Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast

January 01, 2025 Exploring Roger Knecht’s Legacy as President of Universal Accounting

Welcome to a special edition of “Building the Premier Accounting Firm.” Today, we are taking a unique turn by delving into the life and legacy of our host, Roger Knecht, in his role as the president of Universal Accounting Center. This episode offers a glimpse into Roger’s journey, exploring how his vision and leadership have shaped not only his career but also the broader field of accounting education.

In this insightful conversation, we aim to uncover the profound impact that accounting professionals have on business success. We invite you to join Roger as he highlights the importance of sharing insights and engaging in meaningful discussions that drive the accounting industry forward.

Key Highlights:

Personal Journey and Insights:
- Roger reflects on his personal and professional journey, highlighting the crucial role that passion, vision, and commitment play in achieving business success.
Balancing Life and Work:
- Roger introduces the “wheels of life and business” concept, emphasizing the importance of balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
- Tips on prioritization, hard work, and personal rejuvenation to manage this balance effectively.
- Roger advocates for a debt-free philosophy to ensure financial peace of mind.
Self-Assessment for Effective Management:
- Roger encourages business owners and accounting pros to partake in self-assessment in areas such as personal interests, health, and relationships to better handle professional duties.
Professional Growth and Transition:
- Reflections on a 25-year career at Universal Accounting, including a strategic shift from traditional classroom settings to online education.
- Utilization of telemarketing and recorded courses to enhance flexibility and support for students, resulting in increased enrollments and expanded course offerings.
Leadership and Innovation:
- Roger recounts his unexpected rise to presidency due to innovative strategies, leading to significant company growth and recognition.
- Emphasis on goal-driven management, clear communication of financial information, and celebrating achievements while keeping an eye on future tasks.
Embracing Leadership Challenges:
- Initial feelings of uncertainty and imposter syndrome.
- Importance of mentors like Alan in guiding through the early stages.
- Adapting leadership styles to focus on accountability and discipline.
Building Confidence and Authenticity:
- Managing an accounting school without formal credentials.
- The significance of professional growth through attending conferences.
- Adopting a “fake it till you make it” approach to bolster confidence.
Transforming Business Models:
- From negative to positive cash flow through effective business models.
- Co-authoring “In the Black” and “Red to Black” to apply principles for business improvement.
Creating a Culture of Accountability:
- Introduction of the STAR program: Standards, Trust, Acknowledgment, and Recognition.
- Strategies to enhance team performance and accountability.
Expanding Service Delivery in Accounting:
- Addressing gaps by offering CFO advisory services.
- Helping clients articulate business purposes and understand financial metrics.

In conclusion, Roger Knecht’s journey as the president of Universal Accounting Center exemplifies the transformative power of vision and leadership in the accounting field. His dedication to education and innovation has not only shaped his own career but has also influenced countless professionals and students. By exploring the critical roles that accounting professionals play in driving business success, Roger emphasizes the importance of balance between personal and professional life, providing practical strategies for achieving this equilibrium.

As we conclude this special edition of “Building the Premier Accounting Firm,” we encourage you to take action and deepen your understanding of these principles by collaborating with Roger Knecht and the rest of his team at Universal Accounting Center. His expertise and passion for accounting education are invaluable resources for professionals striving to enhance their impact in the industry. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or implement innovative strategies in your firm, working with Roger can provide the guidance and support you need. We invite you to reach out to Roger Knecht at 435-344-2060 and take the next step toward achieving both personal and professional excellence.

Sponsors:

Universal Accounting Center

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

Offers:

Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant’s library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today:

“Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant’s guide to QUICK turnarounds” – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses.
“in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles.
“Your Strategic Accountant” - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. Help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions.
“Your Profit & Growth Expert” - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve.

Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we’ve identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share.

Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients.

Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It’s here you can become a:

Professional Bookkeeper, PB
Professional Tax Preparer, PTP
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Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business.

The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group
The Universal Accounting Fanpage
Topical Newsletters:

Universal Accounting Success
The Universal Newsletter

Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company’s Value.

For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE!

Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss.

Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal.

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For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777

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