Episode Details

In this episode, Yuri (aka "The Fun CPA") explains why now is the perfect time to build the kind of firm where people genuinely want to work. He's spent four years building a following on LinkedIn by saying the things that managers and senior accountants at big firms are thinking but can't say out loud. 

His mission is to change the perception of accounting by showing what's possible when you prioritize people, mentorship, and actually enjoying the work you do.

The good news is that students aren't avoiding accounting because they don't want meaningful work. The firms that figure out how to create those better options internally will win the talent game for the next decade.

The conversation covers:

• Why visibility into firm life (thanks to Reddit and Fishbowl) is actually helping the profession by forcing transparency and accountability
• How forward-thinking firms are building cultures where people genuinely want to stay, creating competitive advantage in a tight talent market
• The opportunity for firms that invest in mentorship and long-term thinking, while others chase short-term efficiency metrics
• Why the current moment is perfect for CPAs who want to build firms differently (or work at firms that prioritize culture over billable hours)
• How Yuri's Mentors Count community is filling the mentorship gap for accountants in their first five years
• The rise of networking events that people actually enjoy attending (and why that matters for building genuine professional relationships)

BOOK RECOMMENDATION:

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It―Unlock Your Persuasion Potential in Professional and Personal Life: Voss, Chris, Raz, Tahl 

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 - Introduction of Yuri Capilovich and his mission in accounting 

03:10 - Yuri's background and career path into accounting and technology 

07:30 - The real problems holding accounting firms back 

12:45 - AI as an enabler, not a replacement 

18:30 - Using technology to improve client experience and firm margins 

23:40 - The mindset shift firm owners must make to scale 

29:10 - What forward-thinking firms are doing differently right now 

34:50 - Final thoughts on the future of the profession

Link to full listing: https://poegroupadvisors.com/practice/sc2038/ 

Firm Highlights:
- Young, energetic owner committed to staying 10+ years to run and grow the firm.
- Selling 70–100% equity, with plans to offer key employees an ownership stake.
- 3+ CPAs on staff and over 20 employees.
- High-net-worth clients with strong loyalty and consistent referrals.
- 78% of services tied to business clients.