Breaking Barriers: Leading with Innovation and Inclusion in Tax and Accounting with Nayo Carter-Gray, EA

In this episode, host Brandy Spears sits down with Nayo Carter-Gray, an Enrolled Agent and the founder of First Step Accounting, a fully virtual, eco-conscious accounting firm. Nayo, a proud tech enthusiast and educator, talks about how her journey from high school accounting class to becoming an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the profession has shaped her career and her practice.Nayo shares her experience of becoming an EA, how technology has helped her design a virtual paperless firm, and why it’s crucial for tax professionals to embrace tech to improve both client service and work-life balance. She also discusses the importance of inclusivity in the profession, how she works to support underserved communities, and why advocating for the next generation of tax professionals is at the core of her mission.Why ListenDiscover how technology can improve small business accounting and client serviceLearn why paperless practices are more efficient and eco-friendlyHear how Nayo bridges the gap for underrepresented communities in the professionGet advice on pricing, client service, and work-life balance for modern accountantsUnderstand how embracing diversity and tech can shape the future of tax workIn this episode:[00:00:00] Nayo’s accidental start in accounting and how it became a lifelong passion[00:06:00] How Nayo transitioned from corporate to founding a virtual firm[00:12:00] The power of tech: QuickBooks, cloud-based solutions, and a paperless practice[00:16:00] How Nayo supports underserved communities with tax education[00:22:00] The importance of embracing change in tax practices and pricing strategies[00:28:00] How Nayo leads with education and fosters a community of growth[00:34:00] Overcoming the challenge of balancing work, tech, and human connection[00:40:00] Nayo’s leadership role in advocating for more inclusive, innovative tax practicesNotable Quotes“You have to show up for yourself first — then you can show up for your clients and your community.” – Nayo Carter-Gray“Technology is my love language, but it’s all about using it to serve people, not replace them.” – Nayo Carter-Gray“I don’t just teach tax; I teach others how to own their value, take up space, and advocate for themselves.” – Nayo Carter-Gray“Our work can’t just be about numbers. It’s about people, relationships, and making an impact.” – Nayo Carter-GrayOur GuestNayo Carter-Gray is an Enrolled Agent and the founder of First Step Accounting, a fully virtual, paperless firm that helps small businesses across the U.S. with cloud-based accounting solutions. With over 25 years of tax and accounting experience, Nayo specializes in helping entrepreneurs simplify their financial processes using technology, ensuring efficiency and eco-friendliness.Nayo is also a passionate advocate for inclusion in the accounting profession and currently serves as the immediate past chair of the NAEA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She has served on advisory boards for Intuit, FreshBooks, and Gusto. Named one of Hubdoc’s Top 50 Cloud Accountants (North America), Nayo is a QuickBooks Online Advanced Certified ProAdvisor who strives to make tax and accounting more accessible, modern, and impactful for underserved communities.Resource & LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgNayo Carter Gray, EALinkedInWebsite - First Step Accounting