Accounting Meets CrEAtivity: Breaking the Mold with Scott Scarano, EA

In this special edition, host Brandy Spears welcomes Scott Scarano, EA, an unconventional firm owner, rapper, and host of the popular podcast Accounting High. Scott blends deep entrepreneurial insight with artistic flair — sharing how his rocky start gave rise to a multimillion-dollar firm, how he learned to scale by getting out of the way, and why deep work and creativity matter now more than ever.

Scott talks openly about his early missteps in business, his decision to pursue the EA credential, and how cloud technology and soft skills helped him build Padgett Business Services in Raleigh from $90K to over $1.5M in revenue. Plus, he opens up about fatherhood, finding fulfilment in creativity, and how rapping about accounting helped him connect with the profession in new ways.

Whether you're leading a team, building a brand, or just looking to break the “boring accountant” mold, Scott brings refreshing, real talk to this conversation — with a few punchlines (and rhyme lines) along the way.

Why Listen

• Learn how to scale a firm by letting go of control and building structure

• Discover how creative expression can energize your work and your brand

• Understand how soft skills and empathy drive client trust in representation

• Explore how enrolled agents are reshaping the tax profession in unexpected ways

• Get inspired to create a business that works — and plays — with purpose

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] From arrest record to respected EA and firm owner

• [00:06:00] Merging creativity and tax: performer meets practitioner

• [00:12:00] The EA credential, IRS rep work, and why he let it lapse

• [00:18:00] How empathy, patience, and problem-solving define a great rep

• [00:26:00] Family, Dr. Seuss rap videos, and building balance through fun

• [00:30:00] Why he’s taking the EA stage at Tax Summit 2025

Notable Quotes:

• “Business is business. People are people. Whether you're on the stoop or in the boardroom.” – Scott Scarano

• “You want to please everyone, but if you never say no, you'll never protect your time.” – Scott Scarano

• “What you learn from the streets, the classroom can’t teach. I built my firm on human connection.” – Scott Scarano

• “Rapping about taxes? It just made sense. You’ve gotta speak on what you know.” – Scott Scarano

Our Guest

Scott Scarano, EA is the owner of Padgett Business Services Raleigh, where he scaled the firm from $90K to over $1.5M in revenue. Known for his bold creativity and deep industry insight, Scott is also the voice behind Accounting High, a podcast and YouTube channel for firm owners, and performs as “OKR” (OK Rapper), turning tax and accounting themes into smart, lyrical storytelling.

Scott believes in the power of learning through doing, managing through empathy, and finding joy in work and life. Outside the office, he's raising three kids, producing rap music with them, and reimagining what it means to be an EA in today’s world.

Resource & Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Scott Scarano

• LinkedIn