Please note: This episode was recorded before changes were made to the Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminated the removal of the PCAOB.

What happens when AI agents start doing your journal entries and reconciliations? Mike Whitmire, founder and CEO of Floqast, explains why accounting AI is fundamentally different from other business applications—and why auditability creates unique challenges that many companies will struggle to overcome. In this conversation, you'll learn how Floqast Transform enables accountants to build AI agents using simple narrative descriptions, thereby creating comprehensive audit trails while automating repetitive tasks. Mike walks through real-world examples, from benefit allocation journal entries to variance analysis, demonstrating how the "human-in-the-loop" approach handles exceptions and ensures compliance. Plus, hear his vision for the future accounting professional as an "accounting cyborg" who manages AI agents rather than junior staff.

Chapters

• (00:43) - Agents in Accounting
• (01:22) - Flow Cast's AI Implementation
• (02:29) - Starting Points and Use Cases
• (04:14) - Flow Cast Transform and Integration
• (06:58) - Workflow Automation and Human Review
• (16:03) - Future of AI in Auditing
• (29:11) - Materiality Thresholds and Budget Analysis
• (30:29) - Financial Statement Narratives with AI
• (32:35) - AI in Financial Analysis and Risk Detection
• (36:02) - The Role of AI in Legislative Analysis
• (37:46) - AI Tools and Automation in Accounting
• (42:40) - The Future of Accounting with AI

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Mike Whitmire

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcwhitmire/

Learn more about FloQast

http://www.floqast.com

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

What happens when a homeless 21-year-old musician transforms into a financial leader negotiating $20 billion deals at Google? Devon Coombs shares his remarkable journey from living in his car after his recording studio failed to becoming an ASC 606 revenue recognition expert who helped shape multibillion-dollar cloud contracts. You'll discover how he leveraged technical accounting expertise to leapfrog traditional career paths, why he cold-called a thousand controllers as a first-year auditor, and his predictions for how AI will transform accountants into "orchestrators" rather than individual contributors. Plus, learn why he's leaving Google to build a consulting practice focused on helping the profession adapt to an AI-driven future.

Chapters

• (00:54) - Devon's Early Struggles and Music Industry Journey
• (02:59) - Transition to Accounting and Education
• (04:52) - Challenges and Lessons from the Recording Studio
• (06:58) - Impact of Automation and AI on Careers
• (12:59) - Devon's Path to Success in Accounting
• (17:59) - Early Career at Deloitte and Winning Business
• (22:45) - Transition to Smaller Firm and ASC 606 Insights
• (25:36) - Deep Dive into ASC 606
• (28:06) - Becoming an Expert in ASC 606
• (31:13) - Transition to Google and Work-Life Balance
• (34:18) - Negotiating Billion-Dollar Deals at Google
• (37:45) - The Role of AI in Accounting
• (48:20) - Leaving Google for Principal Consulting Group
• (51:49) - Conclusion and Future Collaborations

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Devon Coombs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs/
Website: https://www.devoncoombs.com/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Small businesses offering 401(k) plans see 40% lower employee turnover in the first year, yet only 10% receive benefits guidance from their accountants. Justin Kurn explains how Dark Horse CPAs identifies the right triggers, such as growing staff or high turnover, to initiate benefits conversations. Meanwhile, Julia Miller from Gusto breaks down how accountants can help clients navigate the cost and complexity of offering health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits. The conversation reveals how positioning yourself as a benefits advisor can double or triple your fees while helping clients attract better talent and reduce costly employee churn.

Learn more about Gusto
https://earmarkcpe.promo/gusto

Chapters

• (00:56) - Meet Our Guests
• (01:26) - The Growth Story: Dark Horse CPAs' Success
• (02:04) - Advisory First Approach: Transforming Client Relationships
• (03:38) - Gusto's Role in Benefits: An Overview
• (07:37) - Challenges and Solutions: Small Businesses Offering Benefits
• (10:25) - The Cost and Complexity of Benefits: Breaking It Down
• (15:00) - Advisory Conversations: Identifying Client Needs
• (19:23) - Gusto's Support for Accountants: Tools and Resources
• (25:43) - Affordability and Competitive Advantage
• (26:40) - Partnering with Gusto for Benefits
• (28:19) - Gusto's Software Solutions
• (29:12) - Client Experiences with Gusto
• (29:52) - Gusto's User-Friendly Platform
• (39:10) - Implementation and Timeline
• (47:42) - Increasing Revenue through Advisory Services
• (49:52) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guests:

Julia Miller
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-g-miller

Justin Kurn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinkurn
Website: https://darkhorse.cpa/justin-kurn-cro/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/