Freeing Today’s Accountants from an Oppressive Business Model

In this episode of "Escaping The Accountant's Trap," host Adam Lean welcomes Roger Knecht, CEO of Universal Accounting Center, to delve into the transformative journey from traditional accounting to becoming a strategic advisor. The discussion opens with a look back at the evolution of Universal Accounting Center, from its inception in 1979 as a local school to its current status as a leading online educational platform for accounting professionals. Knecht shares insights into the center's philosophy of blending book knowledge with practical experience, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a mindset of curiosity and care in the business world.

As the conversation unfolds, Knecht and Lean explore the critical skills accountants and bookkeepers need to transition into advisory roles, highlighting the significance of a nurturing mindset and a deep curiosity about business operations. They discuss the challenges and rewards of becoming a trusted advisor, capable of guiding business owners through personal and professional hurdles. The episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for accounting professionals eager to escape the traditional accountant's trap by offering value-added advisory services, fostering deeper client relationships, and ultimately, driving business growth through strategic insights and accountability.

Learn More About The CFO Project:
https://thecfoproject.com/

And check out The CFO Project's free training here:
https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service

Visit Roger's website:
https://universalaccounting.com

In this engaging podcast episode, Adam Lean and Michelle delve into the intricacies of integrating CFO advisory services into an existing accounting firm. The discussion kicks off with insights on transitioning from traditional accounting practices to offering higher-value services. Michelle emphasizes the importance of breaking free from the "accountant's trap" of trading time for dollars and advocates for creating an irresistible offer to attract high-quality clients. The duo explores how to effectively communicate the benefits of CFO advisory services, stressing the need to build trust and relationships with clients before proposing such offerings. They also touch on pricing strategies, drawing parallels between retail experiences at stores like JCPenney and Nordstrom to illustrate the significance of positioning and delivering value.

Listeners are encouraged to consider the long-term benefits of transitioning to advisory services, providing a fresh perspective on elevating the role of accountants beyond traditional practices. The conversation is both insightful and actionable, offering practical advice for accountants seeking to evolve their firms and attract clients who appreciate the value of CFO advisory services. If you're navigating the complexities of this transition or contemplating the shift to higher-value services, this podcast episode provides valuable guidance and strategies to position your firm for success.

Learn More About The CFO Project:
https://thecfoproject.com/

And check out The CFO Project's free training here:
https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service

Visit Michelle's website:
https://theabundantaccountant.com

Do you feel trapped doing mundane accounting work and want to break free to become a high-value advisor? Learn how to make the transition from compliance to strategic CFO directly from a fellow financial expert.

In this episode of Escaping the Accountant's Trap, host Adam Lean interviews Lacey Harner, an experienced CFO, about escaping the trap by moving into advisory services. Discover why most small businesses fail without financial leadership and how accountants can fill this gap by becoming trusted advisors. Learn the communication and relationship skills vital for guiding clients versus confusing them with accounting jargon. Hear how focusing your time on your unique zone of genius transforms your impact on clients and your income. Whether you crave meaning over money or want to 10x your revenue, providing high-level CFO insights is the key to escaping the grind of compliance work.

Tune in for inspiration and practical tips to stop simply accounting and start advising businesses to success.

Learn More About The CFO Project:
https://thecfoproject.com/

And check out The CFO Project's free training here:
https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service

Do you dread having to sell and convince clients to say yes to your accounting services? Learn how to get clients to agree to your proposals without sleazy selling tactics.

In this episode, host Adam Lean talks with Will Hamilton of SmartPath.co about shifting your mindset from "selling" to guiding clients. Discover how understanding your client's pain points and aligning your services to solve them leads to quick yes's. Will provides examples of accounting firms that doubled revenue in 18 months using this approach.

Whether you want to earn more or work less, implementing a guiding sales process vs. convincing process is key. Tune in for actionable tips to get clients saying yes without you having to sell.

Learn More About The CFO Project:
https://thecfoproject.com/

And check out The CFO Project's free training here:
https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service

Visit William's website:
https://smartpath.co

Are you an accountant, CPA, or bookkeeper feeling trapped working long hours for demanding clients while being underpaid? Learn how to escape the trap and grow your accounting practice by optimizing your sales and getting paid your true value.

In this episode, host Adam Lean interviews Michelle Weinstein, the Pitch Queen for Accountants, on strategies to improve your sales and revenue. Michelle shares insights on overcoming the fear of selling, charging what you're worth, having confidence in your services, and implementing a sales process. She provides examples of accounting firms that doubled or tripled revenue by optimizing their sales approach. Whether you want more free time or increased profits, this episode will give you actionable tips to escape the trap through better sales.

Listen now to start charging what you deserve!

Learn More About The CFO Project:
https://thecfoproject.com/

And check out The CFO Project's free training here:
https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service

Visit Michelle's website:
https://theabundantaccountant.com

In this episode of the "Escaping the Accountant's Trap" podcast, host Adam Lean welcomes Chris Farrell, the CEO of Liscio, to discuss the pivotal role of creating five-star client experiences in breaking free from the accountant's trap. Chris, who evolved from an accountant to a CFO and now leads a software company catering to accountants, shares his journey and insights into the accounting profession's changing landscape. The conversation delves into the importance of proactively meeting clients' evolving needs, the significant shift in client expectations, and the generational changes impacting the accounting industry.

Discover the secrets to building a successful accounting business as Chris Farrell reveals the common denominators for success based on his experiences. He emphasizes the crucial aspect of staying attuned to clients' needs, pointing out that providing what clients want—forward-looking planning and advice—is key. Chris also touches upon the generational shift in how people perceive public accounting, citing a Xero survey indicating that half of millennials actively seek a change in accountants, signaling a prime opportunity for firms embracing innovative approaches.

Tune in for valuable insights and perspectives on navigating the changing dynamics of the accounting profession.

Learn More About The CFO Project:

https://thecfoproject.com/

And check out The CFO Project's free training here:

https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service

Learn More About Chris & Liscio:

https://www.liscio.me

Welcome to another episode of Escaping the Accountant's Trap podcast, where Jeff Prager, Co-founder of The CFO Project, shares transformative insights. In this session, we explore the shift from accountant to CFO business advisor, uncovering the challenges professionals face in the accountant's trap. Jeff discusses the disconnect between what businesses need and what accountants offer, emphasizing the shift towards advisory services to guide businesses to a better future. The episode highlights the impactful side of being a CFO, fostering lasting client relationships, reducing workload, and increasing net profit.

Ready to break free from compliance cycles? Join our free Thursday training sessions at The CFO Project to explore "How to Start a CFO Service." This episode is a must-listen for accountants and bookkeepers ready to embrace change, unlock potential, and transform their careers.

Subscribe now for more eye-opening discussions on CFO transformation and advisory success.

Learn More About The CFO Project:
https://thecfoproject.com/

And check out The CFO Project's free training here:
https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service

Welcome to the Escaping the Accountants Trap podcast, where we unravel the complexities of breaking free from the accountant's trap that shackles many professionals in the field. In this episode, joined by Jeff Prager, co-founder of the CFO Project, we tackle the critical topic of scaling your accounting or bookkeeping practice. Through a comprehensive discussion, we explore the four fundamental stages of growth: the solo phase, the growing phase, scaling up, and finally, the growth stage. Jeff provides invaluable insights into overcoming obstacles, strategic delegation, and transitioning from a practitioner to a CEO, offering a roadmap for accountants and bookkeepers seeking to elevate their practices to new heights.

Intricately navigating the journey from handling all aspects as a solo practitioner to strategically managing a practice as a CEO, this episode provides actionable advice for those looking to scale their accounting or bookkeeping ventures. Listen in to uncover the keys to growth, effective delegation, and the significance of viewing your expertise as a valuable product that can be strategically marketed in the competitive landscape of accounting services.

Learn More About The CFO Project:
https://thecfoproject.com/

And check out The CFO Project's free training here:
https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service

Welcome to the "Escaping the Accountant's Trap" podcast! In this series, we unravel the challenges faced by accountants, CPAs, and bookkeepers as they strive to break free from the accountant's trap. Join us on a journey of growth, exploring strategies, insights, and success stories that empower financial professionals to shift from compliance work to advisory services. Whether you're aiming to scale your firm, work more efficiently, or provide higher value to clients, this podcast equips you with the tools and knowledge needed for a successful transition.

In today's episode, we delve into the pivotal topic of making the shift from compliance work to advisory services. I'm joined by Gaynor Meilke, the founder of Charisma Ink, as we discuss the intricacies of this transformation. Gain valuable insights into the stepwise approach to advisory services, the power of niches in marketing, and stories of firm owners who've elevated their businesses through strategic shifts. Don't miss out on actionable tips and real-world experiences that can guide you in unlocking the full potential of advisory services for your accounting business.

Listen now and discover the path to escaping the accountant's trap!

Visit Gaynor's Website:
https://charismaink.com/

Learn More About The CFO Project:
https://thecfoproject.com/

And check out The CFO Project's free training here:
https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service

Welcome to the "Escaping the Accountant's Trap" podcast, a dedicated space for accountants, CPAs, and bookkeepers seeking liberation from the common struggles of undervaluation and excessive work hours. In this episode, we're joined by Ryan Kimler, a prominent member and lead trainer at the CFO Project. As a seasoned expert guiding others in launching and expanding their CFO or advisory services, Ryan provides a unique perspective on escaping the accountant's trap.

In the realm of advisory services, Ryan stands out as he shares his journey and passion. Early in his career, while engaged in bookkeeping and producing financials, he discovered a profound demand from clients. They weren't just content with clean and clear financials; they sought actionable insights to enhance their business based on those numbers. This ignited Ryan's curiosity, leading him to seek mentors and knowledge, ultimately steering him towards the advisory path. His dedication to providing high-value services to business owners became a lifelong commitment.

Now, shifting to the specifics of one of Ryan's cases, we delve into a fascinating strategy to boost a client's business. In the context of a sewer and drain cleaning company facing challenges with technician sales, Ryan proposes a unique solution—hiring a straight commission salesperson. This unexpected idea unfolds as a win-win scenario: a $300,000 opportunity for the company and a job creation avenue. The episode concludes with Ryan's valuable advice for accountants and bookkeepers—setting boundaries for unscheduled phone calls, enhancing organization, and transitioning towards advisory work.

Join us in exploring the multifaceted world of accounting and advisory, where innovative strategies pave the way for business growth and professional fulfillment.