A Next-Gen Accounting Firm: Squash CPA’s Data-Driven Approach
Squash CPA, a multi-award-winning firm specializing in M&A and forensic accounting, partnered with Validis to revolutionize their data collection process. By dramatically reducing prep time from 80% to 20%, this frees up time to deliver actionable insights.
increase in time for strategic analysis
instead of weeks for data prep
consistent data model across all ERPs
" Validis lowers the barrier to entry for automation and AI in accounting.
It provides that consistent data foundation that lets us build our own IP and leverage any technology we want. By automating data prep we are free to focus on delivering strategic value to our clients."
David Carbajal, Founder and President
The Goal
The Idea
The impact we made
Quality Data Automation: The Foundation for Accounting Innovation
Squash CPA, led by Forbes’ “Best in State CPA” and WICPA Excellence award winner David Carbajal, specializes in mergers and acquisitions and forensic accounting. The firm bridges the gap between traditional accounting and modern technology, so their clients get the insights they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market
Before Validis, the firm faced a common industry challenge: 80% of project time was spent preparing client data, leaving only 20% for actual analysis. Validis completely transformed this equation.
“I call it the ‘smash and grab’ approach. You just go in there, take all the data, and start doing your work.”
This efficiency doesn’t just benefit Squash CPA – it dramatically improves the client experience. Firms often forget that client contacts providing data still have their full-time jobs to perform, with M&A data requests becoming just another burden on their workload.
“In just a few minutes they’ll be able to provide everything I need to come back with targeted questions. That’s what clients truly appreciate.”
Another key advantage for Squash is the ability to accept last-minute opportunities that would otherwise be impossible.
“Before Validis, when a client said ‘we need this done in two weeks,’ I’d have to say no because it would take me a week and a half just to get the data. With Validis, I can actually use those full two weeks for analysis.”
Validis is the starting point, from which Squash CPA runs their risk analysis playbook. Highlighting that the true value is that they can build out their own IP on top of it.
Validis data also serves as the foundation for Squash CPA’s technology innovation strategy. The platform’s consistent data structure creates remarkable flexibility in Squash CPA’s technology ecosystem.
“Validis is flexible enough that we can change our whole tech stack every year if we needed to, while Validis remains very consistent – doing that one job really well.”
This adaptability extends to step-by-step guides that Validis maintains for each accounting system, ensuring seamless data extraction regardless of software updates – a stark contrast to previous experiences where ERP updates would create chaos across multiple teams.
For Squash CPA, Validis is the key that unlocks accounting’s next evolution.
“The biggest barrier to AI in accounting is consistency of data. Validis helps solve that problem – you know what you’re getting and can start applying AI models on top of it.”
As the firm expands with several new partners joining the practice, their vision becomes increasingly clear: the future of accounting lies at the intersection of data science and professional expertise.
The final verdict?
“Processing data and data analysis will be part of every CPA’s toolbox. If you’re not using something like Validis in the future, you’re a dinosaur. And you’re going to struggle against firms that speed up their processes with automation.”
