Small and aspiring CPA firms face several formidable challenges. From workload management to technology implementation and expanding their professional expertise, they will likely spend a disproportionate amount of time and energy on things other than building their book of business and serving clients. To solve this problem, today’s guest started a firm that provides the necessary resources and support to enable CPAs to build scalable, profitable practices and stay relevant for decades to come—introducing Chase Birky, the co-founder, President, and CEO of Dark Horse CPAs, which was born from the belief that small businesses, intrapreneurs, and entrepreneurs are often seen as “dark horses” amongst their larger, more well-known competitors. Chase believes that the proper guidance can help propel these dark horses to unexpected heights, and in this episode, he shares his goal to democratize the modern CPA firm and provide a better life for CPAs (and, by extension, their clients). During our conversation, we also touch on the need for a safe space to make mistakes, the immense value of mentorship, the role of AI in the future of accounting, and so much more. For a fascinating and insightful conversation with a trusted advisor specializing in serving small businesses and individuals often overlooked, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode: 

• Two major challenges facing small CPA firms and how Dark Horse solves them.
• Why modern CPAs need support to make the leap and build a scalable practice.
• Advice for burnt-out senior managers who want to step out on their own.
• How Dark Horse helps CPAs gain perspective and gives them a “safe place to fail.”
• The value of eliminating uncertainty while offering guidance and mentorship.
• Obstacles Chase encountered as he pivoted his own business.
• Chase’s take on the future of accounting and the role of AI.
• How technology will augment the way solopreneurs and micro-firms perform.
• The rise of fractional CFO services for small to midsize organizations.
• Why the road to success is paved with systematized, scalable, “outsourceable” offerings.
• A non-binary reflection on the 150-hour credit requirements for CPAs.
• Free and budget-friendly alternatives to formal education, including podcasts.
• Where and how you can learn more about “the CPA firm built for CPAs!”

Chase Birky
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Dark Horse CPAs
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