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accounting arc
with donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation
greg kyte defies every stereotype of the typical accountant. kyte, a licensed cpa and in-house accountant for a company managing medical office buildings, is also a stand-up comedian.
in a recent interview on accounting arc, hosted by donny shimamoto, cpa, citp, cgma, kyte discussed his unconventional journey and how he uses humor to engage audiences in the accounting field.
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before entering accounting, kyte spent over a decade teaching middle school math. reflecting on the shift, kyte recalls, “after 10 years, i realized i wasn’t enjoying teaching anymore, and i knew it was time for a change.” driven by his longstanding interest in numbers and the promise of stability, kyte made the leap to accounting. “i had always loved math and organization, so accounting was a natural fit,” he adds.
kyte’s current role as an in-house cpa for a commercial real estate company involves a blend of accounting and property management, including overseeing financial operations, contract reviews, and even some maintenance oversight.
“i get to make up my title to fit whatever circumstance i’m in,” he says with a laugh. “if i want to flex on somebody, i’m the cfo. if i’d like to dodge responsibility, i’m an accounts payable clerk.”
kyte describes his approach as similar to marie kondo’s famous organizational methods. “accounting is about tidying up the numbers and creating a sense of order,” he explains. this focus on simplification is what kyte finds most rewarding about his work, as it allows him to bring clarity to complex financial issues.
kyte’s journey into comedy began around the same time he entered accounting. he started with stand-up performances and eventually began incorporating humor into his professional life. “people don’t expect an accountant to be funny, and that’s precisely what makes it work,” kyte remarks. his style is edgy and non-traditional, using humor to challenge the serious image of accounting.
one of his most popular endeavors is his podcast, “oh my fraud,” in which he and co-host caleb newquist delve into accounting scandals with a comedic twist. he notes, “we make fraud fun without losing the seriousness of the topic. it’s about making education enjoyable.”
kyte, however, is not afraid to push boundaries. he created a controversial series called “drunk ethics,” where he and a co-host discussed ethics while progressively consuming alcohol. “it was all in good fun, but we still made important points,” he shares. despite some backlash, kyte says it reinforced his belief that accounting education can and should be engaging. “people thanked us for making ethics enjoyable.”
kyte advises accountants to identify what sets them apart. “everyone has a unique skill or interest,” he says. whether comedy, sports or another passion, he encourages accountants to integrate their hobbies and interests into their careers.
“it’s okay to be yourself—even if you’re not traditional,” he asserts. by breaking the mold, kyte has shown that there’s more to accounting than numbers; it’s a profession that can embrace personality and creativity.
top takeaways
- your personality, hobbies, and skills outside of accounting can make you stand out and help you build stronger client relationships.
- don’t shy away from ongoing education in both technical and soft skills. the profession evolves, and staying up-to-date makes you a valuable asset.
- accounting isn’t just one path; be open to exploring different roles, clients, and industries to find what suits you best.
- clients and colleagues value clear, organized financial information. simplifying complex data makes you an asset to any organization.
- accountability in your work builds trust with clients and colleagues. take ownership, whether you’re leading a project or double-checking figures.
- upholding ethical standards is critical. it’s the backbone of client trust and the profession’s reputation.
- embrace software and automation tools for tasks like data analysis and reporting to streamline your work and increase accuracy.
- communication, storytelling, and empathy are valuable assets that can set you apart. they help you convey insights more effectively to clients and stakeholders.
- learning from those with more experience and mentoring others can provide invaluable perspectives, career growth, and personal satisfaction.
- the traditional path isn’t the only path. experiment with new ideas, approaches, and niches—clients and colleagues appreciate fresh perspectives and unique services.