Accounting Speakers

Not every accountant is a speaker, and not every speaker can decode accounting. So what exactly is an accounting speaker?

An accounting speaker is a professional who specializes in communicating financial and accounting concepts to an audience in a clear, engaging, and often strategic way. They might be CPAs, CFOs, financial educators, or consultants - but what sets them apart is their ability to translate complex financial topics into actionable insights.

These speakers typically present at conferences, webinars, podcasts, or virtual summits. Their topics range from tax planning and budgeting to accounting software, compliance, and financial forecasting. Some focus on niche industries like real estate, SaaS, or nonprofits, while others cover broader themes like financial literacy or business growth through better accounting.

Unlike a traditional accountant who works behind the scenes, an accounting speaker steps into the spotlight to educate, motivate, and sometimes challenge their audience. They use storytelling, data, and real-world examples to make their points stick. Think of someone like Jody Padar, the 'Radical CPA', who speaks about modernizing accounting practices for the digital age.

In short, an accounting speaker is a communicator first and a technician second - someone who knows the numbers but also knows how to make them matter to the people listening.

If you've ever zoned out during a financial presentation, you already know the answer: delivery matters. A good accounting speaker doesn't just share information - they make it usable.

Accounting speakers are crucial because they bridge the gap between financial data and decision-making. For small business owners, understanding cash flow can mean the difference between scaling and stalling. For nonprofit leaders, it can mean keeping the lights on. And for startup founders, it can mean knowing when to raise capital - and how much.

In global contexts, accounting speakers help demystify regional tax laws, compliance issues, and cross-border financial strategies. For example, a speaker in Australia might explain GST nuances to a U.S. audience expanding into APAC. That kind of clarity can save companies thousands.

They also play a key role in financial literacy. In underserved communities or emerging markets, accounting speakers often lead workshops or webinars that empower people to manage personal and business finances more effectively. That's not just education - that's economic empowerment.

So whether it's a corporate CFO explaining ESG reporting or a solopreneur breaking down QuickBooks, accounting speakers help people make smarter, more confident financial choices. And that's something every audience can benefit from.

Accounting speakers wear a unique combination of hats - educator, strategist, communicator, and sometimes even entertainer. Here's what they actually do, across different formats and audiences:

- Deliver Keynotes and Workshops. They speak at industry conferences, virtual summits, and corporate events, covering topics like tax planning, financial forecasting, or accounting automation.

- Educate Non-Financial Audiences. Many accounting speakers specialize in breaking down complex topics for people without a finance background - like startup founders, creatives, or nonprofit leaders.

- Tailor Content to Specific Industries. Whether it's construction accounting, e-commerce inventory management, or SaaS revenue recognition, they adapt their message to the audience's world.

- Advocate for Financial Literacy. Some speakers focus on underserved communities, teaching basic budgeting, credit management, or small business accounting to empower financial independence.

- Create Content Beyond the Stage. Many accounting speakers also write books, host podcasts, or run YouTube channels. Their influence often extends well beyond live events.

- Consult or Coach. Some offer follow-up services like 1:1 consulting, group coaching, or online courses to deepen the impact of their talks.

In essence, accounting speakers don't just talk about numbers - they help people understand, apply, and benefit from them. Whether they're speaking to a room of CFOs or a Zoom of Etsy sellers, their goal is the same: financial clarity that drives action.

Ready to step onto the stage as an accounting speaker? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you build credibility, land speaking gigs, and grow your influence in the accounting world.

1. Define Your Niche
- Are you a tax expert? A forensic accountant? A startup CFO? Get specific.
- Tip: The more niche your expertise, the easier it is to stand out.

2. Build Your Signature Talk
- Create a compelling presentation around your area of expertise.
- Include case studies, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways.
- Pro tip: Use storytelling to make complex accounting topics relatable.

3. Create a Speaker Page
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile.
- Include your bio, topics you speak on, past appearances, and a speaker reel.
- Make it easy for event organizers to find and book you.

4. Start Small, Then Scale
- Begin with local meetups, webinars, or industry panels.
- Record every talk. These clips will help you land bigger gigs.
- Reach out to podcast hosts or virtual summit organizers via Talks.co to get featured.

5. Network with Event Hosts and Other Speakers
- Join accounting associations, LinkedIn groups, or speaker communities.
- Attend events not just to speak, but to connect.
- Bonus: Offer to guest host or moderate panels to build visibility.

6. Collect Testimonials and Feedback
- After each talk, ask for a testimonial.
- Use this social proof on your speaker page and outreach emails.

7. Pitch Yourself Strategically
- Research conferences, webinars, and corporate training events.
- Tailor your pitch to show how your talk solves a specific problem for their audience.

Becoming an accounting speaker is about more than just knowing numbers. It's about communicating them in a way that educates, inspires, and drives action. Start small, stay consistent, and use platforms like Talks.co to amplify your reach.

To be an accounting speaker, you need more than just a CPA license or a few years in finance. You need a blend of subject matter expertise, communication skills, and strategic positioning. Let's break it down:

1. Deep Accounting Knowledge
Whether you're focused on tax law, auditing, financial reporting, or accounting tech, you need to be an authority in your niche. This doesn't always mean decades of experience, but it does mean you can speak confidently and clearly about your topic.

2. Strong Communication Skills
You might be brilliant with spreadsheets, but can you explain EBITDA to a room full of non-finance professionals? Great accounting speakers know how to simplify complex topics, use analogies, and keep audiences engaged. Public speaking training or Toastmasters can help sharpen this skill.

3. A Clear Personal Brand
Your brand should answer: What makes your perspective unique? Maybe you're a CFO who scaled a startup to IPO, or a forensic accountant who's worked on fraud cases. Highlight this on your speaker page (like those on Talks.co) to attract the right gigs.

4. A Speaker Platform
You'll need a speaker page that includes:
- A professional bio
- Topics you speak on
- A short video reel
- Testimonials or past appearances
Platforms like Talks.co make this easy and help connect you with event organizers.

5. Industry Connections
Relationships matter. Connect with podcast hosts, webinar producers, and event planners. Engage on LinkedIn, attend virtual summits, and offer to guest speak. The more visible you are, the more opportunities come your way.

Being an accounting speaker is about translating numbers into narratives. If you can do that, you're already halfway there.

Yes, accounting speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors like experience, audience size, topic relevance, and the type of event. Here's a breakdown:
1. Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
- Paid: Corporate events, industry conferences, and sponsored webinars often pay speakers.
- Unpaid: Local meetups, podcasts, or early-stage virtual summits may not offer payment but can provide exposure.
2. What Influences Payment?
- Experience: A CPA with 20 years in forensic accounting will likely command more than a new graduate.
- Niche: Specialized topics like crypto accounting or ESG reporting are in higher demand.
- Audience Size: Speaking to 10,000 CFOs at a global summit? Expect a higher fee than a local chamber event.
3. Data Snapshot

Speaker Type	Typical Fee Range
New Accounting Speaker	$0 - $500
Mid-Level Expert	$500 - $3,000
High-Demand Specialist	$3,000 - $10,000+

4. Other Forms of Compensation
- Travel and lodging
- Access to high-value networking
- Leads for consulting or training gigs
So yes, accounting speakers get paid, especially when they bring unique insights or solve pressing problems for their audience. But early on, it's common to mix paid and unpaid gigs to build your brand and portfolio.

Accounting speakers generate income in several ways, and it's not just from keynote fees. Here's a breakdown of the most common revenue streams:

1. Speaking Fees
This is the most direct method. Fees vary based on experience, topic, and event type. Corporate training sessions and industry conferences tend to pay the most.

2. Consulting and Advisory Work
Many accounting speakers use their talks to attract consulting clients. For example, a speaker on international tax compliance might land a contract with a multinational firm after a conference presentation.

3. Online Courses and Webinars
Speakers often turn their expertise into digital products. Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi allow them to monetize their knowledge at scale. Talks.co also helps speakers get discovered for virtual summits and webinars.

4. Books and Publications
Publishing a book on accounting strategy or tax planning can boost credibility and generate royalties. It also opens doors to higher-paying speaking gigs.

5. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
If you're speaking at webinars or podcasts, you can partner with accounting software companies or fintech platforms to earn affiliate income or sponsorship deals.

6. Membership Communities or Masterminds
Some speakers create paid communities for accountants or finance professionals. These can include monthly Q&A calls, templates, and exclusive content.

In short, accounting speakers often treat speaking as a lead generator rather than the end product. The real money often comes from what happens after the talk.

The income of accounting speakers varies widely depending on their niche, experience, and how diversified their revenue streams are. Let's look at the numbers:
Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $1,000 per talk.
- Often speak for free at local events or webinars to build experience.
- May earn through indirect opportunities like consulting leads.
Mid-Tier Speakers
- Earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per engagement.
- Likely have a speaker page (e.g., on Talks.co), a few media appearances, and a defined niche.
- Supplement income with online courses or part-time consulting.
Top-Tier Accounting Speakers
- Can command $5,000 to $20,000+ per keynote.
- Often have published books, a strong online presence, and global recognition.
- May earn six figures annually when combining speaking, consulting, and digital products.
Annual Income Ranges

Speaker Level	Estimated Annual Income
Beginner	$0 - $10,000
Intermediate	$10,000 - $75,000
Advanced	$75,000 - $250,000+

Factors That Impact Earnings
- Topic relevance (e.g., crypto accounting is hot right now)
- Geographic reach (global speakers earn more)
- Marketing (those on platforms like Talks.co get more visibility)
So while some accounting speakers treat it as a side hustle, others build full-time careers with multiple income streams. The ceiling is high if you play it smart.

Hiring an accounting speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several key factors. Here's a breakdown to help organizers budget effectively:

1. Type of Event
- Local Workshops: $500 - $1,500
- Corporate Trainings: $2,000 - $7,500
- Industry Conferences: $5,000 - $20,000+
- Virtual Summits: Often lower, ranging from $250 to $5,000 depending on reach

2. Speaker Profile
- New or Emerging Speakers: Typically under $1,000. Great for smaller events or niche audiences.
- Established Experts: $2,000 - $10,000. These speakers often have books, media appearances, or a Talks.co profile.
- Celebrity-Level Speakers: $15,000 - $50,000+. Think former CFOs of major firms or bestselling authors.

3. Additional Costs
- Travel and accommodation (if in-person)
- AV setup or tech support for virtual events
- Custom content development (some speakers charge extra for tailoring)

4. Value Considerations
- Are they bringing in leads, media coverage, or credibility?
- Will they promote your event to their audience?
- Do they offer follow-up workshops or consulting?

In short, the cost of an accounting speaker reflects their experience, the value they bring, and the context of the event. Platforms like Talks.co can help you compare speaker profiles and pricing to find the right fit.

Tom Hood: Former CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs, Tom is known for his forward-thinking talks on the future of accounting and leadership in finance. He's a regular at AICPA events and has influenced thousands of professionals.

Gail Perry: Editor-in-Chief of CPA Practice Advisor and a dynamic speaker on tax strategy and accounting tech. Her sessions are packed with practical insights and humor.

Rick Telberg: Founder of CPA Trendlines, Rick is a data-driven speaker who focuses on industry trends, firm growth, and practice management.

Mark Koziel: Former Executive VP at AICPA, now CEO of Allinial Global. Known for his strategic insights into firm management and global accounting trends.

Jody Padar: Often called 'The Radical CPA', Jody is a trailblazer in cloud accounting and modern firm practices. Her talks challenge traditional thinking and inspire innovation.

Ed Mendlowitz: A veteran CPA and prolific author, Ed has spoken extensively on practice management, succession planning, and client service.

Ron Baker: Co-founder of VeraSage Institute, Ron is a thought leader on value pricing and the future of the profession. His talks are intellectually challenging and deeply impactful.

Tom Hood (USA): A global voice in accounting innovation, Tom speaks on leadership, technology, and the evolving role of CPAs.

Jody Padar (USA) - Her 'Radical CPA' brand has made waves internationally. She's spoken at events in Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Ron Baker (USA) - Known for his global influence on value pricing, Ron's ideas are taught in accounting firms from Singapore to South Africa.

Samantha Louis (South Africa) - Former CEO of ACCA South Africa, Samantha is a compelling speaker on ethics, governance, and the African accounting landscape.

Andrew Van Der Beek (Australia) - Founder of Illumin8, Andrew brings humor and creativity to accounting talks. He's a favorite at XeroCon and other fintech events.

Mark Koziel (USA) - Now leading Allinial Global, Mark speaks to international audiences on firm strategy and global accounting trends.

Gail Perry (USA) - With a global readership and speaking presence, Gail brings practical tax and tech insights to audiences worldwide.

Jason Blumer (USA) - Known for his work with creative firms, Jason speaks globally on firm culture, pricing, and innovation.

Alan FitzGerald (Australia) - A tech-focused accounting speaker, Alan is known for his sharp insights into practice management software and automation.

Carla Tanas (Canada) - A rising voice in ESG accounting and sustainability reporting, Carla speaks at global forums on the intersection of finance and impact.

Myth 1: Accounting speakers are boring number-crunchers.

This one pops up a lot, especially from people outside the finance world. The assumption is that if you're talking about accounting, you're automatically dry and monotone. But take a look at speakers like Tom Hood or Geni Whitehouse. They're dynamic, engaging, and often funny. They use storytelling, visuals, and real-world examples to make complex topics relatable. Accounting speakers today often blend technical expertise with communication skills that rival TED Talk veterans.

Myth 2: You need to be a CPA to be an accounting speaker.

Not true. While having a CPA can add credibility, it's not a requirement. Many successful accounting speakers come from backgrounds in finance, business strategy, or even tech. What matters more is your ability to connect with your audience and offer insights they can act on. For example, someone with a strong background in financial software implementation might speak at accounting conferences without ever having sat for the CPA exam.

Myth 3: Accounting speakers only speak at finance or CPA events.

This is a narrow view of the field. Accounting speakers are increasingly featured in broader business events, tech summits, and even entrepreneurial retreats. Why? Because financial literacy is relevant across industries. Whether it's a startup founder learning about cash flow or a nonprofit director trying to understand compliance, accounting speakers bring value far beyond traditional venues.

Myth 4: They just repeat IRS updates or tax code changes.

Sure, some talks cover regulatory updates, but the best accounting speakers go way beyond that. They talk about automation, the future of finance teams, ethical dilemmas, and how to build financially resilient organizations. Think of someone like Jason Blumer, who speaks about the future of accounting firms and how to build creative, people-first practices.

Myth 5: You have to be a full-time speaker to succeed.

Many accounting speakers start by doing a few gigs a year while running their own firm or working in corporate. Speaking can be a side door into consulting, course creation, or thought leadership. It's not all-or-nothing. You can build your presence gradually, and still make an impact.

When you think of successful accounting speakers, you might imagine someone with a polished PowerPoint and a monotone delivery. But the real stories? They're far more interesting.

Take Geni Whitehouse. She started as a CPA but realized her real strength was translating accounting jargon into plain English. She began speaking at small business events, then expanded to national conferences. Her talks are known for humor and clarity, and she even authored a book called 'How to Make a Boring Subject Interesting'. Her niche? Making accountants better communicators.

Then there's Mark Wickersham, a UK-based speaker who carved out a space around pricing strategies for accountants. He didn't just talk about numbers-he talked about value. His sessions often include live pricing exercises and audience participation. What started as a few workshops turned into a global speaking career and a thriving online academy.

In Australia, Lielette Calleja built her reputation by speaking on cloud accounting and digital transformation. She focused on small business owners and bookkeepers, helping them navigate tech adoption. Her talks led to consulting gigs, partnerships with software companies, and a growing online following.

And let's not forget Ron Baker. He's one of the most influential voices in the accounting world, known for challenging the billable hour model. His speaking career took off because he wasn't afraid to question industry norms. He combined deep expertise with bold ideas, and that made him a sought-after keynote speaker.

Each of these speakers started with a specific message and a clear audience. They didn't try to be everything to everyone. Instead, they leaned into their strengths, shared their insights generously, and built careers that extended far beyond the podium.

The landscape for accounting speakers is shifting in some pretty interesting ways. If you're thinking about stepping into this space, or you're already in it and wondering what's next, here are a few trends to keep an eye on.

First, there's a growing demand for hybrid expertise. Audiences aren't just looking for someone who understands accounting-they want someone who can connect it to tech, leadership, or even mental health. For example, talks that combine financial literacy with entrepreneurial mindset are gaining traction at startup events and online summits.

Second, virtual stages are sticking around. While in-person events are back, many conferences are keeping a virtual component. That means accounting speakers need to be just as comfortable on Zoom as they are on stage. The ability to engage a remote audience-through polls, breakout rooms, or interactive visuals-is becoming a core skill.

Third, personalization is becoming the norm. Event organizers want speakers who can tailor their message to specific industries or roles. A talk for SaaS founders will look different than one for nonprofit CFOs. The more niche your message, the more valuable you become.

Here are a few emerging trends to watch:

- AI and automation in accounting. Speakers who can demystify these tools and show practical use cases will be in high demand.
- Financial storytelling. Turning data into narratives is a skill more speakers are developing, especially for executive audiences.
- ESG and sustainability reporting. As regulations tighten, companies need guidance. Accounting speakers with expertise here will find new opportunities.
- Diversity and inclusion in finance. Talks that address representation and equity in accounting are gaining visibility.

The bottom line: the role of the accounting speaker is expanding. It's no longer just about compliance or tax updates. It's about helping people make smarter decisions with their money, their teams, and their tools.

- Talks.co. This platform matches speakers with podcast hosts and virtual events. It's a great way to get early exposure and build your speaking resume. Tip: Create a compelling profile with a short video intro to stand out.

- SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list your speaking topics, past gigs, and availability. It's especially useful for accounting speakers looking to get booked for corporate workshops or webinars.

- Slidebean. If design isn't your thing, this tool helps you create professional-looking decks fast. Use it to build presentations that are clean, visual, and audience-friendly. Bonus: It has templates tailored for financial topics.

- Zoom Events. More than just webinars, Zoom Events lets you host multi-session virtual conferences. If you're building your own platform as a speaker, this is a solid tool to run your own summits or workshops.

- Prezi. Want to break out of the PowerPoint mold? Prezi's dynamic layouts are great for storytelling, especially when explaining complex accounting concepts in a more engaging way.

- Toastmasters International. A classic, but still relevant. Toastmasters clubs help you refine your delivery, get feedback, and practice in a low-pressure environment. Many accounting speakers use it to sharpen their stage presence.

- LinkedIn Events. Hosting your own mini-webinars or live Q&As on LinkedIn can help you build an audience and demonstrate thought leadership. Tip: Promote your event with a short teaser video to increase signups.

- Canva. For those who want to DIY their speaker one-sheet, social media graphics, or event promos. Canva's templates make it easy to look polished without hiring a designer.

Each of these tools can help you level up your visibility, delivery, or audience engagement. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your speaking career, pick two or three to focus on and build from there.