If you want to become the best, you should learn from the best.
This rule applies to all fields of work, accounting included. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 13 accounting experts who can help you learn and succeed.
Now, we know that accounting can sometimes feel like a snooze-fest, but these experts are anything but boring. They bring a fresh perspective to the business that will leave you motivated and perhaps even entertained.
So without further ado, let’s look at 14 notable names in the accounting industry.
1. Courtney L. Vien
Courtney L. Vien is a Senior Reporter at Morning Brew, a website that covers business news from Wall St. to Silicon Valley. Most accounting professionals recognize Courtney as an accomplished editor at the Journal of Accountancy, the leading publication in the business.
She has been with the Journal for nearly a decade, writing and editing articles about personal financial planning, career development, financial accounting, and practice management. Thanks to extensive connections, Courtney is often the first to share industry news and updates.
Follow her on: Courtney Vien
2. Jason Andrew
Jason Andrew is an accountant with more than 10 years of experience in business and corporate consulting. He is the co-founder of SBO, an accounting company that services high-growth businesses in the USA and Australia.
Jason is also a popular author known primarily for Stark Naked Numbers, a seminal work that sheds new light on financial reporting. His LinkedIn account is lively, so make sure to click that “Follow” button.
Follow him on: LinkedIn
3. Michael Cohn
Michael Cohn is a reputable journalist with vast experience in business and technology. He serves as the editor-in-chief of Accounting Today, the leading information resource for public accountants.
Michael is not a certified public accountant, but he has been a prominent figure in the industry for nearly four decades. He built his expertise in accounting and finance at the Wharton School of Business after earning a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania.
Follow him on: Accounting Today
4. Tom Hood
Experienced accounting professionals are well aware of Tom Hood, EVP of Business and Growth at the Association of International CPAs. In addition, he is the co-founder of the Business Learning Institute.
Tom’s knowledge and experience earned him a place in the Accounting Hall of Fame in 2015 by Practice Advisor. He’s one of the most-followed accounting experts, and you can even find him on our list of accounting influencers you should follow.
Follow him on: LinkedIn, Twitter
5. Bob Veres
Let’s start with a quote by one of his colleagues: “If you’re not reading Bob’s Inside Information, you’re simply not keeping up with our profession.” This statement alone tells a lot about Bob Veres, a financial planning expert and author who covers topics like estate planning, financial analysis, and investment management.
He also authored the book called “The New Profession” about the future of the accounting profession. Bob was granted the Special Achievement Award for service to the profession by the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.
Follow him on: Bob Veres
6. Jody Padar
If you don’t know Jody Padar, you’re probably new to accounting. Author of “From Success to Significance: The Radical CPA Guide”, Jody is one of the most reputable tax advisors and public accounting pros.
She currently acts as Head of Tax Strategy & Evangelism at software company April, but bear in mind that her career spans nearly 25 years. By the way, Jody was also named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the accounting world by Accounting Today.
Follow her on: Twitter, LinkedIn
7. Ken Tysiac
Ken Tysiac is the Content Marketing Manager at Grant Thornton LLP. It’s the US member firm of Grant Thornton International, the seventh largest accounting network in the world by combined fee income.
Ken’s experience is massive — he was a Senior Manager for News at AICPA and the Editorial Director at the Journal of Accountancy. He’s been writing about financial accounting, tax services, small businesses, and pretty much all other topics that can help CPAs succeed in their jobs.
Follow him on: LinkedIn
8. Dawn Brolin
If you’re interested in forensic accounting, fraud, and internal controls, Dawn Brolin can help you out. She is the CEO of Powerful Accounting, a US-based company with a strong focus on accounting and fraud examination services.
As one of the most powerful women in the business, Dawn is a true opinion leader and a successful author: “The Designated Motivator” remains her most popular book to date. She also runs a podcast that frequently features accounting professionals who discuss financial modeling, taxes, risk management, and so on.
Follow her on: Dawn Brolin, Youtube
9. Scott Hoover
Scott Hoover is a CPA who helps his clients achieve financial clarity through expert guidance. An entrepreneur at heart, he ventured into the world of freelance Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) nearly a decade ago and has since assisted clients in diverse industries.
Scott’s article “Financial Clarity at Last” is one of the more influential posts on how to set up a chart of accounts for improved financial reporting. Last year, he launched a new startup, Be Your Own CFO, to help companies below $3M achieve financial clarity.
Follow him on: LinkedIn
10. J. Richard Dietrich
J. Richard Dietrich is Professor Emeritus of Accounting at the Ohio State University. His expertise covers a range of topics like revenue recognition, lease accounting, goodwill, and auditor independence.
Dietrich has a history of involvement in standard-setting and regulation of the accounting profession, having served in the Financial Reporting Executive Committee and the SEC's Office of the Chief Accountant. Dietrich has published research in leading academic journals.
Follow him on: Cornerstone Research
11. Tom Selling
Thomas I. Selling is an accounting expert who runs the Accounting Onion blog. As a former Academic Fellow at the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Tom was responsible for communicating with registrants on accounting issues related to business combinations, leases, and more.
He has also led and produced management education programs in 14 countries, consulting with public companies on SEC compliance, U.S. GAAP, and international accounting standards.
Follow him on: Accounting Onion
12. Bill Sheridan
Another accounting expert/influencer on our list is Bill Sheridan, a veteran accountant and CCO at the Maryland Association of CPAs. Back in 2016, Bill was named one of the most influential people in the business.
If you’ve been following MACPA lately, you probably know that Bill hosts a podcast Future-Proof with Bill Sheridan. Bill’s main focus is technology and the future of accounting services.
Follow him on: Twitter
13. Jeanne G. Harris
Jeanne Harris is an analyst who has written extensively on the use of data in accounting and finance. She used to be the global managing director of information technology research at the Accenture Institute for High Performance.
Jeanne currently teaches Business Analytics Management at Columbia University. Winner of multiple international awards, she authored over 100 articles on knowledge management and business intelligence. Jeanne has also served as a consultant to numerous Fortune 500 companies, helping them to develop and implement data-driven strategies.
Follow her on: Jeanne Harris
14. Jason Staats
The last entry on our list is Jason Staats, a CPA/entrepreneur who does so many things on the highest level. Jason sells startups and develops SaaS products, all while running his own accounting practice.
You’ll love Jason’s social media channels because he frequently shares insightful and humorous content. His favorite topics include automation, practice management, and accounting tools.
Account experts: Learn from the best in the business
There you have it — the list of 14 accounting experts to follow and zero excuses for not keeping up with the trends. These individuals possess enough accounting expertise to help you navigate the complex world of financial records and balance sheets. Ready to start learning?
