How to Stop Undercharging in Your Firm w/ Michelle Weinstein
Building the Premier Accounting Firm
Release Date: 01/28/2026
Building the Premier Accounting Firm
Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, Roger Knecht and Duane Deason, a seasoned CPA and cost management expert, discuss how accounting firms can provide invaluable cost management services to their clients. This episode explores strategies for optimizing business efficiency, increasing profitability, and leveraging financial data for sustained growth, moving beyond traditional accounting into an advisory role. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Cost Management 02:54 Cost Management for Accountants 06:14 Rethinking Cost Management Strategies 09:29...
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses AI and Cashflow with Duane Deason
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2022! Accounting & bookkeeping is made up of processes and systems, prime to be automated. But what and how is the million-dollar question. Well, this is a conversation with someone committed to using technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to do just that. This is a conversation with the founder of such a company. Listen in as Roger has Moshe share his story and give some insights into the process of leveraging technology to help the accounting profession. Automation and accuracy are our friends! It removes the pain points...
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
In today’s episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger Knecht and Jonathan Stark discuss the pitfalls of hourly billing and the significant benefits of shifting to value-based pricing for accounting firms. Learn how to transform your business model, increase profitability, and build stronger client relationships by focusing on client outcomes rather than billable hours. This episode offers practical strategies for making this critical transition and leveraging your expertise effectively. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:21 The Problem with Hourly Billing 03:31...
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses the mindset around pricing with Jonathan Stark.
info_outlineBuilding the Premier Accounting Firm
Listen as two expert salespeople share their insights; the key elements needed to close the deal and get the clients you deserve. Debra and Roger offer actionable steps that any accounting professional can take to comfortably use to get the next new client. This is an energetic conversation that you are sure to enjoy and use to improve your sales processes. Get ready to take some good notes on topics ranging from: Identifying and using your Inside Voice – your inner voice Sales make the work go round, consider it first things first when it comes to your business. Sales are the...
info_outlineBuilding 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_outlineRoger Knecht and Michelle Weinstein discuss how accounting professionals can overcome undercharging, set firm boundaries, and increase revenue. Learn strategies to value your expertise and implement sales processes for a thriving accounting firm.
In This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to Michelle Weinstein
01:10 Michelle’s Career Journey & Lessons
06:05 The Birth of The Abundant Accountant
09:50 Stop Undercharging and Valuing Services
12:33 Engagement Letters and Scope Creep
17:51 Establishing Boundaries for Your Firm
23:15 Payment Methods and Avoiding Receivables
30:03 Overcoming the Fear of Raising Prices
36:41 Valuing Expertise and Practical Advice
41:13 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts
Key Takeaways:
-
Define clear boundaries to prevent scope creep and protect your valuable time and knowledge.
-
Implement a structured sales process to properly qualify clients and get paid premium prices.
-
Understand and communicate your worth to confidently raise fees and attract high-value clients.
-
Utilize engagement letters to outline included and excluded services, facilitating future upsell discussions.
-
Shift from hourly billing to recurring or value-based payments to eliminate accounts receivable issues.
Featured Quotes:
-
“If you can’t sell and you can’t enroll, and you can’t help people see your value, then what is all of that technical knowledge really worth?” — Michelle Weinstein
-
“We have to eradicate the under-earning and being appreciated disease in this industry.” — Michelle Weinstein
-
“Your inventory is what’s in your head. It’s your most valuable asset and we have to protect that.” — Michelle Weinstein
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 a free strategy session with Michelle. Register here: https://theabundantaccountant.com/theabundantcall/
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 (CAS - Client 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.
Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we’ve identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share.
Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients.
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. Register to attend GrowCon and 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