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

Episode 230

FACULTY: Ashley Francis, CPA

CLASS: #TheGuide

In this episode, Scotty and Ashley Francis, CPA explore personal development strategies, including habit formation, overcoming people-pleasing, managing self-doubt and anxiety, especially in high-pressure situations like public speaking and even how ChatGPT could be your goto therapist.

📣 Shout Outs: Mike Sylvester, ChatGPT, Xero

⬇️Episodes Referenced ⬇️

187 AI Horror Stories: Shining a Light on the Dark Side of AI

(https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wAVjhBGQvgiydiOp2sPOj?si=y9Fn92lESam5N8QaftjFyQ)

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser

02:29 The Human Element in Automation

03:59 Embracing New Roles and Teaching

04:54 Personal Growth and Healthy Habits

11:33 The Power of ChatGPT

15:03 Overcoming Perfectionism and Self-Doubt

24:04 Public Speaking and Personal Reflections

26:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

30:12 The Power of Saying No

🔗 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: The Guide, Accounting High, Accounting, Podcast, Guidance, Vision, Firm Owners, Advice, AI in accounting, ChatGPT, mental health, professional growth, healthy habits, meditation, automation tools, firm management, perfectionism, stress management, public speaking, personal development, accounting tips, professional advice, healthy lifestyle, self-improvement, habit formation, career evolution, tax profession, CPA insights

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