Rewind : A Healthy Relationship With Money w/ Greg Kesten
Building the Premier Accounting Firm
Release Date: 08/23/2025
Building the Premier Accounting Firm
Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast. Join host Roger Knecht and serial entrepreneur Chris Shurian as they explore the vital intersection of accurate financial data, exceptional customer service, and business ownership. This episode provides actionable strategies for accounting professionals and business owners to better understand the metrics that drive success and the power of building genuine client relationships. In This Episode: 00:00 Defining Founders and Business Exits 04:16 The Crucial Role of Accurate Accounting 11:34 Key Metrics and Simplifying...
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In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger Knecht welcomes back Tyler Otto to discuss the practical implementation of artificial intelligence within an accounting firm. This conversation highlights why treating AI as a new, trainable employee is the most effective approach for scaling operations and improving firm efficiency. In This Episode: 00:00:00 Introduction and Embracing AI 00:03:11 Treating AI as an Intern 00:10:15 The Reality of AI Development Time 00:16:49 Buy Versus Build AI Solutions 00:22:02 Future-Proofing Your Firm 00:25:41 AI for Firm Visibility and Control...
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Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses implementing AI with Tyler Otto.
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Join Roger Knecht and guest Peter McCarroll on the latest episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm as they discuss the urgent transformation of accounting practices through AI implementation. Learn how to shift from historical reporting to real-time advisory services and why adopting these technologies within the next two busy seasons is critical for the survival and growth of modern firms. In This Episode: 00:00:00 The Urgency of AI Adoption 00:03:49 Moving From Rearview to Dashboard 00:08:44 The Role of a Strategic Navigator 00:13:39 Phases of AI Implementation 00:18:21 Practical AI...
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Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses AI with Peter McCarroll.
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Join Roger Knecht and guest Heidi Ryder as they explore the essentials of growing a bookkeeping business with powerful marketing on the latest episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. This episode provides practical advice on marketing your firm, leveraging AI tools, and overcoming imposter syndrome to build a successful, remote-first accounting practice. In This Episode: 00:00:00 Introduction and Why Become a Bookkeeper 00:04:22 Virtual Bookkeeping and Client Retention 00:08:36 Common Marketing Pitfalls and Language 00:13:35 Practical Advice and Using AI for Marketing 00:20:47...
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Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today you’ll discover how to bridge the gap between technical accounting and the practical cash flow needs of small business owners. Roger Knecht and guest David Safeer share actionable strategies to help accounting professionals transition into high-value cash flow advisory roles. In This Episode: 04:08 Cash vs. Accrual Perspectives 08:24 Implementing Cash Flow Projections 14:16 Attention and Accountability 26:47 Managing Cash Flow Strategies 37:37 Cash Flow Misconceptions 42:01 Accrual vs. Cash Forecasts 49:17 Impactful...
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Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today Roger Knecht and Brian Mayoral, Co-Founder and CEO of Sell Up, explore how accounting professionals can create the ideal sales package for their services. Discover how niching, effective sales systems, and shifting from features to benefits can help you scale your firm with easy to implement sales strategies. In This Episode: 00:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:02:10 Redefining the Meaning of Sales 00:07:54 Mentorship and Personal Growth 00:13:01 Common Sales Pitfalls for Accountants 00:19:58...
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Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses having a successfull sales cycle with Brian Mayoral
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today you’ll discover how to build a self-sustaining accounting firm that thrives without your constant presence. Roger Knecht and guest Dr. Ruth Mannschreck share a five-part framework for creating robust systems, fostering a magnetic company culture, and hiring for long-term success. In This Episode: 02:34 The Catalyst for Business Transformation 06:16 Collaborative Problem Solving and Systems 10:05 Communication and The Warm Handoff 17:27 Hiring for Soft Skills 23:06 Defining Culture through Behavior...
info_outlineJoin us as we revisit this conversation from 2021!
When offering accounting services do we understand the opportunity we have to become a member of their board of experts? What does that mean and who does it include?
How do the accounting principles we use in business also apply at home and vice versa?
Helping clients realize they can always manage their money better, personally and professionally. There is a part we can play as accounting professionals that is more than compliancy and financial reports.
Listen in as Roger and Greg consider what more we can do to help our clients.
Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center
Our Guest: Greg Kesten
With 40 years of experience in financial coaching, planning, and counseling, Greg has helped individuals and couples understand what financial freedom is and how to attain it. His formal education includes a B.A. in Communications from BYU and an M. Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from South Dakota State University. Greg has taught as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Phoenix, and Salt Lake Community College. He taught finance, business communication, and psychology courses. He also taught Leadership Development Skills for seventeen years to Air Force Reserve personnel. This included workshops on Financial Communication and Financial Planning.
He is the author of the book, “Financial Freedom - Finding What Works for You.” Greg has been featured in numerous interviews on radio and TV throughout the country.
In addition to his Financial Coaching Practice, he is a certified coach in Steven Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” Greg incorporates Covey’s core principles in helping clients establish healthy money habits.
Greg’s combination of formal education, life experience and financial expertise, allows him to serve his clients with objectivity and reality-based strategies.
Greg lives in Salt Lake City with his wife and family. He enjoys being an active member of his community.
Sponsors:
- Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.
Offers:
Complimentary Financial Coaching Session: https://www.financialfreedom.co/
- Complete this form to schedule your time to speak with Greg
- Doing so you’ll also get a copy of “Financial Freedom - Finding What Works for You.”
The benchmarking software for accounting professional to better advise and coach their clients based on specific actionable items. Find out how you can leverage BizBench to get paid what you’re worth and bring on new clients.
For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE!
Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal.
Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe.
For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801.265.3777