Building the Premier Accounting Firm

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 here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get a demo of Maxima here: https://www.maxima.ai/book-a-demo Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, CLICK HERE to take advantage of them today! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Be sure to listen to our next episode and subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it's about accounting, it's Universal.

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: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center 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: Universal Accounting Center 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 Winning through intimidation 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 - https://expertpublishing.associates/ 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 Profit & Growth Expert today: "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds" – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – e-book Profit First - Transform your business from a cash-eating monster to a money making machine using this proven system. Offer CFO and Advisory services with confidence and competence following the Universal Business Builder process. As a certified Profit & Growth Expert you will help your clients apply the principles of Profit First & Value Builder as you apply the CFO Project processes. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don't want to miss. Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777

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 here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, CLICK HERE to take advantage of them today! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Be sure to listen to our next episode and subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801-265-3777. And know that if it's about accounting, it's Universal.

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 here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center: Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: • Advisory Diagnostic Form — Gauge your firm's advisory readiness • Execution struggles? Contact Mark at busadvisory.com • "Red to BLACK in 30 days" — Guide to small business turnarounds • "in the BLACK" — Nine principles to maximize business profitability • "Your Strategic Accountant" — Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS) • "Your Profit & Growth Expert" — Offer advisory services with total confidence Join a group of like-minded peers at GrowCon 2025 to stay up-to-date on trends and build your practice. Connect with our community via the Facebook Tips Group or the UAC Fanpage, and subscribe to our newsletters: Accounting Success & The Universal Newsletter

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses how to make your firm advisory centric with Mark Martukovich.