Building the Premier Accounting Firm

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses storytelling with Soufyan Hamid  

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023!   Welcome to the ‘Building the Premier Accounting Firm’ podcast, where we bring you insights and thought-provoking discussions from leading industry experts. This week, we have a special episode for you. Our host, Roger Knecht, will be interviewing Ron Baker, the best-selling author and value pricing guru. In this episode, Roger and Ron will delve into the topic of value pricing and its challenges. They’ll discuss what value pricing is and how it differs from traditional pricing models. Additionally, they’ll talk about the hurdles firms face when introducing a value-pricing model, and how to overcome them. Ron shares his invaluable learnings from helping firms implement the value-pricing model and provide actionable insights on how to get started. They also discuss subscription-based pricing, why it’s the future, and how subscription pricing can complement value pricing. They explore how these two models can work together to benefit accounting firms of all sizes. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve. So, sit back, relax and get ready to learn from the best. Also subscribe to this podcast to never miss an upload! Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Ron Baker Ronald J. Baker started his CPA career in 1984 with KPMG’s Private Business Advisory Services in San Francisco. Today, he is the founder of VeraSage Institute—the leading think tank dedicated to educating professionals internationally—and radio talk show host on the Voice America show: The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Knowledge Economy. As a frequent speaker, writer, and educator, his work takes him around the world. He has been an instructor with the California CPA Education Foundation since 1995. He is the author of seven best-selling books, including: Professional’s Guide to Value Pricing; The Firm of the Future: A Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Other Professional Services, co-authored with Paul Dunn; Implementing Value Pricing: A Radical Business Model for Professional Firms; The Soul of Enterprise: Dialogues on Business in the Knowledge Economy, co-authored with Ed Kless, and his latest book written with Paul Dunn, Time’s Up!: The Subscription Business Model for Professional Firms, was published in November 2022. Ron has toured the world, spreading his value-pricing message to over 250,000 professionals. He has been named on Accounting Today’s 2001 to 2007, and 2011 to 2022, Top 100 Most Influential People in the profession; voted among the Top Ten Most Influential People in the profession in 2012—2022, among other accolades. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get a copy of Ron’s book: Time’s Up!: The Subscription Business Model for Professional Firms Also read: The Automatic Customer: Creating a Subscription Business in Any Industry & Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You, by John Warrillow  www.verasage.com and www.thesoulofenterprise.com   Get a FREE copy of this book all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable.  It 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   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 801.265.3777  

In this episode of the podcast, host Roger Knecht engages in a dynamic conversation with Donna Harris, founder of Bookkeeping Made Simple. Together, they dive deep into her journey of starting an accounting business and navigating the life changes that come with being an entrepreneur. This is a great look at how professionals from all walks of life become accounting entrepreneurs, as well as how it’s possible to achieve the work/life balance you desire at the owner of your firm.   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Donna Harris Donna founded Bookkeeping Made Simple with the understanding that small businesses are the heart of the American economy. After offering to do books for a friend who said he didn’t have enough work to keep someone in the office 20 hours a week, she recognized the need for an efficient, online system. She has 20 years of bookkeeping and accounting experience and is excited to help small business owners achieve their goals. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling whenever possible. She is the firstborn of eight children and a mother to five.  She also loves hiking, camping, cooking, yoga, and fitness.  A huge believer in lifelong education, she recently earned her MBA and is currently working on her Master’s of Accounting.   Highlights: Donna shares her journey from studying Computer Science in college to working with family members and acquaintances who needed bookkeeping services at their companies. The only problem, they said, was that there wasn’t enough work to hire someone full time. Donna saw opportunity and founded Bookkeeping Made Simple. They discuss the value of niching, and specifically the opportunity that exists in working with solopreneurs or micropreneurs, who may not have the resources to hire big accounting firms. Donna reveals the challenges that come with being a single mother and starting a business, including developing boundaries and a comfortable work/life balance. Starting an accounting business and working from home allowed her to homeschool her kids. Roger and Donna explore how Donna’s upbringing motivated her to work hard and live up to her responsibility to care for those in her life as a professional. They emphasize the difference in tax code for large corporations like Amazon and Space X compared to small businesses, to whom saving money and cash flow are of paramount importance. Donna introduces specific examples of how she navigates communicating with clients and offers strategies for identifying transactions, like using a SharePoint folder to upload receipts. 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. Donna explains the importance of taking a step back from the business and trusting your employees to handle business on their own when personal or family issues require attention outside of the business.   Notable Quotes from this episode: “I've been reading a lot in the industry news that there's a real shortage of accountants and accounting professionals. I know everyone has a hard time finding employees because no one really wants to go into the field or they think that we're all going to be replaced by AI. I don't see that happening. There's too many judgment calls and accounting.” “I saw firsthand how entrepreneurship really is the backbone of America… I think that's what really drove me to choose the very small businesses as a niche.” “I know a lot of big businesses are really, really pushing a return to the office and I think those are going to be the ones that get left behind.. I think working from home, remote work is an expectation now.” “The most common misconception is that I'm a CPA. I am not. I have a bachelor's in accounting and I have an MBA, but I have never fulfilled the requirements to have a CPA license and I don't need it. I don't do auditing and I don't work with publicly traded firms, so why go to all that trouble?” “The client, they don’t know what they don’t know. We have to be very upfront and tell them, we need these bank statements and this bank access from this date to this date, we need these receipts. And this is why.” Join Roger and Donna in this thought-provoking discussion as they highlight the momentous opportunity that exists for accounting professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit. Discover the ability that anyone with a basic understanding of accounting has to help business owners in their community with their books. 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: 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: “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 It’s time to also work ON your business, to start and build the premier accounting business in your area.  Take advantage of this opportunity to access this free course now and see what steps you can take to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center.  Get the Turnkey Business Plan for accounting professionals HERE now!   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 work life balance and setting boundaries with Donna Harris.  

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023!   In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, your host Roger Knecht chats with workflow expert David Cristello as they explore the topic of Scaling Your Business Through Workflow Management. They discuss the importance of having a workflow system in place for businesses of all sizes, as it can help streamline operations and increase efficiency. They also delve into how workflow management can aid in scaling a business by creating processes that can be automated, allowing for more time to focus on growth and expansion. Additionally, David touches on the financial risks of hiring without a proper workflow system in place, and how it can lead to unnecessary debt. They also discuss the importance of recession-proofing your business, and how implementing a workflow system can provide a strong foundation for weathering economic downturns. If you are looking for valuable insights and practical tips for utilizing workflow management to scale and strengthen your business, then this episode is for you.   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: David Cristello David Cristello is the Founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow, an award winning workflow software that helps accounting and bookkeeping firms track recurring client work so nothing falls through the cracks.  Since launching Jetpack Workflow, the company has grown to serve over 6,000 professionals in 18+ countries who completed 5M+ client projects on time. In 2020, they reached the Inc5000 list as one of the country's fastest growing private companies. David is also the host of the “Growing Your Firm podcast” (over 725K downloads) and co-authored the best selling book “Double Your Accounting Firm”.   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: 2 Week Free Trial of Jetpack Workflow. Click this link to get this https://bit.ly/3QjHi5h Free e-book, 32 Templates Click this link to get this e-book https://bit.ly/3ZffeDZ   Get a FREE copy of this book all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable.  It 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   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

Welcome to Building the Premier Accounting Firm, where we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of accounting professionals, sharing insights and strategies for building a successful accounting firm. In this episode, Timothy Wingate,  founder and president of G+F Business & Financial Consulting, shares his personal experiences and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Here’s what you can expect from today’s enlightening discussion: The Backbone of Support: Discover how Timothy's wife provided an unwavering foundation of support throughout their entrepreneurial path, highlighting the crucial role that family plays in the success of a business venture. Faith and Connections: Learn about the significance of faith and human connections in business, and how these elements can influence not only the business owner but also the trajectory of their enterprise. Accounting Evolution: Dive into the changing landscape of the accounting industry. Timothy and Roger emphasize the importance of adapting to new trends by offering higher-value services and taking a more strategic approach to traditional practices. Finding Your Niche: Hear why specializing in a niche market can be a game-changer for your business, allowing you to differentiate yourself from the competition and provide targeted value to your clients. Universal Accounting Center: If you’re considering starting your own business or want to enhance your entrepreneurial skills, Timothy recommends exploring the resources available at the Universal Accounting Center. Remember to subscribe to our podcast for more valuable discussions like this one, and if you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a review! Thank you for tuning in to Building the Premier Accounting Firm, where we bring you the wisdom of seasoned entrepreneurs to help you on your journey to success in the accounting industry. Until next time, keep forging connections and stay strategic in your ventures.   Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Timothy Wingate, EA Timothy Wingate Jr. is the founder and president of G+F Business & Financial Consulting. He is a licensed Enrolled Agent and construction accountant. In May 2016, he founded G+F, recognizing the need for specialized accounting and tax services for construction companies. Many construction businesses struggle to bridge the communication gap between their work in the field and their back office. With first-hand knowledge of the construction industry and a deep understanding of taxes and finances, Timothy provides tools, advice, and financial guidance to his clients so they better understand their finances and improve their cash flow. Timothy is a QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor and was a member of the Intuit Tax Council from 2019 to 2022. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of South Florida. He is also a member of the Construction Financial Management Association. Timothy worked for many years with his father, a licensed general contractor since 1984, giving him plenty of first-hand knowledge of the construction industry. Timothy lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, with his wife and three sons. There he also served as a chief operating officer and chief financial officer for a long-standing nonprofit.   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 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.  It’s here you can become a:   Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE   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 building your accounting firm from the ground up and pivoting with Timothy Wingate.

In this episode, your host Roger Knecht interviews educator and entrepreneur Kara Laws Kara talks about her 15-year journey as an entrepreneur, and how she started as an educator. They talk about why staffing is often one of the biggest challenges that entrepreneurs face and how entrepreneurs should approach the hiring of new staff. Kara also tells us why sometimes entrepreneurs hold their companies back by failing to bring onboard new hires. This is a great episode for any entrepreneur who is looking to grow their business and wants to learn more about the right way to approach staffing. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Kara Laws Kara Laws is an incredible business educator. She has been an entrepreneur for over 15 years. Kara has built and sold multiple businesses, trained hundreds of business owners, and personally guided businesses through the systems and hiring procedures that got them through COVID. Kara's clients range from start-ups to million-dollar companies. Her business, Launched, was created to help women with the twinkle of entrepreneurship, launch their businesses on solid footing while gaining clear understanding of business management and growth. Her processes, spreadsheets, and unique way of teaching has helped hundreds of owners set their focus, know the next steps, and reach their goals. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers:   Receive the Starting Your Business Checklist.    Then make sure you get the Turnkey Business Plan for accounting professionals to build the premier accounting firm.  This is a must have to help you work ON your business and get paid what you are worth. Lastly, be sure to also 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: “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

Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht, the go-to podcast for accounting business owners looking to scale their businesses and expertise. In this episode, we dive into the remarkable success story of visionary James Donovan that demonstrates the transformative power of fractional CFO services and strategic networking. Main Themes: The Impact of Fractional CFO Services: Roger and James explore how the implementation of fractional CFO services contributed to a substantial increase in one of James’ client’s recurring revenue—by $40,000 over just six months. James details the key strategies in the process that led to substantial results. The Flexibility of Remote Work: James shares his personal experience with remote work, illustrating how it has facilitated the ability to travel and manage a successful business simultaneously. This segment will inspire you to consider the potential of remote work for your own business. LinkedIn as a Business Development Tool: Discover why LinkedIn, and particularly the Sales Navigator feature, is a crucial tool for connecting with potential clients. Our guest breaks down their daily 30-minute strategy for using Sales Navigator to secure high-quality appointments and how you can do the same. Promotional Insights: Roger and James extend an invitation to engage with resources that can drive your growth. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast for more insights and to access complimentary resources designed specifically for accounting professionals. Key Takeaways: Understanding the role and benefits of a fractional CFO. Learning how to effectively utilize LinkedIn’s Sales Navigator to expand your client base. Exploring the advantages of remote work in today’s business landscape. Gaining insights into valuable resources and events for accounting professionals.   Call to Action: Don’t miss out on leveraging these insights for your business. Subscribe to our podcast, check out the resources mentioned, and consider attending GrowCon for an experience that could redefine your professional journey. Call 877-801-8080 to get started on your journey, or to explore ways to train your staff and expand your firm. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: James Donovan Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: For more information regarding James' services: https://ninetwomedia.com Helping firms offering Fractional CFO/Tax Plans generate exclusive leads & qualify those leads for quality appointments. We charge a flat fee of $2k/m, and conservatively generate 8-12 leads per account every month.  https://ninetwomedia.com/linkedinagreement-2108   In addition to speaking with James be sure to also check out this recent webinar that addresses how we can best leverage our online presence to get the clients we deserve.  From Lead Flow to Automating Processes - this is a don’t miss presentation.  CLICK HERE to see what you can do to position yourself online to get the clients you deserve: https://getclients.universalaccounting.com/uac   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 as we revisit this conversation from 2023! The business world is ever-changing, and that means that the accounting industry must change with it. In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, your host Roger Knecht chats with technology expert and accountant, Tom Ruscitti about the importance of adapting to the e-commerce space and the automation of the accounting industry. Tom has over 35 years of experience bringing solutions to the marketplace, and he shares his insights on why accountants should be taking up e-commerce clients, the challenges that accountants face when managing e-commerce platforms, and how to take advantage of community resources. If you want to learn how to adapt in the evolving world of accounting, then this episode is for you. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Tom Ruscitti Tom Ruscitti has been bringing technology solutions to the marketplace for over 35 years, including roles with Met Life, MICROS, Aloha and Intuit.  He has been working within the Accountant/Bookkeeper ecosystem for 20 years and developed what is now the QuickBooks Solution Provider Program back in the early 2000's while working at Intuit. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center       Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Bookkeep is offering every partner that becomes a Bookkeep partner through Universal one free subscription (for the life of that client) - so there will be no monthly subscription fees for that client.  Here is the Bookkeep/Universal Landing Page - https://www.bookkeep.com/partners/universal-accounting-school/   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:       “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 https://universalaccountingschool.com/growcon-event-page-2023/, 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