Building the Premier Accounting Firm

Roger Knecht
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Sep 20, 2025 • 46min

Rewind : From Mother & Housewife to a Thriving Accounting Business w/ Ashley Schmitz

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! It is worth it! Ashley has some powerful words to share when building an accounting business. First for foremost, invest in yourself, you are your greatest asset. What do you need to do to improve your worth, the confidence and competence you need to offer quality accounting services? Listen as Ashley shares the many ways working with a coach helped her grow her business and why you need to as well. It's a game changer! Roger and Ashley have a very open and honest discussion about starting and running a business. The time it takes and the secrets to success. Enjoy the conversation. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Ashley Schmitz Ashley Schmitz, the owner of Each Penny Bookkeeping, is a United States Army veteran, married mother of four. She helps entrepreneurs who are frustrated, struggling, and behind in their bookkeeping, to work in their brilliance and not in their books, so you can stop paying your employees, taxes bills, and late fees now. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: How to add $100k to your business, schedule a time to speak with Ashley to get her advice right HERE- See what is referred to as the "Turnkey Business Plan" for accounting professionals. This FREE course was designed to cover the 4 topics most asked when building the premier accounting firm. Get ready to take notes and see what you can do to effectively market, sell, price and offer quality accounting services. There are two essential elements that every coach brings to the relationship. The ability to ask the right questions and then hold you accountable. There is a lot in that statement. See what coaching is available to help you build the premier accounting firm in your area. CLICK THIS & GO HERE NOW! Learn how to best use technology to leverage your time and get the clients you deserve. This is the turnkey process to market and sell your services effectively. This webinar will cover topics ranging from marketing online using Facebook, LinkedIn, Google Adwords, taking those contacts through a proven sales funnel to nurture them to the point of getting new clients. This is a MUST ATTEND EVENT so register for this webinar and be prepared to take some great notes. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. 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
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Sep 17, 2025 • 47min

Top Tax Tips for Real Estate Accounting w/ Eric Gordon

In this episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm," host Roger Knecht interviews Eric Gordon, Vice President of Professional Services at B10 Energy, about real estate accounting, tax strategies, and career insights. Gordon shares his journey from aspiring dentist to accounting professional, offering advice on commercial real estate acquisitions, cost segregation, and tax-saving strategies like Historically Significant Items (HSI) and Renewable Energy Tax Credits (RETC). This episode provides actionable insights for accounting professionals looking to expand their service offerings and better advise their clients. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Eric Gordon 04:18 Accounting in Commercial Real Estate 10:11 Maximizing Real Estate Investments 14:55 Historically Significant Items (HSI) 19:24 Renewable Energy Tax Credits 25:19 Collaborating with Tax Professionals 30:37 Capital Gains & 1031 Exchange 37:58 Conclusion and Resources Key Takeaways: Advise clients on essential financial aspects of commercial real estate acquisitions, including income projection and vacancy rates. Utilize cost segregation studies to accelerate depreciation and maximize tax benefits for real estate owners. Explore HSI charitable giving strategies for high-income clients to preserve historical documents and save on taxes. Consider renewable energy tax credits as a transferable option for C corporations with significant tax liabilities. Build a team of experts to better serve clients and offer comprehensive tax planning and advisory services. Featured Quotes: Eric Gordon "Somehow, to 700 students, Norm made accounting seem cool." Eric Gordon "I think cost segregation is the eighth wonder of the world. If you own real estate, you need to look at that." Eric Gordon "Our firm exists to be an asset to CPA firms out there. We don't do any prep and file of any tax returns for clients." Behind the Story: Eric Gordon's journey began with aspirations of becoming a dentist, but a single accounting class changed everything. Inspired by a professor who taught accounting for free, Eric switched his major and eventually landed at Deloitte. His audit background proved invaluable in commercial real estate, where he honed his skills in due diligence and asset acquisition. Now, as VP at B10 Energy, he helps accounting professionals leverage tax strategies like HSI and RETC to better serve their clients. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Free exclusive consultation with Eric to see what option best suits your needs. Simply visit www.b10cap.com and fill out the Contact Us form, or call 833.210.2278. 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 (CAS - Client 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. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients. 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 Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business. The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter 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
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Sep 15, 2025 • 35sec

This Week on BPAF : Eric Gordon

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses tax strategies with Eric Gordon.
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Sep 13, 2025 • 42min

Rewind : Earn That Trusted Spot Online As The Accounting Solution w/ Chris Siebeneck

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Managing your online presence can be overwhelming. Listen as Chris and Roger discuss the terms we need to know when creating an online strategy. First understand the phrases like Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) but there are so many more. Consider using LinkedIn and Google to leverage your website and be the solution your potential clients need. Learn how you can manage your online presence to get clients today offering quality accounting services. Be the solution your clients are looking for online. Find your prospects, get the leads you need to grow your business today. This is a conversation every owner of an accounting business needs to hear. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Chris Siebeneck 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 SEO strategy session with website audit and ranking report from Chris TODAY. https://www.seowerkz.com/chris-siebeneck/ Learn more what you can do to now manage the leads you receive and nurture them effectively to get the new engagement and clients to grow your business. Understand how you can use technology to automate the lead generation and sales nurture process affordably. We like numbers, let's manage our marketing and sales efforts. Register now for this free online training today For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. 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
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Sep 10, 2025 • 44min

AI-Proof Your Accounting Career: Skills for the Future w/ Chris Miller

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht interviews Chris Miller, VP at NetGain Solutions, about the evolution and future of accounting software, focusing on AI's impact and how accounting professionals can adapt to stay relevant and profitable. Learn actionable strategies for embracing new technologies and leveraging AI to enhance your firm's services by listening to this episode. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Chris Miller and AI 04:15 Evolution of Accounting Software and AI 11:13 AI, Wisdom, and the Accountant's Role 15:05 Overcoming Reluctance to Adopt AI 22:51 Practical AI Use Cases in Accounting 33:30 NetGain Solutions for Accounting Firms 39:08 Embracing AI and Future Opportunities Key Takeaways: Understand the evolution of accounting software from manual ledgers to cloud-based systems and AI-driven automation. Identify practical use cases for AI in accounting, such as pattern recognition for data analysis and variance analysis. Overcome reluctance to adopt new technology by viewing AI as a tool to augment, not replace, human expertise. Recognize the importance of developing wisdom and critical thinking skills to guide AI-driven processes. Explore how NetGain Solutions helps accounting professionals integrate AI to streamline workflows and improve client services. Featured Quotes: Chris Miller "The skill of the future is going to be: How do I organize my digital assistants, my digital army of AI, to orchestrate what is happening inside of the system to do the journal entries that we do." Chris Miller "What I need to do is treat AI as the most eager, smart, willing to help junior accountant I've ever had on my staff. But they're also over eager." Roger Knecht "We're not so much going to be involved with the actual recording of the entries. We're going to be involved in the workflows as to how those get recorded." Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: You can learn more about how Netgain helps businesses of all shapes and sizes become more confident, agile, and capable of rapidly coming to clear financial decisions fueled by accurate, precise financial insights at www.Netgain.tech 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 (CAS - Client 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. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients. 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 Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business. The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter 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
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Sep 8, 2025 • 35sec

This Week on BPAF : Chris Miller

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses pricing accounting services effectively with Mark Wickersham.
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Sep 6, 2025 • 44min

Rewind : From Accountant & CPA to Entrepreneur w/ Fred Hunzeker

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! After a career in accounting, as a controller and CFO, the time came to work with and help small business. It began simply helping friends and family with their taxes, but the time came to make the leap and do this seriously, treating the hobby and favor as a business. Even when offering quality services there are challenges. Listen as Fred shares insights and suggestions to progress in your business to achieve your goals. Fred's real-world advice, his candor is appreciated as we each work with our clients to help them succeed. It is okay to learn as you go when building your business. Do not get caught up thinking you can't succeed and move forward with an abundance mindset. Care about the people, your clients, and the business will come. Roger and Fred speak openly about client relations and what we each hope to do with them as their trusted advisors. What is it we can do to help clients understand they are more than a number to us? Basically we need to be genuinely interested in their company and their wellbeing, Let us consider ways to be more down to earth with our clients. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Fred Hunzeker, CPA Fred Hunzeker received his BS in Accounting and his MBA both from The University of Utah. He passed the CPA exams in 2013. Fred has 23 years of accounting experience with 16 years in industry accounting and 4 years in public accounting. For the past 3 years he has been growing his private accounting. Fred has had experience in Controller and CFO rolls as well as consulting. He lives in Grantsville Utah with his wife and six children. Company Bio: Fred has been doing taxes for over twelve years. In the past three years he has been in private practice full-time. He provides personal and business tax services, as well as bookkeeping, consulting, cash flow management, budgeting and profitability services. He also educates his clients how to obtain the right kind of financing to meet their growth needs. His goal is to make a difference for each of my clients by helping them to understand their tax situation or by helping them to understand their numbers while growing their business. 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 to have the premier accounting business 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 Consider offering Benchmarking Services. As a trusted Strategic Advisor accounting professionals have the opportunity to offer comparative financial reports that go beyond traditional trend analysis using the clients' data. With BizBench you can also compare the client financials using their NAICS code to show industry and competitor analysis and rankings. See what you can do to use this amazing tool in your business to get more clients, offer an additional service to get paid more as well as retain them longer thus increasing their Lifetime Value to you. Learn about Benchmarking with BizBench for your clients For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. 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
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Sep 3, 2025 • 1h 16min

Secrets for Small Businesses and Accountants: A Live Chat with Rick Haskell

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger Knecht sits down for a live discussion with Rick Haskell about his journey as an entrepreneur, academic, and finance expert. They explore the mindset needed for success in business and valuable lessons for accounting professionals. Rick shares insights from his experience with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and offers advice for small business owners. Key Takeaways: Understand the crucial role of financial literacy for business owners. Recognize the importance of management training programs in developing leadership skills. Identify key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, including passion and vision. Learn how to make a successful exit from a business and plan for what's next. Embrace technology and innovation to elevate the accounting profession from bean counters to consultants. Featured Quotes: "I don't want them to become the accountant for their business…I want them to go out and make rain." - Rick Haskell "Those that understand their numbers…and those who are controlled by other people who understand their numbers." - Rick Haskell "No success can compensate for failure in the home." - Roger Knecht Behind the Story: Rick Haskell's career path is anything but ordinary. From his early days in a film studio to leading financial wellness initiatives and ultimately becoming a business school dean, his diverse experiences provide invaluable insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and the importance of lifelong learning. This episode explores the lessons he's learned along the way, offering actionable advice for anyone looking to build a successful and fulfilling career. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. 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 (CAS - Client 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. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients. 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 Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business. The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter 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
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Sep 1, 2025 • 33sec

This Week on BPAF : Rick Haskell

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses life with Rick Haskell.
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Aug 30, 2025 • 43min

Rewind : Niching? How about Cannabis, CBD & Hemp? w/ Andrew Hunzicker

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! After a successful career as a CPA, controller and an exit from a business it was time for Andrew to move and start something new. This was the time to become an entrepreneur. It was a challenge being enrolled in the "school of hard knocks" but worth it. With that said Andrew shares the best advice he ever got and how it changed his accounting business. Today he is a force to be reckoned with in his industry of choice as the accounting professional. Learn how these principles apply to you as you run your business and why you may want to also consider this new and growing industry in cannabis, CBD, hemp and marijuana. Are you ready for an adventure? Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Our Guest: Andrew Hunzicker Andrew has over 30 years of experience in Accounting, Tax, as CFO and Founder of many multi million dollar businesses, as well as the Big 4. He is a seasoned professional within the industry for more than 5 years, and his goal is to help accounting professionals achieve balance in their daily lives, build thriving businesses, and cultivate the next generation of experts in this thriving industry. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Schedule a time to speak with Andrew. Mention this podcast and he'll offer you an hour more of his time to help you get started on the right foot. Be sure to also follow him on Instagram: @dopecfo1 Be sure to also get a FREE copy of each of two book all accounting professionals should use to offer trusted strategic advisory services and get paid what they are worth. These are you must have additions to every accountant's library to provide the value clients look for 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! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. 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

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