Why Accounting Firms Can't Find Time to Transform
Donny Shimamoto, founder of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies and the Center for Accounting Transformation, joins Matt, Doug, and Emily to talk about why time, not technology, is the real bottleneck slowing down firms. He breaks down what firms actually ask for when they bring in a transformation consultant, why the profession needs to revive its apprenticeship roots as AI automates entry-level prep work, and what he's seeing on international standard-setting boards shaping AI guidance for audit quality.
Connect with Donny
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnyitk
https://www.intraprise.us/
Connect with the Hosts:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilybmadere
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlescault
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlewis715
Get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://www.earmark.app
Download the Earmark App
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- (00:00) - Podcast kickoff
- (00:41) - Meet Donny Shimamoto
- (03:09) - Foodie side quest
- (06:31) - Why standards matter
- (08:56) - Who sets global rules
- (11:23) - US vs international standards
- (13:19) - Sage Intacct in midmarket
- (15:21) - Global rollout challenges
- (17:28) - Firms struggle for time
- (19:26) - Transformation roadmap calls
- (22:38) - Serving firms of all sizes
- (24:14) - Automation and new roles
- (26:10) - Triaging Firm Issues
- (27:06) - AI and Career Pathways
- (27:43) - Reviving Apprenticeship Training
- (29:21) - Fixing Onboarding and Curriculum
- (31:57) - Burnout and Busy Season
- (32:35) - Why the Center Exists
- (34:50) - Evaluating Software That Fits
- (38:56) - AI in Accounting Products
- (43:34) - Purpose and Leading Change
- (47:05) - Capacity Through Technology
- (48:41) - Dad Joke and Farewell
Connect with Donny
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnyitk
https://www.intraprise.us/
Connect with the Hosts:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilybmadere
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlescault
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlewis715
Get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://www.earmark.app
Download the Earmark App
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app
Creators and Guests
Guest
Donny Shimamoto
Donny is the founder and Managing Director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC, an advisory-focused CPA firm providing innovation acceleration and business transformation services for small businesses, middle market organizations, and nonprofits. Donny is a recognized thought leader and educator in the accounting technology, IT risk management, and performance management areas. Donny is also the Inspiration Architect for the Center for Accounting Transformation. The Center is a mind trust of innovative thinkers and experts who enable transformation by guiding accountants, auditors, and tax practitioners through the adoption of change making the future of the accounting profession reality. Its research-enabled courses, coaching, and competency development services accelerate business transformation to #improvethworld. Donny has been recognized as one of the Top Thought Leaders in Public Accounting by CPA Practice Advisor since 2012, Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting (2013/2014/2017-2025) by Accounting Today, Top 200 CPAs in America by Forbes (2025), received the 2009-2010 President’s Award from the Hawaii Society of CPAs, and was named to CPA Practice Advisor’s 40 Under 40 list in 2007 & 2009 & 2014. Donny was co-chair of the National Conference of Lawyers and CPAs, was past chairman of the AICPA’s Information Management and Technology Assurance Exec Committee, and is a former member of its Governing Council, Assurance Services Exec Committee, and numerous other AICPA committees and task forces.