Building the Premier Accounting Firm

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Working with business owners often presents opportunities to educate and perhaps inspire.  But what does this look like in a professional setting, in fact in a more formal relationship that may involve compensation? Learn the levels that exist for accounting professionals to offer more than quality accounting services.  Consider becoming a: Mentor Advisor Consultant Coach See what you can do to benefit from each as well as offer each of these services to build the premier accounting business in your area.   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Join the closed Facebook group to give back and help your peers as well as receive the advice you need when you need it as you work with your clients.  The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Group. Get a FREE copy of each of two book all accounting professionals should use to offer trusted strategic advisory services and get paid what they are worth.  These are must have additions to every accountant’s library to provide the value clients look for today: “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book “Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant’s guide to QUICK turnarounds” – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals Consider becoming a Profit & Growth Expert See what you can do to work with a coach to help you build the premier accounting firm.   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

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht interviews Randy Johnston, a leading figure in accounting technology, about tech stacks, AI, and the future of the accounting industry. Johnston shares his expertise on choosing the right technology, integrating AI seamlessly, and leveraging tools for optimal efficiency and client satisfaction. This episode provides actionable advice for accounting professionals looking to enhance their firms with cutting-edge technology and strategic service offerings. Key Takeaways: 💡 Define Your Service Offerings: Determine the specific services your firm will provide (e.g., bookkeeping, tax planning, advisory) to guide your tech stack choices. 🤖 Embrace Integrated AI: Look for platforms that incorporate AI seamlessly to enhance existing workflows and improve accuracy, rather than relying solely on prompt engineering. ⚙️ Optimize Your Tech Stack: Choose a minimal set of tools that effectively address your firm’s needs, focusing on deep expertise and full utilization rather than accumulating numerous underused applications. 💰 Invest Strategically in Technology: Allocate 3-7% of your top-line revenue to technology to leverage its potential for increased profitability and efficiency. 🤝 Prioritize Client Experience: Select client-facing tools that are easy to use and require minimal extra effort from clients, aiming for a seamless and positive interaction. Featured Quotes: “You really need to decide what you’re going to deliver to your clients… What do you want the practice to be first? And that will determine the platform that you should choose.” - Randy Johnston “Be quite cognizant of your offering. Choose the minimum number of tools to get the job done well, but do spend on technology… because it turns out that technology can be a lever for you.” - Randy “Accountants change these types of platforms as often as they change physicians and major world religions. And unless you’re gonna change one of those anytime soon, you may not need to change your platform just to stay up with the times.” - Randy Behind the Story: Randy Johnston’s journey in accounting technology began in the 1970s, witnessing the evolution from paper-based systems to cloud-based solutions and now, AI-driven platforms. His experiences as a designer for major accounting software companies and his deep understanding of the profession’s needs have positioned him as a leading voice in technology adoption and strategic planning for accounting firms. In this episode, he draws on this extensive background to offer practical, forward-thinking advice. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us on another insightful episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. To implement some of the leading strategies that Randy shared in this episode, connect with Universal Accounting Center’s team at 435-344-2060. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Get access to One free CPE Course - https://www.cpetoday.com/ https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/resource/podcasts/ https://www.nmgi.com/ https://www.k2e.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 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  

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses technology with Randy Johnston  

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Selling accounting services can be a challenge, in fact frustrating, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Listen in as Clay and Roger discuss some essential elements of the process that can make it easier and more effective for you as you work to bring on new clients.  There are some key parts of the meeting with a potential client that you don’t want to miss.  Also take advantage of some free resources Clay shares that are available to our listeners that you don’t want to miss. It’s time to confidently market and sell your services to get the clients you deserve.   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Clay Neves Clay Neves is a 12-year veteran with Universal Accounting Center and is currently Vice President of Student Enrollment.  He has also worked with students throughout the United States and Canada to grow their practices.    As a VP at Universal Accounting, He oversaw the growth of Universal’s seminar channel nearly ten-fold and is now managing the current growth of our enrollment call center.   He has applied the principles from “in the BLACK” and “Red to BLACK” to manage his departments to meet or exceed sales and profit forecasts year after year.     He assisted in the development of our Universal Practice Builder program and creator of his online Sales Academy: Personal Sales Dynamics: Mastering the Fine Art of Relationship Selling, both included now within our Profit & Growth Expert Certification Program.      As a former Chamber of Commerce President, he knows how to help small businesses. With over 35 years of sales ma   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 copy of the book all accounting professionals should use to offer trusted strategic advisory services and get paid what they are worth.  This is a must have addition to every accountant’s library to provide the value clients look for today: “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book Text BUILD to 57838 to request my daily Golden Sales Nugget.  A 120-character text message that you’ll receive daily that gives you something you can focus on to improve your effectiveness in BUILDing your clientele.   Clay has also offered to email you the P's & Q's questioning sequence we discussed today.  Just email him directly at clay@universalaccounting.com.    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

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Kirstin Reeder, founder and CEO of Purple Sapphire Business Solutions, shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to EA, offering specialized bookkeeping and tax services. Discover how she balances family and business, sets boundaries, and leverages networking to grow her firm. Key Takeaways: 🤝 Leverage networking and referrals for client acquisition in bookkeeping and tax services. ⏰ Set clear boundaries and manage scope creep to maintain work-life balance. 💡 Offer tiered tax planning services to cater to different client needs. 🛠️ Utilize automation tools like TaxDome to streamline workflows and improve client communication. Featured Quotes: “I love my job. If I could, I would be probably doing, you know, working 50 to 60 hours a week.” - Kirstin “My life completely changed when I started my business because I was able to surround myself with people who get it.” - Kirstin “There’s a little bit more control over your tax situation when you own a business or have real estate investments or things like that.” - Roger Behind the Story: Kirstin Reeder’s journey into accounting began with a high school class and took a detour through motherhood and homeschooling. Later in life, she found her way back to her passion, becoming an Enrolled Agent and specializing in bookkeeping and tax services for the travel and tourism industry. Her story illustrates the flexibility and opportunities available in the accounting profession, as well as the importance of community and setting boundaries.   Conclusion: Thank you for listening to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can follow in Kirstin Reeder’s footsteps and start a thriving accounting firm of your very own, connect with Universal Accounting Center’s team at 435-344-2060.   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: The Tax Pros BFF is in beta mode right now, and we are looking for testers. If you would like to get on our interest list, to either be a beta tester or to receive information about the launch, visit www.taxprosbff.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 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  

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses tax planning with Kirsten Reeder  

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2020! As we work with our clients, do they see us as forward thinking?  Are the meetings with us inspiring and engaging to help them use the accounting information they are receiving to make well informed business decisions?  Are we leveraging technology to provide our clients the cutting edge services that will help us stand out as the premier accounting service? Listen as Twyla and Roger discuss these questions and so much more as they consider the things that can be offered to provide quality accounting services. For example, do you provide for your clients a safe environment to explore the opportunities the business has? The future is bright for the accounting profession.   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Twyla Verhelst Twyla Verhelst lives and breathes accounting. As a CPA, tech entrepreneur, and now leader of the Accounting Professionals Program at FreshBooks, she’s working to empower accounting professionals with the tools they need to thrive, as well as helping them discover their most valuable tool — their authentic self. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. FreshBooks, the #1 accounting software in the cloud, designed exclusively for freelancers and growing service based business owners. The Accounting Professionals Program (APP) is designed to connect innovative firm owners with both the FreshBooks platform and our business customers. Underpinning it all is what we call a collaborative accounting approach.  Offers: Get a FREE copy of a book all accounting professionals should use to offer trusted strategic advisory services and get paid what they are worth.  These are must have additions to every accountant’s library to provide the value clients look for today: “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book Invitation to join the FreshBooks The Accounting Professionals Program (APP) FreshBooks invites you to join their new Accounting Professionals Program.  Accounting Partners become FreshBooks Certified and receive Partner benefits including referral bonuses, exclusive discounts, addition to the directory, dedicated support and more!  Additional information can be found here: freshbooks.com/accountants 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  

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht interviews Charles Leikauf, known as the accidental fractional CFO, about transitioning from corporate finance to helping accounting firms offer CFO services. They discuss key strategies for marketing, pricing, and delivering high-value CFO services, plus how to avoid scope creep and build client relationships. Key Takeaways: 👂 Listen to your spouse: Their insights can lead to unexpected opportunities. 💼 Clearly define your CFO services: Focus on cash flow, capital, and business model improvements. 🚫 Prevent scope creep: Set expectations upfront during the sales process and maintain a peer-to-peer relationship. 🎯 Market the outcome, not just the service: Sell the value and impact of CFO services on clients’ lives. 🚀 Believe in yourself: Take the leap and explore new opportunities, even if they seem daunting. Featured Quotes: “How do I make value, and I need to go to the things that are scary, right?” - Charles {{05:25}} “There are no CFO police, right? There is no CFO standard service.” - Charles {{17:26}} “If you don’t go out there and if you give it a shot, you don’t know if it’s for you.” - Charles {{43:17}} Behind the Story: Charles’s accidental entry into the world of fractional CFO services highlights the importance of being open to new possibilities and trusting your instincts. His story underscores that sometimes the most rewarding opportunities arise from unexpected sources, like a nagging spouse or a random Facebook request. It demonstrates the transformative impact of CFO services on small businesses, turning financial anxieties into clear paths for growth and stability. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us on this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more advice on how to join the powerful wave of fractional CFO services, connect with Universal Accounting’s team at 435-344-2060. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers:   Our CFO Blueprint 1:1 Coaching Program is where we help people learn how to start, offer and scale their financial services business using Fractional CFO / Advisory services. https://profitsurgegroup.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  

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses fractional CFO with Charles Leikauf.  

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2020! Roger and Geraldine each have a similar belief when it comes to working with accounting clients.  Are we really giving the business owners timeline information to help them make more informed business decisions?  The passion they both have to help business owners is obvious. Listen in and see what more you can do to help improve client relations and retention while getting paid what you are worth as an accounting professional.  It all starts with pricing; do you see value in the services you offer?  It is not the task but rather the value we bring to our clients.   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Geraldine Carter Geraldine Carter is the founder of She Thinks Big Coaching, where she helps CPAs get out of the accounting rut. Her clients routinely double their margins in 12 months or less while working fewer hours. Geraldine holds a BS in Engineering from Cornell University, is the co-founder and CFO of a company where her cashflow forecasting models resulted in millions of dollars for climate change efforts. In her free time, she can be found mountain biking forested trails or running after her two small children in Sun Valley, ID.   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 copy of each of two book all accounting professionals should use to offer trusted strategic advisory services and get paid what they are worth.  These are must have additions to every accountant’s library to provide the value clients look for today: “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book Pricing Strategies for accounting professionals Geraldine also offered her PDF: “Different Pricing Methodologies for CPA’s” – get your copy now. 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