develop is now instantly accessible through technology, fundamentally changing how professionals deliver value.
The conversation examines "agentic services" – a new paradigm where AI can complete complex tasks with minimal human supervision – and how these technologies will help address the talent shortage as baby boomers exit the profession in record numbers. Rather than replacing accountants, Randall believes these technologies will create new roles that require professionals to retool their skills and embrace continuous learning beyond traditional CPE requirements.
Randall emphasizes that successfully adopting these technologies requires firms to remain grounded in their mission while measuring how technology investments deliver tangible returns.
Looking to the future, both speakers agree that the profession will continue evolving at an accelerating pace, making education and critical thinking essential skills for accountants. As Randall notes, the industry increasingly mirrors the businesses it serves rather than traditional accounting KPIs, creating opportunities for those willing to embrace change.
Join the RightNOW community in Nashville, May 19- 21, for an inspirational experience that promises to transform how you view your practice and profession.Resources:
RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025
The RightNOW podcast is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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"Anxiety is the future, regret is the past. Right now is the only thing we actually have." This inspiring episode of the RightNOW podcast features guest host Rob Brown exploring how accounting professionals can find clarity amid industry transformation with thought leaders John Mitchell and Shannon Hay.
John Mitchell, drawing from his unique background as a preacher turned inspiration catalyst, shares his vision for bringing clarity and perspective to firms overwhelmed by technological change and staffing challenges. As RightNOW's MC and breakout session leader, he reveals how firms can create workplaces that support life rather than consume it—cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters.
Shannon Hay, who has financed over 400 accounting firm acquisitions, illuminates the path forward for firms of all sizes navigating industry consolidation. With private equity reshaping the profession, his upcoming expert panel promises to deliver crucial insights for anyone building a future-ready practice, whether just starting out or planning succession.
What sets RightNOW25 apart is its intimate, carefully curated experience—a rare opportunity in today's overwhelming information landscape to make meaningful connections with thought leaders who can provide clear, actionable guidance. Both speakers emphasize that taking strategic time away from daily urgencies allows professionals to embrace the exciting possibilities of accounting's AI-powered future while elevating human relationships.Join the RightNOW community in Nashville this May for an inspirational experience that promises to transform how you view your practice and profession.
Resources:
RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025
Accounting Influencers podcast: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcasts/
The RightNOW podcast is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com.
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RightNOW25 isn’t just another conference—it’s a must-attend experience for accounting and tax professionals at every level.
In this special episode of The RightNOW Podcast, Rob Brown—CEO of Accounting Influencers—sits down with some of the Rightworks team behind the scenes of the event: Derek Distin, Lindsay Malcolm, TJ Lewis, and Molly Gallaher Boddy. Together, they pull back the curtain on why RightNOW is the post-tax season reset accounting firms don’t want to miss.
RightNOW isn’t just a conference—it’s a catalyst. It’s where the accounting community comes together in a critical moment, just after busy season, to take a breath, reconnect, and plant the seeds for firmwide transformation. Attendees walk away with more than insights on top challenges like staffing, AI, cybersecurity, and culture—they gain perspective from peers, build relationships, and find support across every level of their firm.
And the timing? Perfect. Held early enough after tax season to shape the rest of the year, RightNOW helps firms shift from reactive to proactive. Attendees will walk away with a plan that sets the tone for smarter decisions and stronger strategies that start now, not six months from now.
Tune in to hear why RightNOW is more than just an event—it’s the launchpad for your firm’s next chapter. And don’t miss your chance to meet the team in Nashville, May 19-21, 2025.Resources:
RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025
Accounting Influencers podcast: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcasts/The RightNOW podcast is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com.
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_ -
“I don’t want to be a typewriter anymore.” That mindset shift is driving a new era in accounting—one where AI and automation clear out the minute work so firms can focus on what matters.
In this episode of the RightNOW Podcast, host Derek Distin sits down with Allen Stahl from Thomson Reuters to talk about scaling smarter. Together, they dig into how firms can use tech—like APIs, automation, and AI—to streamline the day-to-day, reduce manual tasks, and give accountants their time (and brainpower) back.
The mission? Help accountants move from reactive task managers to proactive, strategic advisors. Alan shares practical ways to identify client pain points, fill gaps with intelligent solutions, and use technology as a launchpad for deeper client impact.
If you're ready to leave the "typewriter" work behind and show clients your real value, this one’s for you.
Join the conversation at RightNOW 2025 in Nashville, May 19-21, to explore these important topics with leaders and innovators shaping the future of the profession.Resources:
RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025
The RightNOW podcast is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com.
Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_ -
CPA firms who embrace automation and AI will thrive, but the rest would really struggle to be relevant to the market.
In this engaging episode of the RightNOW podcast, host Derek Distin explores the evolution of accounting practices with Divakar Vijayasarathy, founder and CEO of DVS Advisory Group, examining how firms can transition from traditional structures to scalable business platforms.
The conversation reveals how the conventional "firm mindset" – where individual practitioners handle every aspect of their business – often leads to burnout and limited growth. Divakar shares insights from his experience helping accounting firms scale by identifying partners' unique strengths and liberating them from administrative burdens.
For firms looking toward the future, the message is clear: embracing automation and AI isn't optional – it's essential for survival in a rapidly changing profession. The discussion highlights the importance of delegation, collaboration, and the "art of association" – bringing people together effectively to create sustainable practices.
In a thoughtful exchange about personal growth, Divakar offers this crucial insight: "Focus your energies on understanding human beings rather than trying to understand business." This wisdom applies broadly to firm leaders contemplating what's next for their practices and seeking the mindset shift required to thrive in accounting's next evolution.
Join the conversation at RightNOW 2025 in Nashville, May 19-21, to explore these important topics with leaders and innovators shaping the future of the profession.Resources:
RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025
The RightNOW podcast is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com.
Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_ -
In an industry where community matters as much as technology, the future of accounting will be built not through isolation but through meaningful connections that transcend a single event.
In this special episode of the RightNOW podcast, guest host Rob Brown interviews the leadership team behind the upcoming RightNOW25 conference. Joel Hughes, Monica Sullivan, and Michael Bird share their vision for this landmark event designed specifically for accounting professionals across the US and beyond.
The conversation explores how RightNOW25 differentiates itself from other industry events by focusing on real-world challenges facing accounting firms today, including cybersecurity, AI adoption, staffing shortages, and private equity trends. The Rightworks team emphasizes that unlike typical "one-and-done" conferences, RightNOW creates a year-round community experience where professionals can continue learning and building relationships.For firms contemplating attendance, the message is clear: this is an opportunity to connect with peers, gain practical solutions, and return to your practice with actionable ideas you can implement "right now." With keynotes from business leaders, plus 14 hours of CPE credit available, the event promises valuable learning alongside memorable networking in Nashville's vibrant atmosphere.
Join the Rightworks team and accounting professionals from across the country at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, May 19-21, for what promises to be an unforgettable and transformative experience.
Resources:
RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025
The RightNOW podcast is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com.
Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
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"If you are hoping to sustain and thrive in the next 10 years, the hope would be you're further along the tech curve than you might be."
In the latest episode of the RightNOW podcast, host Derek Distin sits down with Richard Corn, Director of Product Management at BILL, for a thought-provoking conversation about the technological revolution sweeping through the accounting profession. Drawing from his decade of experience as a CPA, Richard predicts dramatic changes as AI-powered startups could reduce accountants' administrative burdens by as much as 70 percent in the coming years.
With 75 percent of accountants set to retire within a decade, Richard discusses how this talent shortage is driving technological adoption and attracting venture capital to the accounting space. He shares his vision of "agentic workflows" that will transform how work gets done, while acknowledging the cybersecurity challenges that accompany these innovations.
For accounting firms looking to evolve, Richard emphasizes creating feedback cultures that identify pain points without penalizing staff for honesty about inefficiencies. Despite technological disruption, he reassures listeners that "accounting is very safe" – it's just evolving as it always has. Learn more about these transformative technologies and meet Richard and the team from Bill at the upcoming RightNOW2025 conference in Nashville this May.
Resources:
RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025
The RightNOW podcast is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com.
Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_
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With 75% of CPAs nearing retirement age, could AI-powered digital workers solve the accounting profession's talent crisis?
This episode of the RightNOW podcast delves into the technological revolution reshaping the profession and offers a roadmap for navigating the complex challenges firms face in 2025.
Derek Distin, VP of Community at Rightworks, welcomes Andrew Hatfield, Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of SafeSend, for an insightful conversation about technology innovation in accounting. Together, they explore how the persistent staffing crisis is pushing firms to embrace automation, allowing professionals to transition from repetitive tasks to higher-value client interactions. The conversation reveals the practical reality of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in accounting—where it delivers genuine value versus where expectations exceed reality.
The discussion highlights how client experience has become intrinsically tied to a firm's brand identity, with intuitive interfaces making the difference between client frustration and satisfaction. Hatfield shares insights on emerging trends that are transforming traditional workflows, including the potential for "digital people" to supplement traditional outsourcing models and the strategic necessity of consolidating bloated tech stacks.Particularly noteworthy is the prediction that traditional tax organizers will eventually become obsolete as more efficient gathering methods emerge. The episode provides context on how AI is being implemented to improve document gathering, classification, and data extraction with unprecedented accuracy, creating significant time savings for both firms and clients.
Drawing from his experience building SafeSend, Hatfield offers grounded perspectives on industry innovation that attendees can explore further at RightNOW2025.
Resources:
RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025
Accounting Influencers podcast: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcasts/
The RightNOW podcast is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com.
Follow Rightworks on social:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
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The RightNOW Podcast is back with an exciting new season, hosted by Derek Distin, VP of Community at Rightworks. As we count down to the highly anticipated RightNOW event in Nashville this May, Derek leads thought-provoking conversations with industry leaders and innovators, delivering expert insights and actionable strategies for accounting professionals.
In this episode, Derek welcomes special guest Rob Brown, CEO of Accounting Influencers and host of the renowned Accounting Influencers Podcast. Rob shares his journey from physical education teacher to becoming a respected voice in the accounting profession. He discusses why accountants - whom he calls "superheroes without capes" - need to tell better stories about their vital work, especially with 75% of CPAs approaching retirement age. Rob offers a unique international perspective on why in-person events create irreplaceable "serendipitous moments" that virtual meetings can't replicate.
Throughout the season, we'll explore critical topics including emerging industry trends, building stronger client relationships, enhancing team collaboration, ensuring compliance, and leveraging technology to improve security and efficiency. This podcast series extends the RightNOW experience beyond the event walls, offering year-round engagement through valuable content and community connections for firm leaders, technology enthusiasts, and accounting professionals seeking expert guidance on the latest industry trends.Resources:
RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025
Accounting Influencers podcast: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcasts/
The RightNOW podcast is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com.
Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_ -
Welcome to the RightNOW podcast, hosted by Derek Distin, Sr. Director of Customer Experience for Rightworks.
In this episode of the RightNOW Podcast, Derek is joined by special guests Adam Orlowski, Sr. Vice President & Chief Technical Officer for Tax and Accounting in North America at Wolters Kluwer, and John Barnes, Vice President for Firm Management Solutions. Together, they explore the evolution of accounting—from its ancient origins to the technology-driven changes shaping the profession today. What does the future hold for accountants? How can firms adapt to stay competitive? Tune in for expert insights, industry trends, and a deep dive into the tools transforming firm management. Learn more about Rightworks: https://bit.ly/49OKIF8
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_ -
Welcome to the RightNOW podcast, hosted by Derek Distin, Sr. Director of Customer Experience for Rightworks. In this episode, Derek welcomes Justin Cabinet from Intuit, to discuss the current state of the accounting profession. They dive into staff shortage strategies, automation and what defining goals could mean to your accounting firm. Justin also shares how to embrace new technology to drive efficiency and attract higher-value impact clients.
Learn more about Rightworks: https://bit.ly/49OKIF8
Follow Rightworks on social:
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In this episode of the RightNOW Podcast, Derek Distin is joined by Nancy Hawkins, VP of Product Management at Thomson Reuters. Together, Derek and Nancy discuss the technological challenges, talent upscaling and agency modernization currently impacting the accounting profession. Nancy shares her thoughts on how remote work is a great way to attract top talent. Learn more about Rightworks: https://bit.ly/49OKIF8
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Welcome to the RightNOW podcast, hosted by Derek Distin, Sr. Director of Customer Experience for Rightworks. In Episode 5, Derek talks with SafeSend Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer, Andrew Hatfield. The two talk about the virtues of a frictionless experience, barriers to industry growth, AI and KPIs and how accounting firms can use automation and consolidation to uplift client experiences.
Learn more about Rightworks: https://bit.ly/49OKIF8 -
In this episode, renowned guest, Dr. Radhika Dirks, CEO and Co-Founder of XLABS and RIBO joins Derek Distin to go in-depth about the role generative AI will play in the next evolution of the accounting profession. We discuss the impact, accuracy, and hesitancy behind AI and how accounting firms can positively implement this revolutionary tool.
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In episode 3 of the RightNOW podcast, Miles Talent Hub CEO, Varun Jain joins host Derek Distin, Sr. Director of Customer Experience for Rightworks, to shed light on the labor shortage affecting the accounting profession. They also explore how technology, outsourcing and the STEM model can attract a wider talent pool and help reverse the crisis. Learn more about Rightworks: https://bit.ly/49OKIF8
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Welcome to the RightNOW podcast, hosted by Derek Distin, Sr. Director of Customer Experience for Rightworks. In this episode of the RightNOW Podcast, Derek is joined by special guest Heidi Rogers, Account Manager for CPA Charge. Derek and Heidi dive into how evolving technology can help accounting firms overcome industry-wide challenges and the struggles accompanying adapting to these new advancements. Plus, is it AI or automation? And why we shouldn't be afraid of either.
Learn more about Rightworks: https://bit.ly/49OKIF8 -
Welcome to the RightNOW podcast, hosted by Derek Distin, Sr. Director of Customer Experience for Rightworks. In this episode of the RightNOW Podcast, Derek is joined by special guest and CEO of Canopy, Davis Bell to examine the evolution of accounting and how modernization will impact accounting firms, their clients and employees. Plus, they discuss the role tools like artificial intelligence will play in the ongoing transformation of the accounting profession.
Learn more about Rightworks: https://bit.ly/49OKIF8
