Blake and David discuss a wealth of timely topics, including the risks of filing taxes electronically versus by mail, the impact of the 150-hour rule on diversity in the accounting profession, and how major accounting firms are turning to private equity funding to accelerate growth. They also explore news from the artificial intelligence space, including Google's unveiling of Gemini, as well as ADP's new AI assistant, and examine how deepfake video calls enabled the theft of $25 million.SponsorsRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relayFreshBooks - http://accountingpodcast.promo/freshbooksAirbase - http://accountingpodcast.promo/airbaseChapters(00:29) - Welcome to the show

(03:24) - Finance worker pays $25 million after video call with a deep fake of company CFO

(08:54) - Is QuickBook taking tax accountants' jobs?

(16:23) - Three AI accounting startups raise money funding round

(25:14) - Baker Tilly is now private-equity-owned

(27:32) - How much do the Big 4 spend on lobbying?

(31:52) - The Wall Street Journal's terrible opinion piece of E-filing

(38:25) - 13 states are suing the IRS for direct file system

(40:15) - MIT study on effects of 150-hour rule

(46:28) - Dual licensed CPAs and CMAs earn almost $40k more per year

(49:17) - Google releases Gemini and is retiring BARD

(53:33) - ADP launches ADP Assist

(56:48) - Gemini also now does AI art

(59:25) - Thanks for listening and please fill out our survey
 Show NotesFinance Employee Defrauded for $25M by Deepfake CFODual Certifications Mean Big Bucks for Accountants - CPA Practice AdvisorBaker Tilly US gets PE investment | Accounting TodayBig Four Lobby Congress on Accounting Pipeline, AI, CryptoBeware of E-Filing Your Tax ReturnQuickBooks Live Tax Update: Understanding QuickBooks customers use of tax prep servicesAccounting software startup Pennylane becomes France’s latest unicorn | TechCrunchGoogle’s Gemini is now in everything. Here’s how you can try it out.Accounting body tells members to make annual pledge to be ethical    Platform Accounting Group gets $85M funding round   Finally, now with $10M, adds AI for better insight into small business accounting    AI Will Be Doing More Accounting If Startup Investors Have Their Way    ADP launches ADP Assist genAI assistant    Republican attorneys general denounce IRS free file pilot as rival to products like TurboTax    Higher tax filing costs could take a bite out of your refund    DataSnipper, startup that uses AI to eliminate some of the ‘dread’ in accounting, is valued at $1 billion in latest funding round    Platform Accounting Group Secures $85 million in Funding Led by Cynosure Group    Finally Raises $10 Million to Expand Small Business Automation Solutions    Finally, the AI-Powered Accounting & Finance Suite, Closes $10M Raise to Propel SMB Growth Forward    France gains a new unicorn as Pennylane raises €40m    QuickBooks Live Tax Update     Beware of E-Filing Your Tax Return    DataSnipper Raises $100M at $1B Valuation to Empower Auditors with AI    Big Four Lobby Congress on Accounting Pipeline, AI, Crypto    Finance worker pays out $25 million after video call with deepfake ‘chief financial officer’    I'm an Accountant and Here's Why I'd Never File My Taxes Online — Best Life Listener SurveyPlease take our listener survey: https://accounting.show/surveyNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver ...