Growing Your Firm | Strategies for Accountants, CPA's, Bookkeepers , and Tax Professionals

Jetpack Workflow
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Growing Your Firm is the top podcast for ambitious firm owners to find tips, tactics, and strategies on how to grow their firm (or practice). In this podcast we'll be interviewing unique thought leaders in accounting, tax, and bookkeeping about topics including: practice management, marketing, social media, succession planning, partner relations, hiring, pricing, and much more.

  1. AUG 22

    Firm as a Service: How Dark Horse is Transforming the Accounting Firm Model

    Firm as a Service (FaaS) is a model that gives accountants the entire infrastructure of a firm technology, staffing, marketing, and support so they can focus on serving clients and scaling their practice.  Unlike traditional partnerships or franchises, FaaS lets accountants retain ownership of their client base while benefiting from shared systems and resources. In a recent Growing Your Firm podcast, David Cristello, Founder of Jetpack Workflow, spoke with Chase Birky, CEO of Dark Horse, about how this approach is reshaping firm ownership.

    48 min

  2. AUG 4

    From CPA to Software Entrepreneur: How Ben Taylor Launched SoftLedger

    In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Ben Taylor, CEO of SoftLedger, to discuss the emerging trend of CPAs transitioning into technology entrepreneurs. With over a decade of experience as a practicing CPA, Ben shares his journey from accounting to software development, highlighting the growing interest among accountants in launching their own tech solutions. David and Ben explore examples of other industry leaders, such as Jackie Meyer and Kelly Mann, who have made similar transitions, and delve into the motivations behind this shift. This conversation offers valuable insights for ambitious accountants looking to innovate and expand their impact in the financial sector. Tune in to uncover the opportunities that lie at the intersection of accounting and technology! In a recent podcast episode featuring Ben Taylor, CEO of SoftLedger, the discussion highlights how many CPAs, including Ben himself, have experienced firsthand the limitations of existing accounting software. Ben's journey began about ten years ago while managing various areas in the accounting department of a small public company. Frustrated with the outdated and inefficient Microsoft Dynamics GP, which led to delays in financial reporting, he realized there had to be a better way to handle accounting processes. This frustration sparked the idea for SoftLedger. The episode also emphasizes that this trend is not isolated to Ben. Many other accountants have made similar transitions, moving from traditional firm roles to developing innovative software solutions. For instance, host David Cristello mentions several individuals who have successfully made this leap, including Jackie Meyer, Kelly Mann, and Hector Garcia. These examples illustrate a broader movement within the accounting profession, where practitioners leverage their industry knowledge to create tools that address specific pain points.

    27 min

  3. JUN 28

    Scaling Accounting & CAS Beyond $5M with Dave Olsen

    In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Dave Olsen, founder of an accounting firm and Nimbl Staffing. Dave shares his unique journey in the accounting industry, discussing the success of his staffing service and his exciting new venture into IT services for accounting firms. The conversation delves into the strategies behind building a solid foundation for business growth, including the structures necessary for launching new services. Listeners will gain insights into the process of expanding a business and the importance of having the bandwidth to innovate. Tune in to discover how Dave navigates the challenges of running multiple services and what it takes to thrive in the accounting world.

    32 min

  4. JUN 16

    Navigating Talent Trends in CPA M&A with Geoff Bruskin

    In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Crostello welcomes back Geoff Bruskin, founder of White Tiger Connections, to discuss the evolving landscape of talent in the accounting profession. Geoff shares insights from his extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for CPA firms, emphasizing the growing importance of talent acquisition and retention in today's market. He outlines the dual trends of M&A and talent, as well as the impact of technology on these areas. Additionally, Geoff introduces his recent venture into business brokerage, helping CPA clients sell their businesses, further enhancing the services offered to the accounting community. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that explores how firms can leverage talent and technology to thrive in a competitive environment. Geoff Bruskin is a distinguished figure in the realm of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the accounting profession, known for his innovative approach to talent acquisition and business growth strategies. As the founder and leader of White Tiger Connections, Geoff has dedicated his career to facilitating transactions that empower CPA firms to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. His expertise extends beyond M&A; he is also a recognized authority in recruiting for the CPA profession, helping firms not only to grow through acquisitions but also to build robust teams that drive sustainable success.

    29 min

  5. MAY 29

    Unlocking the Secrets of Client Accounting Services with K.C. Eames

    In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes K.C. Eames, the Director of Client Accounting Services at Dark Horse CPAs. The conversation delves into the complexities of pricing in client accounting services (CAS) and the nuances that make it both an art and a science. K.C. shares insights about the unique structure of Dark Horse CPAs, contrasting it with traditional accounting firms that operate on a pyramid model. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding both the quantifiable and intuitive aspects of pricing, particularly as firms navigate the evolving landscape of CAS best practices.  Tune in to discover valuable strategies for enhancing your firm's operations and achieving your goals faster.

    27 min

  6. MAY 15

    The Billion Dollar Accounting CEO w/ Alan Whitman

    In this episode of the Growing Your Firm podcast, host David Cristello welcomes Alan Whitman, the former CEO and chairman of Baker Tilly. Alan shares his remarkable journey of transforming Baker Tilly from a $475 million firm to a $1.5 billion powerhouse.  Throughout the conversation, Alan describes how businesses can thrive – largely by prioritizing strategy over aimless “accumulation.” Alan Whitman is a seasoned leader in the accounting and advisory industry, known for his transformative role as the former CEO and Chairman of Baker Tilly. As leader, he successfully scaled the organization from $475 million to $1.5 billion, demonstrating a keen understanding of strategic growth and operational maturity.  Currently, Alan runs an advisory practice where he shares his expertise in scaling firms and implementing best practices for growth. He is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, regularly publishing insights on leadership and organizational development through his weekly newsletter.  Alan is also active on LinkedIn, where he connects with professionals across the industry.

    43 min

  7. MAY 1

    How to Stay Focused and Become a 'Smarter Accountant' w/ Dawn Goldberg

    In this episode of the Growing Your Firm podcast, David Cristello welcomes Dawn Goldberg, a seasoned CPA and a Certified Professional Coach.  Dawn shares her incredible story of maintaining her productivity even after a stage four cancer diagnosis forced her to undergo six months of chemotherapy. To accomplish this, Dawn maintained some key practices – including mind management, time management, and a scheduling trick she calls “container calendaring.” She explains all of these strategies here. Throughout the conversation, Dawn highlights the significance of mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.  Are you an accountant seeking to enhance productivity and well-being? Then Dawn has solutions for you!

    47 min

  8. APR 17

    The Right Way to Plan Accounting Compensation w/Dominic Piscopo

    In this episode of the Growing Your Firm Podcast, host Dave Cristello welcomes Dominic Piscopo, the founder of Big 4 Transparency. An expert in salary benchmarking within the accounting industry, Dominic shares insights into compensation strategies, year-over-year changes, and the impact of private equity (PE) on salaries.  The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of compensation in accounting firms. Dominic Piscopo, CPA is known as a compensation guru in the accounting industry. After years of working as an accountant and financial analyst, he founded Big 4 Transparency – which has served hundreds of thousands of CPAs by making salary data more visible. Dominic assists accounting firms by giving them a user-friendly dashboard for understanding industry trends around compensation. He’s also the host of the Big 4 Transparency podcast, where he interviews accounting industry insiders.

    36 min
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Growing Your Firm is the top podcast for ambitious firm owners to find tips, tactics, and strategies on how to grow their firm (or practice). In this podcast we'll be interviewing unique thought leaders in accounting, tax, and bookkeeping about topics including: practice management, marketing, social media, succession planning, partner relations, hiring, pricing, and much more.

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