The Future of Accounting is Human
Summary
Host Blake Oliver interviews Carl Padam, founder of United Accountants, about building an AI-native firm that preserves human trust. They discuss how AI automates mundane tasks, allowing CPAs to focus on advisory services and client relationships. Padam explains his "big small firm" model, where local firms keep their brands while leveraging shared AI infrastructure. The episode covers shifting from hourly billing to outcome-based pricing and warns against firms attempting to build inadequate AI solutions independently.
Topics discussed
Introduction: AI's role in accounting and guest background
Carl Padam's journey from teen entrepreneur to PwC partner
Leaving PwC to build United Accountants
The future of accounting: Human trust vs. AI efficiency
AI productivity gains and the United OS platform
United Accountants' partnership model and brand retention
Why the 'big small firm' model beats traditional alliances
Integrating AI without replacing existing software stacks
Expanding services: Offering wealth management and advisory
Shifting from hourly billing to outcomes-based pricing
Historical tech shifts: Excel, cloud, and AI parallels
Traps to avoid and the ideal partner for United Accountants
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