Accounting High

Episode 232 FACULTY: Becca Smith, MAAT In this episode, Scotty interviews Becca Smith, MAAT an Education Leader at Xero. Learn about the global nuances of accounting practices, Xero’s educational initiatives, and community events like Xerocon and Xero roadshows. Hear updates about Xero’s innovative payment solutions, their AI companion JAX, and the evolution of financial technologies. Join us to learn how these advancements are shaping the future of accounting! 📣 Shout Outs: Xero, Xerocon, Bill.com, Xero JAX Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 01:28 Introduction  04:08 Transition to Xero  08:52 Role at Xero and Education Focus  15:03 Community Building and Events  21:40 Personal Insights and Running  23:36 Balancing Work and Hobbies  23:49 Global Accounting Practices  24:54 Payment Methods Evolution  28:13 Tipping Culture Differences  28:53 Xero's New Initiatives  33:40 JAX AI Companion  40:39 XeroCon Rap Performance 45:25 Conclusion 🔗 Connect With Us On Linkedin! 🔗 Becca Smith, MAAT 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/becca-smith-maat-79080190/ Xero 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/xero/ 📎 http://www.xero.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, Accounting Education, XeroCon, Becca Smith, Accounting AI, UK Accounting, Accounting Technology, Xero, Global Accounting

Episode 231 FACULTY: Kyle Geers, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, join Scotty and Kyle Geers as they talk about his unique path from college water skiing enthusiast to managing a fully remote firm with $2 million in revenue. Hear how the founders of Zeroed In leveraged their skills to create profitable accounting practices, navigated communication and collaboration challenges, and utilized tools like Power BI and ClickUp. Discover insights on capacity planning, client service management, and fostering team growth through clear career paths. 📣 Shout Outs: Bridging the Gap, Grant Thornton, Xero, Zeroed In, QBO, NetSuite, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, Power BI, Power Query, Power Automate, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Microsoft 365, ClickUp. Zapier, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Roman Villard, Digital CPA Chapters: 00:00 Teaser  02:27 Kyle's Journey into Accounting  04:46 Experiences at Grant Thornton  09:46 Transition to Technical Accounting Advisory  16:54 Building and Growing Zeroed In  20:52 Using ChatGPT vs. Copilot  21:37 Integrating Accounting Systems  23:31 Client Onboarding and Ideal Profiles  25:48 Roles and Responsibilities in the Firm  29:37 Internal Communication and Team Meetings  33:03 Final Tips for Students  34:07 Partnership Dynamics and Challenges  36:16 Networking and Professional Communities 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Kyle Geers, CPA 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylegeers/ Zeroed-In Consulting 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeroed-in-consulting/ 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, partnerships, remote work, technical accounting, entrepreneurship, business growth, advisory services, Microsoft tools, client management

Ashley Francis, CPA and personal development expert, shares invaluable strategies for accounting professionals. She discusses overcoming self-doubt and anxiety, particularly in high-pressure scenarios like public speaking. The transformative journey she undertakes emphasizes small habit changes, meditation, and embracing AI tools like ChatGPT as a supportive resource. Ashley also highlights the power of asserting boundaries and the importance of self-care in personal growth, helping listeners navigate their careers with confidence and clarity.

Episode 229 FACULTY: Ashley Francis, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, Scotty and Ashley Francis, CPA discuss her journey in becoming a CPA, building her niche practice focused on high-net-worth individuals, and exploring educational opportunities. Ashley shares her passion for accounting, spurred by early childhood experiences, and her growth from working in large accounting firms to running her own practice. She talks about her unique experience with trust and estate taxes, homeschooling her son, and the challenges and rewards of balancing a practice with educational endeavors. Ashley and Scott do NOT discuss: AI, Jason Staats, or Automation! 📣 Shout Outs: Alicyn McLeod, Nicole Davis, Byron Patrick, Neil Stevenson, Ali Abdaal, Cal Newport, Deep Work, Misty Schachtell, Theatre of Public Speaking, Seattle Estate Planning Society, Matthew G Norton, Deloitte, Oura Ring, Twitter, AICPA Engage, Atlanta Tax, Jason Staats Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 02:17 Introduction 05:01 The Role of Accountants in Society 13:47 Starting a Practice and Homeschooling 17:25 Building a Niche in Trust Taxes 21:05 The Power of Networking and Social Media 22:56 Balancing Practice and New Opportunities 28:10 Exploring White Labeling and Future Plans 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Ashley Francis, CPA 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-francis-seattle/ The Francis Group, PLLC 📎 https://francisgroupsea.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, Taxation Podcast, CPA Interview, Trust Taxes, Financial Planning, Accounting Career, Estate Planning, Homeschooling, Wealth Management, High Net Worth, Accounting High Podcast, Professional Guidance, Financial Advisory, CPA Firm, Course Creation, Business Strategy, Tax Professionals, Seattle Tax, Family Office, Social Media Networking, Tax Automation

Episode 228 FACULTY: Adam Hale, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations TITLE: $10M Model Cloud Accounting Firm, Beyond the Summit In this episode of Accounting High, join the host and guest Adam Hale from Summit CPAs as they dive into the transformation from traditional accounting to advisory services. Adam discusses the journey of creating a successful model cloud accounting firm, emphasizing the shift from answering questions to asking them, the importance of building a niche, and the challenges of merging with a larger firm like Anders. He shares valuable insights on developing advisory services, maintaining culture in a distributed team, and growing a business by learning from failures. Whether you're starting out in the accounting field or looking to innovate within your firm, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration. 📣 Shout Outs: Summit CPAs, Anders CPAs + Advisors, Jody Grunden, Kenji Kuramoto, Matthew May, Acuity, Mike Meilinger, Virtual CFO, Navigate the Journey ⬇️Videos Referenced⬇️ Episode 47 - The Model Cloud Accounting Firm (feat. Jody Grunden, CPA) (https://youtu.be/Q4r3CX3G1qk) Episode 173 - Growing a Profitable Remote CFO Accounting Firm (feat. Jody Grunden, CPA) (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/accountinghigh/episodes/173-Growing-a-Profitable-Remote-CFO-Accounting-Firm-feat--Jody-Grunden--CPA-e294kjl)  Episode 227 - $3.5M Firm with a Budget for Being Uncomfortable (feat. Mike Meilinger, CPA) (https://youtu.be/7T6zsd0lxAI) Chapters: 00:00 Teaser  01:22 Introduction  02:30 The Journey to Becoming a CPA  04:19 Meeting Jody and Early Career  08:14 Building the Firm Together  12:00 Challenges and Growth  15:34 Partnership Dynamics  23:34 Advisory Services and Evolution  26:06 The Turning Point: Realizing the Value of Advisory Services  27:21 Building Confidence in Advisory Work  28:51 Transitioning to a Value-Based Pricing Model  30:25 Challenges in Training Advisors  35:11 Creating a Systematic Approach to Client Meetings  38:36 Accidentally Finding a Niche Market  40:55 Embracing a Distributed Work Model  42:40 Navigating the Competitive Landscape  52:47 Advice for Aspiring Advisors 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Adam Hale, CPA 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhalecpa/ Anders CPAs + Advisors 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpas-advisors/about/ 📎 http://www.anderscpa.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, Cloud accounting, CPA firm, virtual CFO, advisory services, accounting podcast, business growth, financial advice, distributed work model, merger, partnership dynamics, entrepreneurial journey, remote work, private equity, firm culture, value-based pricing, business advisory, professional services

Episode 227 FACULTY: Mike Meilinger, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Mike Meilinger, a seasoned CPA and business coach who has transformed not only his accounting firm but also his health. Mike shares his incredible physical transformation and adopting extreme fitness regimes like 75 Hard. Gain valuable insights on balancing business success with personal health, the importance of emotional well-being, and why investing in discomfort can lead to growth in all aspects of life. 📣 Shout Outs: Gary Breka Health Routine, Bridging the Gap, Deloitte, Insignia, Strategic Coach, Buy Back Your Time, Dan Martell, Dan Sullivan, Geno Wickman, Quickbooks, Thomson Reuters, Certified Tax Coach, Dominique Molina, Rick Solomon, Monday, ClickUp, Citrix, UltraTax, Rightworks, Xero, Bill.com, Rootworks, Jason Staats, Summit CPA, Gusto, Jody Grunden, Eddie Priscilla’s Live Hard Program, Pinnacle Coaching, Gordon Caudle, Enlightened Business Advisors, Peter Attia, Brant Hansen 📚 Books Referenced 📚 Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell Unoffendable by Brant Hansen Outlived by Peter Attia Chapters: 00:00 Teaser  02:52 Mike's Journey to Accounting  04:49 Starting and Growing the Firm  06:10 Strategic Coach and Business Principles  13:51 Technology and Outsourcing  24:00 Learning from the Best: Coaches and Systems  24:34 Pricing and Engagement Lessons  26:28 Sales and Hiring Strategies  27:54 Journey to Health and Fitness  31:10 The Importance of Self-Investment  44:23 Emotional Health and Forgiveness  46:54 Final Thoughts 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Mike Meilinger 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemeilinger/ 📎 https://www.meilinger.us/ 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, firm growth, CPA success, business coaching, strategic coach, healthy lifestyle, bodybuilding, accounting firm, discomfort budget, tax planning, outsourcing, client relationships, Pinnacle coaching, fitness journey, health principles, entrepreneur tips, delegation strategies, emotional health, personal trainer, business systems, professional development

Episode 226 FACULTY: Dominic Piscopo, CPA In this episode, Scotty chats with Domini Piscopo, the founder of Big4Transparency.com. Domini shares his journey from being a tax analyst at Deloitte to becoming an entrepreneur. He talks about the importance of transparency in the accounting profession, how his platform helps accountants understand salary expectations, and his future plans for Big4Transparency. 📣 Shout Outs: Big4Transparency, Bridging the Gap, Deloitte Canada, Rewind, Lil Dicky, Dave Byrd, Reddit, Robert Half, Fishbowl, Blind, Brandon Hall, Twitter/X, Tim Petrey ⬇️ *Videos Referenced* ⬇️ _$7.5M Small Town Big Fish Swimming with PE Sharks (feat. Tim Petrey, CPA)_ (https://youtu.be/yqekz3qv7oQ) _Guide to Ground your Growth with Gratitude (feat. Tim Petrey, CPA)_ (https://youtu.be/g-OTO-3YWnI) Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 02:46 Dominic's Journey into Accounting 09:29 Transition to Entrepreneurship 23:46 Business and Data Sharing 25:04 Demographics and User Engagement 25:28 Branding and Revenue Generation 28:39 Big Breakthroughs and Validation 31:12 Current Offerings and Future Plans 40:18 Podcasting and Networking 41:55 Final Thoughts and Advice 🔗 _Connect With Us On Linkedin!_ 🔗 *Dominic Piscopo, CPA* 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/ *Big4Transparency.com* 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/big4transparency-com/ 📎 https://www.big4transparency.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, Industry, Practice, Podcast, Guidance, Vision, Firm Owners, Advice, Compensation Database, Accountants, Dominic Piscopo, Big Four, Transparency, CPA, Salary Data, Accounting Industry, Public Accounting, Accounting Firms, Career Advice, Entrepreneurship, Accounting Careers, Financial Planning, Audit, Tax, FP&A, Reddit, Networking, Business Development

Episode 225 FACULTY: Terrell Turner, CPA CLASS: #SocialStudies In this Social Studies episode of Accounting High, Scotty and Terrell Turner discuss the evolution of marketing in the age of AI and how firms can adapt to the changes brought by large language models like ChatGPT. Learn strategies to ensure your brand shows up in AI-driven searches. Terrell shares his practical experiences, including integrating high-value content, leveraging different social media platforms, and personalizing marketing approaches. 📣 Shout Outs: YouTube, Tik-Tok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pintrest, Zoom, Streamyard, Riverside, Samuel L Jackson, Bridging the Gap, Oprah, Logitech, ChatGPT, Kanye West, Tim Petrey, Logan Graf, State Farm, Geico, Procter & Gamble ⬇️Videos Referenced⬇️ Guide to Ground your Growth with Gratitude | Tim Petrey, CPA (https://youtu.be/g-OTO-3YWnI) Chapters: 00:00 Teaser  01:44 Introduction  02:21 Evolution of Marketing in Accounting  03:07 Leveraging AI for Brand Visibility  04:14 Historical Marketing Methods  06:03 Adapting to AI and Large Language Models  36:27 Using Memes and Social Media  40:05 Terrel's Golden Age Model  43:54 Conclusion 🔗 Connect With Us On Linkedin! 🔗 Terrell A Turner, CPA 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrellturner/ TLTurner Group 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/tlturnergroup/ 📎 http://www.tlturnergroup.com Business Talk Library 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/1goldenage/ 📎 http://www.bizprofitsecrets.com Scotty OKR Scarano 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ 📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: Social Studies, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Marketing, Social Media, AI Marketing, Branding Strategies, Content Marketing, CPA Insights, ChatGPT, Digital Presence, Firm Visibility, Social Media Strategy, SEO Techniques, Marketing Evolution, High-Quality Content, Marketing Trends, Online Branding, Business Growth, Marketing Tips, Firm Marketing, AI Tools, Marketing Innovation, Marketing Strategy, Client Acquisition

Episode 224 Botkeeper Presents AI UNCHAINED On October 8-10 2024, in Santa Rosa California LINK BELOW SAVES YOU $290, GET YOUR TICKET FOR $509 (REG PRICE $799) https://app.hubspot.com/payments/purchase/hscs_r07FYxQ5lcH36SD4YjS9gOMpmt9QnN8uODZWT2AydCTH75jxtFfhmYO2SNRbtzxc FACULTY: Tim Petrey, CPA CLASS: #TheGuide In this episode of the podcast, Scotty interviews Tim Petrey, CPA about his approach to firm growth with gratitude. Tim shares his journey from washing semi trucks to building a successful CPA firm and several other ventures. Tim emphasizes paying it forward, work-life balance, and the necessity of hiring great people. He also offers valuable advice to Accounting High students. 📣 Shout Outs: Lauren Baptiste, David Bergstein, Chase Birky, CPA, Nick Boscia, CPA, Rafael Casas, Travis Cherry, Nina Chmura, Korey Cournoyer, CEO Gale Crosley, CPA, CGMA, Deneen Dias, Sharrin Fuller, Chris Gallo, Matthew Geary, Angie Grissom, Calvin Harris Jr., CPA, Will Hill, W. Michael Hsu, Kenji Kuramoto, Mike Maksymiw, APRIO Blake Meester, Gaynor Meilke, Patrick Morrell, Enrico Palmerino, Tim Petrey, Megan Ricketts, Scotty "OKR" Scarano, Scott Soucy, Rachael Smith, Nishanth Vimalesh, Shannon Vincent, Lee Walker, Dustin Wheeler, Geni Whitehouse, BotKeeper, Ascend, The Penguin Collective, NIL Collective, Youngstown State University, HD Growth Partners ⬇️Videos Referenced⬇️ $7.5M Small Town Big Fish Swimming with PE Sharks | Tim Petrey, CPA (https://youtu.be/yqekz3qv7oQ) Chapters: 00:00 Introduction  00:39 AI Unchained  02:58 Introducing Tim  03:01 Building a Successful Firm  06:08 Supporting Community  11:54 Growth and Overcoming Challenges  13:28 Navigating Acquisitions  18:15 Balancing Firm Growth and Employee Goals  18:57 Creating a Supportive Work Environment  21:31 AI Unchained  23:04 Quality of Life  27:52 Advice from Tim  31:20 The Power of Saying No  33:32 More AI Unchained 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Tim Petrey 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/petreycpa/ HD Growth Partners 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hdgrowthpartners/ 📎 http://www.hdgrowthpartners.com White Glove Payroll 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/white-glove-payroll/ 📎 https://whiteglovepayroll.com/ Scotty OKR Scarano 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ 📎 https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: The Guide, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Guidance, Vision, Firm Owners, Advice, growth, gratitude, accounting firm, entrepreneurship, business growth, firm acquisitions, employee retention, work-life balance, community support, burnout, leadership, service-based business, career advice, quality of life

Episode 223 Botkeeper Presents AI UNCHAINED  On October 8-10 2024, in Santa Rosa California  LINK BELOW SAVES YOU $290, GET YOUR TICKET FOR $509 (REG PRICE $799)  https://app.hubspot.com/payments/purchase/hscs_r07FYxQ5lcH36SD4YjS9gOMpmt9QnN8uODZWT2AydCTH75jxtFfhmYO2SNRbtzxc FACULTY: Tim Petrey, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode of Accounting High, Tim Petrey, CPA, shares his inspiring journey from a small CPA firm to becoming an innovative player in the accounting industry. Through exciting strategies, community involvement, and leveraging the power of Ascend's private equity model, Tim has transformed his firm into a $7.5 million revenue business with 75 employees. The discussion covers leadership, firm growth, internship programs, pricing strategies, and the impact of merging with Ascend. Join us as we delve into the tactics and mindset that have driven Timothy's incredible success. 📣 Shout Outs: Karbon, Chik-fil-a, Brennan Hall, Chase Berkey, Ascend, The Penguin Collective, Youngstown State University, HD Growth Partners Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 03:12 Introduction 04:15 Intro 09:43 Time Tracking 10:16 Deliverable Compensation Plans 12:05 Level Up Program, Gamification 16:46 Acquisitions & Pricing 20:02 Client Experience & NPS 22:21 Hybrid Office Environment 26:54 AI Unchained 28:44 Niches 30:40 Interns 36:57 Benefits of Working with Ascend 40:01 AI Unchained 42:53 Next Week on Accounting High 🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗 Tim Petrey 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/petreycpa/ HD Growth Partners 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hdgrowthpartners/ 📎 http://www.hdgrowthpartners.com White Glove Payroll 📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/white-glove-payroll/ 📎 https://whiteglovepayroll.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, CPA, tax, partnership, acquisitions, private equity, HD Growth Partners, Ascend, Youngstown, internships, career pathway, service agreements, remote work, hybrid offices, professional development, client service, pricing strategy, community engagement, operational efficiency, staff advisory council