Episode Details
Back to EpisodesVirtual Rolodex with Arthur Forbus, Changing the Face of Finance and His CPA Journey
Description
Podcast: TXCPA Houston – Virtual Rolodex
Episode Title: From Small-Town Texas to CFO Advisor: Arthur Forbus on Changing the Face of Finance
Host: Kristie Ondracek
Guest: Arthur Forbus, CPA — Founder & CEO, Changing the Face of Finance
Episode Summary
In this episode of Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with fellow CPA Arthur Forbus to explore how a small-town Texas upbringing led to a national career in finance, consulting, and corporate performance management. Arthur shares how his CPA laid the foundation for opportunities ranging from Fortune 500 companies to becoming a partner in a major consulting firm—and ultimately launching his own firm to help CFOs move beyond spreadsheet chaos.
Arthur also challenges common misconceptions about accounting, emphasizing that today’s finance professionals are storytellers, strategists, and drivers of business decisions—not just number crunchers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
1️⃣ Why Arthur Chose Accounting
Arthur originally planned to be a petroleum engineer, but quickly realized business—and accounting—was where he truly belonged after switching majors and seeing his grades and confidence soar.
2️⃣ The Power of the CPA Credential
Passing the CPA exam was one of Arthur’s biggest early accomplishments and helped open doors into public accounting, Fortune 500 companies, and ultimately consulting and partnership roles.
3️⃣ How Accounting Opens Career Paths
Arthur explains how his CPA launched him into management and technology consulting, where he eventually led a CFO services practice and became a partner—opportunities he never imagined early in his career.
4️⃣ Debunking the “Boring Accountant” Myth
Accounting is not just sitting in spreadsheets—it’s about strategy, decision-making, and helping organizations understand their data so they can move forward.
5️⃣ Accounting as the Story of the Business
Arthur and Kristie both emphasize that accounting is the foundation for telling the story of where a business has been—and where it’s going.
6️⃣ Arthur’s Advice to CPAs and Future Professionals
Have fun. Never stop learning. Keep reading, growing, and challenging how things are done.
About the Guest
Arthur Forbus is the Founder and CEO of Changing the Face of Finance, where he helps CFOs and finance teams modernize how they manage close, reporting, forecasting, and strategic planning. With a background spanning public accounting, Fortune 500 companies, and management consulting, Arthur brings a rare blend of technical expertise and big-picture strategy.
Arthur Forbus
Founder & CEO
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