Accountant to CFO: Transform Your Firm with Advisory Services w/ Rusty Fulling
Building the Premier Accounting Firm
Release Date: 01/07/2026
Building the Premier Accounting Firm
Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. In today’s episode, Roger discusses the critical role of ethics in accounting and business with Arun Kumar, founder of Ultim Quest Knowledge. They explore how ethical practices contribute to long-term success and prevent financial pitfalls, offering insights for accounting professionals, bookkeepers, and tax preparers building premier accounting firms. In This Episode: 00:00 The Importance of Ethics in Accounting 04:43 Defining Ethics in Accounting 11:12 Rationalizing Dishonesty and the Slippery Slope 19:56...
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Have you ever asked yourself the question, “am I enough, good 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. Let’s discuss the emotions many individuals experience as they start and build their accounting business. This can range from insecurities that may include social anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome and beyond. It’s more than understanding and identifying them, let’s also...
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, Roger Knecht and Jeff Dredge discuss the evolution of the accounting profession, highlighting the shift from traditional compliance to essential advisory services. They explore how embracing technology and a “hindsight, insight, foresight” approach can transform accounting firms and enhance client relationships. Learn about the value of work-life balance and strategic collaboration for sustained growth. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction & Early Career 02:11 From Employee to Partner 05:01 The Evolution to...
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2022! If getting more clients is on the agenda, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Roger speaks with Chris about the elements that make up the ideal marketing strategy from identifying the ideal clients, to niching, advertising budget, emotional selling and so much more. This is a fun, heartfelt conversation between two friends you’ll enjoy and find helpful as you work ON your business to get the clients you deserve. Sit back and enjoy, and be ready to take some good notes. Your Host: , president of Our Guest: Chris Forsey Chris is...
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Bobby and Roger have a timely discussion about industry trends and why they are relevant to know as accounting professionals. From marketing and sales to get the clients we need to grow the business to then working with them as their CFO and advisor. It all starts with a genuine curiosity for business in general. From that we are able to then use industry research to have the edge in business advisory services. You’ve heard it before, information is power, in fact it is the path to asking the right questions. Elevating your...
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. In today’s episode, Roger Knecht and guest Nathan Whittacre discuss the ever-evolving landscape of technology, cybersecurity, and AI in the accounting industry. They offer practical advice for accounting professionals on how to navigate digital threats and leverage new technologies for business growth. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction & Guest Background 01:28 Evolution of Business Technology 05:57 Embracing Technological Change 09:49 Data Security & Compliance 14:45 Evaluating New Technologies...
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Here’s an episode you don’t want to miss. Shannon and Roger discuss the challenges that owners of accounting firms face as they work to offer quality accounting services profitably. For example, is it effective to be everything to everyone when running the business? Sometimes we get too busy and forget we always have a choice! They address mindset and why having an abundance mindset is so important as it effects marketing, sales, pricing, client retention and so much more. In fact, you’ll want to understand what Shannon refers to...
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, Roger Knecht and Nikki Rausch discuss how to master authentic sales in the accounting industry. Learn to differentiate marketing from sales, build lasting client relationships, and effectively price your services for maximum value and client satisfaction. This episode provides actionable insights to transform your approach to attracting and retaining high-value clients. In This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:00 Marketing vs. Sales Explained 03:12 Mindset Shift in Sales 06:06 Engaging on Social Media...
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses using questions to build your authority in the marketplace with Nikki Rausch.
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Imagine offering bookkeeping services on the side, over weekends and weeknights, and having the success to replace the day job income and then deciding to not only do it full-time but also now work to replace your spouse’s income and bring them home to be with the family. DONE, Tiffani did that and so much more! It was because of the freedom and flexibility that come from running her own business she was able to meet the needs that arose when growing the family having twins as well as homeschooling her children. Consider the...
info_outlineWelcome to another episode of the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast. In today’s episode host Roger Knecht and his guest Rusty Fulling explore the world of CFO advisory services, moving beyond traditional accounting to help businesses achieve clarity, growth, and peace of mind. Discover how to transition into a strategic advisor role and build lasting client relationships on this episode.
In This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to Rusty Fuling’s Expertise
03:08 Defining CFO & Advisory Services
07:23 Confidence in Advisory: Lessons Learned
11:14 Beyond Numbers: Making an Eternal Impact
15:18 CFO Service Pricing & Engagement
19:18 Client ‘Arrival’ and Lifelong Learning
25:37 Recharging Through Service & Missions
30:25 Finding Mission in Your Business
34:04 Five Lessons for Long-Term Success
38:16 Closing Thoughts & Resources
Key Takeaways:
-
Define outsourced CFO services by focusing on clarity, profit growth, and peace of mind for clients.
-
Implement intentional leadership principles in your own firm before advising clients on them.
-
Practice patience and learn from experiences, understanding that growth takes time and effort.
-
Structure CFO engagements with value-based pricing models, such as monthly retainers with a percentage of revenue.
-
Cultivate deep, relationship-based services that address clients’ personal and professional challenges.
Featured Quotes:
-
“You helped me sleep at night.” -Rusty Fulling
-
“Sometimes you just have to start. Don’t wait for perfection.” -Rusty Fulling
-
“Maybe the mission that God has for you is the business he’s already given you.” -Rusty Fulling
Conclusion:
Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger’s team here.
Sponsors:
-
Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.
Offers:
Get the Free Cash Flow Tool https://www.fullingmgmt.com/cashflow-forecast-1
5 Minute Business Health Assessment: https://www.fullingmgmt.com/bha
Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally? Then accept and participate in the Accountrepreneurs Challenge. This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career.
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:
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.
-
Topical Newsletters:
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.
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