Episode 158 - From 150 Hours to AI Hype: What's Really Changing in Accounting - The Woodard Report Podcast
Wed Feb 04 2026
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with David Leary about the biggest shifts shaping the accounting profession such as the rollback of the 150-hour CPA requirement and how alternative pathways are already boosting the pipeline of new accounting graduates. They also dig into what AI is actually good for (and where it still fails without strong firm processes and human oversight), plus why private equity in accounting can create serious conflicts of interest, particularly for assurance-related work.
About David Leary
David Leary is the Co-Founder and COO of Earmark. He is an innovative and influential force in the small business accounting world with over 22 years of QuickBooks experience.
Learn more about Earmark Connect with David on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Zoho! Zoho is a unique and powerful software suite to transform the way you work, designed for businesses of all sizes, built by a company that values your privacy.
Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast
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On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with David Leary about the biggest shifts shaping the accounting profession such as the rollback of the 150-hour CPA requirement and how alternative pathways are already boosting the pipeline of new accounting graduates. They also dig into what AI is actually good for (and where it still fails without strong firm processes and human oversight), plus why private equity in accounting can create serious conflicts of interest, particularly for assurance-related work. About David Leary David Leary is the Co-Founder and COO of Earmark. He is an innovative and influential force in the small business accounting world with over 22 years of QuickBooks experience. Learn more about Earmark Connect with David on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Zoho! Zoho is a unique and powerful software suite to transform the way you work, designed for businesses of all sizes, built by a company that values your privacy. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast