The Modern CPA Success Show

By: Summit Virtual CFO by Anders
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Are you the owner of an accounting firm? Do you want to make your firm more profitable? Are you interested in providing Virtual CFO services to clients? Dedicated to perfecting Virtual CFO Services since our inception in 2002, Summit CPA Group, now Summit Virtual CFO Services by Anders, serves as Virtual CFOs for over 100 clients throughout North America. While most accounting firms focus on the past, our Virtual CFO team focuses on the future. This podcast seeks to help accounting firm owners like you learn how to provide successful Virtual CFO Services and become profitable. Tune in bi-weekly as our hosts Tom Wadelton, Virtual CFO, and Adam Hale, Partner at Anders CPAs + Advisors, interview industry-leading experts to share knowledge, as well as Adam’s experience acquired from more than 20 years as the lead provider of Virtual CFO services in North America. We'll answer some of the most common questions like how do I provide accounting services virtually? What's it like running a distributed team? And much, much more.
    2023 Summit Virtual CFO by Anders
    Show more Show less
Economics Management
Show more Show less
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2
Episodes
  • Unlocking Profitability: Embrace Advisory Services and Client-Centric Solutions with Simon Severino

    Unlocking Profitability: Embrace Advisory Services and Client-Centric Solutions with Simon Severino
    Oct 14 2024
    “If you're only working in the business, you're doing it wrong. Cut your activities in half. You have to free up time to think about the business, to work on the business.” – Simon SeverinoThe finer details of this episode:• Transition from traditional tax-based practices to advisory-oriented services in accounting.• Challenges faced by accounting firms in defining and marketing their services.• Importance of understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions.• Decoupling time from value in professional services to enhance profitability.• Strategies for effectively packaging and pricing advisory services.• The role of marketing in differentiating accounting firms in a competitive landscape.• Implementing structured approaches like "Strategy Sprints" for business growth.• Identifying operational constraints and improving processes for better service delivery.• Building long-term client relationships to foster loyalty and satisfaction.• Emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and agile responses to market demands.Episode resources:● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://vcfoplaybook.summitcpa.net/● Check out Strategy Sprints here: https://www.strategysprints.com/Timestamps:Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00)Overview of the podcast's mission to provide insights on accounting firms' growth and innovation.Guest Introduction (00:00:22)Co-host introduces Simon Severino, highlighting his expertise and the challenges accounting firms face.Simon's Background (00:01:29)Simon shares his non-linear career path, emphasizing his passion for market strategy and problem-solving.Transitioning to Advisory Services (00:03:09)Discussion on the shift from tax-based practices to advisory services in accounting firms.Decoupling Time from Value (00:05:14)Simon explains the importance of separating time spent from the value delivered to clients.Client Example: Cash Flow Reporting (00:06:15)Illustration of how an accounting firm expanded services and improved profitability through automation.Challenges in Changing Mindsets (00:08:54)Discussion on the difficulty accountants face in shifting their perception of time-based billing.High Margins of Advisory Services (00:09:31)Simon highlights the significant profit margins in advisory services compared to traditional services.Understanding Entrepreneurial Needs (00:10:51)Exploration of what entrepreneurs truly need from their accounting services and reports.Importance of Advisory in Cash Flow (00:12:40)Discussion on the necessity of advisory services in helping clients interpret cash flow reports.Strategic Value of Consulting (00:13:37)Simon emphasizes the value of being a sparring partner for clients in decision-making.Subscription-Based Services (00:14:45)Discussion on how subscription models can help disconnect time from billing in professional services.Impact of AI on Professional Services (00:15:58)Simon discusses the challenges posed by AI in the financial services sector and competition.Marketing on LinkedIn (00:17:16)Emphasis on the importance of LinkedIn for professional services and strategies to gain mindshare.Mindshare and Marketing Strategies (00:19:59)Simon discusses the need for consistent marketing efforts to stay top of mind with clients.Common Marketing Mistakes (00:20:51)Simon identifies common pitfalls accounting professionals face when starting their marketing efforts.Responsibility for Marketing (00:21:46)Discussion on the necessity of assigning dedicated roles for marketing within accounting firms.Introduction to Strategy Sprints (00:22:50)Discussion on the importance of external presence in accounting firms.Client Satisfaction and Acquisition (00:22:59)The roles of team members in ensuring client satisfaction and bringing in new clients.Defining Strategy Sprints (00:23:14)Overview of what a strategy sprint entails and its focus on key activities.Creating Client Flywheels (00:23:52)Strategies for generating more work from existing clients through enthusiastic moments.Distribution Flywheels (00:25:06)Methods for creating compelling content and building a pipeline of ideal clients.Defining the Ideal Client (00:26:08)Importance of identifying and sticking to an ideal client profile for long-term success.Measurement in Strategy Sprints (00:27:17)The significance of measuring activities weekly to determine effectiveness.Reclaiming Time (00:28:17)How identifying ineffective activities can help reclaim valuable time in business operations.Focus Card Metrics (00:28:40)Using the focus card to track three key metrics every week for better results.Scientific Approach to Business Growth (00:29:55)Implementing a scientific method for testing and validating business strategies.Client Onboarding and Constraints (00:31:07)Identifying ...
    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • Mastering Excel: Essential Skills and Strategies to Boost Efficiency with Jeff Lenning

    Mastering Excel: Essential Skills and Strategies to Boost Efficiency with Jeff Lenning
    Sep 30 2024
    “I love Excel. It's helped me save so much time over the years, and when I began thinking about Excel more like an employee that I can delegate stuff to, it helped me save an incredible amount of time.” – Jeff LenningThe finer details of this episode:• Strategies for leveraging Excel to improve efficiency• Continuous learning and development in Excel• Common pitfalls and challenges in Excel usage• Mindset shift from "if" to "how" in using Excel• Role of AI in enhancing Excel skills• Structure and offerings of Excel University• Key Excel functions and features for accountants• Real-world applications and case studies using Excel• Importance of presentation skills in Excel reportingEpisode resources:● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://vcfoplaybook.summitcpa.net/● Connect with Jeff here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflenning/● Check out Excel University here: https://www.excel-university.com/tipsTimestamps:Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)Overview of the podcast's mission to provide insights on innovative tools and strategies in accounting.Guest Introduction (00:00:22)Tom introduces Jeff, a Microsoft MVP and founder of Excel University, highlighting his career background.Why Excel University? (00:01:18)Jeff explains his passion for Excel and how it transformed his workflow efficiency.Continuous Improvement in Excel (00:02:27)Discussion on the iterative process of optimizing Excel workbooks for efficiency and accuracy.The "Last Year" Trap (00:04:06)Jeff addresses how accountants often stick to familiar methods without seeking improvements.Mindset Shift in Excel Usage (00:05:53)Jeff shares his approach of asking "how" instead of "if" when automating tasks in Excel.Learning with AI Tools (00:07:00)Jeff discusses the benefits of using AI to enhance Excel skills and troubleshoot formulas.Excel University Experience (00:09:02)Overview of the structured learning approach at Excel University, focusing on sequential knowledge building.Continuing Education Credits (00:11:44)Information on CPE credits offered through Excel University’s programs.Focus on Presentation Skills (00:12:11)Discussion on improving both functionality and presentation of Excel reports for better client communication.Charting in Excel (00:14:16)Tom and Jeff discuss the challenges of formatting charts in Excel for effective presentations.Key Excel Functions for Accountants (00:15:25)Jeff highlights essential Excel functions that every accountant should master.Power Query's Benefits (00:16:59)Jeff explains how Power Query automates data processing, saving time and improving efficiency.Real-Time Data Refresh (00:18:07)Benefits of using Excel for live updates during client meetings, enhancing responsiveness.The Impact of Spreadsheets (00:19:01)Discussion on the historical significance of spreadsheets in making personal computers indispensable.Microsoft's Ongoing Investment in Excel (00:19:51)Discussion on Microsoft's continuous updates and new features in Excel.Learning Excel Functions (00:20:17)Importance of learning new Excel functions beyond the basics through courses and online resources.YouTube Channel Promotion (00:20:38)Jeff shares his YouTube channel for quick Excel tips and updates.Searching for Excel Functions (00:21:06)Common issue of not knowing advanced functions like Power Query and XLOOKUP.Benefits of XLOOKUP (00:22:00)Explanation of XLOOKUP as a more resilient alternative to VLOOKUP.Excel University Audience (00:22:28)Overview of diverse student demographics, including CPAs and accounting professors.Student Confidence Boost (00:23:49)Feedback on how Excel training increases students' confidence in interviews.Underestimating Excel's Importance (00:24:33)Discussion on college students' misconceptions about Excel's relevance in their careers.Using Excel for Client Projects (00:25:35)Example of using Excel to model client scenarios and decision-making.Introverts and Problem Solving (00:25:48)Jeff shares his enjoyment of solving problems with Excel as an introvert.Google Sheets vs. Excel (00:26:27)Comparison of Google Sheets and Excel for collaborative work.Sharing Documents in Google Sheets (00:27:39)Discussion on the ease of sharing documents in Google Sheets compared to Excel.Gateway Computers Experience (00:28:25)Jeff reminisces about working at Gateway Computers and its rapid growth.Gateway's Growth Challenges (00:29:28)Stories of Gateway's ongoing expansion and the challenges faced.Excel Training at Gateway (00:31:08)Jeff's initial experience teaching Excel at Gateway's training centers.Role of Excel in Career Progression (00:32:53)Discussion on how various roles contributed to Jeff's Excel expertise.Daily Excel Usage (00:34:38)Jeff explains his daily engagement with Excel and content development.Office...
    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • Tips for Building a Firm Worth Growing: Ideal Clients and Strong Networks with Michael Clarke

    Tips for Building a Firm Worth Growing: Ideal Clients and Strong Networks with Michael Clarke
    Sep 16 2024
    “The smartest people in the world know where their expertise ends and someone else's begins. We all need to understand that because if we're on the right team, everybody wins.” – Michael ClarkeThe finer details of this episode:• Transitioning from individual-centric practices to sustainable business models in professional services.• Importance of teamwork and collaboration among professionals serving the same clients.• Common mistakes made by professional service providers in managing their firms.• Strategies for building trust and effective communication with clients.• The significance of understanding and targeting ideal clients for growth.• The role of support staff in enhancing client relationships and operational efficiency.• The concept of “trust compression” and its impact on client onboarding and retention.• Emphasizing education and clear communication in the advisory process.• The value of networking and continuous learning for professional development.Episode resources:● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://vcfoplaybook.summitcpa.net/● Connect with Michael here:● Check Protection Point Advisors out here: https://www.protectionpointadvisors.com/advisors/team/mike-clarke/ Timestamps:Welcome and Introduction (00:00:00)The host introduces the podcast and its mission to provide insights for accounting firms.Guest Introduction (00:00:22)Adam shares his thoughts on the upcoming discussion with guest Michael Clarke and his book.Michael Clarke's Career Journey (00:01:40)Michael discusses his background in the insurance industry and the founding of Protection Point Advisors.Overview of "A Firm Worth Building" (00:03:03)Michael explains the motivation behind his book and the lessons learned from his mistakes.Transitioning from Individual Practice to Business (00:04:13)Michael emphasizes the importance of moving from individual-centered practices to sustainable business models.Building Relationships with Other Professionals (00:06:03)Michael highlights the value of collaboration between professionals to enhance client service.Common Mistakes in Firm Management (00:09:21)Michael identifies key mistakes professionals make, such as being the center of their practice.Practical Lessons in the Book (00:12:12)Adam asks Michael to share one crucial lesson from his book on managing professional firms.Understanding Trust Compression (00:12:50)Michael introduces the concept of trust compression and its significance in client relationships.Education as a Key Element (00:15:27)Michael discusses the importance of educating clients to build trust and improve service quality.Applying Trust Compression Beyond Onboarding (00:17:59)Michael suggests ways to apply trust compression in various processes, not just onboarding.Making Client Interactions Painless (00:19:01)Michael stresses the need to solve client problems while making the process as painless as possible.Good Growth Explained (21:22)Michael discusses the concept of "good growth" and why professionals struggle with it.Identifying Ideal Clients (22:48)He emphasizes the importance of knowing your ideal clients to avoid bad growth.Balancing Growth and Client Quality (23:35)The speakers discuss the challenge of balancing client acquisition with maintaining quality.Building a Reliable Referral Network (25:09)Michael shares insights on developing a trustworthy referral network for business growth.Creating Effective Partnerships (27:34)He explains how partnerships can enhance client services and improve business outcomes.Edifying Team Members (32:21)Michael stresses the importance of building up colleagues to foster trust and collaboration.Managing Client Growth (33:17)Discussion on the common belief of firing low-priced clients to make room for better ones.Building What Should Exist (39:43)Michael defines his philosophy of creating optimal solutions for client care within CPA firms.Practical Changes in Practice (00:41:08)Discusses how professionals can implement small, incremental changes rather than overhauling their entire practice.Importance of Support Staff (00:41:58)Emphasizes the role of support staff in making professionals look good and the need to value them properly.Learning to Manage (00:42:41)Michael reflects on his journey to becoming a better boss and the importance of self-improvement.Transitioning from Doing to Managing (00:43:12)Highlights the urgency for professionals to transition from doing the work to effectively managing their business.Collaborative Learning in Networks (00:44:48)Michael advocates for joining networks to learn from peers and create a collaborative environment for growth.Inspiration and Continuous Learning (00:46:05)Encourages surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals and cultivating a habit of reading for ...
    Show more Show less
    47 mins

What listeners say about The Modern CPA Success Show

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available