Tech Stack Secrets to Build a Profitable Accounting Firm w/ Randy Johnston
Building the Premier Accounting Firm
Release Date: 04/30/2025
Building the Premier Accounting Firm
Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Have you ever asked yourself the question, “am I enough” or “am I deserving”? These self-sabotaging questions that conjure up self-doubt and even the imposter syndrome in business may be common, but they don’t need to persist. Listen as Robyn and Roger explore the mind, the thoughts we experience when starting and building our accounting businesses. Learn what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself. There is no need to experience this journey alone and feel as if you are re-inventing the process when...
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In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht and Rhamy Alejeal, founder of People Processes, discuss the importance of HR in accounting firms, addressing risk mitigation, employee productivity, and strategies for remote teams. Learn how to prioritize people to build a successful accounting, bookkeeping, and tax business in this insightful interview with one of the leading minds in the world of Human Resources. Key Takeaways: 🔎 Evaluate HR needs by considering risk mitigation and return on labor. 🏢 Formalize performance management and onboarding...
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Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses how to scale and grow with Rhamy Alejeal.
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Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Take the time to listen as Cindy and Roger discuss the opportunities individuals have as they build their premier accounting firm in their area. Cindy brings a fresh new look to the approach of deciding next steps. She has a contagious personality that is both inspiring and uplifting. With Cindy it is time to think big, to dream big with considering what we can each do to realize our potential. Here what Cindy has to share to shortcut your path to success. Your Host: , president of Our Guest: Cindy Jorgensen Cindy Jorgensen is a...
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In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Ingrid Edstrom, Chief Empowerment Officer at Priestess of Profits, shares her journey into accounting, emphasizing the importance of relationships, values, and authentic marketing in building a successful and fulfilling accounting practice. Discover how to move beyond transactional client interactions and create reciprocal, value-driven relationships in Roger Knecht’s interview with Ingrid. Key Takeaways: ✅ Prioritize relationships over transactions to foster client loyalty and deeper engagement. 🌟 Define and embody your core...
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Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Everyone starts somewhere as the begin to offer quality accounting services. Listen in as Adam and Roger discuss the journey from starting to ultimately having a successful accounting business. Adam shares his journey and offers suggestions. Also learn about Adam’s niching into the word of cannabis working with both the growers and dispensaries as clients. It’s a whole new world that is both exciting and challenging but well worth it. Hear a few things you can do to offer quality accounting services in an exciting way. Your...
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In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger Knecht welcomes Mark Herschberg, author of “The Career Toolkit,” to discuss essential skills for success, effective hiring processes, and the importance of career planning. They explore key skills like communication, negotiation, and leadership, offering actionable insights for both employers and employees in the accounting profession. Key Takeaways: 💡 Identify and assess key skills beyond technical abilities, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership, during the hiring process. 🤝 Negotiate effectively by...
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Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses hiring and negotiation with Mark Herschberg.
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Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Femke returns to discuss with Roger the power of numbers in business. Consider the benefits that come when helping clients manage their businesses with budgets and forecasts. It’s helpful to show clients the consequences of their decisions using a proforma. They also discuss the mental and emotional elements that affect decisions being made in business. Accounting is more than being compliant. It is helping the business owner manage by the numbers to make more informed business decisions as they run their companies. Doing so the...
info_outlineIn this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht interviews Randy Johnston, a leading figure in accounting technology, about tech stacks, AI, and the future of the accounting industry. Johnston shares his expertise on choosing the right technology, integrating AI seamlessly, and leveraging tools for optimal efficiency and client satisfaction. This episode provides actionable advice for accounting professionals looking to enhance their firms with cutting-edge technology and strategic service offerings.
Key Takeaways:
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đź’ˇ Define Your Service Offerings: Determine the specific services your firm will provide (e.g., bookkeeping, tax planning, advisory) to guide your tech stack choices.
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🤖 Embrace Integrated AI: Look for platforms that incorporate AI seamlessly to enhance existing workflows and improve accuracy, rather than relying solely on prompt engineering.
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⚙️ Optimize Your Tech Stack: Choose a minimal set of tools that effectively address your firm’s needs, focusing on deep expertise and full utilization rather than accumulating numerous underused applications.
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đź’° Invest Strategically in Technology: Allocate 3-7% of your top-line revenue to technology to leverage its potential for increased profitability and efficiency.
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🤝 Prioritize Client Experience: Select client-facing tools that are easy to use and require minimal extra effort from clients, aiming for a seamless and positive interaction.
Featured Quotes:
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“You really need to decide what you’re going to deliver to your clients… What do you want the practice to be first? And that will determine the platform that you should choose.” - Randy Johnston
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“Be quite cognizant of your offering. Choose the minimum number of tools to get the job done well, but do spend on technology… because it turns out that technology can be a lever for you.” - Randy
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“Accountants change these types of platforms as often as they change physicians and major world religions. And unless you’re gonna change one of those anytime soon, you may not need to change your platform just to stay up with the times.” - Randy
Behind the Story:
Randy Johnston’s journey in accounting technology began in the 1970s, witnessing the evolution from paper-based systems to cloud-based solutions and now, AI-driven platforms. His experiences as a designer for major accounting software companies and his deep understanding of the profession’s needs have positioned him as a leading voice in technology adoption and strategic planning for accounting firms. In this episode, he draws on this extensive background to offer practical, forward-thinking advice.
Conclusion:
Thank you for joining us on another insightful episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. To implement some of the leading strategies that Randy shared in this episode, connect with Universal Accounting Center’s team at 435-344-2060.
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