Episodes

  • Your Budget is Wrong: Why Most Forecasts Fail w/ Matt Putra

    Your Budget is Wrong: Why Most Forecasts Fail w/ Matt Putra
    Feb 4 2026
    In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger Knecht and guest Matt Putra discuss the critical differences between budgeting and forecasting in accounting, emphasizing data-driven decision-making for e-commerce businesses. They explore how financial management, including KPIs and cash flow strategies, helps fast-growing consumer brands optimize profitability and scale effectively, with a focus on AI's transformative impact. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Matt Putra and 8x 01:03 Matt's Journey to 8x and Data-Driven Decisions 02:52 Budget vs. Forecast: Key Differences 05:57 The Importance of Budgeting and Planning 08:24 Budgeting for External Stakeholders and Accountability 11:18 Lessons Learned from Ambitious Budgeting 15:00 Financial Management for Scaling Businesses 17:49 Scorecards vs. KPIs and Dashboards 21:55 Go-To Metrics and the Island Analogy 24:51 The Impact and Application of AI in Business 31:11 Advising Founders: Selling Peace of Mind 34:16 Gratitude and Divergent Thinking 37:51 Closing Thoughts and Resources Key Takeaways: Differentiate between budgets as fixed annual plans and forecasts as malleable, frequently updated financial outlooks for data-driven decisions. Implement scorecards with 5-15 critical metrics and clear targets to simplify problem-solving and boost team accountability. Prioritize cash flow management, customer lifetime value (LTV), and customer acquisition costs (CAC) for sustainable business growth and profitability. Integrate AI into business operations to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in the accounting profession. Understand that financial management services sell "peace of mind and confidence" rather than just data or models, addressing emotional components for founders. Featured Quotes: "If we're not in the, call it the top 10% of AI adopters, we're going to be left behind fairly quickly." — Matt Putra "We don't sell financial models. We do not sell cash flow forecasts. We do not sell scorecards. We sell peace of mind and confidence." — Matt Putra "If the business owner can hit within, say, 5%, 10%, their budget for the next year, it means they know well that business model." — Roger Knecht Behind the Story: Matt Putra recounts his transition from a CFO role with a grueling commute to founding eightx, a financial operations company. His desire for work-life balance during COVID-19 propelled him to create a business that simplifies finance for e-commerce brands. He stresses the emotional aspect of financial consulting, focusing on delivering confidence rather than just numbers. Matt Putra also shares a personal anecdote about his wife's support, which allowed him to take significant risks in building his company. 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'll have a call with someone to help them go from 0-1 on their first AI agent Be more efficient and improve your profit margin with AI Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattputra/ matt@eightx.co 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 ...
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    45 mins
  • This Week on BPAF : Matt Putra

    This Week on BPAF : Matt Putra
    Feb 2 2026

    Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses budgeting and why most forecasts fail with Matt Putra.
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    1 min
  • Rewind : Quantifying the Client Experience, the 5 Star Rating w/ Tyler Small

    Rewind : Quantifying the Client Experience, the 5 Star Rating w/ Tyler Small
    Jan 31 2026

    Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021!

    Beyond the work we do and the accounting reports we create we need to find out and understand how useful the information is to our clients. Think about it. What are they really paying us for? In fact, what are we doing to generate for them a 5 Star Experience?

    Roger and Tyler have an interesting discussion that we each should consider as we remember what our relationships are and should be with our clients

    Listen and learn the 3-step process to improve client appreciation and retention. You'll want to be ready to take some good notes.

    Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center

    Our Guest: Tyler Small

    Tyler has created learning experiences for over 100,000 people, published 2 books, hosted over 50 podcast episodes, and has coached hundreds of leaders. He specializes in coaching "numbers people" to build better business relationships. He is the founder and CEO of "The 5-Star Approach". The mission of "The 5-Star Approach" is to catalyze one million 5-Star Relationships.

    Sponsors:

    Universal Accounting Center

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

    Offers:

    Reach out to work on your personal and professional relationships, Tyler is offering a complimentary 15-minute consultation that you don't want to miss. You can sign up by visiting www.5StarApproach.com today!

    Leverage your marketing efforts using technology to get the clients you deserve. This is a webinar you don't want to miss. From marketing to sales there is a turnkey process you can use to improve your tax, bookkeeping and accounting client acquisition to get you the work you need and get paid what you are worth. Register and Attend NOW!

    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
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    34 mins
  • How to Stop Undercharging in Your Firm w/ Michelle Weinstein

    How to Stop Undercharging in Your Firm w/ Michelle Weinstein
    Jan 28 2026
    Roger Knecht and Michelle Weinstein discuss how accounting professionals can overcome undercharging, set firm boundaries, and increase revenue. Learn strategies to value your expertise and implement sales processes for a thriving accounting firm. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Michelle Weinstein 01:10 Michelle's Career Journey & Lessons 06:05 The Birth of The Abundant Accountant 09:50 Stop Undercharging and Valuing Services 12:33 Engagement Letters and Scope Creep 17:51 Establishing Boundaries for Your Firm 23:15 Payment Methods and Avoiding Receivables 30:03 Overcoming the Fear of Raising Prices 36:41 Valuing Expertise and Practical Advice 41:13 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts Key Takeaways: Define clear boundaries to prevent scope creep and protect your valuable time and knowledge. Implement a structured sales process to properly qualify clients and get paid premium prices. Understand and communicate your worth to confidently raise fees and attract high-value clients. Utilize engagement letters to outline included and excluded services, facilitating future upsell discussions. Shift from hourly billing to recurring or value-based payments to eliminate accounts receivable issues. Featured Quotes: "If you can't sell and you can't enroll, and you can't help people see your value, then what is all of that technical knowledge really worth?" — Michelle Weinstein "We have to eradicate the under-earning and being appreciated disease in this industry." — Michelle Weinstein "Your inventory is what's in your head. It's your most valuable asset and we have to protect that." — Michelle Weinstein 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 free strategy session with Michelle. Register here: https://theabundantaccountant.com/theabundantcall/ 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 lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients. Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It's here you can become a: Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Register to attend GrowCon ...
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    47 mins
  • This Week on BPAF : Michelle Weinstein

    This Week on BPAF : Michelle Weinstein
    Jan 26 2026

    Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses how to stop undercharging in your firm with Michelle Weinstein.
    Show more Show less
    1 min
  • Rewind : R&D Tax Credits for Clients w/ Adam Farnsworth

    Rewind : R&D Tax Credits for Clients w/ Adam Farnsworth
    Jan 24 2026

    Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021!

    Do you know the 4-part questions to use to determine if someone qualifies for the R&D tax credit?

    This conversation with Adam and Roger is going to be enlightening both personally and professionally. I'm sure you'll get some great notes from this.

    Also, how many of this have said to our spouse "Heh Hon, I'm going to start a business, "trust me I have a plan", there's this opportunity and I know what I'm doing?

    As accounting professionals, it makes sense we'd create the business plan & proforma. But what happens when things don't go as planned? Are you ready to pivot and following the numbers? Marketing can change so we need to be ready and willing to go where the clients are.

    Adam shares some great ideas and shares some good examples.

    Enjoy this next episode of this podcast, building the premier accounting firm!

    Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center

    Our Guest: Adam Farnsworth, CPA

    Adam Farnsworth has been working as a CPA since 2015 after he completed his master's degree at the University of Utah and his undergraduate degree at Colorado State University. As the founder of Leaf Specialty Tax Consultants, he has built a team that saves companies millions of dollars annually by identifying tax credit savings.

    Leaf Specialty Tax Consultants was born after founder Adam Farnsworth saw a need for businesses to have a better way to access and claim Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credits. Across the United States, companies are using innovation, technology, and research to make the world a better place. By creating a consulting business for R&D Tax Credit, LEAF wants to provide a way for businesses to have the advantage of a tax credit expert to provide computation and substantiation guidance surrounding Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and affiliated code sections, court cases, regulations, and affiliated state tax credits.

    Sponsors:

    Universal Accounting Center

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

    Offers:

    Speak with Adam regarding the possibilities related to R&D tax credits. You can reach him directly or schedule a time that is convenient for you at:

    • https://leaftaxconsultants.com/contact-us/
    • https://calendly.com/afarnsworth-1/r-d-tax-credit-free-consultation

    Book recommendation mentioned in the discussion, A legal guide to research and development by Alex Sadler.

    Off quality tax services becoming a certified Professional Tax Preparer, PTP

    As you work ON your business consider applying the proven principles from The Turnkey Business Plan for a successful accounting, bookkeeping & tax business. Creating your proforma.

    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
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    45 mins
  • 5 Steps to Building Client Trust in Accounting w/ Shady Abboud

    5 Steps to Building Client Trust in Accounting w/ Shady Abboud
    Jan 21 2026
    Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Universal Accounting Center. Today, Roger sits down with Shady Abboud, to discuss his unique path into accounting, blending entrepreneurial experience with finance expertise. Shady highlights the distinction between bookkeeping and CFO advisory services, emphasizing the strategic role of a CFO in business growth and decision-making for SMBs. Learn how a niche in e-commerce can boost success. In This Episode: 00:00 Welcome Shady 01:31 Shady's Entrepreneurial Journey to Accounting 05:36 The Strategic Accountant's Perspective 10:09 Bookkeeping vs. CFO Advisory Services 13:50 When a Business Needs a CFO 17:46 Key Performance Indicators for Businesses 20:21 The Value of CFO Client Relationships 23:07 Managing Bookkeeping and Advisory Businesses 27:06 The Niche Advantage: E-commerce Accounting 31:00 Empathy in Client Relationships 35:42 The Bookkeeping Business Experience 39:48 Gratitude and Supporting Entrepreneurs 42:14 Closing Thoughts: Specialization and Mindset 47:00 Podcast Wrap-up and Resources Key Takeaways: Understand your business owner clients' goals beyond just numbers for better financial advice. Differentiate bookkeeping as compliance-focused and CFO advisory as forward-looking strategic analysis. Recognize signs a business needs a CFO, especially during periods of rapid growth, contraction, or strategic pivots. Prioritize gross profit margin as a core KPI to assess business efficiency and impact of external factors like inflation. Cultivate empathy and build trusting relationships with clients to foster open communication and address challenges effectively. Featured Quotes: "My strongest suit was always accounting and finance. So I decided to go into that route exclusively and I really enjoyed it." — Shady Abboud "The CFO or the fractional CFO is the CEO's best friend because he's having a conversation with the business owner that no one else is having." — Shady Abboud "We are more than just a provider. We are their partner. And sometimes one of the most important pieces in their business." — Shady Abboud Behind the Story: Shady offers a look into his evolution from a corporate role to launching and selling two businesses, including a restaurant. This hands-on experience of "wearing all the hats" gave him a rare perspective that traditional accountants often lack. He discovered his knack for finance and his ability to translate complex financial concepts into understandable insights for business owners, leading him to establish his own accounting and advisory firms. His story highlights the personal and professional shifts that paved his way to becoming a strategic financial partner. 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: Connect the Shady on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadyabboud/ https://unloop.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 (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 ...
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    50 mins
  • This Week on BPAF : Shady Abboud

    This Week on BPAF : Shady Abboud
    Jan 19 2026

    Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses differences between bookkeeping and CFO adisory services with Shady Abboud.
    Show more Show less
    1 min