

Building the Premier Accounting Firm
Roger Knecht
A show dedicated to helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Each episode is conversational with tips and tricks to help you apply the principles of M.A.P. as they relate to starting and building a successful accounting business.
Topics include Marketing, Lead Generation, Ideal Clients, Pricing, Price Strategies, Accounting Services, Value Added Services, Workflow, Practice Management, Staff Training, Client On-boarding, Client Relations & Retention, etc. This podcast will help you become an Accountrepreneur, to work ON your business with advice from the experts.
Topics include Marketing, Lead Generation, Ideal Clients, Pricing, Price Strategies, Accounting Services, Value Added Services, Workflow, Practice Management, Staff Training, Client On-boarding, Client Relations & Retention, etc. This podcast will help you become an Accountrepreneur, to work ON your business with advice from the experts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 28, 2023 • 39sec
This Week on BPAF : Ryan Lazanis
Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses how prioritizing mental health can drive business success with Ryan Lazanis.

Aug 26, 2023 • 60min
Rewind : Demystifying Sales w/ Merit Kahn
Join us as we revist this conversation from 2022 where Roger interviews sales guru Merit Kahn; CEO of SELLect Sales Development, Emotional Intelligence coach, key-note speaker, and part-time stand-up comedian. You’ll learn all about Sales and Marketing your business the right way. Current trends in this topic i.e. Sales Funnels & Lead Magnets. And all the elements you’ll require in order to sell your products or services properly. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Merit Kahn Merit Kahn is the CEO of SELLect Sales Development, an Emotional Intelligence Expert and Certified Speaking Professional. For 20+ years she has worked with salespeople, entrepreneurs, professionals and business leaders who are frustrated because… Their ideal prospects were not receptive to their offers They struggled to reach their aggressive sales goals The pace of change meant always being in catch up mode There was never time for creating innovative ideas Profit margins were slowly shrinking Employees were overworked, over tired and overwhelmed Merit is also the author of- Myth Shift: Challenging The Truths That Sabotage Success, Co-host of ‘The Smarter Sales Podcast’ and for fun does stand-up comedy as a hobby. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get your Sales SWOT on Steroids resources TODAY You’ll also want to get your free copy of Profit First And lastly we have a FREE copy of this book that all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. This is a must-have addition to every accountant’s library to provide to have the premier accounting business today: “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book 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 801.265.3777

Aug 23, 2023 • 37min
Decoding Advanced Tax Strategies: A Deep Dive w/ Mike Jesowshek
Welcome to another episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" hosted by Roger Knecht. In today's conversation, Roger sits down with Mike Jesowshek, a tax expert with a strong focus on tax preparation and planning for business owners. Mike's mission is to simplify complex IRS rules and help hard-working business owners minimize their tax burdens, allowing them to enjoy the rewards they've earned. Join us as Mike shares his journey into the world of accounting and how he found his niche in tax planning and preparation. Gain insights into the clear distinction between tax planning and tax preparation, as Mike breaks down these two crucial aspects of financial management. Explore the realm of tax strategies as Mike discusses his top go-to methods for optimizing tax outcomes. Uncover the unique strategy some business owners employ to maximize deductions by involving their children in their operations. Delve into the core strategies for effective tax planning and discover additional avenues that businesses often overlook when aiming to maximize deductions. High-income individuals, especially accredited investors, can benefit from Mike's strategies tailored to their unique situations. Mike also reflects on the concepts of being rich versus being wealthy, offering a thought-provoking perspective on financial success. Learn when it's appropriate to seek external counsel and what factors to consider when selecting the right advisors for your business. Mike also shares why he transitioned from the world of accounting and tax to embark on a podcasting journey? Gain insights into his motivations and values that drive his business approach, steeped in authenticity and integrity. As the episode draws to a close, Mike imparts valuable advice on exit strategies, an often underestimated aspect of business planning. Tune in to this episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" for a wealth of insights that business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in financial growth will find invaluable. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Mike Jesowshek, CPA Mike’s mission is to help hard-working business owners overcome complex IRS rules and over-inflated tax bills so they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. This is how the Small Business Tax Savings Podcast was born. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Your Tax Saving Headquarters! Every week, we show you exactly how to reduce your tax bill and pay the least amount of taxes legally possible. Hosted by Mike Jesowshek, CPA, this quick-hitting Podcast gets you real tax-saving results without all the fluff. Listen in to the Podcast: https://www.taxsavingspodcast.com/ Also, take some to and see what it means to become a Professoinal Tax Preparer, PTP. Have the confidence and competence to offer quality tax planning and preparation services for individuals and businesses. This designation (PTP) is worth your time. Check this out 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

Aug 21, 2023 • 31sec
This Week on BPAF : Mike Jesowshek
Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger takes a deep dive decoding advanced tax strategies with Mike Jesowshek.

Aug 19, 2023 • 45min
Rewind : Systemizing Work for Efficiency w/ Allison Williams
Join us as we revist this conversation from 2022 where Roger Knect has a conversation with Allison Williams about ways to systemize your work for efficiency, the three key things to look out for in order to hire the right person and business principles that are effective for running a business. With experience helping solo and small firm attorneys grow their revenue, crush problems in business and making money, Allison shares business principles that she has found to be applicable to the law firm and can be applied to accounting professionals. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Allison Williams Allison Williams, known as the Law Firm Mentor, is the owner of two successful companies. She is Founder of Williams Law Group, a full-service family law firm where she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as Matrimonial Law Attorney and is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Family Law. After taking Williams Law Group from start-up to a multi-million-dollar business in 3.5 years, she created a second business, Law Firm Mentor, where she provides business coaching services for Solo and Small Law Firm attorneys helping them grow their revenues, crush chaos in business and make more money. This business was born out of her success in business, including winning the LawFirm500 award, ranking 14th of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, being named a Stevie Award Finalist for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and in 2018, being voted as NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business and designated one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. The motto of Law Firm Mentor is #NeverStopGrowing! An international speaker in the field of child abuse and neglect evidence and trial practice, Ms. Williams has appeared on the Katie Couric show and has published articles in the Huffington Post addressing issues of child maltreatment. She has been selected among her peers as one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in New Jersey and has been voted by her clients as one of New Jersey’s Best Lawyers for Families. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Allison provides a chance for you to listen to her podcast, The Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor podcast. on your preferred platform. Get a FREE copy of this book all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. This is a must-have addition to every accountant’s library to provide to have the premier accounting business today: “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book “Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant’s guide to QUICK turnarounds” – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestion you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801.265.3777

Aug 16, 2023 • 49min
Meryl Johnston’s ‘Just Do It’ Approach to Starting a Business & the 7-Day Start-Up Methodology
In this engaging episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm," your host Roger Knecht sits down with Meryl Johnston, a Chartered Accountant, investor, and the visionary founder of Bean Ninjas. Join them as they dive deep into Meryl's remarkable journey, unveiling the secrets behind her thriving accounting firm and her invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. The episode begins with Meryl sharing her inspiring accounting journey, revealing the pivotal moments that ignited her passion for the field. Meryl candidly shares how she started her company Bean Ninjas, the challenges she encountered, and the invaluable lessons she learned while establishing her business. One of the highlights of the podcast is Meryl's captivating account of the "7-Day Start-Up Methodology," the very strategy that enabled her to secure her first client within an astonishingly short span of time. Learn the invaluable tips and tricks on how to kickstart your own business efficiently and effectively. Meryl narrates her path to finding her niche, and sheds light on why she eventually specialized in e-commerce. Merely and Roger break down some of the advantages of niching, as Meryl provides valuable advice to entrepreneurs seeking a focused direction for their businesses. Meryl discusses the process she underwent transitioning into a part-time role in her company, and how she aptly prepared her clients for her absence. Listeners will benefit from her expertise in handling business continuity and client relations. The episode also delves into Meryl's unique approach of granting her employees equity in the company, offering a fresh perspective on incentivizing and nurturing a dedicated team. For those looking to enhance their marketing strategies, Meryl shares insightful tips tailored to new accounting businesses. Her candid revelations about marketing mistakes she encountered along the way will resonate with entrepreneurs striving to grow their clientele. Not only that, but Meryl also divulges her go-to lead-generation strategies, equipping listeners with powerful tools to expand their customer base. As the conversation takes a personal turn, Meryl bravely recounts her battle against cancer, sharing her journey of resilience and the profound lessons she learned during that challenging time. Her experience offers wisdom and encouragement for others facing adversities. Offering sage advice for entrepreneurs considering stepping away from their businesses, Meryl's wisdom on maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life will resonate with listeners seeking a harmonious work-life integration. The episode concludes on a high note as Meryl introduces her very own podcast, "Lifestyle Accounting," explaining its purpose and how it complements her mission in the accounting world. Meryl provides intriguing insights into international markets, offering keen observations on bookkeeping and accounting nuances and commonalities across borders. Tune in to "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" with Roger Knecht and indulge in an episode brimming with entrepreneurial revelations, business acumen, and the spirit of perseverance. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Meryl Johnston Meryl is a Chartered Accountant and investor. She founded Bean Ninjas in July 2015 with $1,000 following the 7 Day Startup methodology. Now 8 years later the company operates in Australia, the US and UK and has a distributed team of 30 people. After 6 years as CEO, Meryl stepped into a part-time advisor role at Bean Ninjas and has a leadership team running the day to day operations. She is now focused on her podcast, the Lifestyle Accountant Show, and investing in businesses in the accounting industry. On the weekends Meryl can be found surfing at a local Gold Coast beach or hanging out with her partner and two daughters. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Check out the Lifestyle Accountant Show podcast https://www.lifestyleaccountant.co/ or connect with Meryl on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meryl-johnston-3a483728/ 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 to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777

Aug 14, 2023 • 55sec
This Week on BPAF : Meryl Johnston
Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses the 7-day start-up methodology with Meryl Johnston.

Aug 12, 2023 • 53min
Rewind : The Future Of Bookkeeping Beyond Debits & Credits w/ Laura Shepherd
Join us as we revist this conversation from 2022 where Roger interviews Laura Shepherd, accounting professional & owner of My Top Bookkeeper, a platform that offers full-charge bookkeeping services. Roger and Laura discuss accounting and bookkeeping as she shares her 8-step accounting process that can be used to market and sell accounting services, and the benefits that accountants and bookkeepers can experience while using this process & much more. Perhaps it is time we consider ways to simplify accounting for our clients to help more of them use the information we are providing to more intelligently run their businesses. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Laura Shepherd Laura Shepherd is the owner My Top Bookkeeper. My Top Bookkeepers provide full-charge bookkeeping services by using the Accounting Cycle and GAAP guidelines to produce, explain and substantiate our results. That's a fancy way of saying that when it comes time to put your financials in front of your CPA, lender, investor, IRS, etc, you can have confidence in the results because we know they are right. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Take a moment and do a self -assessment of your accounting knowledge, technical skills and business experience. This is quick and easy but also informative: https://forms.gle/AQdGLFY4LBUADvdr8 Benchmarking a business’ financial performance to it’s industry standards can be very helpful to find areas of improvement within a company. See what you can do as an accountant to leverage this powerful tool as you work with your clients. BizBench may be the solution you need to take your client relationship to the next level. See how accounting professionals are using this report with their clients today: https://bizbench.com/# Become a profit & growth expert The Profit & Growth Expert (PGE) designation is unique within the accounting profession as it demonstrates proficient skills necessary to offer quality accounting services coupled with with CFO and Advisory work. See what you can do to increase your average revenue per client while improving your client relationships and retention as a Profit & Growth Expert. Get a FREE copy of these books that 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 to have the premier accounting business today: “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book “Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant’s guide to QUICK turnarounds” – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestion you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801.265.3777

Aug 9, 2023 • 55min
From Accounting to Rapping: The Path to Success for Accountapreneur Scott Scarano
Join host Roger Knecht in this engaging episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" as he sits down with the one-of-a-kind rapping accountapreneur, Scott Scarano. Tune in to discover Scott's inspiring journey into the world of accounting, and how he's shaking up the industry with his unique and edgy podcast, "Accounting High." In this episode, Scott shares the origins of his accounting career and the passion that led him to become the host of the groundbreaking podcast, "Accounting High." Learn what sets his podcast apart from the rest and how it stands out with its distinct approach, blending education and entertainment like never before. Listeners will gain valuable insights from Scott's podcast as he delves into the best takeaways, offering practical advice and knowledge that can help both aspiring and established accountapreneurs elevate their game. Uncover the soft skills that are often overlooked in traditional educational settings but are crucial for success in the world of accounting entrepreneurship. Scott sheds light on the skills that aspiring accountapreneurs should master to excel in their careers. Delve into Scott's process for building a successful accounting firm and learn about EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and its vital role in shaping and optimizing businesses. Scott offers an exciting sneak peek into his upcoming book about running an accounting practice, giving listeners something to look forward to and empowering them with knowledge and strategies for growth and success. Stay ahead of the curve as Scott discusses upcoming changes that will revolutionize the accounting landscape, altering the way things work in the industry. Get a glimpse of the future and prepare for what's to come. Discover the fascinating world of rap accounting and how Scott's passion for music and creativity have contributed to his upcoming book. Understand the similarities and differences between rap accounting and conventional accounting, and see how he uses this unique form of communication to educate, entertain, and engage his audience. Explore the ways in which rap has become an effective learning tool for Scott and others, revolutionizing the way accounting knowledge is shared and absorbed. Gain valuable insights into work-life balance and the challenges Scott has faced while juggling his professional and personal life. Learn from his experiences and find inspiration to maintain equilibrium in your own life. Understand the role Scott plays in his business now that he has stepped away from the daily operations. Learn how he built confidence in his employees to effectively run the business and ensure its continued success. Explore the process of transitioning employees and clients as Scott stepped away from the business, and how he continues to manage client relations effectively. As the episode draws to a close, brace yourself for an extraordinary rap performance from Scott, leaving you inspired and entertained. Join Roger Knecht and Scott Scarano on this incredible episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" as they unveil a world of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial wisdom that will leave you motivated to reach new heights in your accounting journey. Tune in now and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of accounting and entrepreneurship! Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Scott Scarano Scott Scarano is an eccentric entrepreneur with the heart of a lion and the soul of a housecat. He loves approaching problems from a different perspective and analyzing solutions—his “Why” is empowering all growth-minded entrepreneurs to thrive and prosper. Scott did the school thing and has the credentials, but his real value comes from his questioning mind and ability to push through any adversity. Scott is the founder of Accounting High which is the premier practice management podcast for tax and accounting firms. Join him for some fun and oftentimes colorful conversations about the accounting and tax industry as the next generation of professionals questioning the state of the accounting and tax industry. Scott lives in Raleigh, bleeds Carolina blue, and dedicates himself to his astonishing wife, Juana, and their three surprisingly intelligent kids Julia, Frankie, and Arya. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Join the Accountant Bracket Challenge aka "ABC March Appness" enroll today to nominate the top 5 accounting platforms that make your accounting life better! Bracket.accountinghigh.com Listen to Accounting High Get the Turnkey Business Plan for accounting professionals. Take the time to consider your business plan. It is here you’ll consider everything from marketing and sales, to pricing, offering quality accounting services and more. These are the steps to having the premier bookkeeping, accounting and tax business in your area. 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

Aug 7, 2023 • 39sec
This Week on BPAF : Scott Scarano
Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses everything from accounting to rapping with Scott Scarano.