Accounting High

Episode 202 FACULTY: David Bergstein, CPA CLASS: #TheGuide In this episode, Scott interviews David Bergstein, a CPA, covering various aspects of David's journey in accounting and his insights into the profession from his decades of experience. They discuss topics such as the relevance of becoming a CPA for young people, marketing strategies for accounting firms, the future of the accounting profession including automation and remote firms, strategies for firm growth, and the bright future ahead. Shout Outs: Ed Mendlowitz, Roman Kevchak, Randy Johnson, Randy Crabtree, BotKeeper Conference, Prime Global Conference, BKR Conference, QBO, Xero, Sage, Zoho Chapters: 02:53 How Dave got into Accounting 06:40 What Dave Does Now 08:38 Pickleball 09:01 Introducing Accounting in the Classroom 11:38 Should Young People Become CPAs? 15:53 Marketing and Positioning 18:34 The Future of Accounting 20:37 Do You Need to Hire A CPA or Not? 22:26 Automation 23:44 Remote Firms 28:58 Firm Growth 31:57 The Future is Bright 36:41 Dave's Future Plans 39:19 Choosing Software 42:20 Conclusion Connect With Us On Linkedin! David Bergstein https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbergstein/ Scotty OKR Scarano https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: fiscal doctor, accounting advisor, marketing positioning, millennial mindset, hiring CPAs, remote firms, accounting automation, firm growth, pickleball enthusiast, continuing education, FBI aspirations, IRS agent, choosing software, accounting future, accounting publications, professional services, accounting deadlines, accounting professor, career advice, accounting excitement

Episode 201 FACULTY: Karen Reyburn, CPA CLASS: #SocialStudies In this podcast episode, Scott interviews Karen Reyburn, CPA, and owner of We are PF. Karen talks about building her brand and business, highlighting the importance of authenticity, creativity, and adaptation in the evolving landscape of accounting and business consulting. From the origins of her brand colors to her approach to social media marketing, Karen provides valuable lessons and experiences that resonate with entrepreneurs and professionals alike. Shout Outs: We are PF Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:06:51 Being Unique by Being Yourself 00:09:26 Origin of the Brand Colors 00:20:49 Social Media Creativity 00:30:39 Makeup of the Business 00:32:08 Karen's Author Journey 00:48:23 The Second Book 00:50:36 Pivoting with Clients and then Losing Them Connect With Us On Linkedin! Karen Reyburn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlreyburn/ We are PF https://wearepf.com/ Scotty OKR Scarano https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: accountant marketing, building accounting brand, branding for accountants, creative accountants, marketing coaching, Scottish accountants, CPA creativity, accounting firm culture, accounting niches, ideal clients, business growth, author insights, self-publishing books, accounting industry, audience focus, brand colors, brand identity, marketing strategy, entrepreneurial mindset, business pivots

Episode 200 FACULTY: Amber Setter CLASS: #TheGuide TITLE: My Ayahuasca Journey: From High Performing Zombie to New Mental Clarity In this special episode, Accounting High Guidance Counselor Amber Setter, returns to interview our school janitor Scotty ‘OKR’ about his recent Ayahuasca retreat. Listen to find out what new insights and clarity of mind Scotty brought back to share. Shout Outs: Andre 3000, Travis Scott, Scott Zarret, Evan Eneman Chapters: 00:01:16 Introduction 00:02:44 Who is Amber? 00:03:15 Scott Growing Up 00:04:02 Mental Health and Drugs 00:06:43 What is Ayahuasca? 00:08:02 What Brought Scott to Ayahuasca? 00:14:11 The Dieta 00:19:00 Finding The Right Setting 00:21:23 What's Unique about Ayahuasca 00:24:43 Scott's Journey 00:28:47 Clarity and a Download 00:35:26 The Second Night 00:38:13 Sananga 00:39:00 Second Trip 00:44:33 Importance of a Guide 00:47:23 Night 3 00:50:08 What Has Scott Done Since the Trip? Tags: ayahuasca, journey, amber setter, scotty scarano, mental health, ADHD, prescription drugs, plant medicine, psychedelic retreat, costa rica, ceremony experience, spiritual download, dark trip,  insights, lifestyle changes, healing, clarity, purpose, integration, transformation, courage

EPISODE 199 FACULTY: Katherine Studley CLASS: #SocialStudies In this episode Scotty interviews Katherine Studley, the Co-founder of Prisma Tax Group and the Founder/CEO of The Only Consultant. The episode takes the audience through Katherine's unique journey, from public accounting to becoming the go-to accountant for spicy content creators in the adult industry. The discussion unfolds the challenges and successes of building a firm with extraordinary growth, navigating a buyout, and overcoming marketing challenges in a specialized niche. Shout Outs: Zoho  Chapters: 00:02:12 Introduction 00:04:09 Finding OnlyFans 00:06:39 Becoming the Accountant for Hot Girls 00:07:42 Building a Firm without doing the Taxes 00:11:10 Crazy Growth 00:16:16 Scott's Only "Only" Client 00:17:07 Social Media Marketing Challenges 00:19:24 Leaving a Partner 00:22:21 The Very Specific Needs of the Niche 00:26:34 Different Types of Clients 00:27:38 Sugar Baby Taxes 00:36:55 Katherine's Parents 00:38:21 The Team 00:40:30 Biggest Mistakes 00:41:44 Client Boundaries in the Niche 00:45:21 Current State of the Firm 00:50:22 Marketing to the Niche 00:51:47 Social Media Platforms Connect With Us On Linkedin! Katherine Studley https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-studley/ The Only Consultant https://www.theonlyconsultant.com/ Prisma Tax Group https://www.prismatax.com/ Scotty OKR Scarano https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/ Accounting High https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/ https://www.accountinghigh.com/ Tags: sex work, only fans, sugar baby, stripper, adult industry, content creator, tax tips, sex workers, judgment-free, tax help, friendly, accountants, prisma tax, the only consultant, katherine studley, accounting, bookkeeping, tax deductions, accounting firm

EPISODE 198 FACULTY: Ed Mendlowitz & Ron Baker CLASS: #TheGuide In this episode, we have a debate on the highly contested topic of timesheets with the accounting profession's heavyweights Ed Mendlowitz and Ron Baker. Listen to find out if timesheets are still essential to running a practice, or if they are the cancer of the profession. Chapters: 00:04:51 Introductions 00:06:24 Setting the Stage 00:07:50 Opening Remarks: Ed Mendlowitz 00:09:34 Ron's Rebuttal 00:12:53 Counter Argument by Ed 00:14:38 Timesheets Create an Artificial Ceiling 00:15:26 The Problem with Cost + Pricing 00:17:00 You Can't Manage People 00:18:49 Other Professions Who Bill by the Hour 00:21:22 Can Ed Go Without Timesheets? 00:23:24 Ron Argues that Timesheets aren't Necessary for Management 00:29:19 The Future of Accounting is Being Different 00:34:12 Inspiring your Employees 00:37:17 Inspiring the Next Generation Shout Outs: Jody Grunden, Jody Padar, Jody Thompson, Jason Blumer Tags: timesheets, time tracking, value pricing, subscription model, accounting firm management, CPA firm leadership, mentorship, managing people, client relationships, advisory services, specialization, talent retention, systems, processes, fixed fees, automation, AI, ChatGPT, organic growth, professional development, mindset shift, inspiring employees

2024 Accountant Bracket Challenge nominate the top 5 things in your accounting life for a chance to win an Apple Vision Pro nomination period closes March 9th enroll today at abc.accountinghigh.com EPISODE 197 FACULTY: Alicyn McLeod, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations In this podcast episode, Scott engages in a conversation with Alicyn McLeod, founder of Atlanta Tax. The episode navigates through Alicyn's journey into the world of accounting, highlighting the impact of significant events like the recession, the rise of smartphones, and the emergence of cloud technology. Alicyn shares insights into her decision to start her own firm, the role of social networks in her professional growth, and the initiation of her podcast, Underwithheld. The discussion delves into the dynamics of building and managing a team, forming partnerships, addressing operational challenges, and leveraging tools and technology to enhance firm operations.  Shout Outs: Trevor McCandless, Drake Tax Software, Adam Markowitz, Jason Statham of Realize  Chapters: 00:05:43 Introducing the Mother of Tax Twitter 00:07:29 Alicyn's Journey to Accounting 00:14:56 The Recession, Rise of the SmartPhone and the Cloud 00:20:52 Starting Her Own Firm 00:25:07 Impact of Social Networks 00:31:42 Starting a Podcast 00:35:01 Starting Up a Team 00:38:07 Partnership with Sarah 00:41:23 The Secret to a Good Partnership 00:43:51 Operational Difficulties 00:46:26 Tools and Technology 00:49:54 Partner Roles and Systems 00:54:18 New Firm Name Origin 00:58:37 No Emergencies in Accounting 01:02:03 Conclusion

EPISODE 196 FACULTY: Paul Seaton, CPA a.k.a. Rev. Swaggy P CLASS: #SocialStudies In this engaging podcast episode, Scott dives into a conversation with Rev. Swaggy P, also known as Paul Seaton, CPA, and the Founder of Agency CFO. The episode unfolds the intriguing journey of Rev. Swaggy P, from his role as an almost Catholic Priest to becoming a Cloud CPA and CFO. Shout Outs: Marcel Petitpas, Parakeeto, Ron Baker, Jody Grunden, Summit CPA Group, Brian Soloentrop, @SoleyBusiness, Jason Staats, Roman Villard Chapters: 00:09:01 Introducing Rev. Swaggy P 00:11:12 From REV to CPA 00:15:05 Becoming a Cloud CPA 00:18:45 Working at Summit CPA Group 00:22:13 The Summit CPA Group Client Meeting Structure 00:28:13 Leaving Summit to Build a Firm 00:31:27 Paul Going Viral on Tax Twitter 00:40:36 Early Years of the Firm 00:42:41 Marketing and Hiring Intentionally 00:51:43 Lessons Learned from Too Many Meetings 00:56:12 Swaggy P 00:59:02 Bridging the Gap Between CFO and Tax Accountants Tags: marketing, social media, Twitter, LinkedIn, branding, niche, vertical, pricing, value, positioning, hiring, team building, leadership, delegation, systems, processes, consulting, advisory, profitability, growth

The 2024 Accountant Bracket Challenge ABC Tournament Nomination period closes March 9, 2024 Enroll today at ABC.accountinghigh.com Episode 195 FACULTY: Meghan Blair  CLASS: #TheGuide In this episode, Scott engages in a conversation with Meghan Blair, the former owner of Fogged In Bookkeeping. The episode covers Meghan's journey in the accounting world, her early adoption of remote work, the impact of COVID on her business, the decision to sell the firm, her experience with GrowthLab, and the unique perspective of neurodivergence in leadership. Shout Outs: GrowthLab, Karbon Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro 00:13:30 Introduction 00:19:09 Why Meghan Does Accounting 00:24:22 Being Remote Before Everyone Else 00:27:49 Working Remotely in the 2010s 00:30:11 When COVID Hit 00:39:13 Selling the Firm 00:40:23 Growth Lab 00:45:52 Neorodivergencey and Leadership 00:50:23 Post-Sale Sabbatical 00:57:15 Going Back to School 00:59:59 Neurodivergence 01:07:10 Visionary not Integrator and Compatibility 01:14:31 Harvard and Parting Advice Tags: Burnout, Neurodivergence, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Accounting Industry, Bookkeeping, Business Exit, Work-Life Balance, Self-Care, Career Change, Career Journey, Business Growth, Business Operations, Remote Work, Working Mothers, Diversity & Inclusion, Higher Education, Mental Health, Self-Worth, Personal Growth

Episode 194 FACULTY: Teddy Sullivan, CPA CLASS: Shoperations In this engaging podcast episode, Scotty welcomes back Teddy Sullivan, CPA, for a discussion spanning various topics crucial for firm growth and success. From firm acquisition to transitioning to the cloud, Teddy shares insights into fixing systems, pricing strategies, and fostering a culture of gratitude for financial freedom. Shout Outs: Chad Davis, Ryan Lazanis, Dave Emmerman, Xero, Chris Farrell, Liscio, 00:03:02 Introduction 00:05:43 Firm Acquisition 00:09:01 Buying Another Firm 00:12:18 Transitioning from Desktop to Cloud 00:17:47 Fixing Systems and Pricing before Automation 00:24:04 Financial Freedom 00:25:30 Freedom Through Gratitude 00:28:48 Helping the Team 00:30:21 The Inspiration to Work 00:37:51 Teddy's Growth Plans 00:39:41 The Team Structure 00:42:36 Offshore Outsourcing Discussion 00:49:21 Goals for the Firm 00:53:52 Words of Wisdom from Teddy 00:55:23 Conclusion

Episode 193 FACULTY: Alicia Katz Pollock CLASS: #TechTime TITLE: QuickBooks and Beyond: Adventures in Accounting In this podcast, Scott interviews Alicia Katz Pollock, a seasoned technology trainer at Royalwise Solutions Inc. They discuss Alicia's experiences in training, bookkeeping, being on the Intuit Roadshow, and mind opening experiences with traditional medicines. On the Road with Intuit's Roadshow Mac Trainer The Origin of Royalwise The Quickbooks Community Being On Stage at Quickbooks Connect Learning Management System Bookkeeping at Royalwise Challenges in Training Bookkeepers A Pioneer of Zoom Opening the Mind Future Visions The Team Opening the Mind Teaching as a Creative Outlet Words of Wisdom Shout Outs: Laura Redmond, Michelle Long, Alison Ball, Aaron Walsh Dyer, Liz Scott, Bryce Forney, Stacey Kildall, Heather Satterly, Jennifer Dymond, Jeff Black, the Royalwise team, Cypher Learning, Quickbooks Trainer Writer Network [00:02:09] On the Road with Intuit's Roadshow [00:04:03] Mac Trainer [00:06:57] The Origin of Royalwise [00:08:07] The Quickbooks Community [00:12:27] Being On Stage at Quickbooks Connect [00:16:42] Learning Management System [00:19:36] Bookkeeping at Royalwise [00:22:19] Challenges in Training Bookkeepers [00:23:58] A Pioneer of Zoom [00:27:18] Opening the Mind [00:30:49] Future Visions [00:35:48] The Team [00:38:36] Opening the Mind [00:41:59] Teaching as a Creative Outlet [00:43:12] Words of Wisdom