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