The Software That Transformed My Firm & My Life

Celebrating 25 Years of PayCycle

PayCycle (payroll software) launched 25 years ago and it changed everything for me. Last week, I was invited to celebrate their anniversary in San Francisco, and I couldn’t say no. This software was so much more than payroll. It was the foundation for a new way of working that would transform my firm, my life, and eventually, the accounting industry. Looking back, PayCycle didn’t just give me tools; it sparked a vision that led to something groundbreaking — the cloud firm.

From Customer to Superfan

I became “the face of PayCycle” about 18 years ago. Not because I was just any user — I was their biggest fan. This payroll solution streamlined operations and introduced me to cloud-based work before we even called it “the cloud.” PayCycle showed me that technology could empower CPAs to serve clients from anywhere, streamline workflows and reimagine what accounting could be. I could transfer work to my customer and still get paid.  In fact, it was the very beginning of “payroll advisory.” 

This wasn’t just a new tool; it was a mindset shift. And it would become the foundation for what we now call the cloud firm. It was a flexible, tech-enabled model focused on real-time, client-centered service.

Becoming a Champion for Change

PayCycle connected me with people who saw potential in my journey…

• Julie, one of PayCycle’s early champions, recognized my enthusiasm and helped me become an early “influencer” before the term even existed. 

• Jay introduced me to this new platform called Twitter, where I began sharing my ideas and insights. 

These connections allowed me to advocate for change and inspire others to embrace cloud technology long before it was mainstream. 

Through social media, I discovered the power of community and conversation. These tools would amplify the Radical CPA movement and ultimately help define the cloud firm. I learned that technology and social media are powerful accelerators for change, helping CPAs see the benefits of innovation and embrace it in their firms.

Inspiring the Future of Advisory

As the cloud firm took off, it reshaped how we thought about CPA work. Suddenly, we faced a new frontier: reimagining the advisory firm of the future. To shift from compliance-based services to true advisory, CPAs must embrace emerging tools like AI, automation and data analytics to provide deeper insights and proactive strategies for clients. 

Just as I had to “invent” a cloud firm years ago because there wasn’t one to base my practice on, CPAs now have the opportunity to lead with technology once again. We have a chance to build advisory firms that are not only tech-driven but are also focused on growing alongside our clients. We get to redefine the profession all over again.

A Grateful Full-Circle Moment

Standing at the anniversary celebration surrounded by the PayCycle team, I felt immense gratitude. PayCycle was more than software to me. It was the catalyst for my journey as The Radical CPA. It was the start of a movement toward innovation in accounting. 

To René, Julie, Jay and the entire PayCycle team, thank you for believing in a CPA from the Midwest and inspiring me to think big. Here’s to the next 25 years — to the future of advisory and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in our field!