The Modern CPA Success Show Summit Virtual CFO by Anders

John Scott, Anders CPAs + Advisors Partner, Tax, and Virtual CFO, joins Tom and Adam, to discuss Summit Virtual CFO’s services for the legal industry and John’s recently launched book, "Judicial Dollars and Cents.” They discuss John's background, the unique financial aspects of law firms, and the importance of data and metrics in scaling businesses. John explains the benefits of specialized financial services for law firms and stresses the importance of understanding cash needs, managing cash flow, and aligning partner compensation with firm goals.

Adam and Tom welcome Martin Moll, President of Cadencia, to discuss the concept of nearshoring in Mexico for accounting firms. They explore Martin's transition from law to accounting and his experiences with establishing nearshore operations in Guadalajara, Mexico—highlighting the city's educated workforce and cultural fit. The episode covers the advantages of nearshoring vs. offshoring, such as reduced language barriers, better technology integration, and alignment of time zones.

Tom and Adam discuss the critical role of onboarding in accounting firms. They highlight the necessity of a structured approach to make a strong initial impression on new clients. Adam advocates for setting explicit expectations and developing a systematic onboarding procedure, while Tom details activities like accounting and advisory discovery. They explore the contributions of project management and client success managers in streamlining the onboarding experience. The conversation also covers the importance of continuously refining the onboarding process to ensure client contentment, underlining its influence on enduring client relationships and the firm's prosperity.

In this episode, Tom and Adam discuss the critical role of pipeline management, focusing on its influence on sales, operations, and finance and understanding sales pipeline analysis. They highlight the importance of understanding the sales cycle, the necessity for accurate data, and the strategic benefits of pipeline meetings. Challenges such as managing waiting percentages and techniques for evaluating and forecasting pipeline opportunities are also discussed. They emphasize that pipeline management is not an absolute science but a tool for guiding predictions and aligning different departments. The conversation aims to provide insights for accounting firms to look forward and optimize their operations.

Adam Hale meets with Kai Gray, CEO of Motives ESG, to discuss the importance and complexities of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the business landscape. Kai shares his insights on ESG's relevance, not just for large public companies but also for smaller ones. They discuss the role of accountants in providing ESG guidance, the need for specialized expertise, and the potential of ESG as a competitive advantage.

Tom and Adam are joined by Cory Gayman, Founder of JCG CPA Firm, to discuss the challenges of finding and retaining CPAs. Cory shares his strategies for maintaining efficiency and continuity in his firm. While hosts and guest all express the importance of a strong company culture, they express different views of local vs. offshore talent for certain roles and responsibilities. Lastly, they provide insight on the process and considerations of acquiring new firms, transitioning into advisory services, and implementing value-based billing.