Building the Premier Accounting Firm

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, host Roger Knecht and Founder and CEO of Fix-It Accounting Nancy Benet discuss how to scale accounting firms beyond compliance work into advisory services and franchise models. Discover proven steps to overcome business fears, build strategic partnerships, and create clear financial systems.

00:00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Early Business Failure 00:05:25 Transitioning from Solopreneur to Business Owner 00:11:09 Adding Advisory Services and Strategic Partnerships 00:17:39 Specializing in the Franchise Business Model 00:25:03 Franchising Fixit Accounting and Family Legacy 00:35:09 The Future of Accounting and AI

• Niche down early to make marketing much simpler and attract the right clients.

• Partner with other professionals to offer fractional CFO services without needing all the skills yourself.

• Delegate administrative tasks first by hiring assistants to free up time for core client work.

• Focus on forward-thinking advisory metrics to help clients plan for future profitability.

• "We're taught to do everything ourselves. And so to bring somebody in, it's really scary." - Nancy Benet

• "If we can expand our awareness and our ability to think outside the box, it opens new doors." - Nancy Benet

Earn CPE: NASBA-approved CPE and IRS-approved CE credits are offered via Earmark by listening to this episode. ⁠

Access our QAS Self-Study Courses here: https://www.earmark.app/channels/0384dbbe-df08-4ae3-ba82-621a7a465e95

Conclusion:

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here.

Sponsors:

Universal Accounting Center

• Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

Offers:

Success Your Way: Build stronger awareness and structure as you grow your business. Get the free 5 Actions to Instantly Change Your Mindset download here: https://successyourway.com/free-downloads

Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners: CLICK HERE to take advantage of them today!

Remember this: Accounting Success IS Universal.

Be sure to listen to our next episode and subscribe.

Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback

For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it's about accounting, it's Universal.

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses systems for goreth with Nancy Benet.

Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today Roger Knecht welcomes Ann Carden to discuss how accounting professionals can stop trading time for money and elevate their practices. Discover strategies to attract high-end clients, position yourself in a category of one, and package high-value advisory services.

00:00:00 Unlocking Hidden Potential in Your Business 00:05:35 Elevating Client Acquisition and Positioning 00:10:10 The Power of Exclusivity and Qualification 00:20:45 Moving Beyond Commodities and Hourly Pricing 00:28:45 Building a Premier Accounting Firm

• Elevate your accounting practice by targeting top-tier clients rather than relying on high-volume funnels.

• Position your firm as a category of one so buyers pre-sell themselves before the first meeting.

• Implement high-end strategic advisory packages instead of sticking to hourly billing or minor price bumps.

• Qualify prospective clients to ensure mutual respect and higher project investment.

• "Visibility is not revenue. Don't confuse that." - Ann Carden

• "You have to be in a category of one. You have to stand out in a category of one." - Ann Carden

Earn CPE: NASBA-approved CPE and IRS-approved CE credits are offered via Earmark by listening to this episode. ⁠

Access our QAS Self-Study Courses here: https://www.earmark.app/channels/0384dbbe-df08-4ae3-ba82-621a7a465e95

Conclusion:

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here.

Sponsors:

BILL

• It's time to grow your capacity, not your headcount. Visit bill.com/BUILDING to get started today, and when you take a demo, you'll receive a $250 gift card. Terms apply.

Universal Accounting Center

• Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

Offers:

flobizsolutions.com

Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, CLICK HERE to take advantage of them today!

Remember this: Accounting Success IS Universal.

Be sure to listen to our next episode and subscribe.

Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback

For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it's about accounting, it's Universal.

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses elevating your business with Ann Carden.

Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, Roger Knecht and The CFO Project CEO Dyanna Salcedo discuss how accounting professionals can pivot from traditional compliance work to high-impact CFO advisory services. This episode explores the impact of AI and offshoring on the accounting industry and provides a clear framework for building a scalable, profitable advisory practice.

00:00:00 Introduction to Expert Insights 00:01:38 Defining Accounting vs. Advisory Roles 00:06:42 Scalable CFO Advisory Models 00:13:47 Structuring Successful Client Engagements 00:22:08 Overcoming Barriers to Advisory Services 00:28:44 The Role of AI in Accounting 00:35:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Opportunities

• Define the role of a CFO advisor as a forward-looking guide for small business owners rather than a historical reporter.

• Leverage AI as a powerful tool for efficiency while maintaining a human-in-the-lead approach for judgment and accountability.

• Focus on cash flow drivers to provide tangible, high-value results that justify premium pricing.

• "Your job is to illuminate where the client should focus. They will have the answers of how to actually affect that driver." — Dyanna Salcedo

• "We call it human in the lead. You want to stay in the lead, making sure that you're verifying everything." — Dyanna Salcedo

• "AI cannot certify financials. AI cannot submit a tax return and sign off on that return as the preparer." — Roger Knecht

Earn CPE: NASBA-approved CPE and IRS-approved CE credits are offered via Earmark by listening to this episode. ⁠

Access our QAS Self-Study Courses here: https://www.earmark.app/channels/0384dbbe-df08-4ae3-ba82-621a7a465e95

Conclusion:

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here.

Sponsors:

BILL

• It's time to grow your capacity, not your headcount. Visit bill.com/BUILDING to get started today, and when you take a demo, you'll receive a $250 gift card. Terms apply.

Universal Accounting Center

• Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

Offers:

flobizsolutions.com

Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, CLICK HERE to take advantage of them today!

Remember this: Accounting Success IS Universal.

Be sure to listen to our next episode and subscribe.

Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback

For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it's about accounting, it's Universal.

On today's episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger Knecht welcomes guest Jimmy Moore to discuss the critical intersection of merchant services, payment compliance, and financial technology for accounting firms. They explore how advisors can better protect their clients from rising fees and regulatory pitfalls while streamlining tech stacks for better performance.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:29 Understanding Merchant Services 04:20 PCI Compliance Fundamentals 06:46 Tech Stacks and Integrations 09:43 Four Compliant Billing Models 14:18 Cash Discounting Pitfalls 17:53 Visa Regulations and Enforcement 22:14 Future of Payment Technology 26:57 Leveraging Partnerships for Growth 32:02 Effective Rate and Closing Thoughts

• Audit client payment models to ensure they follow one of the four approved methods: surcharging, cash discounting, dual pricing, or convenience fees.

• Prioritize PCI compliance to safeguard sensitive cardholder data and avoid costly non-compliance fines.

• Integrate payment solutions with core accounting software to reduce manual data entry and minimize human error.

Earn CPE: NASBA-approved CPE and IRS-approved CE credits are offered via Earmark by listening to this episode. ⁠

Access our QAS Self-Study Courses here: https://www.earmark.app/channels/0384dbbe-df08-4ae3-ba82-621a7a465e95

Conclusion:

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here.

Sponsors:

BILL

• It's time to grow your capacity, not your headcount by using BILL, the AI-powered, exception-based AP solution built to help accounting firms work smarter as they scale and grow.

  From managing domestic and global payments to reducing manual data entry, BILL helps your team operate more efficiently.

  You'll gain better visibility and control over financial operations and save time on routine processes. That means more time focused on strategic client success, stronger relationships, and higher-value advisory work.

  Plus, BILL supports healthier cash flow for your firm with automated invoicing that can help you get paid up to two times faster.

  Join the more than 9,000 accounting firms who trust BILL

  Visit bill.com/BUILDING to get started today, and when you take a demo, you'll receive a $250 gift card. Terms apply.

Universal Accounting Center

• Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

Offers:

flobizsolutions.com

Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, CLICK HERE to take advantage of them today!

Remember this: Accounting Success IS Universal.

Be sure to listen to our next episode and subscribe.

Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback

For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it's about accounting, it's Universal.

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses credit card compliance with Jimmy Moore.

Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast. Join host Roger Knecht and serial entrepreneur Chris Shurian as they explore the vital intersection of accurate financial data, exceptional customer service, and business ownership. This episode provides actionable strategies for accounting professionals and business owners to better understand the metrics that drive success and the power of building genuine client relationships.

00:00 Defining Founders and Business Exits 04:16 The Crucial Role of Accurate Accounting 11:34 Key Metrics and Simplifying Financial Reporting 21:08 The Power of Exceptional Customer Service 30:46 Creating Wow Moments for Customers 40:52 Setting Expectations and Professional Care 50:55 Authenticity in Business Leadership

• Prioritize accurate, timely financial reporting to prevent business failure and enable informed decision-making.

• Implement the "barefoot experience" approach to customer service to exceed expectations and stand out in competitive industries.

• Use simple, high-level dashboards—or "scorecards"—to keep business owners focused on green-light, red-light metrics.

• Maintain human connection in business interactions, even when leveraging technology, to build long-term loyalty.

• "You have to know your numbers. You absolutely have to know your numbers." — Chris Shurian

• "Customer service is a contact sport." — Chris Shurian

• "We need to recognize that when we fail to actually do our jobs properly, it does hinder the business owner from making informed business decisions." — Roger Knecht

Conclusion:

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here.

Sponsors:

Universal Accounting Center

• Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

Offers:

Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, CLICK HERE to take advantage of them today!

Remember this: Accounting Success IS Universal.

Be sure to listen to our next episode and subscribe.

Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback

For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it's about accounting, it's Universal.

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger Knecht welcomes back Tyler Otto to discuss the practical implementation of artificial intelligence within an accounting firm. This conversation highlights why treating AI as a new, trainable employee is the most effective approach for scaling operations and improving firm efficiency.

00:00:00 Introduction and Embracing AI 00:03:11 Treating AI as an Intern 00:10:15 The Reality of AI Development Time 00:16:49 Buy Versus Build AI Solutions 00:22:02 Future-Proofing Your Firm 00:25:41 AI for Firm Visibility and Control 00:28:36 Personal Growth and Community Engagement 00:32:08 Gratitude and Concluding Thoughts

• Adopt AI tools strategically by treating them like entry-level employees that require training, supervision, and clear process guidelines.

• Prioritize integrating AI features into existing software platforms rather than attempting to build proprietary, custom-coded systems.

• Recognize that implementing new technology requires an initial investment of time and labor before actual time savings occur.

• Focus firm leadership on high-level strategy and client interaction by utilizing AI to handle repetitive tasks and internal visibility.

• "If you want to figure out how to roll out AI, think of it like you just hired a new entry-level employee." — Tyler Otto

• "You have to slow down to speed up. You have to build the tools, build the skills, build the processes." — Tyler Otto

• "Your firm is a reflection of the leadership. So if you're not willing to work on yourself, you're not going to be able to expect your staff to be the person your firm needs." — Tyler Otto

Conclusion:

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here.

Sponsors:

BILL

• It's time to grow your capacity, not your headcount by using BILL, the AI-powered, exception-based AP solution built to help accounting firms work smarter as they scale and grow.

  Join the more than 9,000 accounting firms who trust BILL

  Visit bill.com/BUILDING to get started today, and when you take a demo, you'll receive a $250 gift card. Terms apply.

Universal Accounting Center

• Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

Offers:

Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, CLICK HERE to take advantage of them today!

Remember this: Accounting Success IS Universal.

Be sure to listen to our next episode and subscribe.

Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback

For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it's about accounting, it's Universal.

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses implementing AI with Tyler Otto.