Building the Premier Accounting Firm

Roger Knecht

A show dedicated to helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Each episode is conversational with tips and tricks to help you apply the principles of M.A.P. as they relate to starting and building a successful accounting business. Topics include Marketing, Lead Generation, Ideal Clients, Pricing, Price Strategies, Accounting Services, Value Added Services, Workflow, Practice Management, Staff Training, Client On-boarding, Client Relations & Retention, etc. This podcast will help you become an Accountrepreneur, to work ON your business with advice from the experts.

  1. 4d ago

    Stop Doing the Books: A Step-by-Step Guide to CFO Advisory

    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. In This Episode: 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 Key Takeaways: 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 The AI-powered finanncial operations platform built to scale.  Visit www.Bill.com/Building for a special offer 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.

  2. Sep 2 ·  Video

    What Your Financial Statements Are Hiding w/ Chris Shurian

    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. In This Episode: 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 Key Takeaways: 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. Featured Quotes: "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.

  3. Aug 26

    How to Make the Most of AI at Your Firm w/ Tyler Otto

    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. In This Episode: 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 Key Takeaways: 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. Featured Quotes: "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 The AI-powered finanncial operations platform built to scale.  Visit www.Bill.com/Building for a special offer 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.

  4. Aug 19

    Build an AI-Powered CAS Practice by 2028 w/ Peter McCarroll

    Join Roger Knecht and guest Peter McCarroll on the latest episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm as they discuss the urgent transformation of accounting practices through AI implementation. Learn how to shift from historical reporting to real-time advisory services and why adopting these technologies within the next two busy seasons is critical for the survival and growth of modern firms. In This Episode: 00:00:00 The Urgency of AI Adoption 00:03:49 Moving From Rearview to Dashboard 00:08:44 The Role of a Strategic Navigator 00:13:39 Phases of AI Implementation 00:18:21 Practical AI Applications 00:23:09 Advisory and Scaling Knowledge 00:28:48 Advanced Integration and Workflows 00:33:08 Empowering Staff in the AI Era 00:38:37 Final Thoughts and Future Roadmap Key Takeaways: Adopt AI tools now to prepare for the industry landscape of 2028. Transition accounting services from "rearview mirror" reporting to real-time, "dashboard" insights. Leverage AI as a strategic collaborator to identify revenue growth opportunities. Train staff members to become "accountant agent managers" who oversee AI-driven workflows. Integrate AI with existing platforms to optimize data transformation and efficiency. Featured Quotes: "AI is going to change the way we do our work, it's going to change the way we run our firm, it's going to change the way we engage with our clients." — Peter McCarroll "You can't drive very far or very fast looking in the rearview mirror." — Peter McCarroll "I don't sell tools. I sell thought." — Peter McCarroll 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: Exclusive offer: Get $500 off the AI Practice Transformation program — our three-week cohort that helps CAS firms redesign workflows, engineer their AI context, and build a real advisory model. That brings it from $2,997 to $2,497. Mention this episode when you reach out, and we'll apply the discount. Start at theaiaccountant.ai/transformation  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

  5. Aug 12

    Why Accounting Marketing Messages Fail w/ Heidi Ryder

    Join Roger Knecht and guest Heidi Ryder as they explore the essentials of growing a bookkeeping business with powerful marketing on the latest episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. This episode provides practical advice on marketing your firm, leveraging AI tools, and overcoming imposter syndrome to build a successful, remote-first accounting practice. In This Episode: 00:00:00 Introduction and Why Become a Bookkeeper 00:04:22 Virtual Bookkeeping and Client Retention 00:08:36 Common Marketing Pitfalls and Language 00:13:35 Practical Advice and Using AI for Marketing 00:20:47 Building Confidence and Overcoming Sales Anxiety 00:26:53 Peer Collaboration and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 00:33:05 Balancing Motherhood, Faith, and Business 00:43:31 Closing Thoughts and Final Challenges Key Takeaways: Translate complex accounting jargon into simple, client-friendly language to build trust. Prioritize clear communication and networking over cold-calling to find ideal clients. Maintain professional confidence by acting as a peer rather than an employee to your clients. Featured Quotes: "Whatever that thing is that scares you, that's what you should go out and do." — Heidi Ryder "You're never going to have a balance. But when you're out of balance, make sure it means something." — Heidi Ryder 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: Book a demo and/or purchase by going to keepful.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.

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About

A show dedicated to helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Each episode is conversational with tips and tricks to help you apply the principles of M.A.P. as they relate to starting and building a successful accounting business. Topics include Marketing, Lead Generation, Ideal Clients, Pricing, Price Strategies, Accounting Services, Value Added Services, Workflow, Practice Management, Staff Training, Client On-boarding, Client Relations & Retention, etc. This podcast will help you become an Accountrepreneur, to work ON your business with advice from the experts.

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