Building the Premier Accounting Firm

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Kenny Harper of Growth Amplifiers joins Roger Knecht to discuss the nuances of marketing and sales, emphasizing the importance of niching, understanding the customer journey, and sharing value to attract and retain ideal clients for accounting, bookkeeping, and tax businesses. Kenny shares actionable strategies to amplify your firm’s reach and impact. Key Takeaways: Understand the distinction between marketing (attracting ideal clients) and sales (helping clients achieve their goals). Share the full range of your services with clients; don’t assume they know what you offer. Niche your marketing to resonate with specific industries or client types for better engagement. Focus on building relationships and guiding clients through a journey, rather than pushing for a quick sale. Seek fresh perspectives to identify blind spots and optimize your marketing and sales efforts. Featured Quotes: “Clients don’t know what they don’t know.” - Roger Knecht [09:46] “Sales is simply just helping people get that value.” - Kenny Harper [14:23] “You don’t have to niche your whole business, but you should consider niching your marketing.” - Kenny Harper [26:05] Behind the Story: Kenny Harper’s path from recording bands to optimizing marketing strategies for business advisors offers a unique perspective on growth. His early struggles in the music industry taught him the importance of the business side of passion, shaping his approach to helping others amplify their impact.  Thank you for joining us for this enlightening episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For additional help and resources for improving your marketing, sales, and ability to build relationships at your accounting firm, call 435-344-2060 to connect with Universal Accounting’s team.   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: The Advisors Playbook - Learn how to attract and enrol more ideal customers: https://growthamplifiers.com/amplify/   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 marketing and sales with Kenny Harper 

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2020! For some starting an accounting business is out of necessity.  Perhaps it is unexpected or even wanted but when life happens we sometimes need to make the most of the situation.  With that in mind listen as Veronica shares her story and how she can look back with gratitude. Roger and Veronica discuss the challenges and strategies to overcome. Veronica also shares some tools and resources she has to help accountants effectively market and sale their services.   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Veronica Sagastume Veronica Sagastume is an ex-corporate CFO turned content marketing strategist with a passion for helping accounting, bookkeeping, and tax business owners create content to increase their visibility on social media and grow their business online.   After a 20 year corporate career as an accounting and finance executive in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area, Veronica faced a personal life event which led her to make the bold decision to trade her corner office for a home office.   In 2011, Veronica left her CFO position to start her own consulting practice to work with startup companies as their business consultant. Fueled by her experience, Veronica skyrocketed her practice to quick success.   In 2016, she ventured online to help other accounting, finance, and tax business owners learn how to show up online with a strong content marketing strategy to attract and connect with clients. Helping them to show up like the experts they are, make a greater impact, increase their online visibility, and grow their business online is her primary vision and goal! Veronica has built a thriving consulting and coaching business from the comfort of her own home and is excited to share her journey.     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 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: “Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant’s guide to QUICK turnarounds” – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals Veronica has created several free resources to help Accounting, Bookkeeping and Tax businesses grow their business online. Download her Nurture Your Network guide which includes email swipe files you can customize and use to reconnect with your existing network and reignite that relationship.  And if you're ready to show up online, but are stuck wondering 'what to write about?', she's got you covered with 75 content ideas plus a 31 day content calendar template that will inspire you to take action and start showing up for your audience - Grab it 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

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht sits down with guest Greg Kyte to explore the intricacies of fractional CFO work, fraud prevention, and the unexpected intersection of accounting and comedy. Greg shares his unique career journey and provides actionable insights for accounting professionals looking to protect their clients and enhance their service offerings. Key Takeaways in This Episode: ✅ Prioritize transparency and accountability in all financial dealings to build trust with clients and prevent fraud. 🏢 Implement robust internal controls, including separation of duties, to safeguard assets and prevent abuse. 🎭 Make financial data engaging and understandable for clients, tailoring communication to their needs and interests. 🤝 Network with professional organizations to expand your knowledge, gain job opportunities, and build valuable relationships. 🛡️ Continuously refine your business model and processes to minimize risk and maximize efficiency. Behind the Story: Greg Kyte’s journey from middle school math teacher to CPA and fractional CFO is anything but ordinary. His experience in his mother’s pharmacy ignited his passion for bookkeeping, while his stand-up comedy background gives him a unique perspective on the world of finance. Together, these experiences inform his approach to client relationships, fraud prevention, and the art of making complex financial data accessible and engaging. To learn more about how you can follow in Greg’s footsteps and start an accounting firm of your own, regardless of your background, call 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 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 anxiety, failure, and fraud with Greg Kyte  

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2020! For some the idea of starting an accounting business is the furthest thing from their mind then life is thrust upon them. Listen as Natalia discusses with Roger her journey from single mother to successful bookkeeper.  Realizing the need for grit to build the business peppered with tenacity pays off. It is also the attitude of gratitude that pays off along with the support of others.  There is a reason we each need cheerleaders in our lives. With that Natalia is living the dream 😊   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Natalia Zacharin In 2018, after years of working for other firms, Natalia opened her own firm, Zacharin Consulting; a firm dedicated to empowering businesses to understand and interpret the financial health of their business and significantly improve their bottom line.  Using a blend of personal service and expertise, Natalia's goal is to bring her experience and knowledge to her clients in a meaningful way.  Zacharin Consulting offers strategic bookkeeping, monthly accounting, remote CFO services and financial intelligence programs to help businesses thrive, stay organized, save time, and give them peace of mind.   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.  These are must have additions to every accountant’s library to provide the value clients look for 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 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 Andrew O’Brien, the Mindblowing Coach, about stress and burnout management for accounting professionals. They explore the science behind stress, debunk misconceptions, and provide actionable tips for a healthier, more balanced life. 💪 Key Takeaways: Recognize the difference between real and perceived stress to better manage your reactions. 🧠 Implement deep breathing and hydration techniques to quickly signal your brain for homeostasis. 💧 Prioritize sleep and nutrition to optimize brain health and nervous system function. 😴 Incorporate gratitude and fun activities into your daily routine to boost positive hormones. 😄 Connect with yourself and your environment to align actions with values, preventing burnout. 🧘 Featured Quotes: Andrew O’Brien: “Stress is a part of us… We are human. We have a brain… we’re never going to be able to get rid of our stress response.” Roger Knecht: “You are enough. There isn’t anything that’s lacking. You’re not broken. You are enough. You are a good person.” Andrew O’Brien: “It just takes one, one, one small step to start this journey… You are going to get back to more of that flow state which is the goal of life.” Top 3 Highlights: Real vs. Perceived Stress: Identify and filter out perceived threats. 🚫 The O’Brien 10: Implement practical techniques for stress relief and brain health. ✅ Self-Compassion: Acknowledge your humanity and practice kindness towards yourself. ❤️ Thanks for joining us on this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. For more insights on how you can start and efficiently run your business, contact our 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: Schedule a free stress relief strategy call with Andrew & download the stress relief tips, The O’Brien 10: https://my.practicebetter.io/#/63c7e592cf728652691b56ee/bookings?s=63c7f098271fea6760fd4fcf&step=date   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 Friday for a new episode where Roger discusses mastering your stress with Andrew O'Brien.  

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Nolan Bradbury of Bradfield Accounting joins Roger Knecht to discuss the critical importance of strong client-accountant relationships, moving beyond transactional interactions, and leveraging financial reports to drive business growth. They explore the value of providing advisory services, KPIs, and the essential role of accountants as translators, ensuring business owners understand their financial data and make informed decisions.  Key Takeaways: Prioritize client relationships: Build connections that go beyond basic accounting to understand clients’ needs and pain points.  Translate financial language: Communicate clearly and avoid accounting jargon to make financial information accessible.  Focus on key performance indicators (KPIs): Identify and track the metrics that truly drive business success, not just financial statements. 📊 Move into advisory services: Offer strategic advice and guidance to help clients grow and achieve their business goals. 🚀 Understand the Rule of 3 and 10: Recognize that scaling requires adapting systems and processes at each growth stage.  Featured Quotes: Nolan: “You have to connect with the person on a level that is beyond just the accounting… For a relationship to be an actual relationship, you have to have more than one person show up and want it to be a relationship.” Nolan: “When people come to you to hire you for bookkeeping or tax, they’re not actually hiring you for bookkeeping or tax… What they’re actually looking for is the strategy that comes from those things.” Nolan: “The customer won’t care more than you care… They’re never going to care more than you are or get more excited about the information than you do now.” Thank you for joining us for this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. If you’re ready to start your own firm or implement the strategies Nolan Bradbury shared in this episode at your current role, contact our 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 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 client relationships with Nolan Bradbury