Welcome to the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast, where host Roger Knecht dives deep into cutting edge strategies for owners of accounting businesses. In this episode, our esteemed guest Candice Elliott, a seasoned Fractional CHRO and an HR mentor, shares her personal journey and the valuable lessons learned from her career in the field, including personal struggles with work-related stress and panic attacks. Here’s what we cover: Candice’s Personal Journey: Hear about how Candice’s experiences with workplace stress led her to found a company dedicated to improving HR practices for small businesses. Challenges for Small Businesses: Roger and Candice discuss the unique hurdles small businesses encounter, especially in adapting to remote work environments, and how these can be managed through effective HR strategies. Mental and Social Well-Being: Candice talks about the crucial role of HR in addressing and supporting employees’ mental and social health, ensuring a more productive and engaged workforce. Impact of Technology: The conversation turns to examine how smartphones and other technologies have disrupted workplace productivity and traditional skills, as well as their effects on human interaction and mental health. The Role of Human Interaction: Emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal connections in a digital world, Candice provides insights into fostering meaningful workplace relationships. Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace: The significance of mental health is brought to the forefront, with discussions on providing support, the benefits of destigmatizing therapy, and encouraging personal growth among employees. Employer Responsibilities: Candice and Roger underscore the importance of employers being vigilant and responsive to their employees’ needs and knowing when to seek professional help. Resources for Business Owners: The episode concludes with Candice pointing listeners to free mental health resources that business owners can utilize to support their teams. Stay tuned to the end for some powerful takeaways and actionable advice from Candice Elliott on how to create a healthier, more supportive work environment for everyone. Don’t forget to subscribe and join us next time on Building the Premier Accounting Firm. If you’re looking for solutions at your accounting firm, in HR or another area, give Universal Accounting Center a call at 801-623-6707. Remember, addressing mental health is not just good practice; it’s good business. Until next time, keep prioritizing your employees’ well-being for a stronger and more resilient workplace.   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: 5 Ways To Support Your Mental Health: this is a free download for business owners and their teams- https://fortressandflourish.com/free   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” – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book Learn what it is you can do to become an author, leveraging your expertise to market effectively your services 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.   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 revolutionizing HR for the heart-centered workplace with Candice Elliott.  

Join Russ Anderson CPA and Russ Bradshaw CPA from Anderson Bradshaw CPA firm as they share insights on forming a partnership, debunking myths, handling failures, and selecting the right partner. They discuss personal influences, misconceptions in the accounting industry, and the benefits of effective communication and balanced business-personal life. Tune in for valuable advice!

Welcome to the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast with Universal Accounting Center President Roger Knecht. In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome John Briggs of Incite Tax. Join Roger and John as they explore the innovative strategies that have shaped John’s successful accounting firm and strategies he’s developed to maintain a more full work/life balance. Here’s what we dive into: From Struggles to Success: John walks us through his personal challenges with financial hardship and job dissatisfaction before taking the entrepreneurial leap. Learn about the supportive role of his family during the initial stages of establishing his accounting business. Growth and Embracing Imperfection: Discover how John’s company grew and why accepting imperfection was a pivotal aspect of its expansion. Briggs’s insights on the importance of continuous evolution and the art of setting achievable goals. The 3.3 Rule and Work-Life Balance: Briggs introduces the 3.3 rule as a cornerstone for sustainable accounting practices. Hear why advocating for a 40-hour workweek, even during peak seasons, is essential for preventing burnout and keeping services cost-effective. Productivity and Time Management: The podcast sheds light on the disadvantages of multitasking and promotes concentrated work intervals paired with rejuvenating breaks. Briggs advises against overstimulation during downtime and promotes a results-oriented work culture, especially in remote settings. Remote Work and Company Culture: Strategies for managing remote employees while preserving the essence of company culture. Briggs shares his approach to integrating freelancers into the workflow to aid with tax returns. Modernizing Practices for Increased Income: Insights on how accountants can boost their earnings by updating their methods and embracing new technologies. Universal Accounting’s role in providing resources for team education and career growth. Join us for this enlightening conversation that’s packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to thrive in the accounting industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, John Briggs’ experiences and tips will help you elevate your practice to premier status. Remember to subscribe to our podcast for more insights on building a top-tier accounting firm, and don’t forget to visit our website for additional resources and support. Thank you for listening, and we look forward to bringing you more expert conversations in future episodes. If you’re interested in following John’s footsteps and starting an accounting firm of your own, call 801-623-6707 to learn how Universal Accounting’s team of experts can help. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   We are also happy to announce that we were recognized as the 8th-best accounting podcast.  It’s exciting to be ranked one of the Top 10 shows for the accounting profession and are eager to climb the rank even higher.   Offers: Get your copy of The 3.3 Rule, the book that will show you how to do more in less time.  This is a must-read both personally and professionally. For all of our tax professionals, John also shared the opportunity to do what you love, taxes, getting paid what you are worth without all the headaches of running a business but enjoying the perks of being in business for yourself.  This is the 1099 opportunity for professional tax preparers and Enrolled Agents, EAs.  Act now and get busy: https://www.uacourses.com/pages/1099-opportunities   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 how to get more done in less hours with John Briggs.  

Join host Roger Knecht in a rewind with keynote speaker Mark Cook as they discuss bold leadership, effective problem-solving, and the principles guiding successful business ventures. Mark shares insights on getting 'unstuck' as a leader, defining effective leadership traits, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in for valuable tips on building a fulfilling career in the world of business and leadership.

Welcome to the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast with Roger Knecht. Today Roger is joined by Tim Moy, CPA, as they delve into the nuances of building a successful career in accounting. From his humble beginnings to his ascent to partnership at a prominent firm, Tim shares the principles that guided his professional journey. Key Themes: Career Evolution: Tim gives Roger some background on his professional trajectory, detailing the transition from a small firm to becoming a partner in a larger organization, with several stops along the way. Core Values:  Tim explains why he sees humility, respect, relationship-building, and the significance of honest feedback as pillars for success in the accounting sector. Overcoming Challenges: Roger and Tim discuss the importance of personal adversities that professionals may face and how these can be catalysts for business growth. Relationship Emphasis: Tim emphasizes the importance of nurturing client relationships and leveraging the supportive network within the accounting community. Strategic Practices: Insights into proactive commitment management, delivering outstanding service to internal clients, and strategic industry practices such as tracking leverage statistics and focusing on human capital leverage. Technological Integration: The episode explores the impact of ERP systems and APIs on the accounting industry, highlighting how these technologies can optimize timesheets and project management. Performance Metrics: The discussion underlines KPIs and ratios that are critical for effective staff management and measuring financial performance, including the metric of dollars billed per partner hour. Addressing Staffing Issues: Solutions to tackle staffing shortages, such as remote employee management, offshoring, and targeted recruiting, are examined. CPA Firm Management: Tim Moy shares valuable insights from his own experience in running a CPA firm, dealing with smaller clients, and the initial hurdles of starting a business. Support During Growth: The value of having a robust support system during phases of growth is underscored, highlighting the benefits of mentorship and community. Thank you for joining us on another insightful episode of the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast. To learn more about how you can start your own successful journey into the accounting industry, call 801-623-6707 or schedule an appointment online when it’s convenient for you.   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   We are also happy to announce that we were recognized as the 8th-best accounting podcast.  It’s exciting to be ranked one of the Top 10 shows for the accounting profession and are eager to climb the rank even higher. Offers: Tim is offering listeners of today’s show the opportunity to connect with him regarding CPA360 can assist with solving their firm's problems or unlock their opportunities.  Take a moment and email him directly and be sure to thank him for his time. tmoy@mbe.cpa   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” – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book 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.   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 automation with Tim Moy.

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023!   On this week’s episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm", your host Roger Knecht sits down with Jesse Rubenfeld, founder of FinOptimal, a company that combines accounting and engineering to offer cost-efficient accounting services that utilize proprietary automation and onshore accountants, as they explore the intersection of accounting, technology, and the future of the accounting profession. Jesse shares his journey into accounting, which began with a background in music. He then dives into the genesis of FinOptimal, sharing how his company helps clients find the best accountants using six key questions. They also discuss the importance of accounting in business, and why it matters more than ever in today's rapidly changing economy. Jesse and Roger discuss how the accounting profession is evolving and why some accountants still fear technology in this rapidly growing and fast-automated profession.  Jesse also discusses both the limitations of Quickbooks-integrated apps and the changing role of accountants in future businesses. He also provides valuable insights on the significance of finance automation and its impact on the future of the accounting profession. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Jesse Rubenfeld, CPA After growing up in Houston, Jesse Rubenfeld began his career in New York City at the Lime Group of companies doing the books for a variety of companies, gaining experience with non-profit, software industry, hedge fund, and management company accounting. After serving as LimeWire's CFO for his last four years there, he joined the D. E. Shaw Group as the controller of the research division that builds supercomputers to revolutionize drug discovery. From the beginning, Jesse's interest in technology led him to automate financial operations, first with spreadsheets, then Perl, and most recently Python. He founded FinOptimal to help QuickBooks Online-based businesses streamline their financial operations, optimizing value-per-dollar with an outsourced accounting service heavily focused on automation. Jesse has bachelor's degrees from UPENN and Wharton, and an MBA from Columbia, and he lives in Houston with his wife and three children. FinOptimal meets at the intersection of accounting and engineering to provide the most cost-efficient accounting services on the market. Our clients save up to four full-time finance hires compared to competitors and thousands each month by avoiding expensive accounting softwares.   That's because we don't just do your accounting, we optimize it using a unique blend of proprietary automation and onshore accountants. We make your accounting systems work with you, not against you. We know your favorite accounting tech tools inside out and how you can do more with them.   Imagine better data, increased visibility, and enhanced customization — all from the systems you're using now. It's time to take your accounting to the next level. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Expand the quality accounting services you offer to include CFO and Advisory work.  This is a rewarding opportunity to further service your clients and get paid what you are worth.  Become a Profit & Growth Expert and apply the Universal Business Builder system with confidence.   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

Welcome to another episode of the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast, where we dive into the trends and transformations bookkeeping, tax and advisory business owners need to know. Today, we’re joined by Laurence Whittam, the Chief Outsourcing Officer at Impact Global Solutions, who brings a decade of rich experience in the outsourcing industry, focusing on accounting firms in the US. Main Themes: Evolution of Outsourcing Mindset: Laurence shares his observations on how the perception of outsourcing has changed from resistance to acceptance over the years. He discusses the shift from having to convince firms to outsource to now educating them on best practices. Role of the Chief Outsourcing Officer: Importance of this role in navigating cultural differences and communication barriers. Laurence talks about his responsibilities in assimilating remote workers into a company’s culture and ensuring smooth operations. Challenges in Outsourcing: Insights into overcoming cultural differences and communication issues. The necessity for internal support and clear operational frameworks. Financial and Efficiency Benefits: Discussion on how outsourcing can lead to significant cost savings and efficiency gains. The positive impact of offshore staffing on a firm’s bottom line. Cash Flow Management: The critical nature of managing cash flow in the accounting industry. Laurence underscores the importance of a solid business plan for accounting professionals. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The role SOPs play in successful offshoring efforts. Tips on how to maintain quality and consistency with a remote workforce. Communication with Offshore Staff: Strategies for effective communication to bridge the gap between domestic and offshore teams. How good communication contributes to the success of outsourcing partnerships. Demand for Accounting Services: Analysis of the growing demand and how outsourcing can help meet these needs. Exploring the potential for expansion and scalability through offshore staffing. Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner: The benefits of partnering with reputable outsourcing providers. Laurence shares his criteria for selecting the right partner for accounting firms. Listener Engagement: The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to share their experiences or questions regarding outsourcing. Laurence encourages firms to reach out to Universal Accounting for further guidance on implementing the principles discussed in their businesses. Final Thoughts: As the podcast wraps up, Laurence Whittam emphasizes the strategic value of outsourcing for accounting firms looking to thrive in a competitive global market. He provides actionable insights and real-world advice for businesses ready to embrace the power of a global workforce. Remember to subscribe to our podcast for more insights from industry experts, and don’t forget to share your thoughts with us on social media or via email. Tune in next time for another engaging episode of “Global Business Horizons.”   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Free Outsourcing Improvement or Discovery Session - https://calendly.com/lwhittam-nlw Come utilize our Outsourcing Readiness Assessment which will do a deep analysis into your firm to see if you are ready to outsource and provide actionable steps to start a successful outsourcing journey. We will throw in a 1-Year Roadmap which even if you implement 20% of it I guarantee will save you the cost of the Assessment. 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” – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book Learn what it is you can do to become an author, leveraging your expertise to market effectively your services 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.   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