Why Accounting Firms Can’t Find Time to Transform
In this episode, Doug, Emily, and Matt sit down with Donny Shimamoto of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies to talk about why firms can’t find the hours to change, even when the technology is already in place.

About this episode
Why Accounting Firms Can’t Find Time to Transform
In this episode, Doug, Emily, and Matt sit down with Donny Shimamoto of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies to talk about why firms can’t find the hours to change, even when the technology is already in place.
Donny founded IntrapriseTechKnowlogies (https://www.intraprise.us/) and the Center for Accounting Transformation. He breaks down what firms actually ask for when they bring in a transformation consultant, and why the profession needs to revive its apprenticeship roots as AI automates entry-level prep work.
He also gets into Sage Intacct in the midmarket, global rollout friction, burnout in busy season, and how firms should evaluate software that actually fits. The Center exists because buying another tool doesn’t create spare hours on its own.
They close on purpose, leading change, capacity through technology, and the dad joke.
CHAPTERS
Listen to learn more about
- (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
Related Industries
- SaaS
- Financial Services
- Technology
- Corporate Finance
Speakers
Doug Lewis
Host | Consultant
LinkedIn
Emily Madere
Host | Solutions Architect
LinkedIn
Matt Lescault
Host | CEO, Lescault & Walderman
LinkedIn
Donny Shimamoto
Guest | IntrapriseTechKnowlogies
LinkedIn
Related Resources
Questions from this episode
What is the Center for Accounting Transformation?
Donny Shimamoto's organization. There's a dedicated chapter on why the Center exists.
What is apprenticeship here?
Training people on the job instead of assuming software onboarding is enough. Donny wants that path revived against burnout and busy season.
What are standards in this conversation?
Accounting standards: who sets global rules, and how US rules sit next to international ones. Not software settings.
What is a transformation roadmap?
The sequenced plan Donny describes for firms that want to change but can't find the hours.
IN THIS EPISODE
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