Growing Your Firm | Strategies For Accountants, Cpa's, Bookkeepers , And Tax Professionals

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello interviews Logan Graff, a virtual CPA firm owner (The Graf Tax Co. PLLC) based in Central Texas and a rising star on YouTube.  Logan Graff is a dynamic and innovative figure in the accounting industry, known for his unique approach to running a virtual CPA firm and his engaging content creation on platforms like YouTube and Twitter. Logan shares his journey of starting his firm at the age of 30 and the challenges he faced, including pricing his services competitively despite having less experience than some of his peers.  The conversation delves into Logan's unique approach to content creation, his rapid growth on YouTube, and the lessons he's learned while building his successful firm.  Tune in to discover valuable insights on firm management, pricing strategies, and leveraging social media to enhance your business.

In this episode of the Growing Your Firm Podcast, host David Cristello welcomes Patrick Dichter, the owner of an acquisition engine specializing in acquiring accounting firms. And owner of Appletree Business Services, a modern accounting and tax firm for small businesses.  The  conversation delves into Patrick's successful strategies for acquiring firms, his approach to client mix, and how his model differs from conventional accounting practices.  With a focus on efficiency and client care, Patrick emphasizes the importance of flexibility and performance-based compensation in the workplace. Tune in to discover valuable insights on navigating the accounting landscape and achieving growth through strategic acquisitions. Client selection is vital for maintaining profitability and operational efficiency in accounting firms. As discussed in the podcast episode with Patrick Dichter, a firm's approach to client selection can have significant downstream implications for pricing, compensation, fulfillment, and overall

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Piritta Van Rijn, the Global Head of Product and SVP for the accounting tax and practice division at Thomson Reuters. They delve into the exciting potential of AI and generative AI for firm owners, discussing how these technologies can free up time and enhance the expertise of existing talent. Piritta shares insights from a recent report on future productivity trends in the accounting and tax industries, highlighting the importance of bridging the talent gap that many firms are currently facing. Join them for an engaging conversation on the future of productivity and the evolving landscape of the profession.

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello interviews Michelle Neiswender, CFP the founder and CEO of FIRE Wealth Management. Michelle shares insights from her experience in the wealth management industry, offering valuable lessons applicable across different sectors.  As a fee-only certified financial planner, Michelle specializes in serving physicians, dentists, and high-income families with comprehensive planning. Listeners can expect discussions on workflow, process, tech stack, AI, and more as Michelle delves into her journey from a 15-year partnership to launching her own firm. The listener will learn about Michelle Neiswender's journey in the wealth management industry, including her transition to launching her own firm, utilizing workflow, process, tech stack, and AI in her business.  As well as, decision-making process behind launching a new firm, importance of compliance, transition to niche clientele, virtual financial planning, client acquisition strategies, developing workflow pro

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, David Cristello interviews Max Minsker, the founder and CEO of Bookmate, a remote accounting firm. Max shares insights into his journey of establishing Bookmate, focusing on tax returns and bookkeeping services.  The discussion delves into his unique approach to packaging and pricing, highlighting his atypical path to success in the industry. Tune in for valuable insights on building a successful accounting firm. The listener will learn about how Max Minsker founded and runs Bookmate, a remote accounting firm focused on tax preparation for new companies, as well as the atypical path he took to building a successful firm.  

In this episode of the Growing Your Firm podcast, host David Cristello, founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow, welcomes Laurence Whittam, the Managing Director at Impact Global Solutions. Laurence specializes in helping CPA firms build successful outsourced teams.  The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of the industry, where the challenge is no longer about finding talent but selecting the right fit for each firm.  They explore criteria, best practices, and the importance of building strong relationships with team members. Tune in to gain insights on how to effectively integrate outsourced teams and enhance your firm's performance. Key Takeaways: Importance of knowing and building relationships with your team members. How to assess and select the right outsourced team. Best practices for integrating outsourced teams into your firm. Join David and Laurence for a deep dive into optimizing your firm's approach to outsourcing and team management.

In this episode, host David Cristello interviews Billy Angelo, the managing partner of Angelo and Associates, who brings over 20 years of experience in the accounting industry. Billy shares insights on steering small businesses, specifically private practice owners, towards financial clarity and success.  They discuss topics such as off-boarding clients to focus on core strengths, tailored tax and financial solutions for enhanced profitability, and the importance of cash management during tax season. Tune in for a conversation filled with out-of-the-box thinking and valuable industry perspectives. The listener will learn about offboarding clients, pricing, capacity, and AI in accounting firms.  

Today's guest, Seth Fineberg, a veteran in the accounting industry and founder of Accountants Forward, shares insights on how firm leaders can lead by example to move the profession forward. He discusses his career journey and current services, emphasizing the importance of instituting positive practices in the industry. Tune in to learn from Seth's wealth of experience and expertise in shaping the future of accounting. The listener will learn about the importance of firm leaders setting an example, addressing issues in the accounting profession, work-life balance, leadership, managing capacity, structuring business, pricing, diversity and inclusion, salary and compensation, transitioning to advisory services, communication, technology, and healthy debate for business growth. Overall, the episode highlighted work-life balance as a crucial factor in the success and well-being of firm leaders and accounting professionals.

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Cory Gayman, CPA, the CEO/CFO/Founder of JCG Tax & Advisory Firm. Cory shares insights on establishing common ground with entrepreneurs, addressing the accounting talent shortage, improving accounting efficiencies, and navigating the world of virtual firms. Tune in for valuable tips from a firm owner in the trenches. You will learn about the challenges and strategies of balancing pricing, demand for employees, and growth in a CPA firm, as well as the benefits and challenges of acquiring accounting firms as a retirement strategy. Cory is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a wealth of experience in the accounting industry. With a career spanning over nine years, Cory has successfully grown his firm through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. His firm now boasts seven offices and a team of 45 employees, serving clients across multiple regions.

In this episode of the Growing Your Firm Podcast, host David Cristello welcomes back Katie Lilly of Lillyfield Accounting Solutions. Katie discusses the transformative changes her firm has undergone since her last appearance on the show, pre-COVID.  She shares insights on her firm's transition from serving primarily local clients to expanding regionally and nationally, and how they navigated the shift to remote work with ease, having been originally designed as a remote firm for stay-at-home moms since its inception in 2016.  Katie also highlights the importance of maintaining a strong remote work culture, the logistics of moving her own presence without disrupting the firm, and the value of annual retreats for her team. Tune in to learn about Katie's innovative approaches and the secrets behind her firm's growth and adaptability. The listener will learn about the growth and transformation of Lillyfield Accounting Solutions, including their shift to national clients, focus on remote work culture, and success

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes back Nayo Carter-Gray, owner of 1st Step Accounting. Nayo, an enrolled agent and Advanced Certified QuickBooks Online Pro Advisor, is known for making accounting less taxing.  The conversation also covers the importance of diversity and inclusion in various aspects of business, setting boundaries in work, and prioritizing work-life balance, accounting automation, and technology in the accounting industry. Nayo Carter-Gray is a distinguished figure in the accounting industry, known for making accounting less taxing for her clients. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Nayo has established herself as an enrolled agent, a QuickBooks Online Advanced Certified Pro Advisor, and a Gusto Ambassador.  Her impressive credentials also include being recognized as one of Hubdoc's top 50 cloud accountants, a former Intuit Accounting Council member, and one of Forbes' top 100 tax Twitter accounts. Nayo's commitment to diversity and inclusion in th

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello interviews Randy Crabtree, a top influencer in the accounting industry. Randy, co-founder of Tri-Merit, discusses R&D, tax credits, and cost segregation, sharing insights on the success of his firm. Tune in for a valuable conversation on creating a culture of value and importance in the workplace. The listener will learn about the importance of creating a culture where people feel valued and can be themselves, as well as the benefits of specializing in niche areas in accounting. Randy Crabtree is a renowned figure in the accounting industry, known for his innovative approach to building successful firms and fostering a positive company culture. With a career spanning over three decades, Randy has established himself as a thought leader in the field of accounting and tax consulting. In the podcast episode, Randy discusses the importance of building a strong culture within a remote work setting. He highlights the significance of creating a workplace

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello, founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow, welcomes Jessica Zoraida, a Latina entrepreneur and CEO of Big Picture Results. Jessica shares her journey of being self-taught, launching her firm, and navigating various pivots and transitions.  Big Picture Results is an accounting and tax company dedicated to helping profitable, growing businesses, particularly those operated by marginalized populations, maximize their financial outcomes. Jessica discusses her mission to support women and other marginalized groups in the business world, highlighting the services her firm offers and the types of clients they serve.  Tune in to learn more about Jessica's inspiring path and the strategies she employs to help businesses thrive. The listener will learn about how Big Picture Results focuses on bringing more to the bottom line for business owners, the importance of financial management, evolving packaging and pricing in financial advisory relationships, working with s

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes back Ron Saharyan, co-founder of Profit First Professionals. They explore the concept of value pricing and its importance in pricing services based on the value provided.  The conversation delves into various topics, with a promise of exciting announcements between Jetpack and Profit First at the end of the episode. Tune in for insightful discussions and a special reveal at the conclusion! The listener will learn about Profit First Professionals, implementing the Profit First system in their business, client advisory services (CAS), subscription services in accounting firms, strategies for expanding client base, importance of advising customers, and the partnership between Profit First Professional and Jetpack Workflow. Ron Saharyan is a renowned figure in the world of small business consulting and financial management. As the co-founder and managing director of Profit First Professionals, Ron has dedicated his career to helping businesses of

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, brought to you by Jetpack Workflow, host David Cristello welcomes back Geni Whitehouse, founder of The Impactful Advisor and Information Technology Alliance (ITA) president, who specializes in the wine industry.  Geni, also known as the Countess of Communication and author of "How to Make a Boring Subject Interesting: 52 Ways Even a Nerd Can Be Heard," discusses the latest trends in her membership base, the importance of niche advisory services, and effective communication strategies.  Join us as we explore insights into talent acquisition and dive deep into various industry-specific challenges and opportunities. The listener will learn about the book "How to Make a Boring Subject Interesting" and the author's journey from being a tax professional to finding ways to resonate with clients and deliver value.  They will also learn about leveraging humor, embracing unique qualities, improving communication skills, transitioning to advisory roles, and addressing challenges in

Today's episode features Samantha Santaniello, partner at R.S.K Tax & Consulting. Samantha discusses the importance of setting boundaries to manage time effectively as a business owner. Host David Cristello explores topics like systems and processes for scaling a firm, balancing work and family life, and utilizing AI transcription tools. Tune in to gain insights on optimizing workflow and achieving work-life balance in the accounting industry. The listener will learn about setting boundaries, systems and processes for scaling a firm, managing personal routines and juggling multiple responsibilities as a business owner and parent. They will also hear about the services provided by R.S.K Tax & Consulting, focusing on small business owners and real estate investors. The importance of tax planning and strategy for small business owners, real estate investors, and individuals will also be discussed, along with insights into building a successful business with a sibling and managing personal systems effecti

Summary In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello interviews Jordan Sublette, the CEO and founder of Cloud Accounting Staffing. Jordan shares his journey of building and selling his firm, and dives into the world of outsourcing talent.  They discuss the challenges of talent crunches and how Jordan navigated through them. Tune in to gain insights on building a successful firm and leveraging outsourcing effectively. What you'll learn The listener will learn about the journey of Jordan Sublette, CEO and founder of Cloud Accounting Staffing, including building his firm, outsourcing talent, structuring a sale, and navigating the world of outsourcing.

In this insightful episode of the "Growing Your Firm" podcast, brought to you by Jetpack Workflow, host David Cristello is joined by special guest Adam Lean, CEO and co-founder of The CFO Project.  Adam shares his expertise on how accountants can go beyond traditional number-crunching by engaging with clients through meaningful conversations that resemble therapeutic sessions. By asking open-ended questions about clients' businesses and aspirations, accountants can foster a deeper connection and provide greater value. Adam also delves into the importance of CFO advisory services as a scalable way for accountants, CPAs, bookkeepers, and enrolled agents to grow their firms and increase their earnings. The episode discusses the rise of advisory services in the accounting industry, from integration in mid-market firms to adoption by smaller practices as a lucrative service offering. Listeners will learn about the importance of asking clients questions to get them talking, the benefits of adding CFO advisory servi

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello interviews Daniel Hood, the editor-in-chief of Accounting Today. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Daniel shares insights into the evolving trends in accounting firms and the push for advisory services. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the future of accounting and the role of technology in shaping the industry. The listener will learn about the evolution of accounting firms, advisory services, trends in the accounting profession, and the impact of AI on the industry.

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, David Cristello interviews Scotty Scarano, the self-titled wrapping custodian at Accounting High. Scotty, who is also the founder of a $2 million accounting firm and serves on various tech company boards, shares insights on OKRs and his rap career. Tune in to learn more about Scotty's journey and his unique approach to the accounting industry. The listener will learn about Scotty Scarano, his journey from rap to running a profitable firm, growth strategies, challenges faced, importance of trust in a team, holding employees accountable, saying no to certain opportunities, staying on the same page with team members, mindset of business owners when selling a firm, incentivizing growth, performing rap at accounting conferences, and OKR.