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.

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