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Unlocking Capital: How CPAs Can Lead the Small Business Lending Revolution

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By Blake Oliver & David Leary

As a CPA, have you ever watched helplessly as a promising small business client struggles to secure the capital they need to grow? You’re not alone. In today’s complex financial landscape, many entrepreneurs are trapped in a maze of loan applications, high interest rates, and opaque decision-making processes. But what if you could guide them through this labyrinth?

Enter Lendflow, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing the small business lending ecosystem. In a recent Earmark Expo webinar, Jon Fry, founder and CEO of Lendflow, unveiled how this innovative technology is changing the game for borrowers and opening up new horizons for CPAs.

Lendflow’s platform empowers accounting professionals to streamline small business lending. By offering efficient processes, enhanced security, and expanded revenue opportunities, it enables CPAs to provide clients with better access to capital. This isn’t just about facilitating loans; it’s about positioning yourself at the forefront of fintech innovation and adding significant value to your client relationships.

Get ready to discover how you can evolve your practice, better serve your clients, and play a pivotal role in their financial success. The future of small business lending is here, and CPAs are at its center.

Revolutionizing the Lending Process with Technology

At the heart of Lendflow’s innovation is its embedded lending infrastructure—a central hub that connects credit bureaus, lenders, banks, and factors. This interconnected network allows for a seamless flow of information, dramatically simplifying the loan application process.

This technology translates into a revolutionary experience for small businesses. Instead of submitting multiple applications to different lenders, businesses can now apply once through Lendflow. This single application is then matched with multiple lenders, increasing the chances of approval and often resulting in more competitive offers.

Consider a client who needs a line of credit to manage cash flow during seasonal fluctuations. With Lendflow, you can guide them through a single application process that connects them with multiple potential lenders. As Jon noted, “We have several options for instantaneous decisions where the client can see offers immediately.”

This unified, efficient process saves time and reduces frustration. No more juggling multiple applications or comparing disparate offers; Lendflow brings clarity and efficiency to what was once a chaotic process.

Empowering CPAs with Advanced Tools

Lendflow provides CPAs with powerful tools to enhance their advisory roles. Jon demonstrated how the dashboard offers a bird’s-eye view of all your clients’ deals, including their stages and progress. “You can click in to see available offers, review rates and terms, and help clients upload any necessary documents,” he explained. This visibility lets you proactively guide your clients, offering timely advice and ensuring all documentation is in order.

With robust customization and integration capabilities, you can tailor the lending experience to your practice and clients’ needs. You can create a custom lending marketplace, selecting which loan products to offer based on your clients’ requirements.

Integration is seamless. As Jon pointed out, “With one line of code, you can embed it anywhere.” This means you can easily incorporate Lendflow’s functionality into your existing website or client portal, providing clients with a smooth, branded experience.

Communication is key in any financial advisory role, and Lendflow includes integrated communication tools and notifications to ensure you’re always in the loop. Additionally, the platform prioritizes security and compliance. Lendflow undergoes annual SOC 2 compliance audits and regular penetration tests, ensuring your clients’ sensitive financial information is protected to the highest standards.

Expanding Revenue Opportunities

Enhancing client services is a significant benefit of Lendflow, but the platform also opens new revenue streams for CPAs. Jon explained, “You’ll be able to earn a percentage of the success of the program, and you’ll have full insights into what’s being earned.”

In practice, for every loan funded through your Lendflow platform, you’ll receive a portion of the origination fee. For example, if you help a client secure a $100,000 loan with a 2% origination fee, and your agreement with Lendflow allocates 20% of that fee to you, you’d earn $400. Over time and across multiple clients, this can add up significantly.

This model allows CPAs to monetize their role in the lending process without compromising their advisory integrity. As Jon emphasized, the incentive structure aligns with client interests. It’s not about pushing high-interest loans but about finding the best fit for each client’s needs.

Looking ahead, Lendflow has plans for expansion. “We’re seeing this being popular in a number of different industries,” Jon shared. This expansion into industry-specific solutions opens more opportunities for CPAs to specialize and add value.

Imagine offering tailored lending solutions for clients in construction or specialized financing options for tech startups. As Lendflow develops these niche offerings, CPAs can further position themselves as industry-specific financial experts.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Small Business Lending

Lendflow is transforming small business lending by streamlining the process, empowering CPAs with advanced tools, and opening new revenue streams. By embracing this platform, you can become an indispensable financial partner, helping clients secure capital quickly and efficiently.

This evolution allows you to offer more comprehensive services, from traditional accounting to sophisticated lending advisory, enhancing client relationships and boosting revenue. As the lending landscape changes, those who adopt innovative solutions like Lendflow will thrive.

Ready to lead the revolution in small business lending? Watch the Earmark Expo webinar to learn how Lendflow can transform your practice and empower your clients. Gain deeper insights into the platform’s capabilities and see firsthand how you can make a significant impact on your clients’ financial success.

How Modern Inventory Systems Help CPAs Unlock New Advisory Roles

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“I don’t deal with inventory clients.” If you’re a CPA, you’ve probably said or heard this before. The complexities of tracking materials, managing production processes, and maintaining accurate costs have long made manufacturing clients daunting to serve. But what if the very challenges that once deterred you could become your next big opportunity?

On a recent Earmark Expo, Kendrick Hair, Chief Evangelist at Fishbowl, showcased how accountants can help their manufacturing clients navigate their digital transformation while maintaining financial control and compliance. 

Traditional manufacturers are rapidly transitioning to omnichannel sales—selling through platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and even TikTok. Amidst this transformation, they face new hurdles in maintaining precise cost accounting and regulatory compliance. Modern inventory management systems like Fishbowl are bridging the gap between complex manufacturing processes and digital commerce, creating unprecedented advisory opportunities for CPAs. 

Understanding Modern Manufacturing Needs: From Complexity to Opportunity

Kendrick explains, “I talk to accountants all the time who say, ‘I don’t deal with inventory clients.’ The reason is they find it too difficult to handle. Inherently, inventory isn’t that hard; it’s all the moving pieces that make it complex.”

These “moving pieces” vary by industry:

  • Food and Beverage Manufacturers: Require lot codes, expiry dates, and recall reporting to meet FDA standards.
  • Healthcare Companies: Need serial number tracking and HIPAA compliance.
  • Government Contractors: Must track specialized labor costs for different task categories, with negotiated rates for tasks like welding and painting.

Understanding these industry-specific requirements for CPAs presents an opportunity to provide strategic guidance. Modern inventory systems can manage these complexities while maintaining precise financial reporting and compliance accounting records.

Enabling the Transition to Digital Commerce

The complexities of traditional manufacturing are now intersecting with new challenges as businesses expand into digital commerce. Kendrick notes, “What we’ve seen—and probably what all of you are seeing—is that folks aren’t just selling one way. Traditional manufacturers who for 20 years have done what they’ve done, now they’ve hung a shingle, and they’re selling on Shopify, Amazon, TikTok Shop—wherever and however they can promote their business.”

This shift creates new inventory management challenges. Consider a Fishbowl client who sells vintage Nike shoes. When a rare pair sells on eBay, it needs to disappear instantly from their Amazon listing to prevent double-selling. Real-time inventory management across multiple platforms requires sophisticated integration—something traditional manufacturing systems can’t handle.

Fishbowl addresses this through native integrations with major e-commerce platforms, enabling real-time inventory syncing across all sales channels. The system handles everything from order receipt to shipping label generation while maintaining the detailed tracking needed for regulatory compliance and cost accounting. Mobile integration for warehouse operations allows efficient picking and packing, ensuring accuracy across all channels.

Understanding these e-commerce capabilities is crucial for CPAs advising manufacturing clients. The transition to digital sales introduces new accounting considerations around revenue recognition, sales tax compliance, and inventory valuation across multiple platforms. Modern inventory systems like Fishbowl provide the control and visibility needed to maintain accurate financial reporting while enabling business growth.

Maintaining Financial Control and Compliance

As manufacturers expand into digital commerce, maintaining precise financial control becomes more critical and complex. This is particularly evident in how modern inventory systems integrate with accounting software like QuickBooks.

Consider a manufacturer of flight control systems for Cessna jets. Their bill of materials contains 37 levels, with each movement requiring tracking to a different asset account for bank reporting requirements. Traditional accounting software wasn’t built for this level of complexity, but modern inventory systems bridge this gap.

“We support more costing methods than QuickBooks does,” Kendrick explains. The system handles standard, average, LIFO, FIFO, and actual costing methods while maintaining detailed audit trails. This capability extends from primary distribution to complex manufacturing scenarios—even NASA’s Johnson Space Center uses Fishbowl to manage supplies heading to the International Space Station every 90 days.

This intersection of manufacturing complexity and financial control presents a strategic advisory opportunity for CPAs. While Fishbowl maintains the “inventory truth” and handles complex tracking requirements, it seamlessly posts appropriate journal entries to QuickBooks. This enables manufacturers to maintain the precise costing and compliance requirements of traditional manufacturing while embracing the speed and flexibility needed for digital commerce.

The Strategic Role of CPAs in Digital Transformation

The transformation of traditional manufacturers into omnichannel sellers represents both a challenge and an opportunity for CPAs. Modern inventory management systems are bridging the gap between complex manufacturing processes and digital commerce, enabling businesses to expand while maintaining the precise cost accounting and compliance capabilities that CPAs demand.

Understanding these systems is crucial for accountants looking to expand their advisory services. From NASA’s space station supply management to vintage shoe sellers managing real-time inventory across multiple platforms, the ability to handle traditional manufacturing complexity and modern e-commerce requirements opens new possibilities for strategic client service.

Watch the Webinar to Learn More

To see these capabilities in action and learn how you can help manufacturing clients navigate their digital transformation while maintaining financial control and compliance, watch the entire Earmark Expo.

The AI Revolution That Frees CPAs for High-Value Advisory Work

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Is your firm still spending 10–15 minutes assembling each tax return manually? What if you could reduce that time to 3 seconds while enhancing your client’s experience? Thanks to AI-powered tax practice solutions, this is now a reality.

AI transforms how CPAs manage document collection, processing, and client interactions. By automating routine tasks like document classification and assembly, these solutions eliminate traditional pain points such as forgotten portal passwords, manual document naming, and time-consuming organizer preparation. This allows firms to focus on higher-value advisory services without sacrificing efficiency.

In a recent Earmark Expo webinar, we showcased how AI reshapes tax practice management and creates opportunities for firms to elevate their service offerings.

The Current State of Tax Practice Management

Surprisingly, over 75% of accounting firms still mail paper organizers to clients. Even firms that utilize advanced technologies in other areas often rely on outdated document processes.

Steven Lyon from SafeSend, an award-winning tax automation solutions provider, shared an eye-opening experience: “I was with a firm in California doing demonstrations, and they said, ‘We fly a bunch of remote and seasonal employees out to the office for a week. We take over a conference room with papers all over the desk, and they form a line and just go down.’ I thought, ‘You’re using so much software at your fingertips, and this is how you’re still handling organizers?'”

Steven continues, “What we’re trying to fix is the disparate solutions for delivering items to clients and gathering items from clients. We want to provide a single solution that gives them the ability to upload, download, and interact all in one location.”

Modern AI-powered solutions like SafeSend One, SafeSend’s flagship tax automation product, integrate with major tax software platforms like Thomson Reuters UltraTax, Wolters Kluwer CCH Axcess, and Intuit. This seamless workflow reduces manual processing time from 10–15 minutes per return to just a few seconds. The efficiency gains free up capacity for higher-value services and allow firms to focus on strategic client advisory work.

AI-Powered Document Management

The traditional tax organizer faces a fundamental problem: less than 30% of clients complete them. The cumbersome process of filling out extensive forms and manually organizing documents contributes to this low completion rate.

SafeSend One is an example of how AI is revolutionizing this experience through intelligent automation that benefits both firms and clients. Rather than sending lengthy organizers, SafeSend One’s Next Gen Gather AI tool analyzes returns from previous years to generate customized document request lists automatically. “A lot of firms are moving away from the traditional organizer and moving towards asking specific questions and requesting specific source documents,” Steven notes. SafeSend One leverages AI to examine prior-year information and create a tailored request list, eliminating hours of manual preparation time.

The transformation is equally significant for clients. Instead of carefully naming and organizing each document, SafeSend One allows clients to simply drag and drop their entire tax document folder into the system. The AI automatically recognizes and categorizes each document, matching W-2s, 1099s, and other forms to the request list. SafeSend One provides real-time progress tracking, showing which documents have been submitted and what’s still missing. This automated categorization achieves a 36% completion tracking rate, helping firms identify missing documents and begin work on returns sooner.

By eliminating manual document management tasks, firms can redirect their professional staff toward providing strategic tax planning and advisory services that deliver greater client value.

Enhancing Client Experiences with AI

The common tax portal password problem exemplifies issues with traditional client interfaces. Steven says, “This is the biggest issue with portals—that one-time password. Clients end up calling the firm saying, ‘Hey, can you reset this?'”

Modern AI-powered solutions like SafeSend One are reimagining these pain points to create more intuitive client experiences. Instead of annual password resets, the platform uses smart authentication methods with a 97% success rate. Clients can review documents on any device through a mobile-friendly interface, and the system automatically places signature blocks. It also handles complex scenarios like joint returns through a single email, unlike traditional solutions that require separate emails for each signer.

SafeSend One introduces intelligent payment tracking and reminders. Automated voucher reminders ensure clients never miss a payment deadline, and when integrated with payment processors, the system can require payment before return access. For entities with K-1s, the system allows electronic distribution to all shareholders or partners with a single click. These automated features eliminate hours of follow-up work, freeing staff to engage in more meaningful client conversations.

SafeSend recently released its Client Portal feature within SafeSend One, a comprehensive taxpayer dashboard that further unifies the client experience by providing a single access point for all tax-related tasks and documents. This represents the future of client interaction—seamless, intuitive, and easy to use—where routine tasks are automated, and firms can focus on delivering high-value advisory services.

The Future of Tax Practice Management

The transformation of tax practice management through AI represents a fundamental shift in how firms serve clients. While the efficiency gains are remarkable—reducing return assembly from 15 minutes to 3 seconds—the true revolution lies in how these solutions free firms to focus on higher-value advisory services.

By automating routine tasks like document collection, return assembly, and payment tracking, SafeSend One creates capacity for strategic client relationships while improving client experience. The results speak for themselves: 97% authentication success rates, 36% document completion tracking, and hours of saved administrative time that can be redirected toward advisory services.

AI is not just a technological advancement; it’s a catalyst for redefining the role of tax professionals. By embracing AI-powered solutions, firms can transform from document processors into strategic advisors, offering clients greater value and positioning themselves for growth in an increasingly competitive market.

Watch the entire Earmark Expo webinar to see these revolutionary capabilities and learn how AI could transform your practice.

DataBlend: Revolutionizing Financial Data Integration

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Imagine cutting your data integration time by 80%, freeing you to focus on strategic financial analysis instead of manual data entry. For many CPAs, this seems too good to be true. The constant juggling of multiple systems, endless data entry, and troubleshooting integration tools has become a daily grind. But what if there’s a solution that could make this a reality?

Enter DataBlend, a game-changing ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tool revolutionizing financial data integration. As Eric Neilssen, Senior Account Executive at DataBlend, explained on a recent episode of the Unofficial Sage Intacct Podcast, “At the heart of what we’re doing is solving a friction point for customers and making life a little easier for the Office of Finance and Accounting.”

The Swiss Army Knife of Financial Data Integration

At its core, DataBlend is an ETL tool designed specifically for financial data. But calling it just an ETL tool is like calling a Swiss Army knife just a blade. DataBlend’s true power lies in its versatility and ability to connect virtually any system that houses financial data—a game-changer for CPAs juggling multiple platforms.

Eric explains their approach: “What expands on that value is our Swiss Army-like way of connecting to systems.” This flexibility is achieved through four main connection methods:

  1. API Connections: Pre-built standard connections to popular systems like Sage Intacct and Salesforce.
  2. Database Connector: For on-premise or cloud databases without API access.
  3. SFTP Connector: Ingests CSV or TXT files from systems that can export data in these formats.
  4. Custom Script Connection via API: Extends connectivity to any system with an open API.

This multi-faceted approach allows DataBlend to tackle complex integration challenges that typically require extensive custom development. Eric shares a compelling use case involving Stripe, Salesforce, and Sage Intacct:

“We have customers who use us to connect Stripe, Salesforce, and Sage Intacct. When a customer makes a donation or payment through Stripe, we take the revenue and send it to Salesforce. Then, the credit card fees are sent to Sage Intacct for revenue recognition.”

In this scenario, DataBlend doesn’t just move data from point A to point B. It intelligently routes different types of data to the appropriate systems, handling complex transformations along the way. For CPAs, this means no more manual data entry or reconciliation between systems—DataBlend handles it all automatically.

This level of sophistication allows businesses to choose the best systems for their needs without worrying about integration limitations. Eric says, “You shouldn’t have to make that choice based on connectivity. You should make that choice based on what’s best for your business, and let us come in and help make those connections.”

DataBlend’s versatility doesn’t come at the cost of usability. Its low-code approach means CPAs and financial professionals can set up and manage integrations without extensive IT knowledge. This combination of power and ease of use has fueled DataBlend’s rapid growth.

Data Flows: The Power of Sage Partnership

DataBlend’s revolutionary approach reaches new heights through its strategic partnership with Sage. This collaboration has given birth to Data Flows, a powerful solution that brings DataBlend’s capabilities directly into the Sage ecosystem, offering CPAs a streamlined path to data integration.

Eric explains, “Data Flows, in the simplest terms, is DataBlend available on Sage paper.” For CPAs and finance professionals, this means seamless integration between Sage Intacct and other systems, all under one contract and backed by a trusted name in accounting software.

A single Data Flow allows for the connection between Sage Intacct and one other system, enabling the movement of three workflows or objects—such as customers, vendors, or invoices—between the two systems. This translates to significant time savings and reduced risk of errors. For example, customer data entered into a CRM system can automatically flow into Sage Intacct, eliminating double entry and ensuring data consistency.

The benefits extend beyond technical integration. Eric points out, “One of the benefits of coming to the table as a product that has this ISV relationship with Sage Intacct and being on Sage Intacct paper is the customer doesn’t look at you as much as a third party. They look at DataBlend as a Sage-backed integration tool that Sage has confidence is going to improve the value of what the customer is getting out of Sage Intacct.”

This increased confidence and ease of adoption have been game-changers for many finance teams. The Data Flows solution empowers Sage account executives and VARs (Value Added Resellers) to have more effective conversations with their customers about integration, removing much of the friction that integration can bring into evaluating and implementing new software.

Low-Code, Low-Maintenance: A New Paradigm in Integration

Traditional data integration often involves complex coding, expensive solutions, and ongoing maintenance headaches. DataBlend changes this with a low-code, low-maintenance approach tailored for CPAs and finance professionals.

Eric contrasts DataBlend’s approach with traditional methods: “Traditionally, you need someone to build the integration and then maintain it. It’s common for it to break, which is costly because you need to keep hours available for someone to fix it.”

DataBlend’s solution is a user-friendly platform that doesn’t require extensive coding knowledge. CPAs can manage their data integration without heavy reliance on IT resources, freeing up time for strategic analysis.

The benefits extend beyond setup. DataBlend’s subscription includes ongoing maintenance. “As long as you’re paying the subscription, we’re maintaining those connections for you,” Eric says. This means no unexpected downtime due to API changes or system updates.

This approach saves time and reduces frustration for CPAs. Instead of troubleshooting integration issues, finance professionals can focus on analyzing trends, identifying opportunities, and providing strategic advice.

DataBlend continually evolves based on user feedback and common use cases. Eric explains, “We release wizards and templates for common workflows, creating streamlined implementation methods.”

By embracing DataBlend’s approach, CPAs can shift from number-crunchers to strategic advisors, focusing on high-value activities that drive business growth and client satisfaction.

Embracing the Future of Financial Data Integration

DataBlend is revolutionizing financial data integration through its versatile ETL tool, strategic partnership with Sage, and innovative low-code approach. By automating and simplifying data integration, DataBlend frees CPAs to focus on analyzing data, identifying trends, and providing strategic insights.

For CPAs aiming to stay competitive, embracing tools like DataBlend is crucial. These advanced integration capabilities can position you at the forefront of the data-driven business revolution.

Ready to Transform Your Practice?
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear directly from the innovators behind DataBlend. Tune in to the full conversation with Eric Neilssen on the Unofficial Sage Intacct Podcast. You’ll gain invaluable insights into DataBlend’s groundbreaking approach, hear real-world success stories, and glimpse the future of financial data management.

From CPA to EV Pioneer: One CFO’s Journey into Tech Entrepreneurship

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Imagine transforming your CPA skills into the driving force behind a tech startup revolutionizing electric vehicle charging—that’s exactly what Guzel Lumpkin did with EVLUV.

In a recent episode of AI: Accounting Intelligence—the podcast for forward-thinking finance professionals navigating the AI revolution—Lumpkin shared how she leveraged her financial expertise to launch an entrepreneurial venture in the burgeoning electric vehicle industry.

Lumpkin’s story is more than a career pivot; it’s a testament to a broader trend where financial acumen meets technological innovation, creating golden opportunities for accounting professionals to transition into entrepreneurship.

Leveraging Big Four Experience for Tech Entrepreneurship

Lumpkin’s journey into tech entrepreneurship began in the intense learning environment of Deloitte. “It felt like I was getting three years of knowledge in one year. It was just so fun,” she recalls. This Big Four experience became the bedrock of her future success in the startup world.

The transition from Deloitte to tech companies like Mindbody and Procore wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was an opportunity to apply her accounting skills in a new way. Lumpkin explains, “I was hired to build the accounting and finance team for a software called Mindbody back in the day.” Shifting from auditing to operational leadership became a key step in her entrepreneurial journey.

The skills she honed at Deloitte—rigorous analysis, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of financial structures—were useful tools at scaling tech companies. From managing IPOs to navigating the complexities of high-growth environments, her finance background proved invaluable.

“I think at that time Deloitte, or Big Four in general, was looked at like if you want to have a career in accounting or finance, it serves as that springboard for your career,” Lumpkin says. As AI and automation reshape the accounting landscape, this outlook hasn’t changed. In fact, the ability to apply financial acumen to emerging technologies is increasingly crucial.

For finance professionals eyeing the tech world, Lumpkin’s path demonstrates that a background in traditional accounting isn’t just relevant—it’s a potential superpower in the startup ecosystem. It’s an example of how the intersection of financial expertise and technological innovation can lead to entrepreneurial success.

Spotting Market Opportunities: How EVLUV Was Born

Finance professionals are trained to spot inconsistencies and inefficiencies—skills that translate powerfully into identifying market gaps and business opportunities. Lumpkin’s journey to founding EVLUV exemplifies how financial acumen can fuel entrepreneurial vision.

The spark for EVLUV ignited from Lumpkin’s personal frustrations with electric vehicle charging at Procore. “When I bought my first electric vehicle, finding parking at the charging station was easier than finding regular parking on that campus,” she recalls. “But very quickly we started having 10, 20, 30, 40 EVs on campus.” This rapid adoption created a new problem: access to chargers became unpredictable and inefficient.

Her financial background kicked in, enabling her to analyze the problem beyond personal inconvenience. She saw a market inefficiency—a highly desirable asset with poor utilization and user experience. Drawing a parallel to the restaurant industry, she explains, “OpenTable solved this problem a long time ago. ‘How do I get people’s butts in seats at high peak demand times efficiently and effectively?’”

This analogy sparked her business idea: “I want to build OpenTable for electric vehicle charging because as the number of EVs increase, access to the chargers will become more and more dire and constrained.” Lumpkin’s financial training allowed her not just to identify the problem but to assess its market potential and viability as a business opportunity.

The beginning of EVLUV illustrates a growing trend: finance professionals leveraging their analytical skills to drive innovation in tech sectors. By bridging financial expertise with technological solutions, they’re uniquely positioned to identify and solve complex, real-world problems—a valuable asset in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Overcoming Startup Challenges with Financial Expertise

The leap from CFO to startup founder is not for the faint of heart, but as Lumpkin’s journey demonstrates, it can be a natural evolution for finance professionals in today’s innovation-driven landscape.

“On different days, different skills apply,” she says, highlighting the versatility demanded in startup leadership. Her CFO toolkit—from financial modeling and risk assessment to strategic planning—proved invaluable in tackling the multifaceted challenges of founding EVLUV.

One of the primary hurdles she faced was creating a profitable business model in the nascent EV charging industry, where current utilization rates are low and payback periods are long. Her approach leverages financial acumen to address this: “Our model is to increase utilization by providing that effortless, seamless experience.” This strategy shows how financial expertise can shape innovative solutions to complex market dynamics.

Lumpkin’s experience in analyzing data and market trends also helps balance the needs of both sides of the EVLUV marketplace—drivers and charging station hosts. “Both sides have to happen and meet and be happy in order for EV adoption to take place,” she explains, demonstrating how financial thinking can drive holistic business strategies.

For finance professionals eyeing entrepreneurship, she emphasizes the importance of passion and conviction: “Without knowing your why, it’s very hard for anybody to start an entrepreneurship journey.” This advice acknowledges that while financial expertise provides a solid foundation, successful entrepreneurship in the AI era also requires adaptability and a deep commitment to innovation.

Embracing the Future: Finance Professionals as Innovators

Lumpkin’s journey from Big Four accountant to EV charging innovator highlights the opportunity at the intersection of financial expertise and technological innovation. Here are three key takeaways for accountants who want to pursue entrepreneurship:

  1. The value of rigorous financial training
  2. The power of applying analytical skills to real-world problems
  3. The critical role of adaptability in entrepreneurial success

As AI and automation reshape the accounting industry, professionals with a strong foundation in finance are uniquely positioned to drive innovation. Their analytical abilities, combined with a deep understanding of business operations, provides a powerful toolkit for navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship in emerging tech sectors.

For CPAs, CFOs, and aspiring finance leaders tuned into the AI revolution, Lumpkin’s story could provide a roadmap. She demonstrates how accountants can leverage their skills to identify market gaps, develop innovative solutions, and build successful tech-driven businesses.

Ready to explore how you can harness your financial expertise to lead in the AI-driven future? Listen to the full episode of AI: Accounting Intelligence to gain deeper insights from Lumpkin’s journey. Discover practical strategies for transitioning from finance to entrepreneurship and understand the unique advantages your financial background offers in the tech startup ecosystem. Don’t just adapt to the future of finance—shape it.