Building the Premier Accounting Firm

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses what it means to be an entreprenuer in accounting with Jeremy Clopton

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2020! Either as a degreed accountant or business owner we each would benefit stopping for a moment to consider the big picture of business as it appears in the accounting model. Listen as Mark shares his storying of stumbling into the accounting profession, graduating and working as an accountant yet still struggling to understand the big picture and then BAAM, it changed. Color Accounting is a unique yet simple way to learn and explain the accounting experience. For accounting professionals it's a refreshing perspective on something they do daily. More importantly, for the non-accountant it's a fun interactive experience to understand the applications of transactions within business. Hear how Color Accounting came about and how it applies to you and the relationship you have with your business clients. Let Color Accounting help you communicate the accounting information to your clients in a way they can then use the reports you provide it to make more informed business decisions. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Mark Robilliard, FCA Mark Robilliard is Director of Education & Operations and Co-founder of Color Accounting International, an education and publishing firm headquartered in Washington DC. He's an Aussie who lives in the US and travels widely, leading seminars in financial statement and business acumen skills, for lawyers, bankers and businesspeople. Some of his teaching for senior execs is done in secret. Quick facts: Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand. Adjunct faculty at American University in Washington DC. Was National Training Manager for KPMG Australia. Managed the Human Resources Department for the largest insurer in Australia. Taught at a variety of secondary, tertiary and post-grad institutions in the US and Australia. Co-authored a number of books: Accounting Comes Alive: The Color Accounting Parable Color Accounting: The New Graphical System That Makes Learning Accounting Easy And Quick. Third book due out soon. He believes in working towards a financially conscious world. Color Accounting International What they do: Finance and business acumen workshops for non-financial people using a breakthrough graphical system. The Mission: People are empowered to make wise decisions, collaborate effectively and amplify value – a financially conscious world. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Color Accounting International is a publishing company, a licensing company and education provider. They've developed and distribute the Color Accounting® learning system. They work with a network of accredited Partners and different languages around the world. They are a social enterprise, with a dual social-impact and commercial motive. They advocate accounting as a fundamental form of literacy, like Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. Accounting literacy has the power to improve lives, corporations, not-for-profit organizations and governments. The Color Accounting Network includes: Sales Partners, who provide educational workshops for their corporate clients Corporate Educators, who are accredited by us to facilitate events run for corporate clients Academic Educators, who teach accounting in educational environments such as schools and universities. Offers: Enroll today in Color Accounting, take the course for yourself and then introduce your clients to it. See how this can improve your working relationship, client communication and then generate referral for you. Get the books mentioned in this episode: "Color Accounting" and "Color Comes Alive" Become for your clients their profit and growth expert. Read "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds." This is a how-to-guide for accounting professionals to help you confidently address the challenge that most business face, cash flow. This is a must read! Get your FREE copy of the e-book 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

In this compelling episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht engages with Jeff Bartsch, a communication strategist who transitioned from the entertainment industry to the world of accounting. Together, they explore the transformative power of storytelling in enhancing client relationships and marketing strategies for accountants. Main Themes: The Power of Storytelling in Accounting: Jeff underscores the vital role of storytelling in connecting with clients and conveying complex financial concepts in an engaging and understandable manner. He draws intriguing parallels between Hollywood's narrative techniques and business communication, advocating for strategic storytelling to make financial data more relatable and actionable. Strategic vs. Tactical Storytelling: Jeff distinguishes between tactical stories (short, situational anecdotes) and strategic storytelling (comprehensive narratives that depict transformation and overcoming obstacles). He emphasizes the importance of positioning clients as heroes in their own business stories, with accountants acting as guiding mentors. Effective Client Communication: Jeff and Roger highlight insightful questioning as a key method for uncovering clients' true desires and challenges, enabling accountants to align their services with clients' goals effectively. Real-world examples illustrate the profound impact of tailored communication, such as a virtual CFO helping a CEO achieve a balance between company value and employee compensation. Contextualizing Financial Data: The episode stresses the necessity of providing context to financial numbers to make them meaningful and relevant to clients. Accountants are encouraged to facilitate informed decision-making by guiding clients through their motivations and goals, ultimately contributing to business growth. Niche Market Focus: Roger recommends specialization for virtual CFOs and accountants to tailor communication and attract the right clients effectively. The challenges and successes of Summit Virtual CFO in focusing on digital agencies and other industries are discussed, highlighting the importance of expertise and strategic messaging. Additional Highlights: Complimentary Coaching: Jeff Bartsch offers a free coaching opportunity for established accountants to refine their storytelling and communication strategies. GrowCon Conference: Mention of GrowCon, an annual event for networking and professional development in the accounting industry, held by Universal Accounting Center. Universal Accounting Center: Encouragement to engage with the resources and training provided by Universal Accounting Center to enhance accounting practices. Conclusion: This episode is a must-listen for accountants looking to strengthen their client relationships and marketing strategies through the art of storytelling. By viewing clients as heroes and themselves as mentors, accountants can make financial information more engaging and actionable, leading to significant business growth and client satisfaction. If you're ready to take your business to new heights with Universal Accounting Center's advanced coaching, or if you'd like to build your own thriving accounting firm, 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: One URL for listeners of this podcast: link to my podcast that explains the concepts more. Plus instructions for how to apply for a complimentary coaching session as a gift for listeners of this podcast: https://www.storygreenlight.com/premier/ Also visit https://www.storygreenlight.com/universal for more information and to apply these principles in the business world. Reach out to Jeff and mention this podcast episode: hello@storygreenlight.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 messaging with Jeff Bartsch.

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2020! There's a phrase, when life gives you lemons make lemonade and Brittany did just that. Listen as she shares her story and in time excels in the accounting profession to the point of starting and building a successful accounting business. As you hear her story pay attention to the enthusiasm and positive tone in her voice. Brittany makes things happen and you need to pay attention. Go from surviving to thriving. Oh, and we have some fun along the way. It is a small world 😊 Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Brittany Brown, CPA - Founder and CEO of LedgerGurus Brittany is a CPA and QuickBooks Pro Advisor certified in QuickBooks Online Advanced. She is the driving force behind her firm's rapid growth and innovation, growing from 2 to over 40 employees in 4 years and establishing LedgerGurus as an industry leader in the ecommerce space. Her entire work force is home based, operating entirely within the cloud, built on QuickBooks Online ecosystem. LedgerGurus, a company providing outsourced accounting services to other companies and specializing in the ecommerce space. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get the confidence and competence to find and retain your ideal clients as a Profit & Growth Expert helping clients with the most common challenge that small business owners face, cash flow. Become a Profit & Growth Expert, PGE 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

This week on Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger Knecht interviews cash flow expert David Safeer, Founder and CEO of David Safeer International, an institution that trains accountants on matters of cash flow, and also works with CFOs to optimize their cash flow strategies and run businesses more effectively. In this episode, Roger and David deep dive into the most common errors business owners make when managing their cash flow and explore strategies for improving a business' longevity. They talk about all matters cash flow; managing cash flow, cash flow strategies etc., the reasons why most businesses fail and how as an accountant you can predict the future and help businesses deal with cash effectively. Key Highlights: The Underestimated Importance of Cash Flow: David notes that many businesses that appear successful on paper face severe challenges due to poor cash flow management. David has identified 215 unique methods to improve cash flow, critiquing common, often unrealistic strategies offered online. Frequent Monitoring: David advocates for weekly cash flow reviews instead of monthly or quarterly, due to fluctuating revenue and expenses. Emotional Impact: Roger and David discuss how poor cash flow management leads to significant emotional stress for business owners, illustrated by a client's struggle with overlapping payment schedules. They explore strategies for stability include planning payments, negotiating vendor terms, and maintaining a reserve account. Cash Flow vs. Profit: David disputes the notion that "cash is king," highlighting that many prioritize profit over cash flow, leading to misconceptions about financial health. Roger criticizes media focus on earnings over cash flow, using Tesla as an example. Tailored Financial Strategies: Each business has unique needs, requiring customized financial strategies. Roger encourages accountants to adopt forward-looking approaches and collaborate across departments. Emotional Factors and Debt Tolerance: The hosts discuss the emotional factors affecting entrepreneurs' debt tolerance and resource management. They place emphasis on the importance of profitability, accurate forecasting, and clear reporting to lenders. Maintaining Cash Reserves: Essential for seizing opportunities and making sound decisions. Cash reserves should be viewed as both a safety net and an opportunity fund, promoting Closing Thoughts: Roger and David explain why effective cash flow management is crucial for business stability and growth. By adopting tailored strategies, maintaining cash reserves, and frequently monitoring cash flow, businesses can navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Thank you for tuning into Building the Premier Accounting Firm. To learn more about how you can offer quality accounting services, including top quality cash flow management, 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: Schedule and have a 30-minute call with David to discuss any challenges you or your clients are having and attend a month of David's Cash Flow Advisory Masterminds for free. This includes access to the Mastermind archives to explore case studies and cash flow frameworks, strategies, and tactics. Between the call and the month mastermind sessions, that's a $650 value. Also download the EBook 10 Easy No Risk Habits to Start Managing Cash Flow Today 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 "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds" – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals 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 suggestion you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses all things cash flow with David Safeer.

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2020! Taking an active interest in the client's business, their business model, helps you see beyond the numbers. As you become interested in the owner, their business and understand their goals you'll better be able to advise and help them make more informed business decisions. As such you will be their Profit & Growth Expert. Are you just a librarian or historian for your clients? See what you can do to become passionate again about the work you are doing and get paid what you are worth. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Allen Bostrom, CPA As a young man, Allen Bostrom was mentored by his father Alf L. V. Bostrom in small business. When he asked Alf what was the best path toward being successful in business, Alf explained it began with hard work, and encouraged Allen to get a degree in Accounting. Since then, Allen has often claimed that that was great advice. During college Mr. Bostrom worked in an accounting firm, and learned the daily practices for accounting (which College ignored). Upon graduation, he worked at Exxon Company USA, one of the largest corporations in the world. For a dozen years Allen worked in various departments in various roles, usually focusing on budgeting, forecasting, and profit performance. In the late 80's Allen Bostrom began yearning for the vitality of small business, so on his own time he began consulting with small business owners, aiding them in improving their business profits. Recognizing his entrepreneurial DNA, he soon left Exxon and began working exclusively with small business clients. In 1992, Allen Bostrom was recruited by Universal Accounting Center as the President/CEO (founded in 1979) enabling him to expand his interest in helping accountants become better business consultants, and a stronger support for their employers and small business clients. Since that time, he has trained tens of thousands of accountants, bookkeepers, and tax preparers in practice and client management techniques and strategies. In 2014, Allen turned over the day-to-day operations to Roger Knecht, naming him as the President, but retaining the CEO duties. In recent years, Universal has become the leader in accounting training, coaching, and professional marketing. 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 Allen's books: "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" – e-book Remember this, if it's about accounting it 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 enlightening episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm," host Roger Knecht engages in a profound discussion with seasoned entrepreneur Ann Carden. With over 43 years of experience in business marketing and sales, Ann shares her journey to becoming an entrepreneur and insights she's learned along the way. She offers invaluable lessons on what contributes to the success and profitability of bookkeeping, accounting, and tax businesses. Main Themes: Work-Life Balance and Support Network: Ann emphasizes the critical role of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the sacrifices necessary for entrepreneurial success. The importance of having a supportive network to navigate the challenges of business ownership is highlighted. Branding and Market Positioning: The discussion focuses on the significance of strong branding to establish a premium accounting firm. Strategies for targeting high-end markets and differentiating through unique offerings are explored. Aligning one's brand with personal values and lifestyle is underscored, alongside the necessity of being perceived as an authority in marketing. Four-Step Process for Business Improvement: Redesigning the revenue model to enable premium pricing. Revamping marketing strategies for better client acquisition. Restructuring the sales process for enhanced effectiveness. Boosting revenue through automation and creating new income streams. Effective Pricing and Market Targeting: Methods such as packaged pricing and value pricing based on ROI are discussed. The importance of targeting the right market with intentional messaging and a robust online presence is emphasized. Sales and Client Relationships: Strategies for transforming sales conversations into meaningful engagements to foster long-term client relationships are shared. Profitability Enhancement: Tips on leveraging automation, creating passive income streams, expanding teams, and offering additional services to enhance profitability. Becoming an "Accountrepreneur": The concept of having a business mindset within the accounting profession is introduced. Reflections on overcoming challenges, particularly during the 2008 recession, and the advocacy for entrepreneurship to achieve greater success and generational wealth. Key Takeaway: This episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights and strategies for accountants aiming to elevate their firms to premium status. Ann Carden's expertise and experience offer listeners a roadmap to building a profitable, well-branded, and client-centric accounting practice. Thank you for listening to Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. If you are ready to take the first step toward becoming an "Accountrepreneur" like Ann, 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: Supercharge Your Business free masterclass https://anncarden.clickfunnels.com/optin1653310813011 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 revving up your revenue with Ann Carden.