About
Blog
Subscribe
Podcast
Book
Contact
🔍

Blake Oliver, CPA

About
Blog
Subscribe
Podcast
Book
Contact
🔍
photo-1441448770220-76743f9e6af6.jpg

Featured Posts

A selection of my favorite posts from the blog

Featured
Beyond partnerships: A conversation with Ryan Spohn of Sikich
Oct 19, 2024
Beyond partnerships: A conversation with Ryan Spohn of Sikich
Oct 19, 2024

Discover how abandoning outdated structures can attract top talent, improve performance metrics, and revolutionize client satisfaction.

Oct 19, 2024
From zero to CPA in record time: How Kenyth earned two degrees in just 4 months
Sep 26, 2024
From zero to CPA in record time: How Kenyth earned two degrees in just 4 months
Sep 26, 2024

Discover how a future CPA earned a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting in just over four months through Western Governors University (WGU). This dedicated father balanced work, family, and intense study to achieve 150 CPA credit hours in record time, spending under $10,000 for both degrees. Explore the flexible, competency-based learning model revolutionizing accounting education and career advancement.

Sep 26, 2024
6 Myths About CPA Mobility And Substantial Equivalency
Aug 29, 2023
6 Myths About CPA Mobility And Substantial Equivalency
Aug 29, 2023

It’s time to separate mobility fact from fiction in the 150-hour debate,. David Knoble, Chair of the South Carolina Association of CPAs, joined my podcast — The Accounting Podcast — to bust myths and clarify the nuances around CPA mobility. Here are just a few myths he busted.

Aug 29, 2023
Help Clients Beat the House: Tax Strategies for Gambling Winners
Aug 23, 2023
Help Clients Beat the House: Tax Strategies for Gambling Winners
Aug 23, 2023

In a recent podcast episode, I interviewed gambling tax expert Zak Zimbile on strategies to minimize taxes on gambling income. Zak shared insider tips from over a decade of experience advising gamblers nationwide.

Aug 23, 2023
Soft Landing or Hard Fall? Assessing Recession Risks with Liz Wilke
Aug 22, 2023
Soft Landing or Hard Fall? Assessing Recession Risks with Liz Wilke
Aug 22, 2023

To help cut through the economic uncertainty, I recently spoke with Gusto’s Chief Economist, Liz Wilke, PhD, on my podcast.

Aug 22, 2023
Can ChatGPT Pass the CMA Exam?
Aug 19, 2023
Can ChatGPT Pass the CMA Exam?
Aug 19, 2023

In this video, I test whether ChatGPT, the generative AI chatbot from OpenAI, can pass the CMA Exam. I found some CMA exam practice questions on the IMA website and copied them into ChatGPT without any other context.

Aug 19, 2023
What the Barbie movie gets wrong about her creator's “IRS” problems
Aug 3, 2023
What the Barbie movie gets wrong about her creator's “IRS” problems
Aug 3, 2023

Did you see the Barbie movie? In the movie, Barbie's creator Ruth Handler makes an off-hand mention of her IRS problems — but that’s wrong.

Aug 3, 2023
AI Doesn’t Need To Be 100% Accurate In Accounting
Jul 25, 2023
AI Doesn’t Need To Be 100% Accurate In Accounting
Jul 25, 2023

During a recent conference presentation on AI and accounting, I discussed both the promise and limitations of artificial intelligence. One audience member asked a thoughtful question - how do we ensure the accuracy of AI?

Jul 25, 2023
How you buy crypto shouldn't decide if it's a security
Jul 20, 2023
How you buy crypto shouldn't decide if it's a security
Jul 20, 2023

We're talking about Judge Analisa Torres' decision in the SEC v Ripple case in federal court. How does this make any sense?

Jul 20, 2023
How Artificial Intelligence Will Save Accounting
Jul 19, 2023
How Artificial Intelligence Will Save Accounting
Jul 19, 2023

Watch the recording of my presentation at ExpensiCon about how generative AI will transform the accounting profession for the better.

Jul 19, 2023
Review of TurboTax LIVE Full Service Business 2023 for Tax Professionals
Jul 18, 2023
Review of TurboTax LIVE Full Service Business 2023 for Tax Professionals
Jul 18, 2023

Tax pros - want an inside look at TurboTax's new full-service offering for business returns? My business partner David Leary and I just went through the process of using TurboTax LIVE Full Service for our partnership return and recorded our experience in a new video.

Jul 18, 2023
Follow Jerry Maginnis for Insights and Inspiration in Accounting
Jul 14, 2023
Follow Jerry Maginnis for Insights and Inspiration in Accounting
Jul 14, 2023

I had the pleasure of spending some quality time last night with Jerry Maginnis, a seasoned executive in the accounting field whose vast experience spans various leadership roles, including serving as the Office Managing Partner for KPMG's Philadelphia Office and now contributing to the success of organizations like Cohen & Steers Mutual Funds, inTEST Corporation, and Centri Business Consulting, LLC.

Jul 14, 2023
From Bookkeeper to Marketer: My Journey, Content Tips, and Tech Tools
Jul 13, 2023
From Bookkeeper to Marketer: My Journey, Content Tips, and Tech Tools
Jul 13, 2023

Thanks, Meryl Johnston, for having me on the Lifestyle Accountant Show! As an entrepreneur wearing multiple hats, I discussed how I manage my time across various projects and businesses, my transition from running a cloud bookkeeping firm to focusing on product marketing, and my approach to content creation and leveraging technology.

Jul 13, 2023
ChatGPT scores 90% on debits & credits test
Jun 30, 2023
ChatGPT scores 90% on debits & credits test
Jun 30, 2023

ChatGPT scored 18 out of 20 on the Debits & Credits test. The score to show an intuitive understanding is 15 out of 20.

Jun 30, 2023
Rethinking the CPA 150-hour requirement: There must be a change
Jun 16, 2023
Rethinking the CPA 150-hour requirement: There must be a change
Jun 16, 2023

If we want a robust, dynamic, and inclusive accounting profession, we need to remove costly and unnecessary barriers to becoming a CPA. In my latest article on the Firm of the Future blog, I delve into the challenges associated with the CPA 150-hour education requirement.

Jun 16, 2023
Pro Wrestling, Anime, and Financial Modeling with Ariel Menche
May 31, 2023
Pro Wrestling, Anime, and Financial Modeling with Ariel Menche
May 31, 2023

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ariel Menche, Strategic Finance Advisor at Raftel Strategy, on my latest podcast episode. With a fascinating blend of experiences ranging from WWE to anime and finance, Ariel brings a unique perspective to the table.

May 31, 2023
Don't make this mistake with ChatGPT
May 31, 2023
Don't make this mistake with ChatGPT
May 31, 2023

A lawyer used ChatGPT to write a 10-page brief that he submitted to a federal court. Just one problem — the cases cited were fake!

May 31, 2023
Sharing the Wealth: Is Asking Partners to Increase Salaries the Answer to the Accounting Talent Shortage?
Mar 22, 2023
Sharing the Wealth: Is Asking Partners to Increase Salaries the Answer to the Accounting Talent Shortage?
Mar 22, 2023

Gary Bolinger writes in Accounting Today that "the 150-hour rule is not the problem" and recommends that a solution to the talent shortage is "partners need to share the wealth" by increasing starting salaries.

Mar 22, 2023
Distorted Images: How Accounting Rules Allow Banks to Hide the True State of Their Finances
Mar 21, 2023
Distorted Images: How Accounting Rules Allow Banks to Hide the True State of Their Finances
Mar 21, 2023

The accounting treatment of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) on bank balance sheets can distort the true financial health of banks and mislead investors. The current practice of classifying MBS as "hold-to-maturity" investments enables banks to manage earnings and hide their financial position. Therefore, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) should prioritize transparency and accountability by reevaluating this practice, which can promote a more stable financial system.

Mar 21, 2023
A CPA's Perspective on the SVB Collapse: Rethinking Financial Protection and Reporting for Investors
Mar 20, 2023
A CPA's Perspective on the SVB Collapse: Rethinking Financial Protection and Reporting for Investors
Mar 20, 2023

Get a CPA's perspective on how to prevent another startup bank run, as we dive into the complexities of FDIC protection, financial statements, and investor risk assessment in the world of startups. Learn why increased regulation may not be the answer and how a transformed financial reporting system could empower investors. Let's reimagine investor protection and the future of accounting.

Mar 20, 2023
Silicon Valley Bank Collapse: Understanding The Impact On Your Firm & Clients
Mar 14, 2023
Silicon Valley Bank Collapse: Understanding The Impact On Your Firm & Clients
Mar 14, 2023

Get a comprehensive rundown of the accounting apps affected by the closure, find out what this means for SVB depositors, and get valuable tips on how you can best communicate these changes to your clients. Don't miss this opportunity to make sure you're prepared during this time of uncertainty.

Mar 14, 2023
The cost of the 150-hour rule: $2 billion
Mar 2, 2023
The cost of the 150-hour rule: $2 billion
Mar 2, 2023

What is the cost of the 150-hour rule to becoming a CPA in the US? Based on my calculations, the accounting profession spends at least $2 billion per year on the fifth year of education. The cost to each candidate often exceeds $100,000. Read my post on Accounting Today to learn how I got to that number.

Mar 2, 2023
Feb 22, 2023
Jimmy Corley says "We need to take a hard look" at the 150 hour rule for CPA licensure
Feb 22, 2023

What do the states think about NASBA and AICPA's efforts to quash the Minnesota Society of CPAs effort to create an alternative CPA pathway — one that doesn’t include a 5th year of education?

Feb 22, 2023
How Tech Can Increase Conversions & Revenue For Accounting Firms
Feb 21, 2023
How Tech Can Increase Conversions & Revenue For Accounting Firms
Feb 21, 2023

Learn how technology can help you increase conversions and revenue as an accounting firm owner by tuning in to this episode of the Abundant Accountant podcast. I had a great time with Michelle talking about how to use technology to automate processes and stand out from the competition.

Feb 21, 2023
Use AI To Fire Clients
Jan 31, 2023
Use AI To Fire Clients
Jan 31, 2023

In Episode 315 of the Cloud Accounting Podcast, I asked ChatGPT to fire David Leary as a client. Why? Because he insists on composing all his emails with ALL CAPS ALL THE TIME. The perfect sort of client to fire with AI.

Jan 31, 2023
What is the most reliable way to live a happy life?
Jan 30, 2023
What is the most reliable way to live a happy life?
Jan 30, 2023

What is the most reliable way to live a happy life? I posed that question to Notion AI. This is what it gave me back.

Jan 30, 2023
Why Does Tax Have a Busy Season?
Jan 25, 2023
Why Does Tax Have a Busy Season?
Jan 25, 2023

Why does tax have a busy season? Maybe it doesn't have to be this way. A recent conversation gave me an idea for how to solve it.

Jan 25, 2023
Take Control of Your Life In Accounting
Jan 23, 2023
Take Control of Your Life In Accounting
Jan 23, 2023

I believe that our profession can escape the busy season mindset. After all, there is an infinite amount of work in accounting. So if you try to do it all, you will fail.

Jan 23, 2023
Introducing the Federal Tax Updates Podcast
Jan 18, 2023
Introducing the Federal Tax Updates Podcast
Jan 18, 2023

Tune in every other week for updates from Padgett President Roger Harris and Franchisee Operations Manager Annie Schwab, who have a combined total of more than 75 years of expertise in the field of taxation. With their wealth of knowledge, they will be providing commentary on the latest developments in the profession, as well as offering insights into filing strategies, tax law changes and more.

Jan 18, 2023
Pilots Blame Accountants for Southwest Airlines Meltdown
Jan 10, 2023
Pilots Blame Accountants for Southwest Airlines Meltdown
Jan 10, 2023

Who is to blame for the Southwest Airlines meltdown? The pilots are blaming the accountants! Not the accountants in the finance department, though.

Jan 10, 2023
Back To Top
Home
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Search

Copyright © 2022 Blake Oliver. All rights reserved.