Accounting High

Episode 212 FACULTY: Reza Hooda, FCA CLASS: #Shoperations In this podcast episode, Scotty interviews Reza Hooda, FCA, founder of Capture Accounting and mentor at The Profitable Accountants Community. They dive deep into innovative accounting practices, focusing on results over timesheets. Reza shares his journey from implementing traditional timesheets to focusing on value pricing and the principles of a results-only work environment. They discuss the evolution of his practice, the importance of positioning in the marketplace, and the future potential of a new pricing and proposal software. Reza also offers actionable advice on managing change, increasing efficiency, and leveraging marketing and sales strategies to scale an accounting firm. Shout Outs: Ed Mendlowitz, Ron Baker, Mark Wickersham, Jody Thompson, Kali Resler, Karen Rayburn, Simon Sinek, James Ashford, GoProposal, Ignition, Notion, Excel, Loom, Sage 📚 Books Mentioned 📚 Work Sucks and How to Fix It by Jody Thompson and Kali Resler Lies, Damn Lies, and Cost Accounting by Dr. Reginald Lee ⬇️ Videos Referenced ⬇️ The Timesheet Debate https://youtu.be/BP1Yq8oa_es Karen Rayburn https://youtu.be/fmSwS3kYP6M 🏫 More RZA On Accounting High 🏫 164 - Build a Practice that gives you more Money, Time, and Freedom https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FXYNpnNYHSpN4PZHCmC8B?si=60c5a5b36db44885 097 - Stop the Scroll https://open.spotify.com/episode/3U5vM5fkSM3MdwV4R0YNz9?si=add709c712ff4be4 Chapters: 0:00 Teaser 01:37 Introduction 03:00 Reza's Firm Hard Numbers 04:01 Journey of Implementing and Removing Timesheets 07:05 Transition to Results-Only Work Environment 20:45 Efficiency Through Knowledge Sharing 23:04 Implementing New Systems and Overcoming Pushback 26:42 Leadership and Team Structure 30:21 Sales and Marketing Strategies 34:17 Developing Pricing and Proposal Software 41:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Connect With Us On Linkedin! Reza Hooda, FCA CTA https://www.linkedin.com/in/rezahooda/ Capture Accounting https://www.linkedin.com/company/capture-accounting/ https://www.captureaccounting.com/ Coaching and Mentorship: The Profitable Accountants Community https://www.linkedin.com/company/profitable-accountants-community/ https://www.rezahooda.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, ShopClass, FirmOperations, SystemsAndProcesses, Pricing, Knowledge, Firm, Clients, Profits, Timeless, Marketing, Psychology, Sales, Work, Cloud, Efficiency, Capital, Sharing, Management, Upskilling, Growth, pricing strategies, accounting firm, client management, profit margins, pricing psychology, value pricing, sales psychology, work environment, cloud software, team efficiency, intellectual capital, client relations, business growth

Episode 211 FACULTY: Andrew Lassise CLASS: #TechTime In this podcast episode, Scotty interviews Andrew Lassise, the founder of Tech 4 Accountants, now integrated with Rightworks. Andrew shares his journey through the tech industry, focusing on IT solutions for accountants and the integration of AI in business operations. Andrew discusses his personal transformation from battling addiction to building a successful tech company that was recently acquired by Rightworks. He delves into the significance of cybersecurity for accounting firms, the evolution of AI, especially ChatGPT, and its applications in enhancing business efficiency. Andrew emphasizes the importance of embracing AI to stay ahead in the tech landscape.  Shout Outs: Rightworks, ProSeries, Drake, TechGuru, UltraTax, Zapier, ChatGPT, Excel, TurboTax, QuickBooks Online, LiveFlow, Practice Protect, Randy Johnston, Mike Rosedale, Randy Crabtree, Scaling New Heights, Bridging the Gap, Blake Oliver Chapters: 0:00 Teaser 01:41 Introduction 02:44 Getting into Tech 07:30 Focusing on Accountants 13:20 WISP 16:59 Being Acquired by Rightworks 18:50 The Podcast for Marketing 23:46 Using AI for Answering the same Questions 28:55 Ways to Use AI 35:47 Replacing Yourself with AI On Purpose 47:24 AI and Parodies 53:18 Conclusion Connect With Us On Linkedin! Andrew Lassise https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lassise/ Rightworks https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks/ https://www.rightworks.com/ Scotty OKR Scarano https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: AI Tech, Accountancy AI, Andrew Lassise, AI Jobs, Tech Accountants, Cybersecurity, AI Integration, AI Marketing, Automation, WISP, ChatGPT, Human Workforce, AI Cybersecurity, Tech Startups, Customer Support, Enhanced Productivity, SMEs AI, Knowledge Management, AI Tools, Tech Companies

Episode 210 FACULTY: Steven Hoffman, CEO CLASS: #Shoperations In this podcast episode, Scotty interviews Steven Hoffman, CEO of OnPoint Tax Accounting, They discuss leveraging an uncredentialed C-Suite and moving away from the traditional partner model. The conversation covers OnPointe's mergers and acquisitions, the role of private equity in the industry, and the structural organization of Ascend and OnPointe. Steven shares insights from his journey implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and the challenges of being a CEO of multiple tax firms. Shout Outs: Dan Gertrudes at the Growth Lab Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 01:38 Introduction 07:19 Getting Uncredentialed C-Suite for Growth and Ditching the Partner Model 10:56 OnPointe Tax and Accounting - Merging and Acquisition 16:25 Private Equity Firms in the Industry 19:45 The Structure of Ascend and OnPointe 22:05 The EOS Journey 24:38 Being a CEO of Multiple Tax Firms 28:37 Billing by the Hour 31:29 Adding CAS 37:09 Who are the Clients 42:17 Advice to Small Firms Connect With Us On Linkedin! Steven Hoffman https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinkstevethink/ Onpointe Advisors https://www.linkedin.com/company/onpointe-tax-accounting/ https://onpointefirm.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, Private Equity, Accounting, Client Accounting Advisory Services, Firm Growth, Leadership, Operational Strategy, Professional Networking, Client-Focused Approaches

Episode 209 FACULTY: Geraldine Carter CLASS: #TheGuide In this episode, Scott interviews Geraldine Carter, author of "Down to 40 Hours: A Roadmap for CPAs to Permanently End Overworking." Join us in the guidance counselor’s office for a book report exploring the philosophy of working less. We’re talking changing mindsets within the accounting industry, value pricing, and what happens when you combine value and systems. Reflect with us on how CPAs can achieve a balanced work life. Shout Outs: Edward Mendlowitz, Ron Baker, Jason Ackerman Purchase Geraldine’s Book on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Down-40-Hours-Roadmap-Overworking/dp/B0CYY1PGT2 ⬇️Videos Referenced⬇️ More of Geraldine Carter on Accounting High, Episode 131: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1m2BgirP4jQQRkOsry6gD8?si=b6a97b81f6264388 The Time Sheet Debate: https://youtu.be/BP1Yq8oa_es Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 01:32 Introduction 03:09 Writing the Book 10:09 The Philosophy of Working Less 16:56 Changing Mindset 23:55 Looking Outside the industry 25:02 Understanding Value Pricing 27:53 The Third Option Besides Value or Systems 31:22 What is Growth? It's About the Money till it's not 37:34 Meditation and Quiet Time 43:02 Find Your Tribe 45:38 Conclusion  Connect With Us On Linkedin! Geraldine Carter https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-carter/ Scotty OKR Scarano https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: TheGuide, AccountingHigh, Accounting, Podcast, Guidance, Vision, FirmOwners, Advice, EndOverworking, WorkLifeBalance, DownTo40Hours, CPALife, ValuePricing, TimeManagement, ProductivityHacks, SelfPublishingSuccess, BelieveToAchieve, MindsetShifts, EfficiencyInAccounting, WorkSmarterNotHarder, FinancialFreedom, EntrepreneurialJourney, GrowthMindset

Episode 208 the Sons of CPAs are back baby!!! FACULTY: Jason Ackerman, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, Scotty brings back his Sons of CPAs founding co-host, the Accounting High Lunch Lady, and CPA at BNA CPAs & Advisors, Jason Ackerman. They discuss the state of Jason’s firm and what the operations look like. They also discuss building a CAS practice, implementing EOS and getting rid of timesheets. It’s time for Shoperations at Accounting High! Shout Outs: Ed Mendlowitz, Ron Baker, Nikole MacKenzie, Zachary Call, Tate Henshaw, Kenji and Matt at Acuity Chapters: 0:00 Teaser 04:15 Ackerman's Firm Overview 07:51 Training and the Pipeline Issue 15:54 Concierge Services 17:52 CAAS Practice 24:17 Time Spent at Firm 26:04 Management Structure at the Firm 28:27 EOS and Systems 34:33 Clients 36:52 Removing Himself from the Firm 41:44 Building an App 47:35 How The Firm Services Clients 49:11 Advice from and Aging CPA Connect With Us On Linkedin! Jason Ackerman https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlackerman/ Scotty OKR Scarano https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: ClientService, Technology, Services, CPA, AccountingFirm, Strategies, BookkeepingAutomation, ProfessionalServiceFirms, CustomerFocus, Operations, Shoperations, AccountingHigh, EOS, CAS, CASPractice, Timesheets, BillableHour, Profitability

Episode 207 FACULTY: Shannon Weinstein, CPA CLASS: #SocialStudies In this episode, Scott interviews Shannon Weinstein, CPA, the Host of the Keep What You Earn podcast. Shannon shares her journey of starting her own practice, leveraging Instagram as a brand-building tool, early growth experiences, transitioning from an order taker to a menu creator, marketing strategies, developing values from challenging clients, attracting ideal clients, core truths, leveraging the podcast for business growth, and tips for social media and potential podcasters. Shout Outs: Paul Seaton, Jess Glazer, Michael King, Mel Abraham, Keep What You Earn, Conserva Lo Que Ganas Chapters: 00:00 Teaser 07:14 Starting Her Practice 10:42 Instagram as a Brand Builder 12:51 Early Growth 15:33 From Order Taker to Menu Creator 19:28 Marketing to Your Ideal Client 20:59 Developing Your Values from The Worst Clients 24:29 How to Attract the Ideal Clients 26:46 Core Truths 31:16 The Firm Stats 32:44 The Podcast 39:22 Leveraging the Podcast 44:31 Client Intake Process 45:39 Saying No to Leads 47:26 Tips for Social Media and Potential Podcasters 50:04 Conclusion Connect With Us On Linkedin! Shannon Weinstein https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonkeane/ Keep What You Earn Co. https://www.fitnancialsolutions.com/ Keep What You Earn Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-what-you-earn/id1580071347 Scotty OKR Scarano https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: accountant origin, Costa Rica, intentional business, core values, core truths, values alignment, attract clients, repel marketing, accounting firm, revenue goals, ideal client, client intake, referral fees, podcast host, podcast guesting, business podcast, fractional CFO, long-form content, content, Spanish, accounting, origin, Costa Rica, business, values, alignment, clients, marketing, firm, revenue, ideal, intake, referral, podcast, guesting, content, CFO, long-form

Episode 206 FACULTY: Steven Zelin, the Singing CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this episode, Scott interviews Steven Zelin, CPA, also known as The Singing CPA. Steven shares his journey, from becoming a CPA to pursuing his passion for singing, starting his own firm, client acquisition and niche development, peer review, the Steve Zelin Singing CPA brand, firm statistics, and working in-office versus remote. Shout Outs: AICPA Engage, Edward Medlowitz, Nancy McClelland, Sammy Katz, Barry Melancon Chapters: 0:00 Teaser 01:39 Introduction 02:31 Becoming a CPA 04:20 Becoming a Singer 04:42 Early Years 07:39 Steven Starts His Own Firm 14:23 Clients and Niche 16:12 Acquisitions 20:00 Peer Review 20:51 The Steve Zelin Singing CPA Brand 27:00 Firm Stats 33:39 In Office vs Remote 38:35 Another Acquisition Connect With Us On Linkedin! Steven Zelin https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesingingcpa/ Scotty OKR Scarano https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: singing, CPA, New York, accounting, entrepreneur, musician, career, small firm growth, branding, peer review, firm acquisitions, niche, nonprofit, remote, accounting firm, culture, passion, community, humor, challenges, marketing, differentiation, collaboration, shoperations

Episode 205 FACULTY: Kelly Rohrs, CPA the Tax Slayer CLASS: #SocialStudies In this episode, Scott interviews Kelly Rohrs, CPA, also known as Tax Slayer and co-host of the Zero to Millions Podcast. Kelly shares her journey, from her first accounting job to starting her own brand. The conversation covers topics such as balancing motherhood with being an accountant, leveraging LinkedIn, her accounting firm, changing traditional practices, the Zero to Millions Podcast, and insights on the current state of tax and accounting. Shout Outs: Katie Thomas, Bilal Mehanna, Blake Oliver, TaxDome, Lacerte, Ignition Chapters: 01:34 Introduction 02:06 Kelly's Story 05:41 First Accounting Job 09:02 Starting Her Brand 12:04 Being a Mom and an Accountant 15:45 Cultivating Linkedin 19:03 Kelly's Firm 24:05 Changing the Old Ways 28:56 From Zero to Millions Podcast 32:09 The State of Tax and Accounting 36:52 Parting Advice Connect With Us On Linkedin! Kelly Rohrs https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrohrs/ Scotty OKR Scarano https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ https://www.accountinghigh.com/

Episode 204 FACULTY: Mike Manalac, CPA CLASS: #TheGuide In this episode, Scott interviews Mike Manalac, CPA, Accounting Manager at Google. Mike shares his journey from working at Walmart.com to his current role at Google, highlighting experiences and lessons learned along the way. The conversation delves into topics such as work-life balance, the transition from public accounting to industry, creating resources for professionals in similar transitions, and making accounting more engaging and appealing to a broader audience. Shout Outs: Eminem, Greg Kyte Chapters: 01:26 Introducing Mike 07:12 Working at Walmart.com 10:50 Working at Google 13:50 Learning How to Balance Fun 15:56 A Long Commute 18:18 Making Resources for Going from Public to Industry 29:59 Mike's Content 31:43 The Uprising 39:52 Making Accounting Cool 41:55 Getting Accountants out of their Shells 49:40 Final Thoughts  Connect With Us On Linkedin! Mike Manalac https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemanalac/ Scotty OKR Scarano https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: accounting profession, CPA exam, industry jobs, public accounting, overworked accountants, underpaid accountants, accounting stereotypes, next generation accountants, accounting uprising, AICPA, 150-hour rule, higher education, Big Four, remote work, accounting skills, competitive advantage, dream job, Google, LinkedIn content, creative accountants

Episode 203 FACULTY: Andrea MacDonald, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this podcast episode, Scott interviews Andrea MacDonald, CPA, and CEO of Pro Tax & Accounting LLC. Andrea shares insights into her journey of starting and growing her accounting practice, highlighting key milestones, challenges, and successes along the way. From the inception of her practice to firm acquisitions and mergers, Andrea discusses her experiences in building and managing a successful accounting firm. The conversation also touches upon topics such as growth goals, hiring strategies, leveraging technology and community, cultivating positive habits, overcoming challenges, and future plans. Shout Outs: Micheal Ly, Sharron at Pro Tax & Accounting LLC, QuickBooks, FreshBooks Chapters: 01:23 Introducing Andrea 04:52 Starting Her Practice 07:42 Firm Stats in the Early Years 11:11 Firm Acquisition 12:20 Growth Goals 14:52 Handling a 1 Million Dollar Firm 16:59 Hiring Her Son 20:13 The Big Merger 23:48 Apps and Community 30:16 Positive Habits 32:36 Hard Times 35:04 What's Next for Andrea? 36:26 Parting Advice 37:11 Andrea Getting Out of the Way Connect With Us On Linkedin! Andrea MacDonald https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-macdonald-cpa-ctc-4704042b/ Scotty OKR Scarano https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: accounting career, firm growth, million-dollar practice, accounting acquisition, firm merger, accounting franchise, service-based businesses, profitability challenges, eos implementation, virtual team, bookkeeping management, family employees, accounting partnerships, app community, accounting conferences, public speaking, positive mindset, business pivots, vision planning, client delegation