Building the Premier Accounting Firm

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023! As business owners, we all know that one of the most important aspects to running a successful business is hacking the cash flow game. Without proper cash flow management, businesses can quickly find themselves in hot water. In this episode, your host Roger Knecht welcomes cash flow expert Mike Milan, AKA Cash Flow Mike. They chat about Mike's journey to becoming a cash flow expert, how you can prevent your business from 'growing broke', he explains the concept of the financial gap and how you can shorten it, key concepts from his book 'Don't Be a Dumb Business Owner', and his training program 'The Clear Path to Cash'. If improving your business's cash flow is one of your top goals for 2023, this is the episode for you! Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Mike Milan Mike Milan, AKA Cash Flow Mike, offers expertise in strategic planning, finance, and sales gained over 20+ years of diverse professional experience. In that time, he has developed 14 startups into well-established businesses and earned his nickname "Cash Flow Mike". Mike is an army Veteran and has an MBA from Baylor University and mostly known for: Being the author of two books: The 7 Minute Conversation, and Don't Be A DUMB Business Owner – both focused on using the financial statements to find hidden cash in your business. He created a financial management training program called The Clear Path To Cash – Its 8 Steps to Maximizing Cash in Any Given Business Situation He has also created several FinTech software products like: CashFlowTool, Finagraph, and Path by Simplex. Mike is also a co-host on the podcast Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine – where the focus is on topics and lessons you can only learn by being an entrepreneur. Currently Mike is the business financial specialist behind the brand Cash Flow Mike, where he has a host of ways to help business owners and accountants get grow and keep more cash in their business. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: You can offer to download a free digital copy of my book The 7 Minute Conversation from my website: cashflowmike.com Join the FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theclearpathtocash BizBench, see what you can do to offer your clients benchmarking reports, allowing you to compare each to their industry norms based on their NAISC code using a report that provides actionable insights. 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: "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 episode of the podcast, host Roger Knecht engages in a dynamic conversation with Dave Willson, Founder and CFO at ProvenCFO. Together, they dive deep into the many paths professionals take on the way to learning the language of business, proven strategies for providing quality CFO/advisory services and the importance of social responsibility for entrepreneurs. Highlights: Roger and Dave walk back through Dave's journey into the world of accounting and eventually entrepreneurship. Dave always had an interest in the "language of business", despite failing an accounting exam in school due to a difficult teacher. Dave discusses immigrating to America and completing his bachelor's in accounting. While he had an offer on the table to join Deloitte, he elected to work with his brother in banking. Dave explains how he and his brother eventually started an accounting business, and the value Dave saw in providing advisory services at the firm after his experiences working in banking, real estate and other industries. The origin of ProvenCFO is covered and Dave explains challenges the company has navigated as it has grown, including during COVID. Roger and Dave dive into the role an advisor should play in giving practical recommendations to business owners – when to hire an employee, how to manage cash flow, whether or not to offer benefits and more. They highlight the massive opportunities that come with offering advisory services in terms of pricing. Dave notes that his company sometimes charges a cleanup or set up fee when working with companies who need bookkeeping help before advancing to the growth stage. Dave explains the value ProvenCFO has found in working with a broad range of clients in terms of industry and stage of business. The company has had a lot of success working with startups and creating financial models for companies with seed money. Roger learns about Dave's childhood in South Africa and how carrying forward the culture of camaraderie present there has been a guiding principle for him as an entrepreneur. They discuss the value of empathizing with employees and feeling responsible for their well being, as well as the power of creating a company that employees enjoy participating in. Notable Quotes from this episode: "We figured out [when it comes to starting a business] it only takes one. You only need to be successful once. You can fail as many times as you want. It doesn't matter. It only takes one… As long as you don't eat up your earnings." "We don't have a hard and fast set of rules that we make our CFOs follow. It's just to make sure that you're visiting with [the client] and providing them advice." "Entrepreneurs are crazy. We're crazy people. I recognize that. It probably all sounds insane" "And the advisory that we give to our entrepreneurs is very similar. It's like, 'Okay, you need to be mindful of the fact that you might be sitting on 80 % equity and you want everyone to work as hard as you, but just keep in mind that they don't have 80 % equity. And when this company sells and you make a bajillion dollars, they're not, right? They're going to be sitting here still working." "I think we just need to approach capitalism while being mindful that there are those that aren't going to be able to be entrepreneurial." "We need to discuss what are all the consequences of some of the decisions that we're making in our own companies and how it impacts our clients, our employees, our families. It's a narrative that I think needs to be discussed because many of us are very fortunate in the fact that with our entrepreneurial spirits we're willing to take risks where we're to put ourselves out there. And with that, there should be a reward. But at the same time, we've got to acknowledge the fact that people are working hard around us and making things possible. And we appreciate that." Join Roger and Dave in this thought-provoking discussion as they highlight the opportunity and responsibility that exists for CFO/Advisory professionals. Discover how to customize your advisory approach to each client, and the importance of maintaining a passionate group of employees. If you're considering starting an accounting business, a bookkeeping business, or an advisory business, or if you want to learn bookkeeping online and explore online CFO courses, this episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Dave Willson 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 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 customizing your services for each client with Dave Wilson.

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