“Coaching isn’t about fixing people—it’s about helping them unlock their full potential.”
Sponsored by
Holistic Guide to Wealth Retention, by Rory Henry
See Today’s Special Offer
Click to subscribe anywhere: Apple, Google/Youtube, Spotify, iHeart, Deezer, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, Audacy, Gaana (India), Boomplay (Africa), or RSS.
Accounting ARC
With Donny Shimamoto
Center for Accounting Transformation
For many accountants, career progression follows a predictable path—graduate, gain experience, and work toward a leadership role. However, as the industry transforms, many CPAs find themselves seeking something beyond technical expertise: personal growth, leadership skills, and work-life integration.
That’s where Doug Slaybaugh, CPA (a.k.a., the CPA Coach), comes in.
MORE Accounting ARC: Demystifying Accounting Governance | Top 10 Red Flags to Watch for in Accounting Offices | Jeremy Dubow: Private Equity as a Catalyst for Growth | Break the Burnout Cycle in Accounting | Accounting in Transition: 2024 Reflections & the Road Ahead | Ron Baker: Visions for the Accounting Profession | Angie Grissom: Next Gen Inspo for Accountants | Does Accounting Belong in STEM? | Rose Wang: Where Numbers Meet Strategy and Creativity | TikTok Fraud Exposes Gaps in Financial Literacy | How Accounting Pros Own the Stage in Public Speaking | Greg Kyte: Being a CPA Is Like Being the Marie Kondo of Numbers | Rachel Bashore: A Lawyer’s Case for Reinventing Accounting | Beyond the Basics in Ethics Eduction | Bailey Lenart: From Ledger Sheets to Transformational Change
A former Big Four auditor and regional firm partner, Slaybaugh now dedicates his career to helping accountants thrive through professional coaching.
Slaybaugh’s journey into coaching wasn’t a straight line. After spending years in public accounting, rising through the ranks at Arthur Andersen and later Price Waterhouse, he realized his passion wasn’t just in financial statements—it was in people.
“I was always more invested in helping people grow than in the audits themselves,” Slaybaugh explains. “I loved seeing my team members develop into leaders. That’s when I knew coaching was where I belonged.”
While many firms offer mentorship programs, coaching is a more structured and goal-oriented process. Slaybaugh describes it as an opportunity for professionals to step back, assess their career trajectory, and develop leadership and resilience.
“My role isn’t just to provide advice but to challenge accountants to think differently,” he says. “Whether they’re aiming for partner or considering a career shift, coaching helps them navigate decisions with confidence.”
One of the major themes Slaybaugh emphasizes is the shift from work-life balance to work-life integration.
“The idea of balancing work and life as two separate entities doesn’t really work anymore,” Slaybaugh states. “Instead, we should focus on integrating both in a way that aligns with our personal and professional goals.”
Accountants often struggle with burnout, stress, and high expectations. Slaybaugh believes coaching provides a crucial support system.
“A lot of CPAs think they have to figure everything out on their own. But having someone to guide you, to challenge your thinking, and to hold you accountable can make a huge difference,” he says.
Coaching isn’t just about advice—it requires a strong ethical framework. Slaybaugh emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and recognizing professional boundaries.
“If a client starts diving into deep emotional trauma, that’s not my lane,” he says. “A good coach knows when to refer someone to a licensed therapist.”
As the profession evolves, coaching is becoming more mainstream. Firms are investing in leadership programs, and accountants are seeking structured guidance to navigate career transitions.
Slaybaugh’s message is clear: “We need to support each other in this profession. Coaching isn’t about fixing people—it’s about helping them unlock their full potential.”
Top 10 Takeaways
- Coaching helps accountants develop leadership skills and career clarity.
- Work-life balance is outdated—work-life integration is the key.
- Many CPAs struggle with burnout and need structured support.
- Coaching is distinct from mentorship—it’s goal-oriented and personalized.
- Emotional intelligence is just as important as technical expertise.
- Ethics in coaching is critical, especially in areas of confidentiality.
- Accountants should actively seek coaching to navigate career transitions.
- Firms are starting to invest more in structured leadership development.
- Coaching can help professionals avoid stagnation and stay engaged.
- Success in accounting isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about adaptability.