Building the Premier Accounting Firm

On this week's episode of the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast, host Roger Knecht interviews a special guest Roxanne Thayne, Chief Marketing Officer and co-founder of Trustyy, a mobile app designed to help parents build stronger relationships with their teens. Roger and Roxanne have an in-depth discussion about the challenges family obligations and relationships can create when trying to grow an accounting practice or any type of entrepreneurial venture. Drawing from her experience helping launch and handle marketing for a family business providing in-home therapy services, Roxanne shares advice on maintaining work-life balance, keeping communication open between spouses, and preventing tensions from derailing business goals or personal relationships. They also talk about handling the stress and risk that comes with having "all your eggs in one basket" in a shared family business. Roxanne emphasizes the importance of making the family the first priority while still moving the business forward. Additionally they discuss how to focus on fostering trust and unity between spouses managing a business together and teaching entrepreneurial skills as well as resilience to children who are raised observing the ups and downs of business ownership firsthand. They address the value of proactively and how it can help solve potential issues in the spouse/partner relationship before they trickle down and negatively impact the business. Roxanne advocates for getting premarital counseling and advice to set up future family ventures for success from the start. The discussion ultimately emphasizes that while no career success can ever compensate for failure at home, with open and ongoing communication, mutual understanding between spouses, and intentionality in nurturing family relationships, families can thrive while partners build something meaningful together through a shared business. This thought-provoking conversation is a must-listen for anyone currently balancing growing an accounting firm or running a small business with the obligations of family life and relationships at home. Subscribe for more practical insights on strengthening both your company and your closest personal connections.   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Roxanne Thayne Roxanne Thayne met her husband Tim on the BYU Ballroom Dance Team, where they quickly and literally learned how to not step on each other's toes. After she graduated in History and Secondary Education and helped Tim through his doctoral program, they raised five children. While in the midst of homeschooling and a busy family life, they began several businesses together, ranging from hog farms to working with troubled teens and their families. Fifteen years ago Roxanne was officially brought into the day-to-day business to just "do a little writing" and naturally became the marketing director and guardian of the brand. Today they are building Trustyy, an app for parents with a teen who struggles.   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: As part of the conversation, we have for our listeners the opportunity to take advantage of the TRUSTYY APP.  The App to Help Parents and Teens Build Trust at Home.  Because parents and teens have never been busier or overwhelmed. The Trustyy app is the first designed to help parents build mutual trust, address issues competently and consistently, and strengthen their relationships with their teens. www.trustyy.com/uac Likewise, take a moment and receive free access to the Money Management and Couples Course that was discussed on the show.  This is a MUST-DO activity for parents, especially for those with teens, young adults, and newlyweds.  It’s also used by counselors, youth ministers, financial planners and more.  Take the time to see what you can do to live debt-free and have a healthy committed relationship.   https://universalbusinessbuilders.com/money-management-video-course    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 family and business with Roxanne Thayne.  

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2022!   In this episode of Building The Premier Accounting Firm, Your host Roger Knecht interviews Sanford Law Firm CFO Gabriel Stiritz, on leadership and other important topics to help us grow the premier accounting firm. Gabriel shares his journey to becoming CFO at a law firm despite having graduated with a BFA in photography. He also tells us about EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and its best practices. Further, they discuss Technology and its place in business; creating processes and automating them. Gabriel also shares the challenges he has faced as a CFO running business and advice to young entrepreneurs. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Gabriel Stiritz Gabriel serves as the CFO for Sanford Law Firm. He is an experienced entrepreneur with a unique professional background that includes photography, fundraising, and operations. Gabriel graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2011 with a BFA in photography. He subsequently spent 8 years working at New City Kids, a nonprofit headquartered in Jersey City, NJ.   Gabriel’s role spanned communications, events, major gifts, and operations. During his time with the organization, New City Kids grew from $900,000 to $3.5M annual budget, serving youth in 5 locations in 3 cities. After serving as operations director for New City Kids, Gabriel joined the team at Sanford Law Firm as CFO. 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 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

Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Paul Kluskowski, EA Paul Kluskowski is an experienced financial advisor and tax consultant with expertise spanning over 20 years. As an Investment Specialist and EA (Enrolled Agent) at TR Financial Management Group, he helps nuclear power plant workers and self-employed clients achieve financial success. Kluskowski began his career in the nuclear energy industry, obtaining his reactor operator license at the young age of 22 and advancing to Senior Reactor Operator by 25. After nine years working in plant operations, he left to pursue a college degree, earning a BA in Physics from Andrews University. Kluskowski then expanded his skillset into the financial sector as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, where he ranked in the top 10% of his peer group and earned multiple National Sales Awards. Today, he leverages his unique background to serve niche clientele through wealth management and tax preparation services. Kluskowski actively shares his expertise through publications like The Game Changer's Guide to a Better Financial Life. In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht has an insightful discussion with Paul Kluskowski, an experienced financial advisor and tax consultant with expertise spanning over 20 years.  They explore how Paul leveraged his diverse experience to build a successful tax and financial planning practice. Paul shares the story of how he made the transition into accounting and tax preparation services. After nearly a decade working in operations at a nuclear power plant, he returned to college to obtain a physics degree. Paul then became a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley where he ranked in the top tier before making the leap into tax services by earning his Enrolled Agent credential.  Roger and Paul discuss Paul’s valuable insights, strategies, and lessons around purchasing established tax practices, structuring win-win deals with retention clauses, building referral relationships, specializing in niche markets, developing efficient remote workflows, and effectively utilizing client portal technologies. The catalyst for Paul’s transition was recognizing the high demand in the market and seizing the opportunity to add bookkeeping, accounting and tax services by becoming an Enrolled Agent. His story provides inspiration for professionals considering a switch into the accounting field later in their careers. Based on lessons learned from two purchases, Paul shares recommendations around valuation, retention planning, obtaining past tax returns, and avoiding platform transfer issues.  Paul advocates for purchase terms with retention clauses and revenue thresholds to create wins for both buyers and sellers over the long term. These kinds of deals enable smooth transitions when buying remotely. Paul understood the value of developing symbiotic referral relationships with professionals who provide complementary services. By establishing connections with a bankruptcy attorney and tax resolution specialist, Paul was able to benefit from steady sources of new client referrals. The bankruptcy attorney began regularly referring Paul to new clients who needed assistance getting their tax filings up to date.  Early in his career, Paul worked for almost a decade as a diesel mechanic. This hands-on industry experience gave him in-depth familiarity with tools and supply franchise models. So when the opportunity arose for Paul to acquire a tax practice with multiple Snap On Tools franchisee clients, he leveraged his unique background knowledge to quickly build rapport and craft tailored offerings.  By specializing in providing bookkeeping, tax preparation, and advisory services for franchisees in tool distribution, Paul and his team gained efficiencies through dealing with repetitive client situations. They were able to streamline and systematize their processes to enable smoother operations and higher profitability within this niche target market. Paul highlights the game-changing capabilities of client portals coupled with tools like Quickbooks Online for smoothly exchanging documents and keeping projects on track in virtual engagements. Paul Kluskowski’s unique professional background has fueled his ability to deliver specialized services in accounting and tax preparation for niche client groups. His insights around identifying opportunities, purchasing and building successful practices, leveraging referral networks, niching effectively, streamlining remote operations, and integrating technologies can help accounting professionals grow and enhance their own firms. For more insights like this, subscribe and follow The Premier Accounting Firm podcast. Remember, if it's  about accounting it’s universal. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Speak with Paul Kluskowski, EA.  Reach out to him via Linkedin, mention this podcast and he’s happy to discuss with you the following: Purchasing a practice Creating a referral relationship   Become a Professional Tax Preparer, PTP.  Get the training to offer quality tax planning and preparation services for individuals and businesses.  Have the confidence and competence to do the work efficiently and profitably.   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 pracice purchases, referal relationships, and strategic alliances with Paul Kluskowski.  

Join us as we revist this conversation from November 2022.   This week, we see the return of Specialty Bookkeeping, LLC owner Tyler Otto as he and Roger talk about why accounting firms are now among the top targets of scammers. Having hired a professional cybersecurity firm himself, Tyler shares his experience and why he decided to hire professionals to guarantee his security and his remote working employees. Tyler also shares a case study of a popular cashier’s cheque fraud as well as some tell-tale signs that you are being scammed. They also discuss 2-step factor authentication and other top security measures to protect yourself and why it is important to have standard operating procedures for yourself and employees to protect your client information. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Tyler Otto Tyler Otto along with his wife Karen are the owners of Specialty Bookkeeping, LLC, where he has developed a winning formula for an innovative, virtually based accounting and tax firm. His company leverages technology to simplify clients’ financial processes, creating greater visibility into their financials and driving profit. He has extensive experience in the finance side of the hotel and tourism industry, where he has also served as the Corporate Director of Finance with Imprint Hospitality in 2020. His primary focuses include database architecture, Visual Basic scripting, forecasting, budgeting, and data mining. His recent activities include performing large financial system migrations for several companies spanning the hospitality to the construction industry. Tyler has a passion for team development and promoting fun and collaborative cultures. He believes that a dedication to continuous improvement and learning is the backbone of any successful venture. He loves helping clients make more money. His career has been focused on serving as a financial analyst and business partner, helping business managers make strategic decisions that will grow their businesses for years to come. Tyler is a fanatic about making new relationships and collaborating with others on large projects. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife Karen and two children. When he’s not geeking out in Visual Basic, he’s found in the woodshop doing any number of woodworking projects or on his road bike. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Be sure to connect with Tyler on LinkedIn   Also, follow Tyler on social media for more information and a weekly dad joke! www.instagram.com/specialtybk www.linkedin.com/company/specialtybk Lastly, be sure to 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 week's episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht has an insightful discussion with financial freedom expert Adam Carroll about gaining control of your money and eliminating debt. Adam shares how many of our unhealthy financial habits stem from childhood experiences and parental modeling around ages 0-9. He reflects on formative experiences in his own childhood that shaped his money mindset, such as his father becoming unemployed and his exposure to both poverty and wealth growing up. A key takeaway from Adam is the importance of living within your means, especially for couples. He and his wife made the strategic decision early in their marriage to live on one income and devote the other entirely to debt repayment. This sacrifice and discipline allowed them to become debt-free much more quickly. Eliminating debt provides huge emotional liberation, as Adam describes. Without the burden of debt, you can begin building wealth and enjoying total financial freedom. Adam also emphasizes the value of giving kids hands-on learning experiences with money from a young age. He shares how his popular TED Talk came about from playing Monopoly with his own kids using real cash. Later in the discussion, Adam explains his powerful debt elimination system called The Shred Method. This strategic approach utilizes revolving lines of credit to accelerate debt payoff. If you feel trapped by debt or want to develop healthier money habits, don't miss this fascinating conversation. Subscribe for more practical advice from Roger and his expert guests on gaining financial freedom and building true wealth in your business and personal finances.   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Adam Carroll Through the use of The Shred Method, Adam Carroll paid off his home in record time saving over $180,000 in interest in the process. He’s sharing this strategy with the world in order to help people ‘free themselves to be themselves’. Adam has published four books, produced an award-winning documentary on student loan debt, has a TED talk with over 5 million views, and helps people achieve true financial freedom in their lives. More than financial freedom, Adam is all about helping people achieve time freedom, relationship freedom, and service freedom.   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” – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book   The Shred Method is a mortgage acceleration program for people who are eager to achieve financial freedom from their largest liability. As a listener of the show, you will receive $200 off the registration price of the program and a free month of the software that powers The Shred Method. Click the link in the show notes... https://www.theshredmethod.com/a/2147514635/W8L2mVis   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 emotional ties to money, raising kids who thrive with money, and eliminating debt with The Shred Method with Adam Carroll.  

Join us as we revist this conversation from November 2022   On this week’s episode, Roger has a chat with Will Hill; financial services consultant, CEO and founder of Will Hill Consultants LLC on various topics. They talk about how accountants can communicate effectively with clients, client retention as well as how to build and maintain client relationships. Will also explains the differences between Accounting and Advisory services as he also goes deep into what CFO services are. He also talks about how accountants can offer more value to clients by creating bundled offers. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: William Hill Will is the founder and owner of Will Hill Consults, LLC; a coaching and consulting firm serving the tax and accounting profession - which Will has been serving since 2001. Through his 20+ years in the profession, Will has taught countless classes on firm management, change management, and advisory services. His travels to implement software and perform business workflow consulting have taken him to over 400 firm offices to work directly with firm owners and their team members. Known for his combination of creativity and practicality, Will brings his passion to each article, webinar, podcast or coaching engagement he embarks upon. In 2021 Will was named by Accounting Today in their “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting” list. Will has also twice been recognized by the CPA Practice Advisor in the “Under 40” lists (sadly, no longer eligible for any ‘Under 40’ awards). Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Book an appointment to meet with William LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wghill/ Email: Will@willhillconsults.com Website: https://willhillconsults.com/ Book an appointment: https://calendly.com/willhillconsults/30-min-conversation Color Accounting: is designed to make it easier to learn the fundamentals of accounting. It is an augmentation to the process that you know so well. https://universalaccountingschool.com/color-accounting-ca/   Advisory Services: Offer CFO & Advisory services with confidence following a proven process. Learn how to effectively price, market, sell business coaching services as a Profit & Growth Expert using BizBench to help your clients work ON their business https://universalaccountingschool.com/cfo-advisory-services/   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 thought-provoking discussion, your host Roger gets the unique perspective of the accounting industry from 20-year industry observer Seth Feinberg, founder of Accountants Forward.  Seth shares his unique perspective on the accounting profession gained from 20+ years as a business journalist. They explore major transitions the industry has undergone in recent decades - from the move to digital processes to navigating regulatory changes. He and Roger also dive into the value of live events and conferences for connecting with peers and gaining inspiration. They debate the emergence of advisory services and how accountants can monetize their expertise. Seth points to communication and listening as central to an advisory role. Seth provides an optimistic view of AI, emphasizing that automation brings opportunities to reinvent and reevaluate. He advises professionals to embrace change through continual learning. Tune in to this episode to hear perspectives on evolving client needs, transformative technologies, and maintaining relevance. Learn more and subscribe to Building the Premier Accounting Firm on your favorite podcast platform for weekly episodes with accounting experts. Visit UniversalAccountingCenter.com for additional accounting resources to build your premier firm!   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Seth Fineberg   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Sign up for Seth’s free Newsletter HERE:  https://sethfineberg.com/ (at the bottom of the page)   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   It’s as a certified Profit & Growth Expert you are able to confidently work with your clients to apply in their businesses the proven Universal Business Builder principles.  Now is the time to complement your accounting and tax services with the high-paying CFO & Advisory Services business owners need.   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