Episode #119: Interview with Accounting Thought Leader Joe Woodard

Ed and I were honored to have Joe Woodard on the show.

As an author, consultant, Intuit contractor and national speaker, Joe has trained over 75,000 accounting professionals in the areas of practice development, changing technology trends, and how to maximize the use of QuickBooks in their accounting practices. 

In 2012, 2014 and 2015, Joe was recognized by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Influencers within the Accounting Profession. In 2008, Joe was recognized by CPA Practice Advisor as one of the top 40 up and coming thought leaders under the age of 40. 

Woodard's Vision

Woodard has adopted a powerful vision: “To transform small business through small business advisors.”

Woodard’s purpose is an extension of its vision – a single statement that shapes every task Woodard performs to achieve its vision: “We empower small business advisors.” 

What Woodard Does

As part of a larger purpose to empower small business advisors, Woodard fosters networking relationships among small business advisors, conducts the highest quality learning experiences for small business advisors, and builds relevant, powerful resources for small business advisors.

Questions We Asked Joe

  • Explain your Vision Statement

  • Why focus on small business as opposed to medium or large business?

  • Why accountants, and not lawyers, or others who serve small businesses?

  • What’s your view on the Efficiency vs. Effectiveness (Eff’ing) debate?

  • What are the major challenges and opportunities you see facing the accounting profession? (Joe thinks Automation for both).

  • Do you agree with the strategy of giving away compliance work for free in order to get the advisory services? After all, I’ve been hearing about the death of compliance services since I’ve been in the accounting profession. Do you really see compliance work going away?

  • When you look out at the vast majority of the accounting profession, do you really think it’s possible for them to make the transition to advisory services?

  • Do you see a lot of firms moving to Value PricingWhat is your opinion on timesheets? And why do consultants to the profession advocate for them?

  • We’re all fans of the Susskind book, The Future of the Professions. Tell us about your “Rise of the Machines” webinars and work.

  • The competition that kills you doesn’t look like you. What will disrupt the profession?

  • Have you use Amy, the AI that helps you schedule meetings?

  • Are you in alignment with Ray Kurzweil on the arrival of the Singularity by 2029?

  • What advice would you give a young CPA about to launch his career?