Accounting High

Episode 242 FACULTY: Chase Birky, CPA, Tim Petrey, CPA, and Kenji Kuramoto CLASS: #AccountingHigh Join Scotty and the DPS (Destroying Pyramid Schemes) panel of influential accounting leaders—Kenji Kuramoto (Acuity Accounting), Chase Berkey (Dark Horse CPAs), and Tim Petri (HD Growth Partners)—as they discuss innovative approaches to transforming the traditional accounting pyramid scheme firm structure. They explore new business models aimed at improving firm culture and client service, and share personal experiences of breaking away from legacy practices to create more dynamic and sustainable working environments. This engaging conversation delves into the nuances of leadership, firm management, and the future of the accounting profession, making it a must-watch for anyone involved in the field. 📣 Shout Outs: Jason Ackerman, Nikole Mackenzie, Matthew May, Logan Graf, Jim Collins, Blake Oliver, David Wertzbacher, Lee Cohen, LMC, Realize, RightWorks, Ascend, EY, KPMG, BotKeeper, Acuity, Drink While You Think, HD Growth Partners, Dark Horse CPAs ⬇️ Videos Referenced ⬇️ 012 Reverse Engineering your Firm (feat. Kenji Kuramoto, CEO) (https://youtu.be/8dWDZZ5yHHo) 132 A Solution to the Public Accounting Problem (feat. Chase Birky, CPA) (https://youtu.be/b1577gfJfSM) 223 $7.5M Small Town Big Fish Swimming with PE Sharks | Tim Petrey, CPA (https://youtu.be/yqekz3qv7oQ) 📚 Books Referenced 📚 “10x is Easier than 2x” by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin P. Hardy Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 00:44 Meet Kenji Kuramoto: The Veteran Guest 01:28 Meet Chase Berkey: The Space Turkey 03:02 Meet Tim Petrey: The Ohio Innovator 06:06 Creating a New Accounting Culture 07:54 Tim's Unique Approach to Firm Management 12:34 Building a Community of Accounting Mavericks 16:06 The Future of Accounting Firms 21:27 Firm as a Service: Dark Horse's Unique Approach 28:05 Rethinking CPA Licensure 31:22 Dismantling the Pyramid Scheme 36:47 The Role of Leadership in Modern Firms 41:02 The Ascend Model: Post-Ascension Changes 45:17 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions 🔗 Connect With Us On Linkedin! 🔗 Chase Birky, CPA | Dark Horse CPAs 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasebirky/ 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/darkhorsecpa/ 📎 https://darkhorse.cpa/ Tim Petrey, CPA | HD Growth Partners 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/petreycpa/ 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hdgrowthpartners/ 📎 http://www.hdgrowthpartners.com Kenji Kuramoto | Acuity Accounting | Drink While You Think 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenjikuramoto/ 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/acuity.co/ 📎 http://www.acuity.co 📎 https://www.youtube.com/@DrinkWhileYouThink Scotty OKR Scarano 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ 📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Coaching, Accounting Tips, How To Run An Accounting Practice, Accounting Industry, Accounting Practice, CPA, Accounting Community, Firm Structure, Accounting Firm, Pyramid Scheme, Partnerships

Episode 241 FACULTY: Nikole Mackenzie aka Niks, aka Nikki, aka Coach Mack CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode we have Coach Mack back on aka Nikole Mackenzie as she dives deep into her journey in the evolving world of Client Advisory Services (CAS). Nikole shares her experience from starting in a traditional accounting setting to establishing her firm, Momentum Accounting. We explore the transformation of CAS, and Nikole’s Profit Points system aimed at optimizing business performance. It’s time for another episode of Shoperations at Accounting High! 📣 Shout Outs: Millie, Ramona, Ron Baker, Ronnie Lott, Xero, Reach Reporting, Paycheck, Quickbooks Online, Peachtree, KPMG, Modesto, Bill.com, Gusto, EO, Vistage, Provisors, LiveFlow, GoProposal, Keeper, Teamwork, Profit First ⬇️ Videos Referenced ⬇️ Episode 11 - Beyond Building Momentum (feat. Nikole Mackenzie, CPA) (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1atA37jRDHV5gsYbGIKFFR?si=b73cc38b9dc34325) Varsity Tips (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7PjVlOCWZ7GkpQTLdWjKImTi2UXJ8yab) Cash Flow Show (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7PjVlOCWZ7Gj5oERq9PBWTYgnY_V3UEj) Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 01:25 Nikole's Journey with Accounting High 02:09 The Birth of Momentum 06:50 Transition to Client Accounting Services (CAS) 10:31 Early Challenges 14:40 Networking and Building the Business 19:06 Remote Work and Team Management 23:52 Understanding CAS: Evolution and Impact 28:40 The Role of Fractional CFOs 31:46 Implementing Reach Reporting 37:22 Training the Team and Clients 45:11 Future Plans and Final Thoughts 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Nikole Mackenzie 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolemackenzie/ Momentum Accounting 📎 https://momentumaccounting.com/ Scotty OKR Scarano 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ 📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, CAS, CAAS, Client Advisory Services, Advisory, CFO, Controller, Client Accounting Services, Client Accounting advisory Services, Scaling

Episode 240 FACULTY: Calvin Harris Jr, CPA In this episode, Scotty interviews Calvin Harris Jr., the CEO of the New York Society of CPAs. Calvin shares his extensive career journey, his background, his love for music and tattoos, and his thoughts on the future of accounting amidst technological changes such as AI. Calvin passionately advocates for the CPA profession, emphasizing the opportunities it offers and its evolving nature with advancements in technology. Sit back and take notes on the state of the Accounting Profession. 📣 Shout Outs: Byron Patrick, The New York State Society of CPAs, ChatGPT, Virgin Cruise, Morgan State University, Morehouse College Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 01:53 Calvin's Background and Early Career 02:11 NFL Teams and Sports Loyalty 03:50 Journey to Becoming a CPA 06:16 Advocacy for the CPA Profession 08:38 Social Media and Personal Branding 11:02 First Jobs and Career Transitions 16:28 Loyalty and Career Advice 18:30 The Versatility of a CPA License 21:26 Changing Perceptions of Accountants 25:58 Career Shifts in Accounting 26:45 Challenges for Mid-Career Entrants 27:23 Marketing to the Younger Generation 27:51 Personal Experiences in Auditing 29:02 Hope for the Future of Accounting 33:28 The Impact of Technology and AI 41:38 Balancing Passion and Profession 45:41 Final Thoughts 🔗 Connect With Us On Linkedin! 🔗 Calvin Harris Jr, CPA 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinhjr/ The New York State Society of CPAs 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/nycpasociety/ 📎 http://www.nysscpa.org Scotty OKR Scarano 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ 📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Coaching, Accounting Tips, How To Run An Accounting Practice, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Accounting Industry, Accounting Profession, CPA, Accounting Community

Episode 239 FACULTY: Scott Scarano, EA and Matt Kid, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, our substitute teacher, Matt Kidd, continues his interview with Scott Scarano, EA where Scott shares the story of how he grew his accounting firm to $1.3 million with $400,000 in annual cash flow, and became completely removed from daily operations. Scott provides insights into the importance of a strong team, unique hiring methods, and embracing technology and innovation in the firm. He also touches on his passion for rapping, his struggle with growth versus letting off the reins, and his future aspirations for his firm. 📣 Shout Outs: Jason Ackerman, Ron Baker, Jody Grunden, Adam Hale, Shane Mason, Ashley Francis, Summit CPAs, Live Plan, Microsoft Dynamics, Karbon, Engage ⬇️Videos Referenced⬇️ The Model Cloud Accounting Firm (feat. Jody Grunden, CPA) (https://youtu.be/o7ccvINvvic) Tax Firm Adding Value with Financial Planning and CAS feat Matt Kidd, CPA (https://youtu.be/X-_9E-4YBXQ) Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 01:26 Building the Firm: Client Acquisition and Niche 04:18 Innovative Hiring Techniques 05:52 Embracing Quirkiness: A Rebel Yell 06:22 Influences and Inspirations 08:00 Beginning the EOS Journey 10:03 Remote Work and Management Trust 12:24 Financial Struggles and Turning Points 20:07 Transitioning Out of Sales 22:43 The Live Plan Experiment 24:14 Facing Failures and Employee Turnover 25:10 Reflecting on Advisory Services 26:45 Firm's Financial Status in 2022 27:49 Challenges and Changes in 2023 29:56 Client Management and Team Growth 32:47 Considering Wealth Management 33:17 Balancing Passions and Career 33:36 The Impact of Podcasting and Rapping 37:08 Future Goals and Reflections 37:51 Learning from the Podcast 39:16 Accounting Influencers 39:53 Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Matt Kidd, CPA 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkiddcpa/ Scotty OKR Scarano 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ 📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, Entrepreneur Journey, Firm Growth, EOS, Leadership, Financial Freedom, Scale Business, Scale Firm, Firm Growth

Episode 238 FACULTY: Scott Scarano, EA and Matt Kid, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, one of Accounting High’s substitute teachers, Matt Kidd, CPA interviews Scott Scarano, EA, about his journey through accounting. Scott shared how his grandfather's CPA firm and the family software business shaped his early career, as well as the tough times he faced during college before finding his way back to accounting. He talked about his experiences with remote work, using Xero, and implementing EOS, all of which helped him transform his firm and himself. Over time, Scott grew the business significantly and reinvented his role, evolving from an accountant to a full-fledged entrepreneur. 📣 Shout Outs: Kenji Kuramoto, Jason Staats, Matthew May, Christopher Leon, Jason Ackerman, Bernie Ackerman, Acuity, Xero, XeroCon, XPAC, Thompson Reuters, QuickBooks, BNA CPA’s North Carolina ⬇️Videos Referenced ⬇️ Tax Firm Adding Value with Financial Planning and CAS feat Matt Kidd, CPA (https://youtu.be/X-_9E-4YBXQ) 📚 Books Referenced 📚 Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark c. Winters (https://www.eosworldwide.com/rocket-fuel-book) What the Heck is EOS by Gino Wickman and Tom Bouwer (https://www.eosworldwide.com/what-the-heck-is-eos) Traction by Gino Wickman (https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book) Chapters: 00:00 Teaser  01:16 Introducing ... Scott Scarano, EA???  02:33 How Scott Got into Accounting  05:15 College Years and Career Beginnings  06:04 Struggles and Turning Points  09:28 Building the Firm  12:02 Growth and Expansion  16:29 Challenges and Adaptations  17:42 Remote Work Experimentation  18:18 Accountant or Entrepreneur?  19:13 Discovering Xero  20:49 Networking and Growth  24:15 Embracing EOS  26:13 Visionary vs. Integrator  28:47 Challenges and Realizations  32:28 COVID and Transformation  35:38 Part 2 Preview 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Matt Kidd, CPA 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkiddcpa/ Scotty OKR Scarano 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ 📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, Entrepreneur Journey, Firm Growth, EOS, Leadership, Financial Freedom, Scale Business, Scale Firm

Episode 237 FACULTY: Dustin Verity, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, we sit down with Dustin Verity from Verity CPA, who joins us live from Hawaii. Dustin shares his experiences from founding Verity CPA in 2012, starting with small beginnings working out of a kitchen table to managing a multi-million dollar firm with 25 employees and three offices. The episode offers deep insights into the steps and hurdles of growing a CPA firm from scratch, emphasizing flexibility, continual reinvestment, and the dynamics of business growth. 📣 Shout Outs: Grant Thornton, EY, 4 City Hawaii, Xero, Wesley, Zapier, Airrtable, Ultratax, CCH, Thomson and Reuters, QuickBooks Desktop Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 02:26 Founding Verity CPAs 03:42 Journey to Hawaii 04:15 Starting the Practice 05:25 Early Challenges and Growth 13:56 Navigating the Pandemic 16:16 Firm Expansion and Acquisitions 18:18 Current Operations and Future Plans 23:59 Integrating Systems and Processes 25:30 Journey to Hawaii 26:08 Building a Modern CPA Firm 28:27 Marketing and Client Acquisition 33:10 Lessons from Acquisition 36:31 Final Advice and Reflections 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Dustin Verity, CPA 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinverity/ Verity CPAs 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/verity-cpas/ 📎 http://www.veritycpas.com/ Scotty OKR Scarano 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ 📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, Hawaii CPA, Firm Growth, Scaling

Episode 236 FACULTY: Joe Carufe and Ben Curtis, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, Scotty hosts Joe Carufe and Ben Curtis of Good Measure. They discuss their unique approach to building a new type of firm, embracing partnership without ego, and intentionally planning for sustainable growth. The conversation dives into the evolution from their past experiences to creating Good Measure with a focus on strong client relationships and community impact. Joe and Ben share their vision for a balanced professional and personal life, their process in finding ideal clients, and the importance of giving back. Engaging and insightful, this episode provides a blueprint for building a purpose-driven, successful firm. 📣 Shout Outs: Good Measure, Karbon, Adam Slack, Two Roads, System Six, Chris Williams, Deeper Weekend, QuickBooks, Ian Vacin, Jeremy Allen, Gusto, Intuit, Bill.com ⬇️Videos Referenced⬇️ The Accounting Game (feat. Chris Williams, CEO) (https://youtu.be/AhkKXviITnw) Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 02:02 Joe's Journey 03:36 Why start as a Partnership? 06:10 Working at System Six 07:11 Starting Good Measure 10:22 Scaling and Team Growth 17:14 Financials and Future Plans 20:24 Balancing Roles and Responsibilities 27:55 Defining the Ideal Client 29:52 Psychographics 31:09 Client Acquisition Strategies 34:12 Leveraging Technology and Innovation 48:20 Final Thoughts and Advice 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Joe Carufe 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-carufe-20603621/ Ben Curtis, CPA 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-curtis-goodmeasure/ Good Measure 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-measure-financial/ 📎 http://www.goodmeasurefinancial.com Scotty OKR Scarano 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ 📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: Partnerships, Good Measure, Joe Carufe, Ben Curtis, Cloud Bookkeeping, Business Growth, System Builders, Partnership Goals, Financial Planning, Entrepreneur Life, Small Business, Accounting Firms, Client Acquisition, Business Advice, Business Leadership, Client Relationships, Scale Your Business, Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes

Episode 235 FACULTY: Carla McCall, CPA aka Queen B CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, Scotty interviews Carla McCall, CPA, managing partner of AAFCPAs and chair of the AICPA. Carla shares her innovative approach to the accounting profession, emphasizing a people-first culture that flips the traditional script of client and firm importance. She discusses the importance of technology integration, lessons learned from her career journey, and strategies implemented to create a supportive and inclusive workplace. Carla also touches on her work with the AICPA, the future of the accounting profession, and the challenges and rewards of leading through change. 📣 Shout Outs to Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, Herb Alexander, CannCount, Ron Baker, AICPA, AAFCPAs Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 05:17 Early Career and Influences 07:37 Joining AAFCPAs and Career Growth 13:53 Leadership and Firm Culture 29:31 Recognizing Opportunities in Bookkeeping 29:49 Scaling the Business with Strategic Leadership 30:33 Diverse Practices and Technological Integration 32:11 Advisory Services and Strategic Shifts 38:14 Remote Work and Office Dynamics 42:21 Leadership and Authenticity 48:46 Future of the Profession and Technological Advancements 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Carla McCall, CPA 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlamccallaaf/ AAFCPAs 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/aafcpa/ 📎 https://www.aafcpa.com/ CannCount 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/canncount/ 📎 https://www.aafcpa.com/industries/cannabis-businesses/canncount/ Scotty OKR Scarano 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ 📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, Women In Accounting, Leadership, People First, Inclusion, Technology, ChangeMakers, AICPA, Innovation

Matt Kidd, CPA and owner of a thriving accounting practice, discusses his family's legacy as CPAs, sharing insights from his father and two brothers in the field. He dives into the challenges of modernizing traditional accounting practices and the integration of wealth management services. The conversation highlights the importance of client relationships and effective communication in a hybrid work environment. Matt also addresses the transition from outdated tax software to advanced systems, emphasizing the need for adaptability in the ever-evolving accounting landscape.

Episode 233 FACULTY: Kendale King, CPA CLASS: #AccountingHigh Join us as Scotty interviews Kendale King, CPA from Los Angeles, who shares his inspiring journey from childhood entrepreneurship with his brother to a successful career in Hollywood accounting. Kendale discusses his transition from auditing roles at Deloitte to working in entertainment consulting with major companies like Netflix. His passion for accounting and entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch CPAcon, the first accounting olympics. Discover what Kendale is bringing to the accounting world in this episode! 📣 Shout Outs: CPACon, Deloitte, Chrysler, Morehouse College, Siegfried Seals Group, 21st Century Fox, Netflix, Earmark, Richard, Denise Freming, CalCPA, Dream Con Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 01:55 Kendale's Background and Early Life 02:41 Choosing a Career Path 03:41 First Steps in Accounting 05:24 Early Entrepreneurial Ventures 09:31 Transition to Entertainment Industry 12:10 Experience at Netflix 14:27 Post-Netflix Career Moves 19:24 Introducing CPACon: Gamifying Accounting 29:42 Final Thoughts and Advice 🔗 Connect With Us On Linkedin! 🔗 Kendale King, CPA 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendale-king-cpa-💵-90916721/ KCK CPA 📎 https://www.kck-cpa.com/services CPAcon 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpacon/ 📎 https://www.thecpacon.com/ Scotty OKR Scarano 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ 📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Coaching, Accounting Tips, How To Run An Accounting Practice, CPACon, CP, accounting event, entrepreneurship, DreamCon, Los Angeles, networking