Sage Thought Leadership Podcast

Geof Brown is Illinois CPA Society President and CEO, role he took over in 2023 and has quickly moved to maintain the society’s position as a thought leader in the profession while stepping up as one himself. In fact, Geof was named as one of Accounting Today’s most influential people in the profession! In December 2023, the ICPA released the society’s latest Insight Special Feature, “Righting Retention,” which addresses the leading factors driving perpetually high turnover in the accounting profession based on the personal responses of both employees and employers. Summary Accounting profession turnover with Illinois CPA Society president. Geof Brown, Illinois CPA Society president and CEO, discusses the society's latest insights on writing retention in the accounting profession. Talent retention in the accounting profession. Retention is a growing concern in the profession, with high turnover rates and associated costs impacting businesses. Employee retention in accounting and finance industries. Valued feeling and career advancement opportunities drive retention in public accounting, while burnout and lack of recognition affect industry professionals. Retaining employees in the workplace. Geof suggests connecting people to the mission and culture of organizations to improve retention. The impact of a dedicated public educator and the importance of retention in the finance and accounting profession. Geof Brown praises his mother as a hero for her dedication to public education and her unwavering support.

13 Feb 20249min

Thejo Kote discussed the challenges and solutions in expense management for small and medium-sized companies. Thejo Kote, founder and CEO of Airbase, a spend management platform, explained the difficulties of bringing together disparate systems to properly understand expense management. He highlighted the benefits of consolidating all non-payroll expenses into one platform, which Airbase offers, and the positive impact this can have on various stakeholders such as employees, managers, budget owners, and finance and accounting professionals. Thejo Kote also shared an example of how Airbase has helped a public company, Proximity, streamline its expense management processes. Thejo Kote shared his personal hero, his grandfather, who despite facing significant challenges and poverty, became a leading scholar and author in India. He admired his grandfather's hard work and persistence, which have influenced his own life and career path. Thejo Kote also mentioned that he can be easily contacted through LinkedIn, and encouraged potential customers to explore the integration between Airbase and Sage. Thejo Kote is the Founder and CEO of Airbase, the leading spend management platform for small and midsize companies. Founded in 2017, Airbase is a venture backed company and has raised over $100M from Menlo Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures and First Round Capital. Thejo’s first company, Automatic, was acquired by SiriusXM.

9 Feb 202410min

Edwin Willis, Director of Channel Sales for Quadian Financial Automation, shared his journey in the channel sales industry, emphasizing the role of mentors and his team in his growth. He also discussed his focus on helping his team achieve their goals. The need for strong partner relationships to drive business growth was a topic of discussion. Ed and Edwin also discussed the impact of the declining interest in accounting degrees and the resulting workforce gap in the industry, which Edwin suggested will be increasingly automated. Ed concluded the interview by asking Edwin about his heroes. Ed Willis is the Director of Channel Sales for Quadient Financial Automation. With over 10 years of channel experience, Ed leads the Quadient partner team in shaping strategic channel direction with a strong focus on building partner relationships that drive mutually beneficial business growth. Quadient Financial Automation encompasses Beanworks Accounts Payable Automation which is the white labeled solutions powering Sage AP Automation for Sage 50, 100 & 300 as well as Yaypay Accounts Receivable Automation.

7 Feb 20247min

Diane Gaa is a Learning Professional with over 20 years' experience in the learning industry specializing in executing transformation strategies for human resources and learning & development currently working at Sage as Director of Design, Experience and Technology.  Her passion is to help others become their best at whatever they dream; advocacy of digital accessibility supporting equal access and adopting a smarter working mindset. Summary Transforming HR and learning with digital accessibility. Diane Gaa is passionate about helping others become their best through digital accessibility and equal access. Using AI to help professionals learn and grow. Diane’s passion is helping professionals use AI to learn and grow in a better way. AI's impact on jobs and skills. Diane discusses how generative AI can help people move towards their dream jobs by enhancing their existing skills and providing new opportunities. AI's impact on jobs and education. Daine: AI will redefine jobs, not replace them. Work ethic, technology adoption, and heroes. Diane shares his insights on working smarter, not harder, and the importance of adopting new technologies to stay ahead in the industry. Diane hero is her late father, who worked hard and instilled in her a strong work ethic, and Diane admires his determination and drive.

6 Feb 20249min

“BC” Krishna is the founder and CEO of Centime, Inc., a provider of comprehensive cash management solutions to small and mid-sized US businesses. Cash is the lifeblood of every business, and yet, most business don’t have the solutions to manage critical aspects of the cash control lifecycle – forecasting, managing AP to extend Days Payables Outstanding, managing AR to shrink Days Sales Outstanding, and tapping into credit if needed. Centime’s Cash Management Solution including all these critical capabilities in one integrated package. Summary Cash management solutions for small businesses. BC Krishna loves solving complex problems creatively through his work at Centime. Cash flow management challenges for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs face cash flow challenges, including managing inflows and outflows, extending payables, and shrinking receivables. Cash flow management for small businesses. Entrepreneur faces cash flow challenges despite growing business with 100 customers. Cash flow management and accounting basics. BC emphasizes the importance of understanding cash flow and basic accounting concepts, such as income and expenses, in managing a business. Cash flow management and heroes.  BC discusses the importance of cash flow management, highlighting the need to prioritize timely payments and discount receivables to ensure liquidity. BC’s parents are their heroes, as they instilled valuable lessons and values that have shaped their personal and professional life.

2 Feb 20249min

Geni Whitehouse is a CPA and the President of the ITA, the Founder of The Impactful Advisor, and a consultant to wineries in the Napa Valley. Whitehouse’s resume includes roles at Top 100 and niche accounting firms, accounting software developers, consulting and advisory practices, and private industry. In her role at the ITA, she has a mandate to help lead members through an unprecedented era of change, growth and transformation in the accounting and technology sectors, from ongoing staff shortages to private equity investment in firms to the swift entry of generative AI across sectors.  Summary The rapid pace of change in the accounting profession. Genie White House discusses the unprecedented pace of change in the accounting and technology sectors. Evolving accounting profession through curiosity and innovation. Geni emphasizes the importance of curiosity and seeking alternative solutions for clients, rather than relying on the same group of people at events. The gap between those who attend events and those who are not aware of the opportunities and innovation available is a concern, as it leads to a lack of evolution and progress in the accounting profession. Work-life balance and professional fulfillment for accountants. Geni expresses frustration with the low-value work that accountants are consumed with, and the internal desire for something more rewarding. Ed Kless agrees, noting that accountants are often too busy to raise their prices or prioritize their own needs, leading to a battle within themselves to elevate the value of their work. The future of accounting and bookkeeping professions. Geni highlights the challenge of attracting new talent to the accounting profession, with fewer people graduating with accounting degrees and the CPA profession facing a shortage of new entrants. Geni suggests that accountants should adopt a more advisory role, rather than trying to be the experts, in order to better serve clients and remain relevant in the industry. Asking questions to add value to clients and personal heroes. Geni shares their approach to adding value to clients by asking open-ended questions to understand their needs and challenges. Geni’s hero is her late father, who made her feel safe and supported her potential as a girl in a sports-loving family.

1 Feb 20249min

Erik Tomalis is a proven fundraising professional and has always been forward thinking, donor and people driven, but most of all results oriented. With 20+ years of professional fundraising experience, Erik made over 4,500 face-to-face donor solicitations where he has raised millions of dollars for many non-profit organizations. He served as a front-line fundraiser, as well as an executive in some transformative organizations focused on generosity, such as St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Boy Scouts of America and the Allegheny Health Network. At Virtuous, Erik is committed to helping nonprofits grow global generosity.  Summary Fundraising and generosity with Erik Tomalis. Erik is passionate about generosity and has raised millions for nonprofits through face-to-face donor solicitations. Declining donor giving and nonprofit trust.  Nonprofit sector responding to decline in donor giving with mixed results, despite increasing number of organizations. Decline of personalized messaging in nonprofit sector.  Nonprofits struggle to personalize communication, leading to disconnection with donors. Charitable giving trends and the role of technology. Younger generations prefer direct support for specific causes, bypassing traditional organizations. Nonprofit fundraising strategies and the importance of communication with donors. Erik emphasizes the importance of communicating with donors and acknowledging their contributions to nonprofit organizations. Erik cites Mr. Rogers as a hero of his, citing his kindness and focus on generosity and love.

31 Jan 20248min

Brian M. Kelly is the Managing Partner of CMS (Cost Management Services) at iRecruit. Brian has over 25 years of experience in the Human Resources software and tax credit industry. CMS originally sold HR Software, and Work Opportunity Tax Credit Screening, and developed iRecruit for our Sage HRMS customers to meet the need to automate and streamline their recruiting, applicant tracking, and electronic onboarding operations. Brian has a BS in Finance from the University of Central Connecticut. CMS is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management. In his spare time Brian both plays and coaches ice-hockey, and is an avid golfer and boater. Calculate your WOTC savings. Summary HR software and tax credits with industry expert Brian Kelly. Brian Kelly discusses his experience in HR software and tax credits with Ed Kless. Work Opportunity Tax Credits and their potential benefits for businesses. Businesses can improve marketing and sales by taking advantage of Work Opportunity Tax Credits, despite being lesser-known and more difficult to implement due to IRS regulations. Tax credits for new hires and their value to businesses. Brian Kelly estimates that small businesses can earn $36,000 in tax credits per year by hiring new employees who qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Educating business partners and clients on tax credits and savings. Ed Kless suggests business partners educate clients on tax credits and savings opportunities. Tax savings and heroes in the workplace. Brian Kelly highlights his team's success in saving clients millions of dollars in tax credits and employer savings.

30 Jan 20247min