Building the Premier Accounting Firm

Roger Knecht
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Jan 21, 2026 • 50min

5 Steps to Building Client Trust in Accounting w/ Shady Abboud

Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Universal Accounting Center. Today, Roger sits down with Shady Abboud, to discuss his unique path into accounting, blending entrepreneurial experience with finance expertise. Shady highlights the distinction between bookkeeping and CFO advisory services, emphasizing the strategic role of a CFO in business growth and decision-making for SMBs. Learn how a niche in e-commerce can boost success. In This Episode: 00:00 Welcome Shady 01:31 Shady's Entrepreneurial Journey to Accounting 05:36 The Strategic Accountant's Perspective 10:09 Bookkeeping vs. CFO Advisory Services 13:50 When a Business Needs a CFO 17:46 Key Performance Indicators for Businesses 20:21 The Value of CFO Client Relationships 23:07 Managing Bookkeeping and Advisory Businesses 27:06 The Niche Advantage: E-commerce Accounting 31:00 Empathy in Client Relationships 35:42 The Bookkeeping Business Experience 39:48 Gratitude and Supporting Entrepreneurs 42:14 Closing Thoughts: Specialization and Mindset 47:00 Podcast Wrap-up and Resources Key Takeaways: Understand your business owner clients' goals beyond just numbers for better financial advice. Differentiate bookkeeping as compliance-focused and CFO advisory as forward-looking strategic analysis. Recognize signs a business needs a CFO, especially during periods of rapid growth, contraction, or strategic pivots. Prioritize gross profit margin as a core KPI to assess business efficiency and impact of external factors like inflation. Cultivate empathy and build trusting relationships with clients to foster open communication and address challenges effectively. Featured Quotes: "My strongest suit was always accounting and finance. So I decided to go into that route exclusively and I really enjoyed it." — Shady Abboud "The CFO or the fractional CFO is the CEO's best friend because he's having a conversation with the business owner that no one else is having." — Shady Abboud "We are more than just a provider. We are their partner. And sometimes one of the most important pieces in their business." — Shady Abboud Behind the Story: Shady offers a look into his evolution from a corporate role to launching and selling two businesses, including a restaurant. This hands-on experience of "wearing all the hats" gave him a rare perspective that traditional accountants often lack. He discovered his knack for finance and his ability to translate complex financial concepts into understandable insights for business owners, leading him to establish his own accounting and advisory firms. His story highlights the personal and professional shifts that paved his way to becoming a strategic financial partner. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Connect the Shady on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadyabboud/ https://unloop.com/ Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant's library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds" – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses. "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles. "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. Help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions. "Your Profit & Growth Expert" - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients. Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It's here you can become a: Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business. The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company's Value. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don't want to miss. Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777
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Jan 19, 2026 • 47sec

This Week on BPAF : Shady Abboud

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses differences between bookkeeping and CFO adisory services with Shady Abboud.
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Jan 17, 2026 • 46min

Rewind : From Cab Driver to Successful Tax Professional w/ Steve Moskowitz

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Do we really understand the purpose of the US tax code? Often our clients are frustrated with the laws and how it affects them individually. Can you explain to them why it is and how they can legally minimize their tax liability? Steve & Roger have an informative and fun discussion about starting a tax career, the struggles opening a tax business and the successes that followed. This is a journey you need to hear. Listen for how you can also become a professional and accessible as a tax preparer, it's what our clients need. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Stephen M. Moskowitz Steve Moskowitz knows that clients' lives – and livelihoods – can be upended or even destroyed when tax trouble arises. As a tax attorney for more than 30 years, Steve has made it is his personal mission to help business owners and individual clients successfully resolve tax issues and go on with their lives. With extensive knowledge of tax law, a desire for swift and vigorous defense, and decades of experience with tax authorities and in the courts, he has an unusually perceptive judgment in assessing the best way forward, and the right resources to achieve resolution. Steve started Moskowitz LLP because he saw that while big corporations were consistently navigating the tax code to their advantage, smaller businesses and individuals were not. With prior experience as a CPA at a national accounting firm, and with extensive experience in the corporate world, Steve knew he could help smaller businesses and individuals by applying what he knew, and wanted to make the critical difference in businesses and individual lives that protected them from the powerful government and enabled them to keep and enjoy the fruits of a lifetime of work that otherwise could be taken away from clients by the government in just one action. Today – together with a full team of tax attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents and other professional staff – Moskowitz LLP helps business and individual clients across the country and overseas to resolve a wide variety of tax matters. The Moskowitz LLP team also creates strategies to utilize the tax code and relevant treaties to clients' benefit, and provides ongoing tax support and tax return preparation. Steve understands that clients need high quality representation but do not have unlimited budgets, and that cost predictability is important. Unlike most firms, their clients pay a flat fee and are not subject to hourly rates. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Reach out to Steve directly with any questions you may have. He's offered to help Accounting professionals with your legal questions: steve@moskowitzllp.com OR call 888-tax-deal It's also time to become a certified Professional Tax Preparer, PTP. Get the training and certification to show you are proficient in tax planning and preparation for both individual and business returns. Also gain the confidence to start and build your business offering quality tax services. Realize this, you can be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801.265.3777
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Jan 14, 2026 • 50min

Grow Your Firm to $5M: The Shift from Hustle to Leadership w/ Brad Farris

In the latest episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht and business coach Brad Farris discuss how accounting firm owners can scale their business beyond the $1-2 million mark by shifting from hustle to leadership. They explore overcoming workaholism, delegating effectively, and finding fulfillment outside daily operations to build a premier accounting firm. In This Episode: 00:00 Welcome Brad Farris, Expert on Scaling 02:04 Building Trust with Clients 03:02 From Hustle to Leadership 05:12 The High of Spinning Plates 08:02 Identity Shift: From Doer to Enabler 12:44 Evaluating Success Beyond Daily Tasks 15:24 Course: Build a Successful Accounting Business 16:29 Empowering Your Team and Avoiding Bottlenecks 19:01 Life Beyond Work: Recharging and Identity 22:58 Free Book: In the Black 23:57 Daily, Hourly, Monthly Recharge Habits 29:56 Work Obsessed to Healthy Life 33:43 Book: Red to Black for Accounting Professionals 36:15 Intentional Living and 2% Improvements 42:25 Recap and Final Thoughts 46:29 Resources and Invitation to GrowCon Featured Quotes: "Success is driven less by what you do than who you decide to be." - Brad Farris "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." - Roger Knecht "If I'm coming in and doing your job, why do I need you?" - Roger Knecht Behind the Story: Roger Knecht welcomes Brad Farris, an expert in helping accounting firm owners scale their businesses from $1-2 million to $3-5 million. Brad explains that the biggest obstacle to growth is often internal, requiring a shift in identity from a doer to a leader. He shares insights on fostering team independence, dealing with the addictive nature of work, and the importance of personal fulfillment outside the business. Top 3 Highlights: Shift to Leadership: Stop doing everything yourself and empower your team for scalable growth. Overcome Workaholism: Find healthy sources of fulfillment outside work to enhance creativity and reduce stress. Delegate Effectively: Learn to trust your team and define clear roles to avoid being the bottleneck. Share This Episode: Ready to scale your accounting firm and reclaim your life? 🚀 Listen to this episode with Brad Farris on Building the Premier Accounting Firm for insights on leadership, delegation, and well-being! #AccountingFirm #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #WorkLifeBalance #Podcast Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get a free business assessment: https://anchoradvisors.com/accelerate-your-business-growth/ Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally? Then accept and participate in the Accountrepreneurs Challenge. This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career. Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant's library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds" – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses. "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles. "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. Help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions. "Your Profit & Growth Expert" - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients. Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It's here you can become a: Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business. The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company's Value. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don't want to miss. Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777
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Jan 12, 2026 • 47sec

This Week on BPAF : Brad Farris

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses finding balance between work and life with Brad Farris
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Jan 10, 2026 • 40min

Rewind : Going Beyond Bookkeeping Services w/ Shannon Beck

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! For Shannon working with clients involves more than just providing quality reports, it's doing so much more than the client initially expects. Listen as Roger and Shannon consider what bookkeeping is today and how it can be so much more when we consider engaging with clients as their CFO, advisor and coach. Ask yourself this, what perspective do you bring to the relationship and what suggestions do you offer? Moving beyond bookkeeping, accounting to offer CFO related advisory and coaching services is a continuous and deliberate exercise. Consider pricing your services profitably, over delivering and so much more. This is a conversation you don't want to miss. Get ready to take some notes. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Shannon Beck Shannon Beck is the President of Professional Accounting Solutions, Inc. Shannon is a Management Accountant, a Professional Bookkeeper, and a Profit Expert. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 2001 and co-founded his company in 2004 with his wife Tina who is the Vice-President and CFO of Professional Accounting Solutions. He has served as an official judge for Grow America Ventures to support entrepreneurs and he hosted his first event with Billionaire Alan E. Hall as his keynote speaker. He has been running Professional Accounting Solutions now for 17 years. Shannon loves working with small to medium size businesses who want to increase financial performance. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Professional Accounting Solutions is offering a 30-Minute Q&A Consulting Session on "How to obtain higher quality clients to get paid what you're worth." Learn how to confidently and competently offer quality accounting services at a price you deserve. Get better quality clients and spend less time working. Visit their website at www.TheProfitExperts.com or email Shannon@TheProfitExperts.com to arrange for a 30-minute Q&A Consulting Session. Each 30-minute Q&A Consulting Session is $150.00. However, if you schedule your Q&A session using the Promotional Code: ProfitExperts365 you will get a 50% discount on your first 30-minute session. Also get a FREE copy of this book all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. This is a must have addition to every accountant's library to provide to have the premier accounting business today: "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – e-book Lastly, get the support you need to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal. This is The Advanced Coaching for accounting professionals. The mentoring, support and coaching owners of accounting business need! For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Join us for our next LIVE event, register Today! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801.265.3777
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Jan 7, 2026 • 43min

Accountant to CFO: Transform Your Firm with Advisory Services w/ Rusty Fulling

Welcome to another episode of the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast. In today's episode host Roger Knecht and his guest Rusty Fulling explore the world of CFO advisory services, moving beyond traditional accounting to help businesses achieve clarity, growth, and peace of mind. Discover how to transition into a strategic advisor role and build lasting client relationships on this episode. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Rusty Fuling's Expertise 03:08 Defining CFO & Advisory Services 07:23 Confidence in Advisory: Lessons Learned 11:14 Beyond Numbers: Making an Eternal Impact 15:18 CFO Service Pricing & Engagement 19:18 Client 'Arrival' and Lifelong Learning 25:37 Recharging Through Service & Missions 30:25 Finding Mission in Your Business 34:04 Five Lessons for Long-Term Success 38:16 Closing Thoughts & Resources Key Takeaways: Define outsourced CFO services by focusing on clarity, profit growth, and peace of mind for clients. Implement intentional leadership principles in your own firm before advising clients on them. Practice patience and learn from experiences, understanding that growth takes time and effort. Structure CFO engagements with value-based pricing models, such as monthly retainers with a percentage of revenue. Cultivate deep, relationship-based services that address clients' personal and professional challenges. Featured Quotes: "You helped me sleep at night." -Rusty Fulling "Sometimes you just have to start. Don't wait for perfection." -Rusty Fulling "Maybe the mission that God has for you is the business he's already given you." -Rusty Fulling Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get the Free Cash Flow Tool https://www.fullingmgmt.com/cashflow-forecast-1 5 Minute Business Health Assessment: https://www.fullingmgmt.com/bha Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally? Then accept and participate in the Accountrepreneurs Challenge. This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career. Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant's library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds" – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses. "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles. "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services you should offer as you run your business. help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions. "Your Profit & Growth Expert" - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve. Learn what it is you can do to become an author, leveraging your expertise to market your services effectively and get the clients you deserve. This is a webinar you don't want to miss. Learn from Mike Capuzzi what a Shook is and how you can use it to position yourself as the Premier Accounting Firm in your area. This is a must-see presentation so get ready to take some great notes. In addition to becoming an author, see what you can do to follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It's here you can become a: Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business. The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company's Value. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don't want to miss. Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777
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Jan 5, 2026 • 35sec

This Week on BPAF : Rusty Fulling

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger has a great conversation with Rusty Fulling.
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Jan 3, 2026 • 39min

Rewind : Embracing Life's Challenges w/ Lindsay Kline

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! We each have our story and Lindsay is no different. Bookkeeping at age 12, death of a spouse, starting college late and opening her bookkeeping business while in school. She has done so much and is willing to share. Lindsay and Roger discuss the experiences we have in life and what we can do to make lemonade. We all have choices to make and opportunities to embrace. Listen as they cover what clients need to receive from us as bookkeeping experts to retain them. Also pay attention to the two sales tips. You don't want to miss this great episode. Also listen for the special offer related to tech stacks and the use of automation to nurture your leads to become clients. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Lindsay Kline Lindsay Kline is the President of her bookkeeping practice, Sakline (suh-kline), Founder of the Bookkeepers Club networking group, and the host of the By the Books podcast. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: As mentioned, we'd like to also Invite to listen to Lindsay's podcast, By the Books on: Spotify Apple Google YouTube Also, how are you leveraging your social media presence, developing your tech stack to automate your tasks related to marketing and sales to building your list of clients? Great questions! Don't miss this informative webinar to help you understand and apply proven principles to get the clients you deserve and get paid what you are worth. LISTEN NOW to this great presentation! For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801.265.3777
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Dec 31, 2025 • 43min

Fix QBO Errors Fast: Boost Your Bookkeeping Accuracy w/ Leeroy Beeby

Thanks for listening to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. Today Roger is joined by Leeroy Beeby, co-founder of Level, an error detection software for QuickBooks Online. They discuss how niching down services and using technology like Level can improve margins and streamline operations, even amidst the evolving landscape of AI in accounting. In This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:21 Leroy's Path to Accounting 03:10 Starting a Construction Accounting Firm 05:45 Keys to Firm's Rapid Growth 07:20 Hiring Lessons Learned 10:52 Transition to Tech: Level Copilot 14:03 AI & Automation in Bookkeeping 16:16 Level Copilot vs. QuickBooks Online 18:53 Implementing New Technology 21:37 Roger's Tech Implementation Insights 23:55 Surprises from Level Copilot Use 25:52 Accounting Firm vs. Software Company 27:36 QuickBooks Online's Impact on Tech 29:38 Improving Firm Margins Today 31:02 Gratitude and Future Outlook 32:18 Future of Accounting & Calls to Action 34:53 Conversation Summary & Closing Thoughts 37:38 Final Words & Resources Key Takeaways: Niche Down: Focus on specific client needs, like job costing for construction, to drive growth and attract ideal clients. Hire Smart: Implement a multi-stage interview process, including case studies, to ensure cultural fit and technical proficiency. Embrace Technology: Leverage software like Level to proactively identify errors, improve team communication, and enhance service quality. Optimize Margins: Understand your ideal customer, say "no" to bad clients, and increase prices for valuable services to improve profitability. Stay Optimistic: Maintain a positive outlook and adapt to changes in the industry, including the rise of AI, viewing them as tools to enhance efficiency. Featured Quotes: "Trying to help my parents with their problems, I pursued a career in accounting." — Leeroy Beeby "Niching was really important. Understanding, like, hey, you know, we were solving a very specific problem at that time and we could sell that quite easily to contractors." — Leeroy Beeby "Level is the icebreaker for the questions to be asked on like, okay, well, what's the correct process for this?" — Leeroy Beeby Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Receive a 25% discount on your subscription: https://www.checkthelevel.com/lp/buildingthepremieraccountingfirmpodcast Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally? Then accept and participate in the Accountrepreneurs Challenge. This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career. Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant's library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds" – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses. "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles. "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. Help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions. "Your Profit & Growth Expert" - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients. Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It's here where you can become a: Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business. The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company's Value. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don't want to miss. Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777

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