Show notes
Join Roger Knecht on "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" as he interviews Lera Kooper, owner of a CPA business advisory firm, about her journey of acquiring and growing accounting firms, and her strategies for offering high-value CFO and advisory services. Discover how Lera transitioned from a tax-driven model to a balanced approach, emphasizing monthly recurring revenue and strategic client relationships. Learn practical insights into firm valuation, service pricing, and team management for accounting professionals. Key Takeaways: Acquire Strategically: Focus on firms with high-growth potential and leverage technology to integrate them efficiently. Shift to Advisory: Transition from compliance-driven services to strategic advisory roles to increase client value. Price Effectively: Set competitive prices for CFO and advisory services, considering the complexity and client size. Build a Strong Team: Invest in team development and create opportunities for them to deliver high-quality advisory services. Plan for Exit: Build your business with the end in mind to maximize its value, regardless of your exit strategy. Featured Quotes: Lera Kooper: "The tax return should just be a box you have to check at the end of the year and not the reason you start a conversation with your cpa." Lera Kooper: "Hard things are hard because they're hard. So if you're waiting around for things to get easier or a better time, it's just not going to happen and you're delaying progress." Behind the Story: Lera's path into accounting began with her father's practical advice. After gaining experience in a CPA firm, she recognized the need for more client-focused advisory services. Partnering with a former employer, she embarked on a journey of acquiring firms, shifting their focus, and building a team capable of delivering high-value CFO services. Her story highlights the importance of strategic planning, client relationships, and team development in building a premier accounting firm. Top 3 Highlights: Strategic Acquisitions: Acquire firms for growth, focusing on client potential and tech integration. 🏢 Advisory Focus: Shift from tax preparation to CFO services, increasing recurring revenue and client lifetime value. 💡 Team Empowerment: Invest in team development to deliver high-quality advisory services. 🤝 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: Schedule a time to speak with Lera https://www.accountabilityservices.com/discovery-meeting-advisory-accounting-firm/ 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 and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business. The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company's Value. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don't want to miss. Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777