Episode 178 - Current Trends, Human Connection, and the Future of Advisory - The Woodard Report Podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about emerging developments shaping the accounting profession, including the consolidation of New England CPA societies, Pilot's shift from a local partnership model to AI-powered bookkeeping software, and how firms can use automation to elevate, not replace, their advisory services. They also explore the importance of healthy client boundaries, lessons from popular TV shows, recent IRS penalty relief opportunities, and why uniquely human qualities like navigating uncertainty and building relationships remain essential in an AI-driven future. **Current events —** - 5 New England State CPA Societies merge to form "New England Society of CPAs" - Pilot is taking a software approach to bookkeeper empowerment called Meridian **TV/Movie quote of the week —** - Schitt's Creek - Half Man **Excellent Thing We Learned —** - IRS may owe millions of taxpayers refunds for pandemic-era penalty relief **Member spotlight —** - Steve Roderick of Roderick's Payroll **The Woodard Report article of the week —** - Law Firm Bookkeeping Is Not Regular Small Business Bookkeeping **Thank you to our show sponsor, Puzzle!** Puzzle, the next generation firm, AI-powered, human-led. Puzzle replaces manual quick books workflows with AI-driven books built for review, approval, and audit-ready accountability. Learn more at puzzle.io Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast