Accounting High: Sophomore Year Accounting High

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


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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/


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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


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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


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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


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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


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