Building the Premier Accounting Firm Roger Knecht

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.
 

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023!
 
In this episode of ‘Building the Premier Accounting Firm’, Roger sits down with entrepreneur and marketing strategist, Matthew Banker, to discuss all things related to digital marketing for accounting firms.
Matthew breaks down the digital marketing system and what it means for your accounting firm. He shares insights on the biggest mistakes accountants make with their websites and best practices and must-haves for any successful accounting website.
But the conversation doesn't stop there! Matthew and Roger dive into the topic of how involved the firm owner should be in marketing. They explore the difference between sales and marketing and the distinction between positioning and marketing. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of how accounting firms should formulate their marketing strategies in order to stand out from the crowd.
Matthew also shares his thoughts on outsourcing marketing and how to identify the best marketing team for your firm. This episode is chock-full of valuable insights and practical advice for any accounting firm looking to up their digital marketing game.
So, are you ready to take your accounting firm's marketing strategy to the next level? Don't miss this engaging and informative conversation with Matthew Banker on 'Building the Premier Accounting Firm' podcast with Roger Knecht.
Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center
Guest Name: Matthew Banker
Matt Banker is the founder and lead strategist at Benchmark Growth Marketing, a marketing agency specifically for B2B accounting firms.  Matt brings a ‘words first’ approach to marketing because his superpower is the ability to help business owners communicate more clearly and build alignment
Matt helps accounting, bookkeeping and tax firms develop a digital marketing eco-system that consistently brings in leads for their business.
Sponsors:
Universal Accounting Center
●        Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.
 
Offers:
Build a marketing engine for your accounting firm: https://marketingforaccountingfirms.com/
Also, learn how to automate your online marketing to generate the leads you need to get the clients you deserve.  This is an how to guide to help you find your ideal clients, nurture and engage them with confidence.  This is a presentation you don’t want to miss, watch it NOW!
Books
●        Don’t make me think
●        Story Brand
●        One Page Marketing
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