Building the Premier Accounting Firm

A show dedicated to helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Each episode is conversational with tips and tricks to help you apply the principles of M.A.P. as they relate to starting and building a successful accounting business. Topics include Marketing, Lead Generation, Ideal Clients, Pricing, Price Strategies, Accounting Services, Value Added Services, Workflow, Practice Management, Staff Training, Client On-boarding, Client Relations & Retention, etc. This podcast will help you become an Accountrepreneur, to work ON your business with advice from the experts.

The 5-Part Framework for Magnetic Company Culture w/ Dr. Ruth Mannschreck 07/22/2026

The 5-Part Framework for Magnetic Company Culture w/ Dr. Ruth Mannschreck 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 28:10 Effective Leadership Styles 34:37 Redefining Success Beyond Busy Work Key Takeaways: Standardize your client journey using video-based SOPs to ensure consistency. Implement a culture of leadership where every team member is empowered to take initiative. Prioritize soft skills during the hiring process to ensure long-term cultural fit. Shift your mindset from being “busy” to being “effective” to reclaim your personal time. Featured Quotes: “I’d like to get people out of their office and back into their lives and have their practice support their life instead of the other way around.” — Dr. Ruth Mannschreck “If they can’t make decisions, if they can’t move forward without stopping by your office to ask a question, you’ve missed a big piece there.” — Dr. Ruth Mannschreck 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get access to the ‘Self-Propelled Business Framework’ at Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, to take advantage of them today! Remember this: . Be sure to listen to our next episode and . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it’s about accounting, it’s Universal. /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/42175930

This Week on BPAF : Dr. Ruth Mannschreck 07/20/2026

The Secret to Falling in Love with Accounting Again w/ Matt Granados 07/15/2026

The Secret to Falling in Love with Accounting Again w/ Matt Granados In today’s episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger Knecht and guest Matt Granados discuss how accounting firm owners can move beyond basic efficiency to reach true effectiveness. They explore how setting clear client expectations and implementing structured planning systems help reduce burnout and improve profitability. In This Episode: 00:00 Efficiency vs Effectiveness in Accounting 03:50 Managing Expectations and Client Satisfaction 07:13 Bridging Intention and Execution 12:24 Evolution of Leadership Styles 17:24 Creating Margin and Optimal Performance 23:29 Strategic Planning for Success 27:33 Combating Burnout Through Systems 33:49 Closing Insights and Resources Key Takeaways: Differentiate between efficiency (speed) and effectiveness (quality) to provide better client outcomes. Set clear, professional expectations with clients early in the onboarding process to manage workloads and maintain boundaries. Prioritize personal and organizational margin to ensure you are prepared for unexpected business or life challenges. Shift your leadership style from a “drill sergeant” to an “architect” to help your team perform optimally. Featured Quotes: “Efficient is based on speed. Effective is based on quality of the outcome.” — Matt Granados “No one accidentally becomes fulfilled. I’ve seen people accidentally become rich. I’ve seen people accidentally become successful, but I’ve never seen someone be accidentally fulfilled.” — Matt Granados “The most successful people I work with have a system and solution before they need it.” — Matt Granados 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: This is a monthly group coaching call to help high performers level up to optimal performance. Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, to take advantage of them today! Remember this: . Be sure to listen to our next episode and . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it’s about accounting, it’s Universal. /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/42097425

This Week on BPAF : Matt Granados 07/13/2026

Get 5-10 Hours Back: How to Delegate Low-Value Tasks w/ Justin Lund 07/08/2026

Get 5-10 Hours Back: How to Delegate Low-Value Tasks w/ Justin Lund Thank you for listening to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, Roger Knecht and Justin Lund discuss how founders can avoid common mistakes that lead to burnout and chaos. Justin shares his experience building and exiting multiple companies, highlighting the importance of strategic delegation and leveraging accounting insights to gain freedom and profitability in business. This episode is packed with practical advice for accounting professionals looking to scale their firms without sacrificing personal well-being. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Justin Lund 01:29 Justin’s Entrepreneurial Journey 07:11 Starting vs. Investing in Businesses 13:54 The Role of Accounting and Delegation 25:05 The Emotional Cost of Low-Value Tasks 31:07 The Tripod Method for Delegation 36:06 Warning Signs of Capacity Ceiling 48:51 Conclusion and Resources Key Takeaways: Delegate tasks strategically to free up your time and energy, focusing on high-value, revenue-generating activities. Utilize accounting insights and dashboards to manage businesses effectively from a high level, avoiding day-to-day operational entrapment. Document repetitive tasks using a “tripod method” to create playbooks and checklists for easy delegation and duplication. Featured Quotes: “Distraction is the silent killer of dreams.” — Justin Lund “The more my business grew, literally the more time I had and the more resources I had to spend that time in better ways.” — Justin Lund “Be slow to delegate what your jam is. Be fast to delegate what sucks the time and energy away from you.” — Justin Lund 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, to take advantage of them today! Remember this: . Be sure to listen to our next episode and . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it’s about accounting, it’s Universal. /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/42002595

This Week on BPAF : Justin Lund 07/06/2026

Academia’s Big Miss: What Accountants DON’T Learn w/ Brittany Brown 07/01/2026

Academia’s Big Miss: What Accountants DON’T Learn w/ Brittany Brown In today’s episode, Roger Knecht discusses the evolution of the accounting profession with Brittany Brown, focusing on the impact of AI, the importance of CAS, and changes needed in academic curriculum. They explore how firms can adapt to new technologies and client expectations, emphasizing practical application and efficiency for building a premier accounting firm. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction & Guest Background 04:49 The Power of Niching in E-commerce 15:31 Transition to Academia: UVU QuickBooks Class 21:00 Passion Project to Full-Time Professor 31:14 Real-World Application in QuickBooks 37:07 Mastering the Mess: Reconciliation Challenges 41:27 QuickBooks Education & Intuit Partnership 45:04 AI in Accounting Curriculum 47:53 AI’s Impact on the Accounting Profession 58:25 Early Adopters and Future of Accounting 01:06:05 Evolution of Accounting Roles & Education 01:17:28 Brittany’s Approach to Life and Work Featured Quotes: “If you’re going to niche, you should niche in an industry that has natural barriers to entry for other accountants because it’s challenging.” — Brittany Brown “Academia has typically prepared people to be tax accountants or audit accountants… but it has never really touched on preparing them to be industry accountants, which is kind of appalling to me because industry accounting represents probably 95% of accounting jobs out there.” — Brittany Brown “What it does is anything that is time-consuming, repetitive, and mundane should be done with AI now. And so you can now take a team and do much more with them.” — Brittany Brown 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, to take advantage of them today! Remember this: . Be sure to listen to our next episode and . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it’s about accounting, it’s Universal. /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/41915290

How to Attract and Retain Top Talent w/ Rhamy Alejeal 06/24/2026

How to Attract and Retain Top Talent w/ Rhamy Alejeal Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, Roger Knecht and guest Rhamy Alejeal discuss the strategic importance of HR in accounting firms, focusing on how accounting professionals can leverage financial insights to optimize labor productivity and compensation strategies. Learn how to transform HR from an afterthought to a core component of business growth and talent retention. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to People Processes 03:42 Rethinking Labor Productivity 12:05 The Importance of HR Processes 20:38 Core Benefits vs. The ‘Wow’ Factor 26:08 Strategic Investment in Employee Benefits 32:20 Key HR Processes for Business Growth 39:59 Conclusion: Partnering for HR Success Key Takeaways: Quantify labor productivity by viewing payroll as an investment that generates returns, not just an expense, to better attract and retain talent. Evaluate compensation as a total package, including salaries, taxes, workers’ comp, and benefits like sick leave and 401k matches, to measure overall investment against productivity. Prioritize top talent by designing HR processes that cater to exceptional employees, acknowledging their disproportionate contribution to organizational value. Implement structured HR processes for organizational design, job creation, recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding to enhance efficiency and reduce hiring-to-productivity time. Optimize benefits spending by allocating specific percentages to core, supplemental, and “wow factor” benefits to boost retention and recruitment, moving beyond average compensation. Featured Quotes: “A dollar in benefits spend is worth about $1.70 in salary.” — Rhamy Alejeal “You don’t rise to your goals, you fall to the level of your standards, right? Your processes.” — Rhamy Alejeal “If you can see that your hiring process is shorter and your retention is longer, then you’re actually achieving what you’re hoping to achieve.” — Roger Knecht 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Partner with People Processes: Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, to take advantage of them today! Remember this: . Be sure to listen to our next episode and . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it’s about accounting, it’s Universal. /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/41789235

This Week on BPAF : Rhamy Alejeal 06/22/2026

The Hidden Cost of Low Prices w/ Linda Hunt 06/17/2026

The Hidden Cost of Low Prices w/ Linda Hunt Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. In today’s discussion, Roger Knecht and Linda Hunt of Some Solutions discuss how to confidently price accounting services, focusing on the Minimum Aligned Price formula and the emotional impact of money conversations. Learn to overcome self-doubt and set fair, sustainable pricing for your accounting firm. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction & Remote Accounting Journey 04:01 The Minimum Aligned Price Formula 07:03 Confidence in Pricing & Value 13:54 Mindset Shifts and Value-Based Selling 23:01 Nervous System & Money Conversations 32:23 Minimum Aligned Price & Consulting Rate 37:07 Conclusion & Resources Key Takeaways: Calculate your Minimum Aligned Price to establish a baseline for your accounting services, considering desired salary, business expenses, and true billable hours. Understand the emotional aspects of pricing by recognizing how your nervous system reacts during money conversations and using grounding techniques. Practice stating your fees with confidence and clarity, focusing on the transformation you provide rather than just the tasks performed. Educate clients on the value of your services beyond basic bookkeeping, differentiating between transactional work and strategic financial operations. Realize that your expertise and experience as an accounting professional are valuable and should be compensated accordingly. 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get access to free training for the Perfect Pricing Formula: And a FREE Chapter from her book: Finally understand what to charge — and why... A free 15-minute training that helps service providers set prices that protect their time, support their business, and eliminate second-guessing. Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, to take advantage of them today! Remember this: . Be sure to listen to our next episode and . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it’s about accounting, it’s Universal. /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/41672950

This Week on BPAF : Linda Hunt 06/15/2026

Adopt AI or Fall Behind w/ Yogi Goel 06/10/2026

Adopt AI or Fall Behind w/ Yogi Goel Welcome back to the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast. In today’s episode, host Roger Knecht and his guest Yogi Goel, cofounder of Maxima, discuss AI’s transformative impact on accounting, moving from transactional tasks to strategic advisory roles. They share insights on leveraging AI as a specialized employee to boost efficiency, client delivery, and firm profitability. This episode offers a clear vision for accounting professionals to adopt AI effectively. In This Episode: 00:00 Yogi Gyal’s Journey to Accounting 02:37 Why Start Maxima AI? 06:21 AI in Accounting: Real vs. Hype 09:25 AI as an Employee: An Analogy 14:17 The Evolving Accounting Firm with AI 19:32 Maintaining Client Trust with AI 23:36 AI’s Impact on Accounting Workflow 26:54 AI Adoption: The Future of Firms 30:48 Maxima vs. Generic AI Platforms 36:17 Freedom, Gratitude, and Family Values 40:19 Closing Thoughts and Resources Key Takeaways: Learn why AI is a tool, not a replacement, for accounting professionals. Understand the specific accounting tasks where AI excels and where human judgment remains vital. Discover how AI can free up time for advisory services and deeper client engagement. Explore the benefits of specialized AI agents in accounting compared to general AI models. Prepare your firm for future growth and increased profitability through AI adoption. Featured Quotes: “Accounting was one thing which – as the language of business – allowed me to interpret and compare businesses across [different industries].” — Yogi Goel “AI is a tool which is out there to help humans be better, not dominate humans.” — Yogi Goel “The one who adopts AI at the center, in a balanced way, will have better client delivery in terms of time and accuracy, and more revenue and better margins.” — Yogi Goel 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get a demo of Maxima here: Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, to take advantage of them today! Remember this, . Be sure to listen to our next episode and . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it’s about accounting, it’s Universal. /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/41581660

Rewind : Mastering Content Marketing: Insider Tips from Amazon Best Seller Marco Salinas 06/06/2026

Rewind : Mastering Content Marketing: Insider Tips from Amazon Best Seller Marco Salinas Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023! In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, our esteemed host Roger Knecht sits down with a marketing guru and Amazon Best Selling Author, Marco Salinas. Co-authoring a book with the legendary sales and personal development consultant, Brian Tracy, Marco brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. In this captivating conversation, Roger and Marco explore the fundamentals of marketing, providing you with a clear understanding of what marketing truly entails. They highlight the power of content marketing and offer practical advice on how to effectively implement content strategies in your own business. Discover the content marketing techniques that both Roger and Marco employ, giving you actionable tips to enhance your firm's visibility and attract your target audience. As Roger shares his invaluable marketing rules of thumb, you'll gain exclusive insights into effective marketing practices for your accounting firm. Marco also uncovers the best platforms for networking, while also exploring both traditional and modern-day marketing approaches. He reveals his marketing background and areas of specialization, providing you with real-world examples of how to leverage your expertise for maximum impact. Ever considered publishing a book to establish yourself as an authority in the field? Marco and Roger dive into the process of starting your book project, highlighting the right way to write and publish a book that positions you as an industry leader. Learn the art of using books as lead generators, unlocking their potential to attract high-quality clients and solidify your reputation. Marco breaks down the nuances of ghostwriting and co-authoring, offering you a comprehensive understanding of how both approaches can work for you. Discover the benefits of each method and learn how to harness them to your advantage, whether you're seeking to build credibility or expand your audience. Lastly, Marco shares the individuals who have significantly influenced his career and the invaluable lessons he has gained from them. Prepare to be inspired as he recounts his personal journey and imparts wisdom that you can apply to your own professional growth. Join Roger Knecht and Marco Salinas in this thought-provoking episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm," as they unravel the secrets of marketing, content strategies, book publishing, and personal development. Get ready to transform your accounting firm into a powerhouse of success. Tune in now and unlock the key to achieving your business goals. Your Host: , president of Guest Name: Marco Salina Marco Salinas is an Amazon Best Selling Author and has co-authored a book with the legendary sales and personal development consultant Brian Tracy. He is a long time student of Marketing Legend Dan Kennedy and is a Media and Publishing Consultant himself, having previously hosted a radio show on 930AM the Answer in his hometown of San Antonio, TX and has been interviewed on local TV news affiliates in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Marco is now a podcast producer and host at Business Innovators Radio Network helping small to medium sized businesses to grow through various strategic media marketing assets. Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: In today’s conversation it was mentioned you should consider reading You also may want to become the expert, the authority on your topic of choice as an author. Consider working with Marco to experience his “done for you publishing - Or would you like to Co-Author a book to help you get the accounting clients you deserve! Perhaps Co-author a book to help you offer CFO and Advisory services as the Profit & Growth Expert to your clients. Check out this amazing opportunity to Co-Author with Roger Knecht. Your Strategic Accountant, co-authored with YOU! Your Profit & Growth Expert, co-authored with YOU! And don’t forget to 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 today: – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals – e-book - Transform your business from a cash-eating monster to a money making machine using this proven system. with confidence and competence following the process. As a certified you will help your clients apply the principles of & as you apply the processes. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at or call us at 8012653777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/27653640

Your Firm’s Future: Embracing AI w/ Troy Lewis 06/03/2026

Your Firm’s Future: Embracing AI w/ Troy Lewis Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, Roger Knecht discusses the future of the accounting profession with Troy Lewis, an experienced CPA and BYU professor. They cover the integration of AI, the evolving roles of accountants, and strategies for firm owners to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Troy Lewis 01:34 Why Become an Accountant? 06:01 Bookkeeping vs. Accounting 08:10 The Entrepreneurial Accountant 19:54 Transition to Academia 25:57 Evolution of Accounting Skills: AI 34:56 Embracing AI in Accounting Firms 41:16 Investing in AI Education 46:50 Mentoring the Next Generation 50:05 Positive Perception of Accounting 59:36 AI and Foundational Skills 01:03:03 Training and AI Integration 01:13:00 Entrepreneurial Advice: Embrace Tech 01:31:37 Personal Reflections and Accountrepreneurs Challenge Featured Quotes: “The real answer is to convince them that your product is your time, and that’s what you have to sell.” - Troy Lewis “If you took a sophomore in college… they are going to be ill-equipped to be able to prompt appropriately into AI tools.” - Troy Lewis “The future is still bright in accounting. It is bright.” - Roger Knecht 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, to take advantage of them today! Remember this, . Be sure to listen to our next episode and . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it’s about accounting, it’s Universal. /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/41568845

From Prospect to Profit: Building an Accounting Firm That Actually Delivers Advisory w/ Mark Martukovich 05/27/2026

From Prospect to Profit: Building an Accounting Firm That Actually Delivers Advisory w/ Mark Martukovich Thank you for listening to another episode of the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast. Today, Roger Knecht and guest Mark Martukovich discuss the shift from transactional compliance to high-value advisory services for accounting firms. They explore how to define, price, and deliver advisory work, focusing on business valuation, client relationships, and proactive tax strategies for accounting professionals. Key Takeaways: Define clear advisory service roadmaps to move beyond reactive client interactions and offer proactive solutions. Structure pricing for advisory services based on value, not just hours, distinguishing it from compliance work. Transition client relationships from annual customers to ongoing clients with recurring, contractual engagements. Understand the shift in business valuation from top-line revenue to EBITDA, especially with profitable advisory services. Leverage existing expertise to productize advisory offerings, even starting with basic business and tax efficiency concepts. Featured Quotes: "Our firm, for example, has 60 to 65% of its revenue that's tied to recurring maintenance agreements that are advisory focused." "Most people, when they think about what their business is worth, they think it's worth this. The reality is it's worth this." "They're finding it in the wrong places. We are the experts and we can provide this and be very successful with it." Behind the Story: Mark Martukovich recounts his evolution in the accounting profession, highlighting the critical moment he recognized the untapped value in client conversations. He details the practical steps his firm took to formalize advisory services, moving from ad hoc advice to structured, profitable engagements. This shift not only redefined client interactions but also substantially increased the firm's valuation, underscoring the potential for accounting professionals to transform their practices. Top 3 Highlights: Advisory vs. Compliance: Learn to differentiate and package advisory services, moving beyond reactive tax preparation to proactive, value-driven client engagement. Valuation Matters: Understand how advisory services increase firm profitability, shifting business valuations from top-line revenue multiples to higher EBITDA-driven metrics. Productize Your Expertise: Turn common client questions and your inherent accounting knowledge into structured, billable advisory programs that clients are eager to pay for. 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 Sponsors: : Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: • — Gauge your firm's advisory readiness • Execution struggles? Contact Mark at • — Guide to small business turnarounds • — Nine principles to maximize business profitability • — Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS) • — Offer advisory services with total confidence Join a group of like-minded peers at to stay up-to-date on trends and build your practice. Connect with our community via the or the , and subscribe to our newsletters: & /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/41447450

This Week on BPAF : Mark Martukovich 05/25/2026

Rewind : The Working Nomad Lifestyle & Achieving Financial Independence w/ Shlomo Freund 05/23/2026

Rewind : The Working Nomad Lifestyle & Achieving Financial Independence w/ Shlomo Freund Welcome to the latest episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" with your host, Roger Knecht. In this episode, Roger talks to Shlomo Freund, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with 18 years of experience. Shlomo shares his inspiring journey of entrepreneurship and his experiences running a remote business. He highlights the upsides and downsides of working remotely and provides valuable advice on how to work remotely with family. He also discusses how working remotely with family benefits the kids and provides insights from his personal experiences of working remotely and traveling around the world. Retirement is an important topic for entrepreneurs, and Roger and Shlomo dive into what retirement means for entrepreneurs and how to deal with it. They also talk about the value a financial planner brings to the table and how accountants can help clients prepare for financial freedom. And on the subject of attaining financial freedom, they discuss the topic of diversifying your investments as Shlomo opens up about his niche website venture. If you're an entrepreneur or small business owner looking for advice on running a remote business, preparing for retirement, or diversifying your finances, this episode is a must-listen. Join Roger Knecht and Shlomo Freund as they share their expertise and insights on "Building the Premier Accounting Firm". Your Host: , president of Guest Name: Shlomo is a seasoned entrepreneur with 18 years of experience and a passion for helping others reach their financial goals through niche website investing. He has been an investor since 2006 and has a proven track record of success, starting with stocks and later expanding into international real estate and crowd investing. Shlomo is also a location independent professional and has built a lifestyle that allows him to work remotely and travel with his family. He is a proud father of three young girls, aged 7, 2 and 2.5 months, and is currently homeschooling them while on their workation adventures. In addition to his personal experience, Shlomo offers coaching and consulting services to individuals through his company Free Financial Self (), looking to invest in niche websites, as well as businesses seeking to grow through website acquisition. With his expertise and passion for the industry, he helps clients align their financial goals with their lifestyle aspirations. You can reach Shlomo directly either on or Sponsors: ● Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Learn how to organize your finances to reach financial independence faster. . 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 today: ● – e-book ● – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at or call us at 8012653777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/26369754

Convert Leads Fast: How to Build Lead-to-Paid Systems w/ Irene Seelig 05/20/2026

Convert Leads Fast: How to Build Lead-to-Paid Systems w/ Irene Seelig Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, the show that helps you grow your firm. Today, host Roger Knecht interviews Irene Seelig, CEO and co-founder of AccountGroove, to discuss how accounting firms can stop undercharging and wasting time on bad-fit clients. They cover building scalable advisory practices, leveraging AI for lead-to-paid systems, and the importance of CRMs in managing client relationships for accounting success. In This Episode: 00:00 Introducing AccountGroove and Irene Seelig 03:39 Why Accountants Undercharge for Services 08:19 Leveraging AI for Pricing & Packaging 13:43 Avoiding Bad-Fit Clients 17:43 Intentional Lead Generation and Responsiveness 20:42 Scaling Through Advisory Practices 26:34 Managing Client Expectations and Accessibility 30:07 Understanding and Leveraging a CRM System 36:13 From Lead to Paid: Streamlining Client Acquisition 39:54 Gratitude and Closing Remarks Key Takeaways: Reframe pricing from an hourly mindset to a value-based perspective, focusing on the outcomes provided to clients. Utilize data and AI to optimize proposal conversions and determine appropriate pricing for services, avoiding undercharging. Implement intentional lead generation and a scoring system to filter out bad-fit clients and focus on ideal niches. Respond to leads quickly using automated systems to significantly increase conversion rates. Introduce advisory services into bookkeeping and tax businesses to create recurring revenue models and increase firm profitability. Featured Quotes: “The value that they provide was just undercharged for, you know, the output that we ended up receiving from that sale.” — Irene Seelig “If you don’t respond within 60 seconds to a lead, you’re, it’s, you’re dropping the conversion rate.” — Irene Seelig “Accounting success is universal.” — Roger Knecht Behind the Story: Irene Seelig and her co-founder built and sold a successful tech firm, working with major brands like Adidas and Burberry. This experience highlighted the crucial, yet often undervalued, role of their accountants and bookkeepers in the sale. This realization inspired them to create AccountGroove, a “lead-to-paid” system designed specifically for accounting firms. Their goal is to help these firms recognize their worth, charge appropriately, and build efficient, scalable businesses by leveraging data, AI, and strategic client management. Top 3 Highlights: Value-Based Pricing: Shift from hourly billing to value-based pricing, using data to inform proposals and increase contract values. Smart Client Filtering: Implement an AI-powered lead scoring system to identify ideal clients, automate responses, and route leads efficiently. Scalable Advisory: Transform traditional bookkeeping and tax services into recurring advisory models to boost firm profitability and client engagement. 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get one month free when you sign up by booking a demo at Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally? Then accept and participate in the . This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career. Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This conference is one you don’t want to miss. 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 today: - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. “” - Offer CFO & Advisory services with confidence and competence. Take the time to understand what your clients expect from you as their accountant. Follow the . 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. 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 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 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 Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at or call us at 8012653777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/41356835

This Week on BPAF : Irene Seelig 05/18/2026

Why Most Firms Get Their Valuation Wrong w/ Tim Brackney 05/13/2026

Why Most Firms Get Their Valuation Wrong w/ Tim Brackney Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with host Roger Knecht. Today, Roger sits down with Tim Brackney to discuss how to build a premier accounting firm, focusing on private equity strategies, firm valuation, and the importance of a clear North Star vision. Learn how Springline Advisory identifies top-tier middle-market advisory businesses by evaluating economic, strategic, and cultural fits, and why a people-first approach is key to success. In This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:12 Tim’s Journey to Springline 03:19 Springline’s Goal & Middle Market 05:59 Appeal of the Mid-Market 07:23 Three Vectors for Acquisitions 09:16 Valuation in Acquisitions 12:27 Strategic Fit in Acquisitions 18:11 Cultural Fit Assessment 21:53 Defining Advisory Services 24:31 Best Practices: Future Focus 28:50 Cautionary Tale & Equity Mindset 32:48 Show Sponsors & Episode Summary 37:04 Closing Thoughts & Call to Action Key Takeaways: Define your firm’s “North Star” to guide strategic decisions and inspire your team. Understand private equity valuation metrics, focusing on profitability (EBITDA) over traditional revenue multiples. Prioritize cultural fit and talent retention, fostering an “irresistible firm” environment. Develop advisory services with outcome-oriented projects, offering more flexible pricing and higher profitability. Provide ownership opportunities and transparency to motivate team members and cultivate an enterprise mindset. Featured Quotes: “One of the best opportunities that you can have to learn the language of business is in accounting.” - Tim Brackney “You have to carve out time and space to make sure that you understand at least what your North Star is.” - Tim Brackney “If you’ve defined a North Star and you can bring your team along with you, there’s a huge amount of unlock that comes with it.” - Tim Brackney Top 3 Highlights: Valuation Focus: Private equity values firms based on profitability (EBITDA), leadership strength, and recurring revenue, moving beyond traditional revenue multiples. Strategic Fit: Springline Advisory targets middle-market firms with strong leadership and geographic dispersion, aiming to build a full-service advisory firm. Cultural Alignment: A detailed cultural survey and shared values are key to ensuring new firms integrate seamlessly, fostering an “irresistible” environment for both clients and colleagues. 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: 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 today: – 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. – 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. - 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 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 . 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. 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 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 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 Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at or call us at 8012653777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/41273575

Rethinking Accounting Education w/ David Waite 05/06/2026

Rethinking Accounting Education w/ David Waite Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, host Roger Knecht and David Waite discuss the evolving accounting profession, focusing on how education must adapt to prepare students for a world with AI and changing job roles. They explore the shift from traditional accounting tasks to advisory services and critical thinking. Episode Navigation: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:02 David’s Accounting Journey 06:53 The Limited Scope of Accounting Education 11:35 The Need for Educational Reform 15:37 Introducing Bookkeeping into Academia 20:01 Intuit’s Role in Modernizing Accounting Education 26:06 Universal Accounting’s Approach to Bookkeeping Training 31:13 Empowering Accountants with Business Acumen 41:57 AI’s Impact on Accounting Education 47:39 Teaching Principles vs. Data Entry 51:52 Managing AI and Core Principles 56:48 From Task-Doers to Problem-Solvers 01:02:04 Confidence, Competence, and the Future 01:10:30 Personal Reflections and Insights 01:15:29 Work-Life Balance Philosophies 01:18:30 Prioritization and Delegation 01:23:37 Rapid-Fire and Future Outlook Key Takeaways: Rethink accounting education to move beyond rote tasks and emphasize critical thinking for future professionals. Recognize that the accounting profession offers diverse career paths beyond the traditional CPA and public accounting roles. Integrate technology like QuickBooks and AI into curriculum to prepare students for real-world accounting practices. Teach students to question and analyze AI outputs, ensuring they maintain fundamental understanding and professional judgment. Equip graduates with confidence and competence to navigate an accounting landscape increasingly focused on advisory services and business process understanding. Featured Quotes: “If you find something that you’re good at, that you like to do, that you like to study, go into that.” - David Waite “We’re commoditizing the hindsight work… now we’re getting more into the insightful side… and now we’re going to be spending a lot more time… in the foresight.” - Roger Knecht “We’re teaching you how to think in a way that whatever comes your way, you’re going to figure it out.” - David Waite 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 demo of Maxima here: Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally? Then accept and participate in the . This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career. Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This conference is one you don’t want to miss. 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 today: - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. “” - Offer CFO & Advisory services with confidence and competence. Take the time to understand what your clients expect from you as their accountant. Follow the . 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. 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 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 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 Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at or call us at 8012653777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/41172420

Rewind : SEO for Accountants & More! w/ Kelly Gonsalves 05/02/2026

Rewind : SEO for Accountants & More! w/ Kelly Gonsalves Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2022! In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, you’ll learn what you need to do with your online presence to get people to find you and act, to call or book an appointment to meet with you. We all hear it, again and again, there are things we need to have a profitable and effective online presence: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Writing Content Blogging But what does this all mean and what do we need to do to be relevant and found online. Roger and Kelly have an in-depth conversation that we all need to hear to leverage our online presence to get clients and grow the business. Ask yourself, are you being found online and are you happy with your online presence? What are the first things first that we all need to consider and prioritize? Get ready to take notes and listen in. Your Host: , president of Our Guest: Kelly Gonsalves Mix a creative mind with a number-cruncher, then throw in a dash of New York City attitude and what do you get? Kelly Gonsalves - a true entrepreneur that is all in, all the time. She has started three companies, including a co-founding role in . Kelly is a force to be reckoned with. Her first endeavor began just five years ago when Kelly founded Totally Booked (TM). The purpose: to assist every small business in becoming more profitable by utilizing efficient accounting processes. Most people would sit back and coast on their success - but Kelly isn't "most people". She's shown no signs of slowing down. In 2020, Kelly founded a new venture, . The major mission of totally seo is simple: to get accounting professionals and app partners more visibility from the audience they desire, so they can focus on creating the strong business they deserve. Where else has this passion for small business solutions taken her? Kelly is a QuickBooks Advanced Certified ProAdvisor (™), a member of the Intuit Trainer Writer Network, a HubDoc Top 50 Cloud Accountant, on Avalara's Social Media Top 100, an Insightful Accountant Top 10 ProAdvisor, as well as the host of Insightful Accountant's QB Talks: App Neighborhood Watch. In her downtime Kelly spends her weekends paddle boarding on the lake with her dog, Nina, cooking up a great meal, or taking on DIY projects at her new home. Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: First, do you have a website? If not Next, let’s optimize your website. Reach out to Kelly and find out what you can do with her help to improve your online presence to get you the clients you deserve. There’s also a discount to take advantage of. Check it out: Then we need to see how this all applies to your entire business plan. There’s a for accounting professionals so make sure you’re following the tried and proven steps to building a successful business. Also, understand how you can best leverage your online presence using technology to now automate the marketing and sales process to grow a virtual accounting business. This is a webinar you don’t want to miss. Build your bookkeeping business today following the For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at or call us at 801.265.3777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/21933869

Optimize Your Website for Accounting Leads w/ Wes Towers 04/29/2026

Optimize Your Website for Accounting Leads w/ Wes Towers Roger Knecht and Wes Towers discuss effective marketing strategies for accounting firms, focusing on local presence, niche marketing, and leveraging AI for content creation. Learn how to transform random marketing acts into deliberate growth engines and enhance your firm’s visibility and client acquisition. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Marketing for Accountants 02:52 Leveraging Local Presence and Niching 06:47 Outcome-Focused Marketing Messaging 09:52 Google Business Profile and Reviews 14:11 Marketing Rhythm and Content Creation 19:51 AI in Marketing and Human Connection 26:25 Tracking Marketing Metrics and Funnels 31:16 Niche Marketing and Client Acquisition 37:41 Website Audit and User Experience 43:45 Recap and Final Thoughts on Marketing Key Takeaways: Define your unique marketing message to attract ideal clients, focusing on outcomes rather than services. Optimize your Google Business Profile with relevant information and regular updates to boost local visibility. Implement a consistent content publishing rhythm across platforms, repurposing one idea in multiple ways. Utilize AI as a thought-processing tool to guide content creation, not just to generate generic text. Track conversion rates at every step of your sales funnel to refine marketing efforts and attract the best clients. Story Preview Join Roger Knecht and Wes Towers as they explore how accounting firms can overcome marketing challenges to build premier businesses. Discover how strategic positioning, smart use of digital tools, and a focus on client relationships can turn your firm into the obvious choice in your market. Featured Quotes: “Go for the very best because the more you add to the site, curiously, the more diluted your message is.” - Wes Towers “It’s about speaking in language that is outcome-focused. And speaking to them, it’s about using words about you instead of, ‘We are this. We are that.’ No one really cares about you that much. They care about themselves.” - Wes Towers “If you can educate them and they feel like that feed of information you’re giving them is to their benefit, they’ll want to read it. They’ll want to pay attention to it.” - Roger Knecht Behind the Story: In this episode, Roger Knecht and Wes Towers unpack the nuances of marketing for accounting professionals. They discuss how many accountants traditionally shy away from marketing and sales, yet these are crucial for firm growth. Wes shares insights from his work at Uplift 360, emphasizing the importance of clear positioning, smarter websites, and AI-assisted content. The conversation highlights how firms can leverage their local presence and niche services to stand out in competitive markets, while also maintaining the human connection that drives true value. 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Visit uplift360.com.au to book a strategy call. 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 today: – 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. – 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. - 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 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 . 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. 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 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 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 Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at or call us at 8012653777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/41070215

AI & Cashflow: The Unseen Impact on Your Firm’s Future w/ Duane Deason 04/22/2026

AI & Cashflow: The Unseen Impact on Your Firm’s Future w/ Duane Deason 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 Infrastructure, Process, and Culture 14:26 Cost Cutting and Growth Potential 18:22 AI in Cost Management 24:29 Offering Cost Management Services 33:47 Building a Premier Accounting Firm 36:10 Conclusion and Resources Key Takeaways: Prioritize operational efficiency and process improvements before considering headcount reductions to avoid a “death spiral.” Utilize existing financial expertise to offer cost management and advisory services, turning financial challenges into growth opportunities. Implement structured approaches to cost analysis, starting with spending patterns, then addressing organizational culture and infrastructure. Explore alternative billing models like a percentage of savings or hourly rates for cost management engagements, ensuring a strong return on investment for clients. Integrate AI strategically into business operations to enhance productivity and optimize cost structures, rather than blindly adopting new technologies. Story Preview Join Roger Knecht and Duane Deason as they share how a seemingly clumsy college decision led to a rewarding career in cost management, transforming struggling companies into profitable, nimble powerhouses. Discover how this expert helps businesses find hidden savings and foster a culture of efficiency, ensuring lasting success. Featured Quotes: “A leaner company, a more efficient company produces better results. So it’s I, you can’t, like an athlete, if you’re bloated and overweight and heavy, you can’t perform as well as when you’re lean and efficient.” — Duane Deason “Cutting costs should not mean the death spiral of the business… Rather, cutting costs should free up the funds needed to actually put towards what are those revenue-producing activities.” — Roger Knecht “If you can help a client improve their financial position, you have made a client for life.” — Duane Deason 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get a copy of his book Operationally Svelte: Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally? Then accept and participate in the . This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career. Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This conference is one you don’t want to miss. 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 today: – 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. – 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. - 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 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 . 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. 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 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 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 Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at or call us at 8012653777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/40906000

This Week on BPAF : Duane Deason 04/20/2026

Rewind : Moving Away From Data Entry w/ Moshe Teitlebaum 04/18/2026

Rewind : Moving Away From Data Entry w/ Moshe Teitlebaum 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 in the work we do to prepare the financial reports for our clients. Your Host: , president of Guest Name: Moshe Teitelbaum Moshe Teitelbaum is a serial entrepreneur; the voice of Israel called him ‘The Jewish Steve Jobs.’ He is obsessed with redesigning antiquated, broken systems. After selling his previous company that changed the world of telecom, he decided to take on the archaic world of bookkeeping and money management. Shtar interconnects accounting applications and bank platforms, upending the archaic and cumbersome world of business payments and invoices by eliminating manual processes. Tomorrow, SHTAR’s comprehensive network will use predictive software that will make human-driven accounting as we know it a relic of the past. Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: the event helping accounting professionals have the premier accounting firm in their area. GrowCon is the yearly conference for the owner of an accounting business, accountrepreneurs, to help them focus on the 3 key areas of their business: Marketing & Sales – getting more clients Accounting – offering quality services Production – working efficiently and profitably Be sure to also consider attending PreCon and receive some R&R before the conference. We look forward to seeing you there. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at or call us at 801.265.3777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/21800045

How to Escape the Hourly Billing Trap w/ Jonathan Stark 04/15/2026

How to Escape the Hourly Billing Trap w/ Jonathan Stark 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 Discovering Value-Based Fees 06:25 Fixed vs. Value-Based Pricing 09:11 Understanding Value-Based Pricing 12:25 The ‘Why Conversation’ in Pricing 16:16 Transitioning to Value Pricing 20:54 Project-Based Value Pricing 29:19 Upfront vs. Commission-Based Pricing 37:07 Delivering Outcomes, Not Deliverables 38:49 Mindset Shift for Accounting Professionals 43:36 Transitioning to Fixed Pricing 48:31 Client’s Perception of Value 53:46 Pricing Easy Work 55:19 Podcast Conclusion & Resources Key Takeaways: Identify how hourly billing negatively impacts firm profitability and motivation for efficiency. Understand the distinction between fixed pricing, deliverable-based pricing, and true value-based pricing. Implement a “why conversation” with clients to uncover the true value and urgency of their desired outcomes. Transition away from hourly billing by starting with project-based, value-priced offerings. Leverage client testimonials and past successes to inform future pricing and marketing strategies. Featured Quotes: “Hourly billing is causing all of these problems that we had been wrestling with.” - Jonathan Stark “If you’re not taking any risk, then you’re not going to get any reward. You’re not going to make any profits.” - Jonathan Stark “If things feel hard and tedious, find the easy things that deliver a lot of value and set your prices based on the value of those things.” - Roger Knecht Behind the Story: Jonathan Stark recounts his epiphany in 2005 when, as VP of a software firm, he discovered that hourly billing penalized efficiency and rewarded slowness. This realization prompted a personal quest for a better pricing model, leading him to discover value-based fees. His initial struggle to convince his boss highlighted the deeply ingrained nature of hourly billing, yet his eventual success led to doubling his income and significantly improving client relationships, experiences he now shares with other firm owners. 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally? Then accept and participate in the . This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career. Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This conference is one you don’t want to miss. 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 today: – 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. – 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. - 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 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 . 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. 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 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 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 Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at or call us at 8012653777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/40864820

This Week on BPAF : Jonathan Stark 04/13/2026

Rewind : Selling Accounting Services 2.0 w/ Debra Angilletta 04/11/2026

Rewind : Selling Accounting Services 2.0 w/ Debra Angilletta 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 things that makes money move, why? Because “nothing happens until you make a sale”! How to use ROI, Return to Investment when making an offer? Listen to Debra as she shares a role play example that you don’t want to miss. Does your offer make sense, for example would you buy from yourself and is the offer related to the desired outcome that the potential client stated? Are you ready to play the confidence game and extend the “no-brainer-offer” What are the 3 common objections and what are they really? Buying Signs! What can you do to creating trust or build rapport and why is it important? And so much more 😊 This is a fast-paced discussion that you may find yourself pausing or even rewinding to take good notes and apply in your business. In the end, anyone and everyone can be comfortable offering their services with confidence. Selling doesn’t need to be scary. So, sit back, listen in, and enjoy this conversation with Debra and Roger. Your Host: , president of Our Guest: Debra Angilletta Debra works with Accountants & Bookkeepers who want clients to see their value, charge more for their services, but are struggling with sales calls. "Sales Mastery" is her personal (and proven!) online e-course that shows you how to become more consultative so that you can become the go-to-expert and get the right clients to easily say "YES" to your offer. Spending the last 30 years in the sales trenches having over 20,000 sales calls, she knows EXACTLY what works (and what doesn't!) when it comes to showing your value vs talk about it. Debra is still active in the sales trenches - closing business for her company as well as other multi-million-dollar companies which include Profit First Professionals and Nemo Media Group. Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Take advantage of Debra’s offer to receive the This is a tool you want to have at the ready to help you get the clients you deserve. Get a FREE copy of this book all accounting professionals should use to become the Business First Responder that Roger mentioned. This is a must have addition to every accountant’s library to provide to have the premier accounting business today: – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals Be sure to also check out the additional training available to help as you apply principles in your business. Lastly, Debra and Roger also mentioned their work with Profit First Professionals which is based on the book by Mike Michalowicz, . Learn more what you can do to offer CFO related advisory services as a using the engagement process. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at or call us at 801.265.3777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/21744872

Why Do “Good” Accountants Go Bad? The Warning Signs w/ Arun Kumar 04/08/2026

Why Do “Good” Accountants Go Bad? The Warning Signs w/ Arun Kumar 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 Consequences of Ethical Lapses and Fraud 32:02 Warning Signs and Incentives for Unethical Behavior 39:17 Closing Thoughts and Resources Key Takeaways: Build a strong ethical foundation for lasting business success and reputation. Understand the broader impact of accounting ethics on the economy and public trust. Identify red flags and management pressures that compromise ethical behavior. Shift compensation models to non-financial metrics to promote integrity. Address errors and potential fraud promptly to avoid escalating issues. Featured Quotes: “The people who are succeeding in the long term… have a very strong ethical foundation.” — Arun Kumar “Our role as CPAs and accountants is to protect the public interest.” — Arun Kumar “The most dangerous person that you could hire is an unethical accountant.” — Arun Kumar 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 Sponsors: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: I have created a few freebies that your audience might be interested in. The Smarter Accountant Quiz can be found at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/ The Smarter Accountant's Cheat Sheet For Better Time Management can be found at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/cheat-sheet/ The article I wrote and published on dealing with Cancer - "Cancer is a C - The Tool That's Helping Me Deal With My Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment" can be found at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/cancer/ 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 today: – 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. – 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. - 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 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 your services effectively and get the clients you deserve. This is a webinar you don’t want to miss. 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 . 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 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 Be sure to join us for , the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss. Remember this, . Listen to our next episode and be sure to . Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at or call us at 8012653777 /episode/index/show/premieraccountingfirmuac/id/40769230

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