Jason On Firms Podcast

Jason Staats
  • 4.7 (73)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Daily

I'm Jason Staats, and on this podcast we talk through practical tips to run more profitable, calm accounting firms

  1. 23h ago

    633 8 Brutal PRICING Truths for Accounting Firms [Let me fix your pricing!]

    🚀 Get smarter faster by learning with other firm owners: https://www.rlz.io/📩 Want a simple way to keep up with accounting firm and AI? I break it down every week in my newsletter: https://www.jasononfirms.com/newsletter ☎️ Leave me a voicemail at (1)516-980-4968!📧 Email me! jason@jasononfirms.com In this episode, I break down eight hard truths about pricing that most accounting firms need to hear, from why pricing should feel uncomfortable to why delivery matters more than technical quality. I then roast a real listener’s proposal and explain how to structure three-tier proposals that command higher fees without adding more work. We also dive into how AI is changing proposals, bookkeeping software, and custom apps built by firms, before wrapping up with questions about QuickBooks, MCPs, AI-led accounting, and why I think the golden age of accounting is still ahead. 🔥 Here’s that Roast-My-Firm intake form: https://airtable.com/appZ7dtNz3oaTWWZT/shrybn5166E9t12ag📚 A curated list of the apps I actually use and recommend: https://www.jasononfirms.com/apps 💰 Today's SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing: https://portal.cloudaccountantstaffing.com/candidatesFinancial Cents: Book a demo https://hubs.li/Q03PYVrp0 and use code Jason10 to receive 10% off the Team or Scale annual plan for firms with 2+ users.Verito: https://verito.com/jason?utm_campaign=42071442-Jason&utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=show-notesKarbon: https://karbonhq.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=jason-staatsMakersHub: https://makershub.com/get-started?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=jasonstaatsCanopy: Go to https://www.getcanopy.com/jason and schedule a demo to see for yourself, and Canopy will send you a $75 gift card after your demo // Chapters:00:00 - Why Most Firms Underprice Themselves01:15 - Truth #1: Pricing Should Feel Uncomfortable03:45 - Truth #2: Clients Decide Your Value05:59 - Truth #3: Premium Pricing Isn’t Evil07:39 - Truth #4: Attract Better Clients, Don’t Sell More09:13 - Truth #5: Stop Listening to C & D Clients11:54 - Truth #6: Delivery Beats Technical Quality17:19 - Truth #7: You Get What You Pay For19:14 - Truth #8: Don’t Lock In Day One Pricing22:40 - 🔥 Roast a Listener’s Proposal31:47 - Building Better Three-Tier Proposals38:23 - 🗄️ Tales from the Vault: Getting Real Online42:03 - 📬 Mailbag42:16 - Should You Leave QuickBooks Desktop?45:43 - AI Is Replacing Software Subscriptions48:00 - Will AI Change Three-Tier Proposals?51:09 - Claude, MCPs & QuickBooks52:52 - Should Your Firm Sell Software?57:31 - The Golden Age of Accounting59:37 - Realize 🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!X https://twitter.com/jasononfirmsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jasoncpa

  2. 5d ago

    632 How Every Accounting Firm Changes After 6 Employees [You must plan for this!]

    🚀 Get smarter faster by learning with other firm owners: https://www.rlz.io/📩 Want a simple way to keep up with accounting firm and AI? I break it down every week in my newsletter: https://www.jasononfirms.com/newsletter ☎️ Leave me a voicemail at (1)516-980-4968!📧 Email me! jason@jasononfirms.com In this episode, I break down the three identities accounting firms can adopt once they grow beyond roughly six employees and approach $1 million in revenue: the one-face firm, the two-face firm, and the no-face firm. I explain who each model suits, how each one scales, and why choosing intentionally can prevent you from building a firm you no longer want to run. I also review an LOI offering 1.5 times revenue for a virtual bookkeeping practice, share five ways to use AI to classify QuickBooks Online transactions, explain how Claude can send emails through custom connections, and answer questions about CPA credentials, tax workflow training, cloud hosting, and building a consulting practice around IRS controversy expertise. 🔥 Here’s that Roast-My-Firm intake form: https://airtable.com/appZ7dtNz3oaTWWZT/shrybn5166E9t12ag📚 A curated list of the apps I actually use and recommend: https://www.jasononfirms.com/apps 💰 Today's SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing: https://portal.cloudaccountantstaffing.com/candidatesFinancial Cents: Book a demo https://hubs.li/Q03PYVrp0 and use code Jason10 to receive 10% off the Team or Scale annual plan for firms with 2+ users.Karbon: https://karbonhq.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=jason-staatsSoraban: https://www.soraban.com/Verito: https://verito.com/jason?utm_campaign=42071442-Jason&utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=show-notes // Chapters:00:00 - The Firm Identity Tipping Point01:20 - Why Firms Hit the $1M Wall02:46 - #1 The One-Face Firm05:02 - Becoming the Industry Expert06:24 - Scaling Beyond One-to-One Work08:03 - Who the One-Face Model Fits09:31 - #2 The Two-Face Firm10:43 - The Traditional Partner Problem13:28 - Who the Two-Face Model Fits14:20 - #3 The No-Face Firm15:20 - Building a Repeatable Machine16:27 - The Outcome Must Be Consistent17:01 - Finding the Golden Problem19:00 - Who the No-Face Model Fits20:08 - Choose Your Firm’s Identity21:29 - 🏹 Firm Hunters21:40 I- s 1.5x Revenue a Good Deal?23:10 - Is a 30% Margin Too Low?26:37 - What Makes This Acquisition Work?29:09 - Accounting Firm Valuation Benchmarks30:00 - Should the Owner Sell?31:17 - ☎️ Accountant Support31:32 - Five Ways AI Can Classify QBO Transactions31:53 - #1 AI Browser Use32:36 - #2 AI Computer Use33:12 - #3 Build a Chrome Extension33:46 - #4 Automate QBO Bank Rules34:48 - #5 Use a Dedicated App37:33 - Is the CPA Still Worth It?38:54 - Can Claude Send Emails?41:21 - Are Tax Workflow Programs Worth It?42:51 - Complex Property Classifications43:03 - How Much Is Claude Paying Me?44:15 - Best Cloud Hosting Providers45:38 - Building an IRS Controversy Firm49:00 - Closing Thoughts 🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!X https://twitter.com/jasononfirmsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jasoncpa

  3. Aug 4

    631 The Psychology Of Building A Successful Accounting Firm [What today’s most successful accountants do different]

    🚀 Get smarter faster by learning with other firm owners: https://www.rlz.io/📩 Want a simple way to keep up with accounting firm and AI? I break it down every week in my newsletter: https://www.jasononfirms.com/newsletter ☎️ Leave me a voicemail at (1)516-980-4968!📧 Email me! jason@jasononfirms.com In this episode, I break down six mindset shifts I consistently see behind the most successful accounting firms. We cover why client relationships should not automatically be treated as permanent, how high-agency firm owners deliberately shape their client base, why delaying difficult decisions makes running a firm harder, and why leaders should hire to protect their own time first. I introduce 🗄️ Tales From the Vault, where we revisit one of my earliest YouTube videos, its 300 views, painfully slow delivery, and an economically disastrous fanny pack referral program. Then, in 🔥 Unsolicited Takedowns, I question whether AI usage statistics and productivity flexes actually reflect meaningful work. I also dig into whether Claude can automate old-school accounting applications, the continued importance of time tracking, how to promote a side firm, where accountants should post online, and how new firms should approach pricing. 🔥 Here’s that Roast-My-Firm intake form: https://airtable.com/appZ7dtNz3oaTWWZT/shrybn5166E9t12ag📚 A curated list of the apps I actually use and recommend: https://www.jasononfirms.com/apps 💰 Today's SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing: https://portal.cloudaccountantstaffing.com/candidatesFinancial Cents: Book a demo https://hubs.li/Q03PYVrp0 and use code Jason10 to receive 10% off the Team or Scale annual plan for firms with 2+ users.Karbon: https://karbonhq.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=jason-staatsSoraban: https://www.soraban.com/Verito: https://verito.com/jason?utm_campaign=42071442-Jason&utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=show-notes // Chapters:00:00 - Six Mindset Shifts for Firm Owners00:54 - Why Mindset Still Matters02:13 - #1 Stop Expecting Forever Clients05:00 - #2 Build a High-Agency Firm07:25 - #3 Do the Painful Thing09:40 - #4 Protect Your Own Time12:06 - The First Four Mindset Shifts15:21 - #5 Stop Figuring It Out Alone16:16 - #6 Build Around Your Passions21:05 - Why I Care About Accounting Firms24:13 - 🗄️ Tales From the Vault24:23 - My Cringey Early YouTube Video25:28 - The Reality of Starting With No Audience29:02 - Why I Kept Going29:41 - The $35 Fanny Pack Giveaway31:28 - 🔥 Unsolicited Takedowns31:28 - The Whisper Flow Productivity Flex34:00 - AI Usage Is Not Productivity38:17 - 📬 Mailbag38:29 - Can Claude Use Judy’s TenKey?42:50 - Should Firms Still Track Time?46:02 - Building a Side Firm Publicly50:05 - X or Instagram for Accountants?53:06 - Pricing a Brand-New Firm57:34 - Closing Thoughts 🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!X https://twitter.com/jasononfirmsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jasoncpa

  4. Jul 31

    630 The Workflow Secret Driving Profitable Accounting Firms [What the best firms are doing today]

    🚀 Get smarter faster by learning with other firm owners: https://www.rlz.io/📩 Want a simple way to keep up with accounting firm and AI? I break it down every week in my newsletter: https://www.jasononfirms.com/newsletter ☎️ Leave me a voicemail at (1)516-980-4968!📧 Email me! jason@jasononfirms.com In this episode, I break down why client information gathering is still the biggest bottleneck in most accounting firms and how the best firms use portals, automation, admins, and better processes to eliminate unnecessary project touches. I also introduce 🏖️ Accounting Firms Gone Wild, where I review unusual accounting firms currently for sale, and answer listener questions in 📬 Mailbag. 🔥 Here’s that Roast-My-Firm intake form: https://airtable.com/appZ7dtNz3oaTWWZT/shrybn5166E9t12ag📚 A curated list of the apps I actually use and recommend: https://www.jasononfirms.com/apps 💰 Today's SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing: https://portal.cloudaccountantstaffing.com/candidatesFinancial Cents: Book a demo https://hubs.li/Q03PYVrp0 and use code Jason10 to receive 10% off the Team or Scale annual plan for firms with 2+ users.Karbon: https://karbonhq.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=jason-staatsSoraban: https://www.soraban.com/Verito: https://verito.com/jason?utm_campaign=42071442-Jason&utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=show-notes // Chapters:00:00 - The Biggest Workflow Bottleneck01:24 - Why Most Firms Stay Inefficient03:06 - Good Portal vs. Bad Portal08:03 - Better Client Request Systems15:23 - Portal Workflows That Actually Scale23:37 - 🏖️ Accounting Firms Gone Wild34:35 - 📬 Mailbag35:06 - Is Acupuncture Too Small a Niche?38:08 - Mercury vs. Relay41:33 - EA vs. CPA for Firm Owners43:27 - Growing a Bookkeeping Firm Faster45:56 - Handling Bad Google Reviews47:28 - Should I Leave My Firm?49:21 - AI and Citizen Developers51:20 - Leaving a $200K Job to Start a Firm 💼 Links to those accounting firm listings:Peer Review Practice https://accountingpracticesales.com/united-states/west/utah/20901-Utah-Based+CPA+Peer+Review+Practice/Cupertino Firm https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/rapid-growth-cpa-wants-another-cpa-25-49/2441221/NW Montana Firm https://accountingpracticesales.com/united-states/west/montana/20849-Northwest+Montana+CPA+Practice/ 🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!X https://twitter.com/jasononfirmsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jasoncpa

  5. Jul 28

    629 This Data Shows The TECH Accounting Firms Are Using [New data from the world’s most advanced accounting firms]

    🚀 Get smarter faster by learning with other firm owners: https://www.rlz.io/📩 Want a simple way to keep up with accounting firm and AI? I break it down every week in my newsletter: https://www.jasononfirms.com/newsletter ☎️ Leave me a voicemail at (1)516-980-4968!📧 Email me! jason@jasononfirms.com In this episode, I break down exclusive data from more some of the most progressive accounting firms to reveal which tech stacks firms actually use at every stage of growth. I also roast a listener’s proposed tech stack, share practical AI and marketing recommendations, answer questions about KPIs, niching, Google Business Profiles, accounting careers in the AI era, and explain how I create content for YouTube. 🔥 Here’s that Roast-My-Firm intake form: https://airtable.com/appZ7dtNz3oaTWWZT/shrybn5166E9t12ag📚 A curated list of the apps I actually use and recommend: https://www.jasononfirms.com/apps 💰 Today's SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing: https://portal.cloudaccountantstaffing.com/candidatesFinancial Cents: Book a demo https://hubs.li/Q03PYVrp0 and use code Jason10 to receive 10% off the Team or Scale annual plan for firms with 2+ users.Karbon: https://karbonhq.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=jason-staatsSoraban: https://www.soraban.com/Verito: https://verito.com/jason?utm_campaign=42071442-Jason&utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=show-notes // Chapters:00:00 - Biggest Tech Stack Survey Yet01:01 - Practice Management by Firm Size06:05 - Most-Loved Accounting Apps08:49 - Marketing That Actually Works11:20 - Delegate Your Inbox Smarter13:13 - AI’s Hidden Data Advantage16:15 - 🔥 Roast My Tech Stack18:53 - Workflow vs Practice Management20:47 - Bookkeeping or Tax First?22:35 - AI Accounting Stack Picks24:05 - Build a Smarter Tech Stack30:53 - AI Video Editing with Claude34:13 - 📬 Mailbag34:34 - Best KPIs for Firm Owners38:34 - Finding the Right Niche43:08 - Do You Need Google Reviews?45:04 - Growing Beyond $750K48:36 - AI Skills for New Accountants51:00 - Behind My YouTube Workflow53:14 - Realize Community 🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!X https://twitter.com/jasononfirmsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jasoncpa

  6. Jul 24

    628 13 Ways An Admin Should Support Your Accounting Firm [Why your admin may be your most important hire]

    🚀 Get smarter faster by learning with other firm owners: https://www.rlz.io/📩 Want a simple way to keep up with accounting firm and AI? I break it down every week in my newsletter: https://www.jasononfirms.com/newsletter ☎️ Leave me a voicemail at (1)516-980-4968!📧 Email me! jason@jasononfirms.com In this episode, I explain why admins are the most underleveraged people inside accounting firms and share 13 practical ways to use them to increase capacity, improve client service, and free up your professional staff. I also count down my top 10 accounting conferences still happening in 2026, then wrap up with a rapid-fire “This or That” Mailbag covering firm growth, tech, AI, conferences, and practice management decisions. 🔥 Here’s that Roast-My-Firm intake form: https://airtable.com/appZ7dtNz3oaTWWZT/shrybn5166E9t12ag📚 A curated list of the apps I actually use and recommend: https://www.jasononfirms.com/apps 💰 Today's SponsorsCloud Accountant Staffing: https://portal.cloudaccountantstaffing.com/candidatesFinancial Cents: Book a demo https://hubs.li/Q03PYVrp0 and use code Jason10 to receive 10% off the Team or Scale annual plan for firms with 2+ users.Karbon: https://karbonhq.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=jason-staatsSoraban: https://www.soraban.com/Verito: https://verito.com/jason?utm_campaign=42071442-Jason&utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=show-notes // Chapters:00:00 - Why Admins Matter More Than Ever01:28 - The Power of Deskilling Work05:45 - #1 Information Gathering08:27 - #2 Client Tech Support09:52 - #3 Phone Triage & Client Service14:16 - Detail Review & Offshore Admins17:22 - Admins as Project Managers18:42 - Build Pods Around Admins20:42 - Let Admins Run Your Inbox22:29 - Grow Admins Into Accountants26:53 - 🤓 Nerd Corner — Top 10 Accounting Conferences37:14 - Mailbag 🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!X https://twitter.com/jasononfirmsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jasoncpa

  7. Jul 21

    627 How Accountants Can Build A Personal Brand in 2026 [The best thing you can do for your career (and firm)]

    🚀 Get smarter faster by learning with other firm owners: https://www.rlz.io/📩 Want a simple way to keep up with accounting firm and AI? I break it down every week in my newsletter: https://www.jasononfirms.com/newsletter ☎️ Leave me a voicemail at (1)516-980-4968!📧 Email me! jason@jasononfirms.com In this episode, I make the case that your personal brand may become your greatest career insurance policy in an AI-first world. I explain why most accountants remain professionally invisible, how the internet has fundamentally changed the way opportunities are created, and why becoming known for something incredibly specific can unlock a level of leverage that wasn’t possible a decade ago. I also roast a real accounting firm that’s grown through acquisitions, share my thoughts on seasonal tax firms, niche positioning, and staffing, and answer Mailbag questions about building AI apps, AI security, accounting firm acquisitions, practice management software, automation, and what the future looks like if AI can do the accounting work for us. 🔥 Here’s that Roast-My-Firm intake form: https://airtable.com/appZ7dtNz3oaTWWZT/shrybn5166E9t12ag📚 A curated list of the apps I actually use and recommend: https://www.jasononfirms.com/apps 💰 Today's SponsorsSoraban: https://www.soraban.com/MakersHub: https://makershub.com/get-started?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=jasonstaatsCanopy: getcanopy.com/jason Schedule a demo to see for yourself, and receive a $75 gift card after your demoVerito: https://verito.com/jason?utm_campaign=42071442-Jason&utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=show-notes // Chapters:00:00 - Why Personal Branding Matters More Than Ever01:37 - Welcome to the Podcast02:03 - Stop Being Professionally Invisible04:12 - The Real Meaning of Personal Branding06:01 - Why Visibility Creates Opportunity07:44 - Finding a Game You Can Win10:02 - Why Specificity Beats Reach12:09 - Finding Your Unique Voice13:06 - Turning Content Into Opportunity17:09 - Will AI Make Personal Brands More Valuable?20:00 - Escaping the Hour-for-Dollar Trap22:04 - The Easiest Way to Stand Out23:56 - Roast a Firm24:42 - The Story Behind This Firm29:49 - The Challenge of Buying Other Firms' Leftovers35:08 - Choosing Between Seasonal and Year-Round Work36:03 - Finding Seasonal Tax Talent39:08 - Going Deeper Into Your Niche41:59 - Mailbag42:34 - Building AI Apps Inside Your Firm48:00 - Buying an Accounting Firm50:20 - Replacing Sage Intacct52:03 - Building Your Own AI Reconciliation Tool53:22 - Is Claude Cowork Secure?54:42 - Can Instead Replace Traditional Tax Software?57:14 - Specialized AI Agents vs Claude1:00:00 - Do You Really Need More Automation?1:01:54 - Choosing Between Canopy and TaxDome1:04:20 - What Happens When AI Can Do Everything?1:05:56 - Closing Thoughts 🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!X https://twitter.com/jasononfirmsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jasoncpa

  8. Jul 17

    626 From $100/mo to $500k/yr - How To Sell Big Accounting Proposals [The story of how I outgrew commodity pricing]

    🚀 Get smarter faster by learning with other firm owners: https://www.rlz.io/📩 Want a simple way to keep up with accounting firm and AI? I break it down every week in my newsletter: https://www.jasononfirms.com/newsletter ☎️ Leave me a voicemail at (1)516-980-4968!📧 Email me! jason@jasononfirms.com In this episode, I share the journey that took me from struggling to land $100/month bookkeeping clients to signing my firm’s first million-dollar engagement. I explain what actually separates firms that command premium fees from those stuck competing on bookkeeping, why the biggest opportunity is becoming an outsourced accounting department instead of selling accounting tasks, and how entrepreneurs think differently about value than accountants do. I also dive into the opportunities and risks of using AI to automate desktop and cloud applications, discuss where AI agents fit into accounting firms today, and answer Mailbag questions about capturing institutional knowledge, practice management, AI adoption, offshore teams, tax return reviews, and building a successful accounting career in the age of AI. 🔥 Here’s that Roast-My-Firm intake form: https://airtable.com/appZ7dtNz3oaTWWZT/shrybn5166E9t12ag📚 A curated list of the apps I actually use and recommend: https://www.jasononfirms.com/apps 💰 Today's SponsorsFinancial Cents: Book a demo here: https://hubs.li/Q03PYVrp0 and use code Jason10 to receive 10% off the Team or Scale annual plan for firms with 2+ users.Soraban: https://www.soraban.com/MakersHub: https://makershub.com/get-started?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=jasonstaatsCanopy: getcanopy.com/jason Schedule a demo to see for yourself, and receive a $75 gift card after your demoKarbon: https://karbonhq.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=jason-staatsVerito: https://verito.com/jason?utm_campaign=42071442-Jason&utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=show-notes // Chapters:00:00 - From $100 Clients to $1M Engagements01:37 - Welcome to the Podcast03:03 - Why Businesses Pay $40K/Month04:50 - The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything10:03 - Becoming an Outsourced Accounting Department17:54 - Why Specialization Wins23:57 - Nerd Corner: AI Computer Use24:09 - OpenAI's Computer Use Models25:23 - The Risks of AI Agents27:20 - Claude vs. ChatGPT Computer Use28:28 - Deploying AI Agents Safely29:54 - Will AI Replace Automation Tools?32:11 - Browser vs. Desktop Automation41:29 - Let's Make a Hire43:35 - Mailbag43:53 - Capturing Institutional Knowledge46:13 - Getting Your Team to Adopt AI50:47 - Introducing AI to Offshore Teams51:40 - AI vs. Hiring More Staff53:06 - My Biggest Practice Management Mistake57:21 - Why I Built Realize59:56 - Coaching vs. Finding the Right Peer Group1:00:54 - Helping Staff Learn a Client Faster1:01:50 - AI for Checklists & Tax Reviews1:03:56 - Building Repeatable AI Workflows1:05:17 - Advice for New Accounting Graduates1:09:52 - Closing Thoughts 🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!X https://twitter.com/jasononfirmsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jasoncpa

See All (633)

4.7
out of 5
73 Ratings

About

I'm Jason Staats, and on this podcast we talk through practical tips to run more profitable, calm accounting firms

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Staats
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    633
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mesa Media LLC
  • Show Website
    Jason On Firms Podcast

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