What if offering fewer choices actually made clients say yes faster — and at higher prices? In this episode, Doug shares a real story of how cutting from three proposal options down to two led to better conversions, less confusion, and stronger positioning.

We talk about how to make your value obvious, how to hold the line on pricing, and why “just dropping the price” is the fastest way to lose authority.

🎯 Want to price with more confidence? Grab our free value pricing guide at thepracticingaccountant.com/vbp

In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan unpack the results of a recent poll that asked: “If you could change ONE thing to improve your firm (or your life as a firm owner), what would it be?”

The top answer? “Get more clients.”

It’s the most common response—and also the one most likely to keep you on the hamster wheel.

Doug and Dan break down:

Why “more clients” might actually make things worse

The real reason most firms feel stuck (hint: it’s not client volume)

How to finally fix the underlying pricing and positioning problems that cause overwhelm

The overlooked “power moves” that increase profitability without adding work

Why niching down gives you instant pricing power—and a referral flywheel

What CPAs can learn from a study on employee retention in Alaska (!)

Whether you’re overwhelmed, underpaid, or just want to build a firm that supports your life, this episode will help you stop solving the wrong problem—and start building a better one.

👉 Get smarter pricing strategies + practical tools at ⁠www.thepracticingaccountant.com⁠ Then forward this to the one firm owner you know who really needs to hear it.

In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan dive into why value-based pricing is becoming essential—not just smart—in the age of AI. Doug shares a real-world coaching story of a firm shifting from hourly billing to fixed-fee pricing and how it paid off after just two months. They also break down how AI agents are already reshaping bookkeeping and monthly close workflows, and what small firm owners need to do right now to avoid falling behind.

You'll learn:

The difference between fixed-fee and true value-based pricing (and why it matters)

How to handle “scope moments” and get paid for out-of-scope work without guilt

Why AI is already cutting hours—and revenue—out of traditional workflows

What small firms can do to adapt and thrive, including adding value through relationships and advisory services

🔧 Bonus: Doug and Dan also introduce their free Value-Based Pricing Calculator, built to help you stop guessing and start pricing with confidence.

👉 Download it now at www.thepracticingaccountant.com/vbp

If you found this helpful, please like, share, and follow for more episodes on how to run a more profitable, future-ready accounting firm.

AI isn’t coming for your firm — it’s already here. In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug shares a real story from inside a Top 60 firm that’s now using AI agents to fully automate the month-end close. He and Dan break down what this means for SOHO (single-owner, home office) firms and why most accountants are completely unprepared for what’s coming.

If you think you still have years before AI affects your pricing, staffing, or margins — think again. Doug and Dan talk through the two paths forward: volume or value. Big firms will win the volume game. But SOHOs still have a massive opportunity — if they start acting now.

Topics covered:

What AI agents are and why they matter (now)

How much time (and margin) bookkeeping firms stand to lose

Why billing by the hour is a ticking time bomb

What it really means to become an “advisor”

How to start planning for a future where AI does the transactional work

The “Plan B” every small firm needs

👉 If your business relies on doing what AI is about to do faster, better, and cheaper… you’ve got decisions to make. The good news? There’s still time to shift.

📩 Get on the newsletter for resources, updates, and upcoming programs: ⁠https://www.thepracticingaccountant.com⁠

🎧 Like this episode? Share it with someone who needs to hear it, and leave a review to help more firm owners find us.

In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan dig into the results of a recent poll that asked accountants: What's stopping you from raising your prices? The answers may not surprise you—but they should motivate you.

They break down the top reasons firm owners avoid charging more: fear of losing clients, not knowing how to justify their price, feeling bad for charging more (seriously), and being too busy to even think about it. The guys explore why this happens, the psychological baggage accountants carry, and most importantly, how to overcome it.

They share real strategies to help you break the cycle:

Why "feeling bad" is holding back your business

How to stop being a commodity and start being valued

What to say when clients ask for an explanation

How to test higher prices (without risking your whole firm)

And the mindset shift that changes everything

🔥 Whether you’re buried in 1040s or managing a full client roster, this episode is your reminder that you have pricing power—if you know how to use it.

✅ Want to test pricing or rethink your model? We’re offering free coaching sessions recorded anonymously (or publicly) for the podcast. Sign up here

🔗 More resources at: https://www.thepracticingaccountant.com

🎧 Like the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow firm owner who's undercharging.

March 15th (17th) is behind us, and April 15th is looming. In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan break down two major conversations: how firms are transitioning from hourly to value-based pricing (with real-world results) and why now is the time to solidify your role as an advisor before AI disrupts transactional accounting work.

What we cover in this episode:

💡 NEW! Get Free Coaching on the Podcast

📢 Connect with Us:

👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow accountant!

It’s crunch time—less than 40 days until the April 15th deadline. In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan break down the biggest themes they’re seeing in the accounting world right now, from unproductive busy season habits to why pricing is the real root of your stress.

What we cover in this episode:

💡 NEW! Get Free Coaching on the Podcast

📢 Connect with Us:

In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug sits down with Raymond Guns, CPA, to discuss the evolving cannabis industry and how accounting professionals can carve out a niche in this rapidly growing market. Raymond shares his journey from public accounting to finance and ultimately to DOPE CFO, where he helps CPAs and cannabis business owners navigate this complex industry.

What we cover in this episode:

Connect with Raymond Guns & DOPE CFO:

For more episodes, insights, and resources for firm owners, visit The Practicing Accountant.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your accounting community!

We’re at halftime in busy season, and some accountants are losing their shit. The stress, long hours, and client demands are piling up, and it’s time to reassess what’s working and what isn’t.

In this episode, Doug and Dan tackle a common struggle for growing firms:

If you’ve ever felt torn between providing personal service and growing your firm, this one’s for you.

👉 Tune in and start building a firm that supports the business—and life—you actually want.

🔗 Download our free resource on Value-Based Pricing: www.thepracticingaccountant.com/VBP

Doug and Dan dive into the idea of running your firm with a private equity mindset—not because you’re looking to sell, but because it’s the best way to build a profitable, sustainable business. With private equity firms rapidly acquiring accounting firms, those who want to remain independent need to think and operate like an investor.

In this episode, they discuss:

Whether you're looking to scale, maximize profitability, or just run a better firm, adopting this mindset will set you up for success.

👉 Tune in and start thinking like an investor in your own business.

🔗 Download our free resource on Value-Based Pricing here: www.thepracticingaccountant.com/VBP