Building the Premier Accounting Firm Roger Knecht

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023!
Join host Roger Knecht in this episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" as he sits down with Mark Wickersham, a Chartered Accountant, public speaker, and renowned author known for being the most sought-after profit improvement expert in the accounting community. This insightful conversation covers a wide range of topics that promise to transform your approach to accounting and help your firm thrive.
Mark Wickersham shares his journey of growth, offering valuable lessons from his own accounting practice's beginnings and sharing what he would do differently to achieve even greater success. The discussion delves into the evolution of marketing and pricing strategies, providing valuable insights into crafting effective marketing campaigns and setting prices that reflect the true value of your services.
Discover the nuances between marketing and selling, and learn how to establish meaningful connections with clients, giving your firm a competitive edge. The episode also explores the telltale signs that a business is not priced correctly and provides practical tips to determine pricing that aligns with the value you provide, including the power of value pricing and why you should consider menu-pricing as a great starting point.
Mark Wickersham shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurs whose businesses have been transformed by implementing value-pricing strategies. Stay ahead of emerging threats and changes in the accounting industry, and explore how accountants can profit from AI, including leveraging ChatGPT to drive efficiency and business growth. Gain essential strategies to remain relevant in the rapidly changing world of AI and accounting.
Whether you're an aspiring accounting firm or a seasoned professional, this episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" with Roger Knecht and Mark Wickersham is a must-listen. Unlock the secrets to building a thriving accounting practice, embracing innovation, and achieving unprecedented success in the world of accounting.
Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center
Guest Name: Mark Wickersham
Mark Wickersham – Chartered Accountant, public speaker and author – is known as the most sought-after profit improvement expert in the accounting community. 
Mark is also a widely published author on practice issues. In May 2011 his first book, “Effective Pricing for Accountants”, was a number 1 Amazon bestseller. His 6th book, “Value Pricing for Accounting Professionals” was published by Kogan Page in 2022.
In 2015 Mark was shortlisted in the AccountingWeb “Outstanding Contribution to Accounting” award.
 
Sponsors:
Universal Accounting Center
Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.
 
Offers:
1) Claim your free place on the Profitable Bookkeeping Bootcamp here: http://bit.ly/3JWgTbH
2) Want to get ahead of the curve with AI and ChatGPT? Grab a ticket for our Virtual Summit here: bit.ly/3rwKr9i 
3) Get free resources, including my most popular eBook, when you connect with me on LinkedIn here, https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwickersham1/ - when you connect just let me know you saw me on the podcast and I’ll send you links to some great resources via LinkedIn
But don’t stop there.
4) 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
5) Learn what it is you can do to become an author, leveraging your expertise to effectively market your se

In this enlightening episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht sits down with Chris Papin to explore his distinctive methodology in client representation through his triad of businesses—Papin CPA, Papin Law, and Papin Insurance. Chris offers a deep dive into the intersection of legal and accounting services, entrepreneurial guidance, and the seamless integration of comprehensive client solutions within regulatory boundaries.
Main Themes:
The Journey to Dual Expertise:
Chris discusses the challenges he faced in passing the CPA and bar exams.
Roger and Chris highlight the strategic integration of legal and accounting services under licensing restrictions.
Comprehensive Service Offerings:
The hosts outline entrepreneurship support and strategies for working with startups.
Roger emphasizes the need to align services to client needs, educate them on business risks, and proper business vehicle usage.
Transitioning from Hobby to Business:
Chris covers the legal and financial implications of monetizing hobbies.
Chris mentions insurance considerations and proactive risk management strategies.
Financial Advisory and Education:
The hosts dive into the importance of educating clients on taxes and liability preparedness.
They offer tips for clear communication in financial matters and handling the emotional aspects of money conversations.
Responsible Decision-Making and Growth:
How to drive innovative thinking, attention to detail, and systematic approaches during business growth phases.
Roger shares the role of advisors in facilitating informed decisions through open dialogue and professional collaboration.
Holistic Solutions and Diverse Collaborations:
Leveraging expertise from lawyers, insurance agents, and other professionals for better client outcomes.
Work-Life Balance and Community Involvement:
Balancing professional and personal life, with an emphasis on mental health.
The benefits of coaching middle school programs and engaging in community service.
Dynamic Models for Business Growth:
Assisting individuals in starting and growing their businesses with a focus on understanding client needs, managing finances, and ensuring profitability.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace a holistic approach to client services by integrating legal, accounting, and insurance expertise.
Educate and guide clients through the complexities of entrepreneurship, from initial setup to risk management and growth.
Foster a balanced professional and personal life to enhance overall well-being and community engagement.
Join us for this insightful discussion with Chris Papin and discover innovative ways to enhance your business practices and client relationships!
 
Sponsors:
Universal Accounting Center
Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.
 
Offers:
Be part of Chris’ quarterly "free webinars" covering various topics that benefit entrepreneurs.
https://www.papincpa.com/listener/
 
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 accounti

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses work life balance with Mark Wickersham. 
 

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023!
Welcome to another insightful episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" with your host, Roger Knecht. In this episode, Roger sits down with Darryl Bates-Brownsword, an esteemed Business Consultant and Coach, who brings over 25 years of invaluable experience to the table. Prepare to gain a wealth of knowledge as they delve into a variety of intriguing topics that are sure to resonate with accounting professionals and entrepreneurs alike.
Kicking off the conversation, Darryl shares his fascinating journey from engineering to accounting, highlighting the pivotal moments that led him to where he is today. As a seasoned business coach and consultant, Darryl sheds light on his roles in both capacities, offering valuable insights into how he embarked on these rewarding paths.
Distinguishing between a mentor, a coach, and a consultant, Darryl unveils the unique characteristics and benefits of each role. Discover why entrepreneurs are increasingly inclined to seek the expertise of CFOs, consultants, or coaches, and how these professionals can effectively drive business growth and success.
Ever wondered about the significance of exit planning? Look no further. Darryl delves into the world of exit planning, unraveling its importance and the reasons why business owners should consider it sooner rather than later. Gain a deeper understanding of how to maximize the value of a company and the key aspects that contribute to its overall worth.
Drawing from his vast experience, Darryl provides valuable insights into the tools and processes he utilizes while valuing a company. Listen closely as he reveals why accountapreneurs should consider incorporating exit strategies into their services, and how accountants can seamlessly integrate exit planning into their repertoire.
Darryl underscores the benefits of having a well-crafted exit strategy, emphasizing its positive impact on business owners and their future endeavors. Discover who plays a crucial role in the exit planning process and unravel the myriad of advantages it brings to the table.
Tune in to this episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" as Roger Knecht engages in a captivating dialogue with Darryl Bates-Brownsword, unraveling the intricate world of accounting, business coaching, and strategic exit planning. Prepare to gain valuable insights that will empower you on your journey towards building a successful accounting firm.
Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center
Guest Name: Darryl Bates-Brownsword
Darryl is an accomplished Business Consultant and Coach with a dynamic and driven approach, backed by over 25 years of valuable experience. He is passionate about empowering business owners to get the most from their life's work and exit on their own terms.
 
Known for his ability to connect with others, think strategically, build strong teams, and solve complex problems, Darryl has the talent for simplifying problems and guiding businesses towards success. His track record includes building two international multi-million turnover businesses, with one currently operating in 16 countries.
 
Darryl's quick thinking and analytical skills enable him to swiftly identify core issues and understand the broader context. By challenging the status quo, he consistently achieves consistent, repeatable, and reliable business results.
 
Originally from Australia, Darryl's career began as an Engineer in the Power Industry. Since relocating to the UK in 2005, he has gained a reputation for combining systems thinking with creativity, achieving results in even the most challenging situations.
 
Outside of work, Darryl enjoys cycling and running to clear his head and maintain a healthy balance to life. He holds a B Eng (Mech) Engineering and an MBA.
Sponsors:
Universal Accounting Center
Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get

Welcome to the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast with host Roger Knecht. This week, Roger  sits down with Blagoja Hamamdjiev, CEO of Modeliks, to delve into the critical aspects of business funding and financial planning. The conversation centers around simplifying financial processes, the importance of teaching money management to children, and the challenges and strategies involved in accurate financial forecasting.
Key Themes from this Episode:
Financial Forecasting:
Blagoja highlights common challenges of financial forecasting.
He shares strategies for creating accurate financial models based on operational drivers.
The hosts discuss how to build revenue projections for diverse business types, including restaurants and online stores.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Benchmarking:
Roger highlights the importance of KPIs and benchmarking against industry norms.
The hosts explain why utilizing NAICS codes and financial ratios for realistic financial forecasts brings benefits to your firm.
Industry-Specific Models:
Blagoja shares advantages of ready-made models like those used by Modeliks.
Roger shares how these models may save time and effort for accountants and clients.
Blagoja emphasizes the importance of facilitating quick customization and strategic planning over a five-year horizon.
Attracting Investors:
The hosts explore how to link operational KPIs with financial outcomes.
STAR Program:
Focus on accountability through KPIs tied to forecasts.
Value of financial planning services, including fractional CFO services and management reporting.
Budgets and Cash Flow:
Understanding the importance of budgets and cash flow.
Transitioning to advisory services.
Additional Services:
Enhancing client relationships by comparing actual results to forecasts.
Identifying key financial metrics for business success.
We thank you for joining us once again for another exciting episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Please subscribe to the show on the podcast platform of your choice, and learn more about how you can start your accounting business at 435-344-2060.
 
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.
“Your Strategic Accountant” - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services you should offer as you run your business. help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions.
“Your Profit & Growth Expert” - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses mastering financial foresight with Blagoja Hamamdjiev.