The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard

Episode 175 - AI, Intuit Upheaval, and the Future of Accounting - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about major developments shaping the accounting profession, including Intuit's dramatic stock decline, workforce layoffs tied to AI adoption, and the launch of ChatGPT Finance. They also explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming professional services, emphasizing the need for accountants to embrace change by leaning into human-centered skills like judgment, relationships, and advisory work. Along the way, they share productivity strategies, discuss the dangers of "not us" thinking around AI disruption, and spotlight a successful bookkeeping professional building a high-value, relationship-driven practice. Current events — * Intuit's Stock Plunge and other troubles [https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/26/05/g52860943/intuit-stockholder-alert-bragar-eagel-squire-p-c-is-investigating-intuit-inc-on-behalf-of-intuit-s] * Ted Callahan, former head of accountant channel at Intuit, is now deputy CTO at Sage [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tedcallahan_thanks-all-who-reminded-me-yes-its-may-ugcPost-7465905449729691648-ho6K/] TV/Movie quote of the week — * The Incredibles [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317705/] * Project Hail Mary [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12042730/] Excellent Thing We Learned — * The rule of three [https://add.org/adhd-procrastination/] * Not-Us Thinking [https://a.co/d/0gV9ph3Z] Member spotlight — * Michael McClellan of Aurora Bookkeeping & Consulting [https://www.aurorabookkeeping.com/] The Woodard Report article of the week — * Lock It Down, Write It Down (Intuit Security for Firms) [https://report.woodard.com/articles/lock-it-down-write-it-down-intuit-security-for-firms-lock-it-down-write-it-down] Thank you to our show sponsor, Digits! Digits is the world's first agentic general ledger. It is accounting software that works for you. Built from the ground up for the AI era, Digits automates bookkeeping in month end, shifting your team from data entry to review and advisory. Visit Digits.com [https://digits.com/] to get started today. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast [https://www.woodard.com/podcast]

Episode 174 - Firing Clients, Finding Your Niche, and Making Accounting Fun - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Tyler Otto about his unconventional path into accounting, growing a firm, and how niching down helped strengthen both company culture and client relationships. Tyler shares candid advice on when and how to "fire" difficult clients, what red flags to watch for during prospecting, and why firm owners should prioritize cultural fit over revenue. The conversation also dives into Tyler's upcoming live game show at Scaling New Heights, and practical ways accounting firms can safely experiment with AI while preparing for the future of the profession. About Tyler Otto Tyler Otto is the president and owner of Specialized Accounting, a thriving seven-figure remote firm dedicated to the hospitality industry. Before joining forces with his wife Karen at her solo practice, Tyler honed his finance chops with leadership roles at Vail Resorts and Imprint Hospitality. Known for his energy and approachability, Tyler is passionate about collaboration with fellow professionals and welcoming new accountants to the field. He's presented at major accounting, tech, and hospitality conferences and recently launched Firm Foundation, a step-by-step course turning firm-building from daunting into doable. Whether behind a microphone or trading insights on podcasts, Tyler brings both expertise and a dash of fun to any discussion. * Learn more about Specialized Accounting [https://www.specializedat.com/] * Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerdotto/] Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community, and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced pros, access to skill building and resources, and a community to continually inspire your practices transformation. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast [https://www.woodard.com/podcast]

Episode 173 - AI, Humanity, and the Future of Accounting - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about the rapid acceleration of AI and how it is reshaping the accounting profession, from audit and compliance work to more advisory-focused roles. They explore the importance of maintaining the "soul" of a business in an increasingly automated world, discuss the rise of AI agents and emerging technologies, and share insights on how accountants can adapt by leaning into their uniquely human strengths. Current events — * KPMG closes U.S. federal audit practice, trims advisory staff [https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/kpmg-closes-u-s-federal-audit-practice-trims-advisory-staff] * META Lays off about 10% its workforce [https://www.npr.org/2026/04/23/nx-s1-5797855/meta-layoffs-10-percent-staff] TV/Movie quote of the week — * Company Retreat [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22074164/] * The Pitt [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31938062/] Member spotlight — * Thrive Business Services [https://thrivebusinessservices.net/] The Woodard Report article of the week — * The Sacred Ritual of Month-End (An Accountant's Comfort Blanket) [https://report.woodard.com/articles/the-sacred-ritual-of-month-end-an-accountants-comfort-blanket-opawr-opdwr] Thank you to our show sponsor, Digits! Digits is the world's first agentic general ledger. It is accounting software that works for you. Built from the ground up for the AI era, Digits automates bookkeeping in month end, shifting your team from data entry to review and advisory. Visit Digits.com [https://digits.com/] to get started today. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast [https://www.woodard.com/podcast]

Episode 172 - From Bank Recs to Big Dreams: Debra Kilsheimer on the Human Side of Accounting - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Debra about the power of relationships in accounting, why bookkeepers and accountants are often the true drivers behind their clients' dreams, and how human connection creates lasting value far beyond tax returns and reconciliations. Debra shares the inspiration behind her podcast, Bookkeepers on Fire, her philosophy on advisory conversations, and how AI is freeing firms from tedious tasks so they can focus more on strategy, leadership, and client trust. About Debra Kilsheimer Debra Kilsheimer is a Curiosity Powered Advisor, Speaker and creative thinker based in Port Orange. She challenges the norm! She is a Top 100 ProAdvisor, Top 10 ProAdvisor, Woodard CAS Winner, and an Intuit Accountant Council alumni. Behind the Scenes (BSFS) is a Port Orange, Florida firm helping business owners stay on top of bookkeeping, accounting, payroll and tax prep. We streamline the work so you can make faster decisions with fewer surprises. * Learn more about Behind the Scenes (BSFS) [https://bsfsaccounting.com/] * Connect with Debra on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiekilz/] Thank you to our show sponsor, Canopy! Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals, and more. Check out getcanopy.com [https://www.getcanopy.com/]. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast [https://www.woodard.com/podcast]

Episode 171 - Strange New World, Smarter Decisions - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about the rapid evolution of AI, payments, and pricing models in the accounting technology space. They explore Intuit's move toward real-time FedNow payments, the rise of outcome-based AI pricing, and how firms can adapt by focusing on value, process discipline, and proactive decision-making rather than fear or hesitation. Current events — * Intuit becomes FedNow Certified [https://investors.intuit.com/news-events/press-releases] * Digits Announces Outcome-Based Pricing [https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/digits-announces-outcome-based-pricing] TV/Movie quote of the week — * Project Hail Mary [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12042730/] * The Man Without a Face [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107501/] Excellent things we learned — * Export your prompt history from ChatGPT and import it into Claude [https://claude.com/import-memory] Member spotlight — * Essential Bookkeeping Solutions [https://www.essentialbookkeepingsolutions.com/about-us/] The Woodard Report article of the week — * Why Accountants Undercharge Without Realizing It [https://report.woodard.com/articles/why-accountants-undercharge-without-realizing-it-opawr] Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced pros, access to skill building and resources and a community to continually inspire your practice's transformation. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast [https://www.woodard.com/podcast]