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Unpack the fall of Silicon Valley Bank with sharp insights and wit—learn how risky lending, oversight gaps, and market shifts led to collapse, and how to spot red flags before it’s too late.
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Podcast Host
Liz Mason
CPA
Liz Mason, CPA is the CEO and Founder of High Rock Accounting, where she brings her passion for innovation and leadership to the forefront of the accounting profession. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Liz earned her Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance summa cum laude in just three years. She went on to complete a Master’s in Information Management at Arizona State University, fueling her curiosity for technology and its power to drive transformation.
Throughout her career, Liz has worked with national and local firms, ultimately channeling her expertise into building and growing High Rock Accounting. A recognized leader in the profession, she sits on multiple boards, speaks frequently on both local and national stages, and plays an active role in the vibrant technology startup community in Phoenix.
Liz is also one of the hosts of the Accounting ARC Podcast, alongside Byron Patrick and Donny Shimamoto, where she helps spark bold conversations that connect purpose, leadership, and innovation. As an Agent of Transformation with the Center for Accounting Transformation, she champions a vision of the profession that embraces equity, technology, and purpose-driven impact.
Beyond the office, Liz is an adventurer at heart. She loves traveling the world with her partner and young son, exploring new cultures, and seeking out fresh adventures wherever they may be.
Podcasts Hosted by Liz:
May 24, 2024
Season 01
Episode 3
Accounting ARC
Impacts of AI
Liz Mason and Donny Shimamoto explore how AI is reshaping accounting—beyond automation—tackling ethics, bias, and the need for responsible practices in handling sensitive financial data.
June 7, 2024
Season 01
Episode 5
Accounting ARC
Busting the Big 4 Myth
Donny, Byron, and Liz bust Big 4 myths—sharing honest insights, career alternatives, and advice for navigating your path in accounting beyond the traditional routes.
May 31, 2024
Season 01
Episode 4
Accounting ARC
Sales Tax Compliance, Leadership Challenges & Change Management
Liz Mason, Byron Patrick, and Donny Shimamoto share real stories on leadership, adaptability, and the unseen challenges in accounting—offering lessons for thriving in today’s business world.
October 14, 2024
Season 01
Episode 19
Accounting ARC
Special Election Edition - Influencing Tax Policies
Liz, Byron, and Donny explore how politics and 2024 election policies impact tax pros and businesses—offering insights on navigating tax reforms and legislative changes in accounting.
August 9, 2024
Season 01
Episode 12
Accounting ARC
Accountants In Pop Culture
Liz, Byron, and Donny dive into accountants in pop culture—from The Office to Ghostbusters—breaking down portrayals, stereotypes, and the fun side of the profession.
August 16, 2024
Season 01
Episode 13
Accounting ARC
The Right Kind of Lazy
Liz, Donny, and Byron reveal how “the right kind of lazy” boosts efficiency—sharing smart shortcuts, mindset shifts, and tips for maximizing value without sacrificing quality.
September 6, 2024
Season 01
Episode 16
Accounting ARC
Non Accountants In Accounting
Donny, Byron, and Liz spotlight non-accountants in accounting—showing how IT, HR, and other pros are driving firm growth and redefining the future of holistic business services.
September 13, 2024
Season 01
Episode 16
Accounting ARC
The Importance of Attending Live Events
Donny, Liz, and Byron talk in-person vs. virtual events—sharing how real-world connections, coffee chats, and conference moments can spark career-changing relationships and growth.
May 17, 2024
Season 01
Episode 2
Accounting ARC
Analyzing the Downfall of Silicon Valley Bank
September 27, 2024
Season 01
Episode 17
Accounting ARC
Leadership
Byron Patrick joins Donny Shimamoto to explore what it really means to be a CEO—sharing lessons on team-building, collaboration, and leading with purpose in today’s accounting and fintech world.
Our Hosts
Meet Our Hosts and Experts
Explore our thought leaders and knowledge experts across multiple accounting disciplines and industries.
Featured Podcasts
Expertly Curated Episodes
Insightful, unexpected, and always worth the listen these are hand-picked episodes you don't want to miss:
Student-led Conversations
Trust but Verify: AI, Innovation & Accounting’s Next Generation
Accounting is rapidly transforming through AI, shifting from “trust but verify” to smarter guardrails, redefining innovation, and positioning the next generation as the profession’s strongest competitive edge.
March 2, 2026
Season 02
Episode 01
Play Episode
Transformation Talks
Navigating Political Differences in Accounting
Can you talk politics without it blowing up? Top accounting leaders reveal how to have real, respectful conversations—even when you disagree—and why it actually strengthens teams and clients.
March 31, 2025
Season 01
Episode 11
Play Episode
Stay Updated with our Latest Podcasts
Four unique podcast series. One mission: to inspire, challenge, and empower the accounting profession. Each show brings fresh perspectives and powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else—new episodes drop regularly, so don’t miss a moment.
