Building the Premier Accounting Firm

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2022!   In this episode, host Roger Knecht chats with the host of ‘The Unique CPA’ podcast, Randy Crabtree as they discuss everything mental health. Randy shares his personal story of dealing with mental health issues after surviving a stroke. They discuss how to deal with work place stress and mental health issues as accountants, controlled versus uncontrolled stress, seeking professional help through therapy, and recognizing your triggers. Finally, they offer some things to help avoid or cope with stress. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Randy Crabtree Randy Crabtree is the host of his own podcast, ‘The Unique CPA’. It is ranked as one of the top 5% most popular shows in the podcast spectrum. He is also the Co-founder and partner of Tri-merit Specialty Tax Professionals. He is an author, lecturer and the president of a 501C3 stroke survivors empowering each other organization and part owner of an award-winning craft beer and bottle shop in Chicago. In December 2021, he was listed as one to watch in the section of Accounting Today, and is among the 100 most influential people in accounting. In may he was appointed into its tax counsel for a third-year term. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center       Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers:   Reach out via Linkedin if you’d like Randy or Roger to present this to a group or association       Randy Crabtree       Roger Knecht   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 in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777

In this episode of the podcast, host and Universal Accounting Center president Roger Knecht engages in a dynamic conversation with Marie Speakman, a Chartered Accountant and Artificial Intelligence consultant known as the “AI Automation Lady.” Together, they dive deep into the world of automation as it relates to accounting, including how to use AI as a “trainee,” how to use it to help represent data, and how to prioritize the client experience. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Marie Speakman, CA After selling her accounting practice in 2009, Marie focused on helping companies enhance their operations and finance procedures.  In 2020, she was introduced to an AI company. Marie’s goal now is to provide insights, demystify AI, and support you every step of the way. When Marie is not working, she loves embracing the vibrant Andalucian lifestyle, hiking in the mountains, strolling along sandy beaches, and discovering new wonders around the world. Her next destination and adventure is Japan! Highlights: Roger and Marie discuss her decision to sell her accounting business in 2009 and focus on helping companies enhance their operations and financial procedures. Beginning in 2020, she took special interest in the impact AI could have on tax and bookkeeping businesses. Marie recounts her earlier career experience working as a financial controller at a software company, traveling across Europe and working with great colleagues. This furthered Marie’s passion for tech, and was her first taste of remote working. Roger and Marie discuss a debt collection program Marie helped develop that has been implemented in governments in the United Kingdom. As it became clear bookkeeping was a great candidate for AI optimization, Marie saw the potential to train bots to reconcile and complete compliance tasks. Marie highlights Robotic Process Automation, the simplest form of AI, which is like training a trainee to complete certain tasks mapped out for them in their code. Marie emphasizes the importance of the client’s security when using AI as a tool for analyzing data for advisors. Marie walks Roger through the typical way an artificial intelligence company would meet with an accounting business owner and present the uses AI could have at the firm. Roger and Marie discuss the impacts AI will have on the accounting industry, including help to fill the current hiring shortage that is a challenge for many accounting firms. Notable Quotes from this episode: “When I was in practice, I did struggle to be honest. I was forever trying to meet deadlines, you know, there's like peaks and troughs in the actual workload and I was thinking, ‘[AI] is great this could be really great for accountants to apply.” “Anything that you could train a trainee to do, then you can train a bot to do that and it can do the work for you.” “When I started off, I was like, ‘I want to be the advisor.’ When I was a management accountant, and I've got all these skills, and I want to go out, and I want to advise these companies, but you get bogged down in the day to day and the compliance work and you are forever trying to meet deadlines. And now I think we've got a massive opportunity.” “Whether it be the AI or offshore accounting, it's basically a non -client facing interaction that we're talking about here. So I think that's a very good thing.” Join Roger and Marie in this thought-provoking discussion as they highlight the untapped potential accountants possess to use AI as a tool for their firm. Discover practical uses for AI at your company, how to work with companies to integrate bots, and which services (including ChatGPT) to avoid. If you're considering tools to make your firm more profitable, or develop more marketable skills , this episode is packed with valuable insights.   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Marie is offering a AI Insights Session: Uncover Custom Solutions for Your Business" https://calendly.com/mariespeakman/30-minute-discovery-call   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 using AI in your business with Marie Speakman.  

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2022!   Networking is a powerful tool that can help you build your business. But it can be difficult to know where to start, or how to make the most of your networking opportunities. Dr. Ivan Misner is the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization. In this episode of Building The Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht chats with Dr. Misner about his journey from building a successful practice to growing BNI into the global organization it is today. Dr. Misner shares his insights on how to build strong relationships, how to network effectively as an introvert, and how to make the most of your networking opportunities. This episode is packed with valuable tips and advice that you can use to grow your business through networking. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Dr. Ivan Misner Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization.  Founded in 1985, the organization now has over 10,700 chapters in 76 countries throughout every populated continent of the world.  Last year alone, BNI generated 12.4 million referrals resulting in more than $18.6 billion dollars’ worth of business for its members. Called the “Father of Modern Networking” by both Forbes and CNN, Dr. Misner is considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on business networking and has been a keynote speaker for major corporations and associations throughout the world.  He has been featured in the L.A. Times, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times, as well as numerous TV and radio shows including CNN, the BBC, and The Today Show on NBC. Among his many awards, he has been named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Red Cross and has been the recipient of the John C. Maxwell Leadership Award.  He is a proud father and husband to his late wife; Elisabeth and he is the Co-Founder of the BNI Charitable Foundation. He has visited all seven continents having completed an Antarctic expedition in 2021. His next big adventure is to be a future astronaut with Virgin Atlantic.  Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Find a BNI chapter near you Free resources 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 quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert 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

In this episode of the podcast, host Roger Knecht engages in a dynamic conversation with Sam Mendelsohn, a CPA and Mergers and Acquisitions expert. Together, they dive deep into the world of accounting, business valuation, and the critical role accounting professionals can play in helping business owners realize their company's true potential.6   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Sam Mendelsohn, CPA Sam Mendelsohn is the President and Chief Operating Officer at The Value Builder System™. Sam is also a former Vice President within an operating division of the Constellation Group (TSE:CSU). Sam has led marketing for over 20 different brands and is a highly-rated MacKay speaker on marketing. He has also delivered over 500 software deployments ranging from marketing systems to full Enterprise Resource Planning systems and corporate performance management systems at companies including Microsoft, Merck, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Sun Media.   Highlights: Sam shares his journey from traditional accounting to specializing in mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of business valuation. They discuss how understanding a business's true value can make a significant difference in decision making, especially during a potential sale. Sam reveals how crucial it is for business owners to continuously monitor and improve eight key drivers of business value. Roger and Sam explore real-life scenarios where two seemingly identical businesses can have vastly different valuations. They emphasize the shift accountants can make into the CFO and advisory services space, helping business owners maximize profitability, navigate operational challenges, and achieve long-term growth. Sam introduces the concept of a "showroom-ready" business and discusses the pivotal role accountants can play in preparing businesses for potential sales. They share insights on how aspiring entrepreneurs can start an accounting business, a bookkeeping business, or a tax business, and highlight the importance of learning bookkeeping online and taking online tax courses. Discover how understanding business valuation and the eight key drivers can be the catalyst for both accountants and their clients to achieve extraordinary success in the world of CFO and advisory services. Notable Quotes from this episode: "Those eight drivers are similar to going and buying a home... You're going down this checklist of what that house is going to consist of. Well, it's the same thing with the business." "Your business should always be showroom ready." "Find a good framework that you're comfortable leveraging... show up and have that conversation with the client rather than being scared about what to talk about." "Accountants have such an opportunity to look beyond the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement and really do a lot of good for business owners on the operational side." Join Roger and Sam in this thought-provoking discussion as they highlight the untapped potential accountants possess to become indispensable partners in business growth and transformation. Discover how understanding business valuation and the eight key drivers can be the catalyst for both accountants and their clients to achieve extraordinary success while offering CFO and advisory services. If you're considering starting an accounting business, a bookkeeping business, or a tax business, or if you want to learn bookkeeping online and explore online tax courses, this episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers:   Now’s the time to get your Business Score.  See how the 8 drivers mentioned in the show today apply to your business.  Learn what you can do today to work ON your business and improve your valuation to build the business you want.  CLICK HERE to start, it will only take 15 minutes.   It’s time to compliment your accounting and tax services with quality CFO & Advisory services.  Become a Profit & Growth Expert, apply the Universal Business Builder principles with your clients and learn what you can do to be a Value Builder Provider.   Get The Unlocking Small Business Market whitepaper.  Understand how smart advisors position their services to protect, grow and realize the value of a business.  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 building a company that is read to sell at any time with Sam Mendelsohn.  

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2022!   On this week’s episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, your host Roger Knecht chats with Content Repurposing expert Kristy Honsvick about how to get the most from your content strategy. She talks about building 50% of her business through LinkedIn, the online platforms and medium that are best for building a business, and how often you should be posting on these medium. Kristy also talks about creating multiple types of content from one piece of content like a blog post or video, the difference between repurposing and reposting, and how to engage and connect with your audience on social media. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Kristy Honsvick After working with hundreds of entrepreneurs over the last 9+ years, I know how overwhelming it can be to increase your visibility, create more content, and show up consistently on social media. I also know how integral those things are to creating a thriving business.   I help my clients create a forward-facing brand by multiplying the content they are already creating and increasing visibility online. I live in Salt Lake City with my hot husband and 3 kiddos. When I'm not at home, I'm probably in the mountains (#MyHappyPlace) with a true-crime novel and peanut butter M&M's. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: 33 ways to repurpose that you've never thought of (FREE DOWNLOAD) www.getsimplyonline.com/33ways    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 quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert 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 suggestions 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

In this enlightening episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm," we are joined by Omry Man, a seasoned entrepreneur who offers valuable insights into starting accounting businesses. Omry's journey from building and selling successful startups to venturing into the accounting industry provides invaluable guidance for those looking to start an accounting business or expand their existing services. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Omry Man Meet Omry Man, the CRO and Founder of Anchor. With 15 years of hands-on experience in digital marketing and business development, he is a skilled software entrepreneur and an active investor in the tech space. Over the last four years, Omry has been on a mission to revolutionize businesses using automation, creating an Amazon-like experience for both accountants and their clients – from proposal to payment. Before joining Anchor, Omry successfully founded three companies: NTT, a website creation platform; Zebra Media, a software distribution network; and Winja, a growth hacking consultancy firm for the software/SaaS space. His passion for empowering businesses and dedication to innovative solutions keeps him up at night ( together with his newborn son), thinking of how he can help the accounting community with eliminating burnout and make things like late payments, friction with clients, manual work a thing of the past.    Highlights from the episode:   Transitioning from Startups to Building Accounting Businesses: Omry shares his journey of transitioning from the world of startups to the accounting industry, highlighting the importance of staying connected with clients even after selling businesses.   Subscription-Based Pricing Models: The discussion delves deep into the world of subscription-based billing. Omry explains the versatility of different pricing models, ideal for those eager to start a bookkeeping business or tax business, and how they cater to the unique goals and personalities of accounting professionals.   Addressing Revenue Leakage: Omry sheds light on the pervasive issue of revenue leakage within accounting firms. He describes how automation can eliminate revenue leakage by ensuring agreements are adhered to and payments are made correctly, enhancing trust and efficiency. Learn bookkeeping online and you’ll gain insights into revenue protection.   Advisory Services and Beyond: The conversation touches on the growing importance of offering advisory services to clients. Omry emphasizes the need for accountants to continuously evaluate their own objectives and goals, aligning their service offerings with their aspirations. He recommends exploring online accounting courses and online tax courses to expand your skill set.   Key Quotes from this episode: "I think we're all in this fast-paced moving thing that a lot of us have forgotten why we even got into the business." "Understanding what it is that you want and looking at it while being very honest with yourself will answer a lot of the questions that arise when you're inside the trenches." "The minute that a computer does it and it's automated, it's like with Netflix. If Netflix sends you an invoice, you know you need to pay five more dollars. It's automated. You're not angry with Netflix." "I don't think it's all around what's right and what's wrong. It all should be dictated around your end goal." Tune in to this episode for a thought-provoking discussion that explores the evolving landscape of accounting services, the power of automation, and the importance of aligning your business goals with your unique aspirations. Join us on this journey of discovery in the world of accounting and explore opportunities to start a bookkeeping business, a tax business, or enhance your skills through online accounting courses and online tax courses!   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: www.sayanchor.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” – 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 revenue leakage and choosing the right pricing model with Omry Man.

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2022.   An exit strategy is vital for any business, yet so many entrepreneurs don't have one. In this episode, your podcast host Roger Knecht chats with multi-award-winning UK Business Mentor and author Christine Nicholson about the importance of building a business with an exit strategy in mind. They discuss various exit strategy options including and shockingly, selling the business to your employees. The also discuss the accountant's role in creating a business ready for exit as well as the things that will impact the valuation of your business. Christine talks about her four horsemen of the apocalypse a.k.a the eventualities that could force you to leave your business and how entrepreneurs can navigate life after exiting their businesses. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Christine Nicholson Christine is a multi award-winning UK Business Mentor and a Top 50 Woman in Accounting 2022. She has authored 4 business books and is a regular keynote speaker on Succession and Exit Planning. As a businesswoman who has built multi-million turnover businesses over the last 30 years, she has worked with many business owners in all sectors including taking one from bankruptcy to 8-figure exit in 18 months. She has spent a few years accidentally running a zoo! Her latest book, SELL IT, helps business owners get their business and themselves ready for the hardest part of the entrepreneur journey, leaving their business in the hands of others. She sits as a Court Assistant of the Company of Entrepreneurs of the City of London where she lead a co-mentoring project with the Culture Mile working with amazing and powerfully impactful creatives. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: In addition to the quality services you offer you should consider becoming a Profit & Growth Expert.  Take another step to improve your client relationships, retention and generate additional revenue as a trusted strategic advisor to your clients.  This new engagement complements the traditional services you already offer with an effective CFO & Advisory engagement following the principles taught in the Universal Business Builder program.   Are you stuck in the day-to-day of your business with no time to plan for the future?  Discover how you can make your business worth more AND avoid leaving money on the table when you come to sell.  TAKE THE QUIZ to get your personalized report. It’s FREE and only takes 3 minutes. You’ll see your score instantly.  Also check out other related resources here: https://www.businessmentoruk.com/ Lastly, as you run your business you need to assess what is going well and what needs your attention and there's no better way to do this than to request your FREE Business Score.  See what are the 8 Drivers that determine the value of your business and how they apply to your company. And don’t forget to have 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 quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert 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 suggestions 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