Accounting High

Episode 239

FACULTY: Scott Scarano, EA and Matt Kid, CPA

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this episode, our substitute teacher, Matt Kidd, continues his interview with Scott Scarano, EA where Scott shares the story of how he grew his accounting firm to $1.3 million with $400,000 in annual cash flow, and became completely removed from daily operations. Scott provides insights into the importance of a strong team, unique hiring methods, and embracing technology and innovation in the firm. He also touches on his passion for rapping, his struggle with growth versus letting off the reins, and his future aspirations for his firm.

📣 Shout Outs: Jason Ackerman, Ron Baker, Jody Grunden, Adam Hale, Shane Mason, Ashley Francis, Summit CPAs, Live Plan, Microsoft Dynamics, Karbon, Engage

⬇️Videos Referenced⬇️

The Model Cloud Accounting Firm (feat. Jody Grunden, CPA)

Episode 238

FACULTY: Scott Scarano, EA and Matt Kid, CPA

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this episode, one of Accounting High’s substitute teachers, Matt Kidd, CPA interviews Scott Scarano, EA, about his journey through accounting. Scott shared how his grandfather's CPA firm and the family software business shaped his early career, as well as the tough times he faced during college before finding his way back to accounting. He talked about his experiences with remote work, using Xero, and implementing EOS, all of which helped him transform his firm and himself. Over time, Scott grew the business significantly and reinvented his role, evolving from an accountant to a full-fledged entrepreneur.

📣 Shout Outs: Kenji Kuramoto, Jason Staats, Matthew May, Christopher Leon, Jason Ackerman, Bernie Ackerman, Acuity, Xero, XeroCon, XPAC, Thompson Reuters, QuickBooks, BNA CPA’s North Carolina

⬇️Videos Referenced ⬇️

Tax Firm Adding Value with Financial Planning and CAS feat Matt Kidd, CPA

Episode 237

FACULTY: Dustin Verity, CPA

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this episode, we sit down with Dustin Verity from Verity CPA, who joins us live from Hawaii. Dustin shares his experiences from founding Verity CPA in 2012, starting with small beginnings working out of a kitchen table to managing a multi-million dollar firm with 25 employees and three offices. The episode offers deep insights into the steps and hurdles of growing a CPA firm from scratch, emphasizing flexibility, continual reinvestment, and the dynamics of business growth.

📣 Shout Outs: Grant Thornton, EY, 4 City Hawaii, Xero, Wesley, Zapier, Airrtable, Ultratax, CCH, Thomson and Reuters, QuickBooks Desktop

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser

02:26 Founding Verity CPAs

03:42 Journey to Hawaii

04:15 Starting the Practice

05:25 Early Challenges and Growth

13:56 Navigating the Pandemic

16:16 Firm Expansion and Acquisitions

18:18 Current Operations and Future Plans

23:59 Integrating Systems and Processes

25:30 Journey to Hawaii

26:08 Building a Modern CPA Firm

28:27 Marketing and Client Acquisition

33:10 Lessons from Acquisition

36:31 Final Advice and Reflections

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Dustin Verity, CPA

Episode 236

FACULTY: Joe Carufe and Ben Curtis, CPA

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this episode, Scotty hosts Joe Carufe and Ben Curtis of Good Measure. They discuss their unique approach to building a new type of firm, embracing partnership without ego, and intentionally planning for sustainable growth. The conversation dives into the evolution from their past experiences to creating Good Measure with a focus on strong client relationships and community impact. Joe and Ben share their vision for a balanced professional and personal life, their process in finding ideal clients, and the importance of giving back. Engaging and insightful, this episode provides a blueprint for building a purpose-driven, successful firm.

📣 Shout Outs: Good Measure, Karbon, Adam Slack, Two Roads, System Six, Chris Williams, Deeper Weekend, QuickBooks, Ian Vacin, Jeremy Allen, Gusto, Intuit, Bill.com

⬇️Videos Referenced⬇️

The Accounting Game (feat. Chris Williams, CEO)

Episode 235

FACULTY: Carla McCall, CPA aka Queen B

CLASS: #Shoperations

In this episode, Scotty interviews Carla McCall, CPA, managing partner of AAFCPAs and chair of the AICPA. Carla shares her innovative approach to the accounting profession, emphasizing a people-first culture that flips the traditional script of client and firm importance. She discusses the importance of technology integration, lessons learned from her career journey, and strategies implemented to create a supportive and inclusive workplace. Carla also touches on her work with the AICPA, the future of the accounting profession, and the challenges and rewards of leading through change.

📣 Shout Outs to Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, Herb Alexander, CannCount, Ron Baker, AICPA, AAFCPAs

Chapters:

00:00 Teaser

05:17 Early Career and Influences

07:37 Joining AAFCPAs and Career Growth

13:53 Leadership and Firm Culture

29:31 Recognizing Opportunities in Bookkeeping

29:49 Scaling the Business with Strategic Leadership

30:33 Diverse Practices and Technological Integration

32:11 Advisory Services and Strategic Shifts

38:14 Remote Work and Office Dynamics

42:21 Leadership and Authenticity

48:46 Future of the Profession and Technological Advancements

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Carla McCall, CPA