Voting has opened for the 2024 Innovative Practitioner Award

Brenda Cannon has been dedicated to the field of accounting since college. After passing the CPA exam in 1999, she worked in public accounting and later started her own accounting firm in 2011, where she partners with her husband. Their focus is on assisting small businesses and their owners with accounting, tax compliance, and tax planning. Cannon & Associates is proud to have won the Daily Oklahoman’s “Community Choice Award” as the best Accounting Firm for the past three consecutive years. Brenda recently co-authored an article for Bloomberg Tax Insight called “Five ‘Don’ts’ When Starting Your Own Tax and Accounting Business.” Outside of work, when she isn’t raising money for the Susan G Komen Foundation, Brenda enjoys exercising, gardening, crafting, and reading.

How Brenda has been innovative in the profession:

• As many tax preparers get burned out from working too many hours and giving up time with their families and friends for one-fourth of every year, Brenda has made a change in her firm to schedule every tax return. Their work is now well controlled, and they have a more manageable schedule. They now work regular hours all year, and their clients appreciate having a more specific delivery date.
• Brenda has been working with a software developer to create a web application for scheduled tax preparation and this new software is currently in the beta testing phase.
• Brenda has been hosting workshops with other firm owners to help them implement tax prep scheduling in their own firms.

Chad Davis is the founder of AutomationTown.io, an online AI and Automation community specifically for accountants. He's also the co-founder of LiveCA LLP, one of Canada's first virtual CPA firms and regularly presents on topics such as remote work, automation, AI, firm operating frameworks and pricing. He has a CPA and an MBA, co-hosted 3 seasons of the AutomationTown podcast and has been traveling full-time with his family in their RV for the last 7 years.

How Chad has been innovative in the profession:

• Online Community - Created AutomationTown.io, a place where over 250 accountants gather to share automation and AI experiences, learn about new upcoming tech and receive tech support for what they're building.
• Firm Turnaround - Helped turn around a 120+ person firm by focusing on profitability, introducing a new pricing model called 'budgeted hours' and introducing EOS as an operating framework. Two years later, there's an even balance between people, profits and processes that has resulted in almost no employee turnover and happy customers.
• Living Remotely - We've leaned into full-time travel and remote work pretty hard by splitting our time between Canada and the USA. We've shown our kids that it's possible to live whatever life you want, while having fun along the way

As Director of Audit Transformation & Training, Sarah is leading AAFCPAs’ audit revolution by implementing a cloud-based audit solution that enhances risk assessment with advanced technology and real-time data. This transformation enables more precise, efficient audits and delivers deeper, actionable insights for clients. Sarah is dedicated to empowering audit teams through comprehensive training and focus techniques, ensuring they master new technologies, prioritize high-risk audit areas, and find a path to balanced work-life integration. Driven by a passion for connecting people with ideas and opportunities, Sarah is committed to sharing what she learns to inspire and empower others.

How Sarah has been innovative in the profession:

• From Tradition to Transformation: Starting her career in a traditional client-facing role, Sarah consistently carved out time to explore new possibilities, whether it was updating templates, building a firm library, or developing tools for new accounting standards. Driven by a desire to innovate further, she joined a firm that created a role allowing her to split her time equally between traditional work and innovation. This experience revealed her passion for futuristic thinking, ultimately leading to her current transformational role where she fully dedicates her time to reimaging what is possible, sharing her firm’s journey, and learning from others.
• Audit Transformation Community: Sarah co-founded an Audit Transformation Community to create a collaborative space where firm leaders can share insights from their transformation journeys. This community acts as a hub for exchanging innovative ideas, tackling challenges, and offering solutions, helping peers navigate their own transitions. Whether members are just beginning their transformation or have already implemented new systems, the shared experiences and lessons provide invaluable guidance and inspiration for driving meaningful change.
• People-First Approach: Sarah has redefined team collaboration in a tech-driven world by prioritizing human connection and support. She introduced "technology boundaries" for new hires, ensuring they don't feel overwhelmed by constant connectivity, while also hosting virtual focus sessions that recreate the camaraderie and accountability of an in-person audit room. These sessions foster meaningful connections among team members, driving engagement, productivity, and a sense of belonging in a remote work environment.

Ashley Francis bridges the gap between being “old school” and “new school” accountant. She has strong opinions about the best type of 10-key but will also talk your ear off about how to bring AI into your firm. She runs a solo tax practice in Seattle, providing services to UHNW individuals and trusts and estates. At the same time, she has created resources for tax and accounting professionals to learn about AI and automation through her Kitchen Table Automations brand. And if that wasn’t enough, she has been awarded the Microsoft MVP designation in the areas of Power Automate and Microsoft 365 through sharing knowledge about these tools. And the answer is the Sharp 10-key.

How Ashley has been innovative in the profession:

• Created the Kitchen Table Automation brand which provides free articles about AI and Automation for tax and accounting professionals and low-cost classes that educate about AI in a high-value, low stress way.
• Presented at multiple conferences and webinars so far in 2024 around GenAI and Automation and the exciting implications for the profession.
• Crafted the education planning for the second TaxRetreat (an event with 130 attendees, mostly from TaxTwitter) to support the whole individual and support the goal of authentic collaboration in our profession.

Matt Gardner is the CEO and co-founder of Hiline, a leading financial operations firm for small businesses. An accidental accountant turned innovative entrepreneur, Matt's journey was shaped by personal tragedy and professional dissatisfaction. After nine years in public accounting, he launched several side ventures, including restaurants, before recognizing a massive gap in financial services for SMBs. Matt's vision for Hiline combines cutting-edge technology with human expertise to provide affordable, comprehensive financial support. Ultimately, his mission is to empower small businesses with the financial tools and insights needed to thrive, challenging the status quo of traditional accounting along the way.

How Matt has been innovative in the profession:

• Embracing technology & disrupting traditional accounting: Matt recognizes the outdated nature of the accounting industry, so unlike many traditional accounting firms that are reluctant to leverage technology, Matt has made it a core part of Hiline's offering. He's integrating cloud-based technology and AI, most recently becoming the first accounting firm in the U.S. to sign an enterprise license agreement with AI accounting platform, Digits.
• Focusing on small and medium-sized businesses: Matt identified a gap in the market where SMBs were underserved by traditional accounting firms and made it Hiline's mission to provide high-quality, tech-enabled accounting services to this segment, which makes up 98% of U.S. businesses.
• Combining human expertise with tech: Matt understands that while AI and technology are crucial, they can't replace human judgment and strategic thinking. He's innovating by creating a model that leverages both tech solutions and human expertise to provide comprehensive financial services.

Sven is a passionate economist and BPM’s Data Analytics Leader and Transfer Pricing Leader. He is an ambitious, proven leader with over 17 years of professional experience, both in-house and in public accounting. When serving his clients, Sven believes in a pragmatic, data-driven, hands-on approach, taking into consideration the business and operational needs of his clients and their stakeholders.

How Sven has been innovative in the profession:

• Innovating Through Data Analytics: I’ve developed tailored, data-driven solutions that improve efficiency and drive growth for clients, from start-ups to billion-dollar companies. By leveraging analytics and automation, our firm delivers actionable insights that create lasting impact across industries.
• Revolutionizing Transfer Pricing: Combining my transfer pricing expertise with advanced technology, I’ve streamlined tax strategies and compliance for clients. This approach helps clients scale more effectively and positions our firm as a leader in tech-enabled advisory services.
• Transforming Tax and Accounting Systems: I’ve led projects to implement tax and accounting platforms, significantly improving accuracy and automating processes. These innovations enable us to offer higher-value services and meet client expectations for modern, efficient solutions.

Dan Luthi, a Partner at Ignite Spot Accounting, has over a decade of experience helping small businesses develop personalized accounting solutions that support both the business and its people. His expertise includes process development, system management, customer care, and business growth. Dan’s approach combines technology with a personal touch, enabling clients to achieve financial clarity and long-term success. His involvement in advisory councils and industry groups keeps him connected with the needs of clients, accountants, and software providers, allowing him to create tailored solutions that foster collaboration and positive outcomes for businesses.

How Dan has been innovative in the profession:

• Under Dan Luthi’s leadership, Ignite Spot has prioritized innovation by building strong partnerships with leading accounting software providers. Luthi has dedicated significant time and energy to consistently communicating client and firm needs, driving product improvements that align with real-world accounting challenges, and elevating the industry's tools.
• Luthi has also led the way for Ignite Spot’s education and conference engagement approach by delivering actionable insights and tangible outcomes. This shift ensures that presentations emphasize authentic learning and practical applications, allowing attendees to implement changes that drive meaningful results.
• Additionally, Luthi has redefined the outcome expectations for our internal processes to enhance work-life balance and performance. By establishing clear metrics aligning with professional and personal goals, he has fostered a culture where the team can excel at work while maintaining a healthy personal life.

Shane Mason is the Co-Founder of BKFi, a financial planning firm specializing in tax strategies, equity compensation, and wealth management for high-income tech professionals, founders and entrepreneurs. A CPA and CFP with over 15 years of experience from Big 4 to boutique firms, Shane is known for simplifying complex financial topics and helping clients achieve financial independence. He is also the Co-Founder of Gemifi, an equity compensation, cash flow and taxation analysis SaaS solution built for financial advisors.

How Shane has been innovative in the profession:

• High Growth Remote Firm: Shane co-founded Brooklyn Fi (BKFi), a boutique, fully-remote, fee-only RIA, I have led the firm to become a three-time Inc 5000 award winner with employees in over 15 States and over 3 countries. Specializing in serving high-earning and high-net-worth employees and founders in the technology sector, we've achieved over 100% growth in multiple years. Our deep expertise in handling concentrated stock positions and complex financial strategies has allowed us to provide comprehensive services to over 400 households across the U.S. and abroad.
• Wealth Management: Shane pioneered a high-touch, specialized approach to wealth management that helps business owners navigate the complexities of personal net worth management. By expertly handling solo 401(k)s, family employment arrangements, employee benefits tailored to eachbusiness, intricate real estate transactions, hiring and firing employees, and intra-partner disputes, we address the emotional and technical nuances that standard accounting services overlook. This personalized strategy ensures our clients receive comprehensive guidance that aligns with both their financial goals and personal values.
• SaaS: Shane spearheaded the development of Gemifi, a proprietary SaaS tool that revolutionizes equity compensation analysis for advisors and clients alike. Gemifi provides hyper-specific instructions on when to exercise and sell stock, offering a multi-year preview of cash flow, taxes, liquidity, and concentration in an intuitive format. As the only cloud-based, tax-aware platform delivering detailed equity compensation plans, it empowers advisors to better guide clients whose concentrated positions make up over 90% of their net worth.

With over 20 years of experience in public accounting, Neha is a national leader specializing in governance, risk, and compliance engagements, including SOC examinations, SOX/FDICIA reporting, and other technology consulting services. She has extensive experience leading outsourced and co-sourced internal audit engagements for publicly traded and privately held companies across multiple industries, including financial services, banking and technology. As an AICPA System and Organization Control (SOC) Specialist, she excels in delivering third party attestation reports. recently she serves as the Vice Chair on the Executive Committee for the McCombs BBA Advisory Board at the University of Texas at Austin. A CPA, CISA, and CDPSE, she holds a Master of Professional Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration from UT Austin.

How Neha has been innovative in the profession:

• • Neha is known for her proactive approach to adopting new tools and technologies to enhance the client experience. She was paramount in Weaver’s research and selection process in implementing new audit tools that have improved audit efficiency and increased profitability for advisory practice offerings. Neha frequently engages as a speaker and panelist, leveraging her expertise to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among fellow CPA professionals.
• • Neha’s expertise enables her to stay informed about technology risks across multiple industries and adapt more seamlessly to the ever-changing landscape of the field. Her innovative mindset and willingness to embrace emerging technologies have positioned her as a forward-thinking leader as a regional executive partner at Weaver.

Kristin Ryan, CPA, Founder & CEO, Ryan + Mann LLC, has a passion for audit and advisory of employee benefit plans serving the industry since 2008 with a growth-minded perspective and an entrepreneurial spirit. She’s a mom to triplets who keep her on her toes.

Kristin enjoys contributing thought leadership through events, speaking, and publications. She is a member of the Texas Society of CPAs and her firm is a member of the AICPA EBP Audit Quality Center.

How Kristina has been innovative in the profession:

• Taking control of my career and lifestyle by forming a firm designed to support employees of all types, particularly driven working mothers who no longer feel the pressure to choose between a successful career and fulfilling home life
• Serving an industry niche with a small-batch approach to auditing and consulting
• Utilizing the latest technology to leverage our time and alleviate the burden of an audit on our client.

Zeb Smith, CPA, founded his practice in 2016 in Durango, Colorado. Given his recreation-prone geographical location, he soon serendipitously began building a client portfolio of outdoor outfitters (i.e. river rafting and zipline providers).

A lifelong outdoorsman himself, and a practitioner of Servant Leadership, Zeb was drawn to the passion and ethos of his clients’ industry. After just five years, Zebulon LLC transformed from a generalist practice into a nationally recognized, hyper-specialized firm.

Zeb strengthens small outdoor businesses through FP&A, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to bottom lines of outfitters nationwide. His firm has matured into a subscription-based retainer system, comprised of long-term, multi-year client partnerships. Zeb is also a sought-after speaker in the outdoor industry, where he teaches financial acumen and innovative leadership strategies.

How Zeb has been innovative in the profession:

• Building a coveted leadership peer group from scratch (that participants say “is a shining light in my week”), where the unique non-competitive environment allows outdoor industry business leaders to learn from each other and share data to gain a collective competitive edge
• Delivering a graduate-school quality curriculum on business foundations and leadership to his clients, with the goal of increasing client profitability and strengthening long-term FP&A relationships
• Making a public commitment to pursuing healthy growth – in a world seemingly obsessed with unsustainable consumption, and in a financial industry not yet known for altruism, Zebulon LLC’s company purpose is to grow wealth to increase standards of giving (yes, you read that right)

Before entering public accounting, Leslie spent her career working in the private sector including work as an internal auditor for the Bank of Ireland NH Holding Company. Upon entering public accounting in 2006, she conducted audits, provided tax services, and consulted on a number of client transactions. Leslie is on the executive board for the Business and Industry Association of NH and Chairperson for John H. Whitaker Place, an assisted care facility. Leslie served as chairperson for Riverbend Community Mental Health, and for the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. She was a Trustee for Capital Region Health Care, and a board member for NH/VT Red Cross. Lastly, she was recognized as the 2024 Business Leader of the Year by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce.

How Leslie has been innovative in the profession:

• Recognizing the difficulty in finding accounting professionals to fill open positions, Leslie contacted the Apprenticeship Program Manager for the Community College System of NH and used the resources of the firm to develop the first accounting apprenticeship program in NH. This program leverages state, federal and firm resources to assist students by providing financial assistance, educational guidelines and real-world experience to attract our next generation of accountants. The program has been successful and as a result, the firm was able to develop an Apprentice II program so that students can continue to advance in their careers.
• In order to provide consistent and engaging training for new accountants, Leslie recognized the need to revamp all the training materials to leverage the use of AI. Training materials which were primarily written procedures will be replaced with interactive course material that will include pop up questions, role play, voice overs and other interactions that reinforce learning. These courses will include topics such as internal processes to soft skills such as communication and conflict resolution. Each employee will be assigned a learning path to ensure they are empowered to advance at their own pace.
• The use of technology to offer new services as well as improve the efficiency of current offerings has been an important component of the business strategy. The firm has invested in employees who have the ability to extract and manage data through the use of software such as python. This has allowed us to process enormous amounts of data for clients requesting client advisory services that otherwise could not be processed manually. It has also allowed us to extract and analyze huge amounts of data and provide insights that might otherwise not be apparent.

Jeff W. Wilson II, CPA, CFE, and CEO of The W2 Group, is a forward-thinking leader known for his innovative approach to accounting and business development. With over 12 years of experience, Jeff has transformed his firm into a model of the future, integrating technology and innovation across multiple practice areas. As the founder of GovieRates, a SaaS platform for government contractors, and the creator of "Helm," an automated app for accounting professionals, he continues to push the boundaries of the profession. His firm also features a pioneering family law forensic accounting practice, making his small person firm a powerful force across the accounting landscape. Jeff’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance client services has positioned him as a thought leader in the field.

How Jeff has been innovative in the profession:

• Innovative Firm Leadership: : Jeff reimagined a traditional accounting firm, developing a vision for the future by transforming his general practice into an innovative firm with multiple business lines. This includes a family law forensic accounting practice, GovieRates for government contractors, and a robust technology solutions business.
• App Development: Jeff created "Helm," an unreleased automated, data-driven app in the Monday.com ecosystem, helping accounting professionals manage business processes and capture efficiency data more effectively.
• Pioneering SaaS Solutions: With GovieRates, Jeff developed a cloud-based platform that automates job costing and ensures DCAA compliance, making advanced accounting technology accessible to small and minority-owned businesses.

As the Supervisor of Strategic Innovation & Data Analytics at AAFCPAs, Ryan plays a pivotal role in driving audit transformation. His responsibilities include exploring and implementing advanced audit technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance the audit process and drive the profession forward. Ryan oversees data analytics projects, collaborates with various departments to optimize audit methodologies, and ensures the effective utilization of innovative solutions. His role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the audit field.

How Ryan has been innovative in the profession:

• AI Integration and Training: He focuses on improving efficiency by exploring and implementing AI technologies. Ryan also teaches our teams how to use AI effectively, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to leverage these tools in their daily tasks.
• Automation of Low-Level Tasks: Ryan works on automating repetitive manual tasks, allowing both our teams and clients to eliminate these time-consuming activities. This enables them to focus on higher-level, strategic activities that add more value.
• Audit Transformation: He evaluates new audit software and methodologies, focusing on how his team can leverage available data and connect products in our tech stack. This creates a comprehensive audit solution that enhances the firm’s audit processes and outcomes.