Episode 243

FACULTY: Nick Boscia, CPA, EA aka The Balanced CPA

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this episode, join Scotty as he talks with Nick Boscia, aka the Balanced CPA from New Jersey. Nick shares insights from his journey in accounting, taking over his father's firm, and running a family business with his brother. They explore the importance of balance in work and life, the evolution of their firm with technology, and the implementation of fair client pricing. Nick also discusses the challenges they faced and the aspirations for the future, all while maintaining a balanced approach to life and work. This engaging conversation offers a deep dive into the life of a modern CPA striving for balance and growth.

📣 Shout Outs: Dawn Brolin, PWC, SmartVault, LeCert, Bench, Financial Sense, Anchor

⬇️Videos Referenced⬇️

Melissa McCarthy for Accounting Professionals (feat. Dawn Brolin)

(https://youtu.be/GkcEXTmEVSY)

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser

00:11 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:47 Family Business Background

01:07 The Concept of Balanced CPA

04:23 Personal Life and Balance

08:36 Professional Journey and Achievements

11:40 Business Operations and Growth

18:36 Pricing Strategies and Client Management

21:06 Future Plans and Innovations

25:28 Discussing Business Structures and Tax Strategies

26:07 Balancing Business Expenses with a Partner

28:26 Modernizing the Firm with Technology

33:41 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

42:50 Credit Card Points and Financial Strategies

45:49 Future Goals and Firm Growth

🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗

Nick Boscia, CPA, EA

📎 linkedin.com/in/nickboscia/

Boscia & Boscia PC

📎 linkedin.com/company/bosciapc/

📎 bosciapc.com

Scotty OKR Scarano

📎 linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

Accounting High

📎 linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

📎 accountinghigh.com/

Tags: Shoperations, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Shop Class, Firm Operations, Systems And Processes, Partnerships, Work Life Balance, The Balanced CPA, CPA, EA, Entrepreneurship

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

Episode 234

FACULTY: Matt Kidd, CPA

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this throwback to Sons of CPAs, Scotty chats it up with Matt about his two CPA brothers, diving into how they each built successful practices, inspired by their CPA father. They talk about managing and transitioning CPA firms, incorporating wealth management, modernizing traditional practices, tax season, and client relationships. Tune in for a comprehensive view on growing a client-centric, million-dollar CPA practice, with insights on practical strategies and overcoming challenges in the accounting profession.

📣 Shout Outs: Shane Mason, Blunden, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, UltraTax, Karbon, Excello, Onvio, Thompson Reuters, Citrix, Buckingham Strategic Partners, Loring Ward, AICPA, AICPAENGAGE, Jon Gordon

⬇️ Video Referenced ⬇️

051 - Numbers and Love Letters (feat. Shane Mason, CPA/PFS, CFP, CPWA) (https://youtu.be/Pkn_JPfwl0k)

📚 Books Referenced 📚

The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy by Jon Gordon

(https://theenergybus.com/)

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser

02:12 Meet Matthew Kidd: The CPA Journey

02:30 Family of CPAs: The Kidd Legacy

02:50 The Value of Wealth Management

02:58 Matthew's Path to Becoming a CPA

07:26 Acquisitions and Practice Growth

14:15 Hard Numbers

24:02 Modernizing

25:43 Navigating Tax Laws and Old Tech

27:18 The Onvio Experience

29:50 Transitioning to Cloud-Based Systems

33:24 Launching Wealth Management Services

40:57 Marketing Wealth Management to Clients

45:17 The GetTo Foundation and Its Impact

47:54 Reflections on Accounting Practices and Margins

51:39 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

🔗 Connect With Us On LinkedIn! 🔗

Matt Kidd, CPA

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkiddcpa/

Blunden & Kidd Accounting & Consulting, P.C.

📎 https://www.linkedin.com/company/blunden-kidd-accounting-consulting-p-c/

📎 https://blundenkidd.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, tax planning, financial advisory, CPA journey, wealth management, family business, accounting firm growth, hybrid work model, client relationships, CAS integration, professional development