Best Metrics

Glenn sits down with Michael Horwitz, National Managing Partner of BDO Alliance USA, to explore the dramatic shift in accounting firm revenue streams. Over the past decade, consulting services have grown from 17% to 41% of revenue at top firms while traditional audit and tax work has declined. Michael shares insights from his 23 years working with hundreds of firm leaders about what's driving this transformation, from AI's impact on traditional services to the rise of virtual firms and why the most profitable firms are aggressively pursuing non-traditional service lines.

Stephen Brown, COO of LedgerGurus, shares critical financial metrics and challenges facing modern e-commerce businesses, from understanding true contribution margins to navigating complex cash conversion cycles. He breaks down the evolving landscape of e-commerce financing, warning against predatory merchant cash advances while highlighting emerging specialized lending solutions. The conversation provides valuable insights into how e-commerce companies can maintain profitability in an increasingly competitive market, with practical guidance on managing everything from inventory cycles to sales tax compliance.

Nikole Mackenzie, founder of Momentum Accounting, shares hard-won insights from building a successful advisory practice that transforms struggling businesses into thriving enterprises. Through real client examples, she breaks down how to move beyond traditional accounting packages to deliver meaningful business outcomes, including her approach to pricing, profitability targets, and client assessment frameworks. Nikole provides practical strategies for upskilling team members and implementing advisory services, while emphasizing the importance of focusing on business outcomes rather than selling products.

• (00:00) - Best Metrics for Financial Advisors
• (00:47) - Guest Introduction: Nikole Mackenzie
• (01:10) - Nikole's Background and Experience
• (05:17) - Defining Advisory Services
• (14:10) - Challenges and Solutions in Advisory
• (17:18) - Importance of Profitability
• (39:50) - Niche Focus in Accounting
• (48:47) - Training and Upskilling in Accounting
• (51:34) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Michael Alliman reveals how real estate agents navigate the complex financial landscape behind each home sale, where that familiar 6% commission is just the beginning of the story. As founder of a specialized firm serving real estate professionals, Alliman breaks down the metrics that matter most - from cost of sales and operating expenses to the often-overlooked importance of cash flow management. He shares insights on everything from the evolving nature of office spaces to why listings are more profitable than buyer representation, while offering a fascinating look at how real estate accounting differs across regions.

• (00:00) - Introduction to Best Metrics Podcast
• (01:07) - Meet Michael Alliman: Financial Expert for Real Estate Agents
• (03:11) - Understanding Financial Statements for Real Estate Agents
• (05:03) - Key Metrics and Financial Strategies
• (07:38) - Challenges and Solutions in Real Estate Finance
• (08:47) - Looking at Financial Statements
• (12:51) - Cost of Sales for Real Estate Agents
• (18:17) - Operational Expenses and Best Practices
• (25:32) - Regional Differences and Efficiency Tools
• (29:23) - Tax Savings Strategies for Real Estate Agents
• (30:50) - The Importance of Cash Flow Management
• (31:34) - Shifts in Office Work Post-COVID
• (35:29) - Trends in Real Estate Marketing
• (40:02) - Impact of Corporate Investors on Real Estate
• (47:54) - The Role of Financial Statements in Business Management
• (50:06) - Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Catherine Demes Maydew joins the show again, to share her expertise on government accounting and financial management. She explains key metrics and ratios used to assess municipal financial health, discusses the unique challenges of government budgeting, and highlights the importance of citizen engagement in local finances. This episode offers valuable insights for finance professionals interested in public sector work and engaged citizens looking to better understand their local government's financial picture.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome
• (00:32) - Catherine's Return and Popularity
• (01:47) - Creative Planning and New Office
• (03:03) - Services Offered by Creative Planning
• (05:54) - Government Services Overview
• (09:01) - Financial Statements and Analysis
• (16:15) - Budgeting for Government Entities
• (20:01) - Challenges and Real-Life Examples
• (24:11) - Key Financial Ratios and Metrics
• (28:45) - Budgeting and Surplus Management
• (30:06) - Revenue Sources and Allocation
• (32:45) - Financial Ratios and Metrics
• (35:15) - Deficits and Financial Health
• (39:41) - The Consequences of Poor Financial Foresight
• (43:12) - Engagements with Government Entities
• (47:13) - Encouraging Public Involvement
• (49:04) - Opportunities in Government Accounting
• (50:59) - Conclusion and Contact Information