Ron and Ed were at Sage Summit 2017 in Atlanta and recorded an episode (Part two) featuring a great panel discussion on the premise that accounting and innovation are not opposites (i.e. not an oxymoron). While the job description for accounting professionals has largely stayed the same, technologies and laws have come into play to change the way business is done. It is time that accountants alter the way they do business to keep up with the shifting tide.
Panelist biographies
Jodie Padar is CEO and Principal of the New Vision CPA Group, a public accounting firm based in the Chicago area. Jody joined her father’s firm a decade ago, bringing her expertise in the areas of taxation, QuickBooks, and small business accounting. As one of the profession’s emerging thought leaders, Jody has transitioned New Vision to New Firm status—adopting advanced technologies and best practices that support web-based client services. This allows Jody to manage her firm at peak efficiency with transparency at the heart of all engagements. Jody and her team provide financial insight and practical strategies to their clients in real-time, not just at tax season.
Gail Perry is the editor-in-chief of CPA Practice Advisor. She also speaks at many accounting events, trade shows, and webinars. She is the author of over 30 books (including Mint.com For Dummies and QuickBooks 2014 On Demand), and she maintains a small tax practice. Gail is a graduate of Indiana University where she earned a bachelors degree in journalism. She returned to school to study accounting at Illinois State University, earned her CPA, and worked for Deloitte in the firm's Chicago tax department. She has taught college-level accounting principles and personal finance, and was on staff for 10 years at the Indiana CPA Society as a computer applications instructor. Gail was the publisher and editor-in-chief of AccountingWEB before joining the CPA Practice Advisor team.
Gary Boomer, Visionary & Strategist of Boomer Consulting, Inc., is recognized in the accounting profession as the leading authority on technology and firm management. He consults and speaks around the globe on several topics including strategic and technology planning; mindset, skillsets and toolsets for the future; change management and developing a training and learning culture. He also acts as a planning facilitator and coach to some of the accounting profession's top firms.
Tom Hood has been executive director and CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs since January 1997. Armed with a passion for the profession and the drive to move it forward, he manages a staff of more than 30, works closely with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors and oversees the work of numerous committees to promote and protect the CPA brand in Maryland.