Building the Premier Accounting Firm Roger Knecht

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023!
Welcome to 'Building the Premier Accounting Firm' podcast with your host Roger Knecht. In this episode, Roger chats with Brannon Poe, an accomplished accountant, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the industry.
Brannon takes us on his journey, sharing what drew him to accounting, how he started his company, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. He shares his expertise on the factors that make a firm valuable for selling or buying and the most important thing to consider while evaluating a business to buy, such as the client list, operating procedures, or culture of the company.
Brannon also discusses his take on businesses acquiring other businesses that offer different but complementary services and shares his advice for both the seller and the buyer. He delves into how to approach valuation when planning to buy a business and shares his thoughts on virtual firms and how attractive or unattractive they are to buyers.
Tune in to this episode of 'Building the Premier Accounting Firm' for all this and more, and learn from the expertise of one of the industry's most successful and experienced professionals!
Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center
Guest Name: Brannon Poe
Poe Group Advisors (PGA) was founded by Brannon Poe, CPA. Brannon has been brokering Accounting Firms for 20 years. He got his start as a CPA at Ernst and Young. In 2003 he began facilitating accounting firm sales on the East Coast of the U.S. Now, PGA has helped facilitate hundreds of transitions all over the U.S and Canada. 
PGA creates content, including the Accountant’s flight plan podcast, that helps firm owners buy, sell and grow their business. Poe Group Advisors’ nationally recognized brand and content means they have thousands of qualified buyers in their database. The PGA sales process ensures favorable deals, compatible buyer/seller matching and a quick, guided transition. PGA helps sellers exit with cash and buyers enjoy a compatible firm with high client and employee retention.  
Brannon is a thought leader and author of several books within the accounting space, creating content that has been published by the AICPA and CPA Canada. In 2019 Brannon began Accounting Practice Academy™, a virtual workshop that helps accounting firm owners make more, work less and have fun while doing it.
Sponsors:
Universal Accounting Center
Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.
Offers:
Steven Covey encourages us to “begin with the end in mind” so take the time to work on your business following the proven Turnkey Business Plan for accounting professionals.  This hour-long training is exactly what you need to build the premier accounting, bookkeeping, tax business in your area.
Robert Siegfried, CPA is the CEO and Founder of The Siegfriend Group – a leading, national CPA firm. A longtime colleague and friend of Brannon’s, Rob grew his practice from a startup firm to one with over $100 million in revenue while maintaining primary control. He’s shared his methods with us and we want to share them with you. - Get the Firm Growth Guide Now
Now you're ready to receive your “Business Score” with an initial valuation of your company.  See how the 8 drivers that determine the value of a business apply to your company and what can be done to remove any risks that currently exist.
 
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.
Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe.
 
Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have.  We lo

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht, the podcast for owners of accounting businesses and accounting professionals. Today, Ben Risser, the visionary behind Provident Financial Services, joins Roger to share his unique path from aerospace engineering to becoming a highly sought-after fractional CFO. Here are the main themes from the episode.
The Multifaceted Role of a CFO: Ben sheds light on the critical importance of CFOs in working alongside business owners. He emphasizes the role of CFOs in ensuring financial clarity, fostering growth, and managing cash flows efficiently. 
Transitioning Careers: Hear about Ben’s remarkable journey from the world of aerospace engineering to real estate, and finally to finance, where he has made a significant impact. Ben’s story is a testament to the power of transferable skills and the importance of financial intelligence in any industry.
Financial Intelligence for Small Businesses: Roger and Ben discuss why clear reporting and a deep understanding of a company’s financial trajectory are non-negotiable for small businesses. 
The Evolution of Financial Roles: Roger and Ben explore the shift from traditional compliance roles in finance to more advisory positions. Ben discusses how this evolution affects businesses and the growing need for financial education among executives.
Support Systems: The significance of family support and the impact of personal relationships on professional success form a heartwarming part of Ben’s story. It’s a reminder of the human element in the cutthroat world of business and finance.
A Non-Traditional Path to CFO: With no formal accounting training, Ben’s approach to the CFO role is unconventional yet incredibly effective. This segment is particularly inspiring for those feeling constrained by their current career paths or educational backgrounds.
Conclusion:
Ben Risser’s journey is a compelling narrative of career evolution, overcoming personal challenges, and the undeniable importance of financial literacy and strategic management in today’s business landscape. Whether you’re an aspiring CFO, a business owner, or simply someone interested in the transformative power of financial intelligence, this episode offers rich insights and inspiration.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the financial intricacies that drive business success and the human stories behind them.
 
Sponsors:
Universal Accounting Center
Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.
 
Offers:
Ben is offering his free guide "From Sales to Equity: What your financial statements are trying to tell you about your business"  Get your copy now: www.providentfinancialservicesltd.com 
 
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 profit

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses fractional CFO services with Ben Risser.
 

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023!
In this episode, host Roger Knecht sits down with return guest Natalia Zacharin to discuss her journey to becoming an accountant and entrepreneur, and the secrets to her business's impressive growth.
Natalia talks about acquiring an accounting firm, how she went about valuing its assets, the lessons she learned throughout the process, and what she would do differently if given the chance. She shares insights on running a successful business, including the pitfalls to watch out for and the attributes that contribute to her success.
But the conversation doesn't stop there. Natalia also dives into topics like imposter syndrome, how being an entrepreneur has changed her life, and where she sees the accounting profession going in the future.
This episode is packed with valuable insights and advice for anyone looking to grow their accounting firm or business. Don't miss out on this must-listen episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht and Natalia Zacharin. Tune in now to learn from one of the industry's most successful entrepreneurs.
Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center
Guest Name: Natalia Zacharin
In 2019, after years of working for other firms, Natalia officially opened her own firm, Zacharin Consulting; a firm dedicated to empowering businesses to understand and interpret the financial health of their business and significantly improve their bottom line.  
Using a blend of personal service and expertise, Zacharin Consulting's mission is to bring experience and knowledge to our clients in a meaningful way.  
Zacharin Consulting offers strategic bookkeeping, monthly accounting, remote CFO services and financial intelligence programs to help businesses thrive, stay organized, save time, and build wealth.
Sponsors:
Universal Accounting Center
Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.
 
Offers:
Check out our previous conversation with Natalia, passion-and-gratitude-does-pay-off!
 
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:
“in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – e-book
“Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant’s guide to QUICK turnarounds” – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals
 
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.
Listen to our next episode and be sure to 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 accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777
 

Welcome to Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. In this episode, Roger explores the multifaceted world of mergers and acquisitions with Craig Primo. Craig’s story of transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, drawing on his personal experiences and the lessons learned along the way. Here are the key themes and insights from their conversation:
From Corporate to Entrepreneurship: How Craig Got His Start: Craig shares his journey of founding a broker/dealer after being laid off during the Great Recession, underscoring the resilience and determination needed to pivot towards entrepreneurship.
The Role of Experience: Emphasizing the importance of having a solid foundation of experience before venturing into business, Craig discusses how his background helped him navigate the challenges of starting and running a successful company.
Preparing for Mergers and Acquisitions: Strategic Preparation: Roger and Craig share critical steps in preparing businesses for sale, including maintaining clean financial records, strategic tax planning, and the importance of being debt-free.
Attracting Investors: Craig stresses the significance of understanding EBITDA, demonstrating sustainable profitability, and the art of leveraging investments to make a business more appealing to potential buyers.
The Value of Financial Expertise: Accountants as Advisors: Highlighting the crucial role of accountants in valuing businesses and planning exits, Roger and Craig advocate for early engagement with accounting professionals to enhance decision-making and business success.
The CFO’s Role in Mergers: The conversation underscores the importance of collaboration among bookkeepers, accountants, and CFOs in improving operational efficiency and strategic transparency in mergers.
Entrepreneurship and Personal Life: Work-Life Balance: Craig opens up about strategies for achieving a balance between professional ambitions and personal life, including the impact of remote work on labor laws and taxes.
The Power of Trust: Trust is identified as a cornerstone of business relationships, with Craig sharing personal anecdotes on maintaining balance and the importance of living in the present moment.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on navigating the complex landscape of entrepreneurship, mergers, and acquisitions. Join us as Craig Primo shares his expertise, experiences, and the importance of financial savvy in achieving business success.
 
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.

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses successful mergers and strategic exits with Craig Primo.