Growing Your Firm | Strategies for Accountants, CPA's, Bookkeepers , and Tax Professionals

In this episode of the Growing Your Firm Podcast, host David Cristello welcomes back Katie Lilly of Lillyfield Accounting Solutions. Katie discusses the transformative changes her firm has undergone since her last appearance on the show, pre-COVID.  She shares insights on her firm's transition from serving primarily local clients to expanding regionally and nationally, and how they navigated the shift to remote work with ease, having been originally designed as a remote firm for stay-at-home moms since its inception in 2016.  Katie also highlights the importance of maintaining a strong remote work culture, the logistics of moving her own presence without disrupting the firm, and the value of annual retreats for her team. Tune in to learn about Katie's innovative approaches and the secrets behind her firm's growth and adaptability. The listener will learn about the growth and transformation of Lillyfield Accounting Solutions, including their shift to national clients, focus on remote work culture, and success with QuickBooks Online.

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes back Nayo Carter-Gray, owner of 1st Step Accounting. Nayo, an enrolled agent and Advanced Certified QuickBooks Online Pro Advisor, is known for making accounting less taxing.  The conversation also covers the importance of diversity and inclusion in various aspects of business, setting boundaries in work, and prioritizing work-life balance, accounting automation, and technology in the accounting industry. Nayo Carter-Gray is a distinguished figure in the accounting industry, known for making accounting less taxing for her clients. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Nayo has established herself as an enrolled agent, a QuickBooks Online Advanced Certified Pro Advisor, and a Gusto Ambassador.  Her impressive credentials also include being recognized as one of Hubdoc's top 50 cloud accountants, a former Intuit Accounting Council member, and one of Forbes' top 100 tax Twitter accounts. Nayo's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession is evident through her active involvement in promoting underrepresented voices.  As the founder of 1st Step Accounting, Nayo prioritizes setting boundaries and emphasizes that other people's emergencies do not constitute emergencies for her. This philosophy reflects her dedication to work-life balance and prioritizing personal well-being while delivering exceptional service to her clients.

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello interviews Randy Crabtree, a top influencer in the accounting industry. Randy, co-founder of Tri-Merit, discusses R&D, tax credits, and cost segregation, sharing insights on the success of his firm. Tune in for a valuable conversation on creating a culture of value and importance in the workplace. The listener will learn about the importance of creating a culture where people feel valued and can be themselves, as well as the benefits of specializing in niche areas in accounting. Randy Crabtree is a renowned figure in the accounting industry, known for his innovative approach to building successful firms and fostering a positive company culture. With a career spanning over three decades, Randy has established himself as a thought leader in the field of accounting and tax consulting. In the podcast episode, Randy discusses the importance of building a strong culture within a remote work setting. He highlights the significance of creating a workplace where individuals feel valued, important, and free to be themselves.

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello, founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow, welcomes Jessica Zoraida, a Latina entrepreneur and CEO of Big Picture Results. Jessica shares her journey of being self-taught, launching her firm, and navigating various pivots and transitions.  Big Picture Results is an accounting and tax company dedicated to helping profitable, growing businesses, particularly those operated by marginalized populations, maximize their financial outcomes. Jessica discusses her mission to support women and other marginalized groups in the business world, highlighting the services her firm offers and the types of clients they serve.  Tune in to learn more about Jessica's inspiring path and the strategies she employs to help businesses thrive. The listener will learn about how Big Picture Results focuses on bringing more to the bottom line for business owners, the importance of financial management, evolving packaging and pricing in financial advisory relationships, working with service providers with a good quality brand, having a qualified team for bookkeeping, regular meetings with the CFO and COO, eliminating unnecessary tasks, and maximizing returns for accounting firms and CPAs.

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes back Ron Saharyan, co-founder of Profit First Professionals. They explore the concept of value pricing and its importance in pricing services based on the value provided.  The conversation delves into various topics, with a promise of exciting announcements between Jetpack and Profit First at the end of the episode. Tune in for insightful discussions and a special reveal at the conclusion! The listener will learn about Profit First Professionals, implementing the Profit First system in their business, client advisory services (CAS), subscription services in accounting firms, strategies for expanding client base, importance of advising customers, and the partnership between Profit First Professional and Jetpack Workflow. Ron Saharyan is a renowned figure in the world of small business consulting and financial management. As the co-founder and managing director of Profit First Professionals, Ron has dedicated his career to helping businesses of all sizes achieve financial success through innovative methodologies.  With a decade of experience in the industry, Ron has become a trusted advisor to countless firms and entrepreneurs seeking to improve their financial health.

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, brought to you by Jetpack Workflow, host David Cristello welcomes back Geni Whitehouse, founder of The Impactful Advisor and Information Technology Alliance (ITA) president, who specializes in the wine industry.  Geni, also known as the Countess of Communication and author of "How to Make a Boring Subject Interesting: 52 Ways Even a Nerd Can Be Heard," discusses the latest trends in her membership base, the importance of niche advisory services, and effective communication strategies.  Join us as we explore insights into talent acquisition and dive deep into various industry-specific challenges and opportunities. The listener will learn about the book "How to Make a Boring Subject Interesting" and the author's journey from being a tax professional to finding ways to resonate with clients and deliver value.  They will also learn about leveraging humor, embracing unique qualities, improving communication skills, transitioning to advisory roles, and addressing challenges in the accounting industry.

Today's episode features Samantha Santaniello, partner at R.S.K Tax & Consulting. Samantha discusses the importance of setting boundaries to manage time effectively as a business owner. Host David Cristello explores topics like systems and processes for scaling a firm, balancing work and family life, and utilizing AI transcription tools. Tune in to gain insights on optimizing workflow and achieving work-life balance in the accounting industry. The listener will learn about setting boundaries, systems and processes for scaling a firm, managing personal routines and juggling multiple responsibilities as a business owner and parent. They will also hear about the services provided by R.S.K Tax & Consulting, focusing on small business owners and real estate investors. The importance of tax planning and strategy for small business owners, real estate investors, and individuals will also be discussed, along with insights into building a successful business with a sibling and managing personal systems effectively. Additionally, the benefits of having a morning routine, utilizing an administrative assistant, and implementing tools like Jetpack Workflow for organization and task management will be highlighted. The episode will also cover the significance of building a great team, incorporating ideas from others, and utilizing digital assistants in virtual meetings.

Summary In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello interviews Jordan Sublette, the CEO and founder of Cloud Accounting Staffing. Jordan shares his journey of building and selling his firm, and dives into the world of outsourcing talent.  They discuss the challenges of talent crunches and how Jordan navigated through them. Tune in to gain insights on building a successful firm and leveraging outsourcing effectively. What you'll learn The listener will learn about the journey of Jordan Sublette, CEO and founder of Cloud Accounting Staffing, including building his firm, outsourcing talent, structuring a sale, and navigating the world of outsourcing.

Guest Adam Lean, CEO of The CFO Project, shares insights on selling advisory services in the accounting industry. Topics include engaging clients through meaningful conversations, the importance of CFO advisory services for firm growth, and navigating cash flow challenges. Strategies for showcasing value, understanding client emotions, and overcoming psychological sales barriers are also discussed.

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello interviews Daniel Hood, the editor-in-chief of Accounting Today. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Daniel shares insights into the evolving trends in accounting firms and the push for advisory services. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the future of accounting and the role of technology in shaping the industry. The listener will learn about the evolution of accounting firms, advisory services, trends in the accounting profession, and the impact of AI on the industry.