From Rocket Science to Financial Frontiers: Ben Risser’s Journey as a Visionary CFO

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 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 work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve.

Learn what it is you can do to become an author, leveraging your expertise to market your services effectively and get the clients you deserve.  This is a webinar you don’t want to miss.  Learn from Mike Capuzzi what a Shook is and how you can use it to position yourself as the Premier Accounting Firm in your area.  This is a must-see presentation so get ready to take some great notes.

 

In addition to becoming an author, see what you can do to follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals.  After more than 40 years we’ve identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share.  Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center.   It’s here you can become a:

 

• Professional Bookkeeper, PB

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Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community.  Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business.

 

• The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group

• The Universal Accounting Fanpage

• Topical Newsletters:

• Universal Accounting Success

• The Universal Newsletter

 

Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company’s Value.

 

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.

 

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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