Episodios

  • Why Most Accountants Fail to Scale (And How to Fix It) w/ Lahari Neelapareddy

    Why Most Accountants Fail to Scale (And How to Fix It) w/ Lahari Neelapareddy
    Dec 3 2025
    In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting firm, host Roger Knecht discusses building a premier accounting firm with guest Lahari Neelapareddy, founder of Tax Hero and LN Accounting Advisors. They cover Lahari's journey from public accounting to specializing in e-commerce and consumer packaged goods, emphasizing the value of niche marketing and advisory services over traditional compliance work. Lahari shares insights on sustainable growth, avoiding burnout, and the importance of continuous learning for accounting professionals. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Spotlight 01:43 From CPA to Entrepreneur 03:13 Starting an Accounting Firm 07:14 Small Business Accounting Challenges 08:52 Evolving Service Offerings and Specialization 12:33 Niche Marketing and Tax Hero 17:32 CFO and Advisory Services 20:24 Defining CFO Advisory Value 26:15 Client Relationships and Pricing 29:58 Lessons Learned: Sustainability Over Growth 33:23 Closing Thoughts and Resources Key Takeaways: Specialize in a niche industry to enhance marketing and scalability, as Lahari did with e-commerce and CPG brands. Prioritize value-added services like CFO and advisory over compliance work to increase client retention and pricing. Define clear service packages and scope of work to manage client expectations and minimize scope creep. Focus on sustainable growth, emphasizing efficiency and maintaining passion to avoid burnout, rather than solely chasing rapid revenue. Continuously Learn through podcasts, mastermind groups, and peer interactions to stay updated and avoid reinventing processes. Featured Quotes: "I didn't think I would start an accounting firm. Because when I thought of people that owned accounting firm, I only thought tax, right? Like people that are CPAs that do tax returns at their desk. And the image is like very boring is the image that most people get, right?" - Lahari Neelapareddy. "I wanted to add value to my clients. I think that was always there. And the second thing was like, I wanted like a good work culture that I think is maybe still lacking in big four and the public accounting world, but definitely was lacking in the time that I was there." - Lahari Neelapareddy. "Sustainability over growth sometimes, right? Because growth will come automatically, but you need to make sure that you don't lose that passion and that you're sustaining it." - Lahari Neelapareddy. 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: I'd love to offer two resources to your audience. First, a free discovery call—whether you're an e-commerce business wanting to simplify sales tax or an accountant interested in partnering with us, you can book a time with me at https://taxhero.net/contact/#demo Second, you can download our up-to-date Economic Nexus Chart, a quick guide to understanding sales tax nexus across the US, at https://taxhero.net/blog/economic-nexus/#download For more information related to Lahari consider the following: TaxHero: https://taxhero.net/, and LN Accounting: https://www.lnaccountingadvisor.com/ 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" – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses. "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles. "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services you should offer as you run your business. help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions. "Your Profit & Growth Expert" - Your business is an asset. You ...
    Más Menos
    45 m
  • This Week on BPAF : Lahari Neelapareddy

    This Week on BPAF : Lahari Neelapareddy
    Dec 1 2025

    Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses starting businesses with Lahari Neelapareddy
    Más Menos
    Menos de 1 minuto
  • Diversify for Profit: Get More Money Out of Your Business w/ Steve Selengut

    Diversify for Profit: Get More Money Out of Your Business w/ Steve Selengut
    Nov 26 2025
    Welcome to another episode of the Building the Premier Accounting Firm podcast. Today Roger Knecht and Steve Selengut discuss the core differences between finance and accounting, and how to build income independence. Learn about the four key financial risk minimizers and the importance of an abundance mindset in investing to achieve financial freedom from Roger and Steve. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Guest 01:20 Finance vs. Accounting and Diversification 04:49 Path to Income Independence 07:25 Defining Income Independence and Mindset 09:05 Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset 13:38 Diversifying Beyond Business and Selling Practices 19:20 Four Financial Risk Minimizers 24:29 Pre-tax vs. Post-tax Retirement Decisions 27:03 How Much to Invest & Importance of Early Start 31:39 Department Store Analogy for Investing 35:31 Accounting Professionals & Client Wealth Building 40:02 Guiding Lights and Life Changes from Investing 42:39 Mindset as Key Takeaway & Closing Thoughts 49:53 Universal Accounting Resources and Invitation Key Takeaways: Distinguish between finance (asset growth, income production) and accounting (tax optimization for money and processes). Diversify investments outside of your primary business to create multiple income streams for retirement. Adopt an income-focused mindset, prioritizing dependable cash flow over market value fluctuations. Implement the four financial risk minimizers: quality security selection, broad diversification, consistent income production, and timely profit taking. Consider Roth accounts for younger individuals and match employer 401k contributions, investing additional savings into a personal income-focused portfolio. Featured Quotes: "Income independence is the point in time where it doesn't matter to you whether the stock market is going up and down or interest rates are trending upward or downward." — Steve Selengut "My focus is not so much on the value of the stuff, but the income that it produces." — Steve Selengut "More income, really. There's an expression right on the COVID of the book, Retirement Money Secrets. It says, Market Income fuels the yacht. You got to get there." — Steve Selengut 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: To learn more about Steve and what we discussed today feel free to check out his website: https://theincomecoach.net/ 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" – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses. "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles. "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. Help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions. "Your Profit & Growth Expert" - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your ...
    Más Menos
    54 m
  • This Week on BPAF : Steve Selengut

    This Week on BPAF : Steve Selengut
    Nov 24 2025

    Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses getting more money out of your business with Steve Selengut.
    Más Menos
    1 m
  • Rewind : Payroll, a Profitable Service That Is Often Overlooked w/ Scott Nelson

    Rewind : Payroll, a Profitable Service That Is Often Overlooked w/ Scott Nelson
    Nov 22 2025
    Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Let's do the math, identify the opportunity, and determine the how best to complement the accounting services offered to profitably meet the demand. When working with small business owners it's often assumed that payroll will be included as part of the accounting services provided, so what is your answer or solution? Often, cash flow management and payroll are the two most common challenges faced by business owners. Are you prepared to meet that demand to grow your business and get the clients you deserve? Let's talk about a tech stack and love languages. This is an episode you don't want to miss. Listen as Scott Nelson and Roger Knecht discuss the business of accounting in a new light. This is one you'll enjoy! Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Scott Nelson Scott is a pioneering leader with a rare gift for connecting people together to accomplish unique and exciting tasks. He has successfully founded a socially beneficial investment fund, raised over $600,000 for charitable organizations, and launched no less than seven different community groups. Professionally, Scott uses his pioneering leadership to create partnerships with accounting professionals and their firms, helping them to launch or grow their business through Patriot's software. Patriot provides fast, easy, and affordable accounting and payroll software for small businesses and their accountants. Why? After a rough start-up experience, Patriot knows firsthand what small businesses need in order to break through and achieve success. So Patriot created a software service to help you keep the two things you don't have enough of–time and money. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Patriot is best known for its payroll software and is growing rapidly through its partner program for accounting professionals. See why so many accountants and bookkeepers choosing Patriot today! Take the time to review the Turnkey Business Plan for accounting professionals. As such you'll see how to effectively start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. In addition to the obvious also consider becoming for your clients a Profit & Growth Expert. Learn the effective ways to market and sell accounting service to go your business with new clients. Also go beyond traditional accounting services to also become for your clients the trusted strategic advisor they need today, their Profit & Growth Expert. Mentioned in the episode is the book "Love Languages", understand YOUR love language preference today! Also Leadership and Self-Deception, what are we really doing and saying. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801.265.3777
    Más Menos
    44 m
  • Take Control of Tax Season: The Tax Goddess' Gameplan w/ Shauna Wekherlien

    Take Control of Tax Season: The Tax Goddess' Gameplan w/ Shauna Wekherlien
    Nov 19 2025
    In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger Knecht welcomes Shauna Wekherlien, known as the Tax Goddess, a top 1% US tax strategist, to discuss building a premier accounting firm. They explore Shana's journey from astrophysics to tax, the power of branding, writing a book for client authority, and strategies for effective tax planning versus preparation. In This Episode: 00:00 Introducing Shana The Tax Goddess 02:02 From Astrophysics to Tax Goddess 05:09 The Accidental Brand: Tax Goddess 09:52 Overlooked Tax Deductions for Businesses 15:00 Tax Preparation vs. Tax Planning 22:24 Managing Tax Audits and Offshoring 29:26 The Entrepreneurial Journey & Gratitude 39:37 Closing Thoughts and Resources Key Takeaways: Build a thriving accounting firm by focusing on quality services and proper pricing. Develop a unique brand to distinguish your business and attract ideal clients. Leverage a book as a "calling card" to establish authority and pre-qualify clients. Differentiate between tax preparation and tax planning to clearly define client expectations. Consider offshore teams to manage administrative tasks and support growth efficiently. Featured Quotes: "If your mama, your goddess gets upset, what do you do? You figure it out, right?" — Shauna Wekherlien "In today's day and age, writing a book is effectively a really long calling card." — Shauna Wekherlien "Do what makes you feel in love with life." — Shauna Wekherlien Behind the Story: Shana recounts her personal motivation for entering the tax profession after seeing her mother struggle with tax issues. This led her to challenge traditional firm structures and build her own company, Tax Goddess Business Services PC, in 2004. Her unique brand, "The Tax Goddess," emerged serendipitously during a networking event, demonstrating the power of authenticity in business. She further cemented her authority by writing "The 6% Life," a narrative-driven book designed to educate and attract clients. 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: Shauna, the Tax Goddess, CPA, MTax, CTC, CTP, CTS, Top 1% The 6% Life is a way for business owners and entrepreneurs to reduce their taxes to pay 6% or less every year by using the same strategies, tactics, and day-to-day financial changes that Shauna cultivated over her last 25 years in becoming a leader in the https://www.amazon.com/Life-Strategies-Successful-Entrepreneurs-Consistently/dp/0996032916 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" – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses. "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles. "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services you should offer as you run your business. help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions. "Your Profit & Growth Expert" - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve. Learn what it is you can do to become an author, leveraging your expertise to market your services effectively and get the clients you deserve. This is a webinar you don't want to miss. Learn from Mike Capuzzi what a Shook is and how you can use it to position yourself as the Premier Accounting Firm in your ...
    Más Menos
    44 m
  • Rewind : Leveraging Our Passion In Business w/ Katie Swanson

    Rewind : Leveraging Our Passion In Business w/ Katie Swanson
    Nov 15 2025

    Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021!

    Each of us have experiences in our lives that give us a unique perspective that we can bring to business. For some, it's our past and passion that lead us to niches that allow us to do what we enjoy and get paid doing it.

    Katie has done just that.

    Listen as Katie shares her story that combines health, sports and of course accounting.

    Katie and Roger have a great discussion that also focuses on the support and empowerment that can come for working with a coach. It's wrong to think something is broken to need a coach. As in sports, a coach is there to help make something better, to provide perspective, focus and accountability which can accelerate success.

    You don't want to miss this episode.

    Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center

    Guest Name: Katie Swanson, CPA CVA

    Katie Swanson, CPA, CVA is the founder of Change Collaborative. She believes fitness business owners should leverage tech-driven data to build a strong financial core and financial plans that guide them in bulking up business health.

    Sponsors:

    Universal Accounting Center

    • Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

    Offers:

    Katie has offered her time to speak with those interested. Take a moment to ask some questions and get some insights related to your business with this opportunity. Go HERE for a Free 15-minute call.

    Also, find out more how and what coaching is available to help you work ON your business to have the premier accounting firm in your area. Advanced Coaching is a program to help you be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting.

    For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE!

    Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal.

    Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe.

    For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801.265.3777
    Más Menos
    29 m
  • Reduce Your Tax Bill by 50% Without Changing CPAs w/ Mark Myers

    Reduce Your Tax Bill by 50% Without Changing CPAs w/ Mark Myers
    Nov 12 2025
    Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, host Roger Knecht welcomes Mark Myers, a former Marine and CEO of Tax Wise Partners, to discuss his journey from managing health clubs to specializing in tax advisory. This episode delves into effective tax planning strategies, the power of B2B collaborations for accounting firms, and personal insights on entrepreneurship and work-life balance. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Mark Myers 02:16 From Operator to Tax Consultant 06:39 The Value of Tax Planning 09:27 B2B Marketing for Tax Strategies 13:19 Collaboration and Pricing Model 17:46 Business Mantra & Ideal Client 21:51 Entrepreneurial Journey & Freedom 27:37 Sacrifices, Gratitude, and Legacy 33:03 Advice for Budding Entrepreneurs 37:58 Charitable Giving & Final Thoughts 46:50 Podcast Wrap-up and Resources Key Takeaways: Explore tax efficiency beyond standard preparation by understanding the 75,000 pages of tax code. Leverage B2B partnerships with RIAs, CPAs, EAs, and bookkeepers to expand service offerings without increasing bandwidth. Prioritize service quality and responsiveness to maintain strong relationships with strategic partners and their clients. Identify ideal clients for advanced tax strategies, typically those with $400,000+ in ordinary income or significant capital gains. Plan your entrepreneurial transition by securing a baseline income and managing expenses to reduce stress. Featured Quotes: "There's 75,000 pages of tax code. There's a lot of ways to reduce your taxes if you know where the coupons are." — Mark Myers "You only have so much time in a day and there's compliance work that has to be done… Where do you have time to figure out what is possible, not just what's the norm?" — Mark Myers "I always say, don't take that huge jump and say, 'I'm just gonna figure it out.' Retract as much as you can… and have some metric of income that can at least get you 80 or 90% to your number." — Mark Myers Behind the Story: Mark Myers recounts his unexpected entry into the tax world, initially drawn by the tax efficiency of insurance in estate planning. His experience as an operator, focused on revenue and margins, gave him a unique perspective on optimizing finances. This led to his specialized B2B tax advisory model, partnering with existing financial professionals to offer advanced tax strategies without competing with their core services. He reflects on the personal sacrifices and the unwavering support of his wife during the challenging early days of building his business, emphasizing the importance of planning transitions. Top 3 Highlights: Tax Strategy Specialization: Mark Myers focuses solely on tax planning, differentiating it from tax preparation to offer significant savings (average 50%) to clients. B2B Partnership Model: Instead of direct client marketing, Mark Myers collaborates with CPAs, RIAs, and bookkeepers, providing advanced tax advisory as a complementary service. Strategic Entrepreneurship: Mark Myers advises aspiring business owners to plan their transition carefully, secure a baseline income, and manage expenses to mitigate stress. 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: Book a Free Consultation & possible partnership - https://taxwisepartners.com/ 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" – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses. "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles. "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand ...
    Más Menos
    49 m