The Modern CPA Success Show – Details, episodes & analysis

Being the boss doesn’t automatically make you a business owner. Running a business requires you to think differently, act strategically, and lead with clarity.

Chris Papin, CPA, Attorney & Business Advisor at Papin Speaks, talks about what it really means to behave like a business owner. From facing hard truths about failed marketing to balancing emotional attachment with accountability, Chris shares how small business owners can shift their mindset and take ownership at a higher level. He breaks down how to build processes, set priorities, make tough calls, and communicate with more intention. This is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day and ready to get back in control. Tune in to the full episode here: ▶️ "Chris Papin and how to "Behave Like a Business Owner"

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/ 

● 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://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/   

Quotes

• Chris Papin: "Many owners default to what feels easy or fun, but behaving like a business owner means facing hard truths and making disciplined decisions."
• Tom Wadelton: "The phrase 'financially speaking' helps ground tough conversations in facts. When clients resist hard decisions, math makes the reasoning clear and harder to dispute."
• Adam Hale: "Managing difficult conversations is something people only learn after doing it poorly. Avoiding direct conversations always comes back later."

Chris Papin is a licensed Attorney and Certified Public Accountant based in Oklahoma, specializing in advising closely held businesses and their owners. With a dual focus on legal structure and financial health, he guides entrepreneurs through startup formation, business development, and strategic tax planning. Chris brings a unique perspective to client advisory by helping business owners think and act like true operators, not just service providers. As a trusted advisor, Chris empowers business owners to behave like CEOs and lead with clarity.

Website: https://www.papinspeaks.com/  

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispapin/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/papin-speaks/   

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo 

Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has exten

Bringing in the right people can transform your CPA firm. Hiring is a strategic move that drives your growth. If you're looking to make smarter hiring decisions, this episode is for you.

Will Spengler, founder of Frederick Fox, shares how his team finds strong controller and finance candidates in markets like Dallas, and what firms should do to stay competitive. You’ll get insights into how recruiting agencies work, what mistakes firms make when hiring, why public accounting backgrounds are still in high demand, and how remote work and compensation expectations are shifting the talent game. Tune in NOW! ▶️ Recruiting for CPA Firms with Will Spengler

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/ 

● 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://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/   

Quotes

• Will Spengler: "Small CPA firms must weigh the opportunity cost of time when positions remain unfilled. The potential growth, efficiency, and profitability lost often outweigh recruiter fees."
• Tom Wadelton: "Remote work is now a differentiator. Firms that remain flexible and open to remote arrangements have access to a wider pool of talent."
• Adam Hale: "In recruiting for CPA firms, candidates with public accounting experience, particularly in audit, are often preferred since that background provides exposure to diverse industries and scenarios."

Will Spengler is a passionate leader in agency recruiting and the driving force behind Frederick Fox, a top-tier executive search community. As an innovator and entrepreneur, Will specializes in contractor solutions, direct hires, and retained executive search—delivering unmatched recruiting results for CPA firms and beyond. With a team of 45+ seasoned recruiters and over 610 active clients, he brings scale, speed, and strategy to every search. 

Website: https://frederickfox.com/   

FB: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFoxGroup/    

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-spengler-2193433a/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/frederick-fox/  

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo 

Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive experience spa

"If you want to understand your pricing, I need to know what your service packages are. If you want to understand how you're going to onboard a client, I need to know what your service package is." - Adam Hale


The finer details of this episode:
● Importance of service packages for accounting firms, focusing on clarity in offerings, pricing, and alignment with target client segments to enhance relevance and value.

● Structuring service packages using a "small, medium, large" model to cater to different client needs, manage resources, and improve client onboarding and communication.

●Overcoming challenges in creating service packages, including transitioning existing clients, ensuring pricing transparency, and utilizing technology like AI tools for 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/

Timestamps
Welcome to the Modern CPA Success Show (00:00:00)
Introduction to the podcast's mission and focus on innovative accounting insights.

Discussion on Service Packages (00:00:22)
Tom and Adam explain the importance of service packages for CAS and CFO services.

Clarity in Deliverables (00:00:50)
Emphasis on the need for clarity in service delivery through defined service packages.

Marketing and Client Attraction (00:01:51)
Aligning service packages with target client demographics for effective marketing.

Access and Time Considerations (00:02:46)
Discussion on the importance of access frequency in determining service package pricing.

Team Understanding of Packages (00:04:48)
How defined packages help team members understand client onboarding and service delivery.

Pricing and Scope Management (00:05:04)
The role of service packages in managing client expectations and pricing structures.

Refining Onboarding Processes (00:06:40)
Importance of revisiting service packages during onboarding to clarify responsibilities.

Promoting the Virtual CFO Playbook (00:07:02)
Advertisement for the Virtual CFO Playbook and its benefits for accounting firms.

Psychology of Package Creation (00:07:44)
Discussion on why many firms hesitate to create service packages and how to overcome this.

Overcoming Writer's Block (00:08:39)
Tom and Adam share insights on getting started with service package development.

Client-Centric Package Development (00:10:05)
Strategies for brainstorming and organizing service packages based on client needs.

Learning from Other Firms (00:11:05)
Encouragement to review other firms' packages for inspiration without copying directly.

Transitioning to New Packages (00:12:11)
Advice on implementing new service packages without alienating existing clients.

Testing New Packages (00:12:41)
The importance of prospectively evaluating service packages and client relationships.

Initial Pricing Transparency (00:13:52)
Benefits of presenting clear pricing options during the initial client call.

Utilizing AI in Package Development (00:16:13)
Exploration of using AI tools to brainstorm and refine service packages.

Continuous Package Improvement (00:16:47)
Encouragement to regularly update service packages to meet evolving client needs.

Closing Remarks (00:17:04)
Final thoughts on the importance of service packages and an invitation for further discussion.

“That's what systems do. They enable you to solve problems once, and then the business over can move over to the next problem which should be a higher level” - David Jenyns

The finer details of this episode 

• The need for a Business Systems Champion in your organization
• How systems shape business cultures
• The impact and change systems bring to a business
• Getting your teams onboard with changes in business systems

Episode resources

• Summit CPA website - www.summitcpa.net
• Email us with questions - cpa@summitcpa.net
• David's website - davidjenyns.com

“All the business owners that I chat with, every single one of them, I don't think we'd ever had a discussion where we haven't come to the conclusion that business systems are important.” - David Jenyns

The finer details of this episode 

• Why business systems are important
• How SYSTEMology is different from process improvement practices
• What business owners should do to get started
• Key practices to adopt for better business systems

Episode resources

• Summit CPA website - www.summitcpa.net
• Email us with questions - cpa@summitcpa.net
• David's website - davidjenyns.com

"In order to generate profit the correct way you need to have cash flow in your business...So one of the ways that we help our business owners is that we tell them 'The ultimate goal is for you to say yes to profits.'” - Octavia Conner

The finer details of this episode 

• Say Yes To Profit and Octavia's amazing backstory 
• How she defined what needed to be done to scale her business
• What challenges she faced and how she overcame it
• Tried and tested tips to build your own VCFO services

Episode resources

• Summit CPA website - www.summitcpa.net
• Email us with questions - cpa@summitcpa.net
• Alliance Virtual Offices website - www.alliancevirtualoffices.com

"The one word that every major employer, or every major business, or governmental entity is using right now is agility. They started using that in 2017, 2018, 2019, they started using the word but they weren't taking action and that's the big difference” - Frank Cottle
 

The finer details of this episode 

• Deep dive into the difference of the workforce through the years
• What the new normal looks like for the workforce
• Redefining the purpose of an office 
• New workforce models and options for businesses

Episode resources

• Summit CPA website - www.summitcpa.net
• Email us with questions - cpa@summitcpa.net
• Alliance Virtual Offices website - www.alliancevirtualoffices.com

"I feel like we're colleagues, so you know it's like a real firm and we work together and they help us a lot besides actually taking the course that has helped us a lot in setting the framework."- Jacob Oberlander

The finer details of this episode 

• How the VCFO Playbook Course influenced Oberlander & Co.
• Highlighting the practices that Oberlander & Co. adopted 
• Importance of  implementing a solid Onboarding process and Pipeline Meetings
• The Impact of Switching to Value-Based Pricing 

Episode resources

• Summit CPA website - www.summitcpa.net
• Email us with questions - cpa@summitcpa.net
• Oberlander & Co. website - www.oberlanderandco.com/
   

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"In our industry, we're always looking at what can save time and what's not going to break down all the time” - Jody Grunden

The finer details of this episode 

• Understanding your company's needs to find the right solution for you
• How to choose the best vendor for your company
• Things to consider before  saying "yes" to a vendor
• How Summit CPA Group weeds out all proposals to find the best one

Episode resources

• Summit CPA website - www.summitcpa.net
• Email us with questions - cpa@summitcpa.net

"I think the future of accounting is automation and advisory services." - David Bergstein

The finer details of this episode 

• Understanding the importance of automation and innovation
• Process of choosing the best platforms to automate processes
• Why moving to the cloud is the way forward for CPA firms
• How to add value through  advisory

Episode resources

• Summit CPA website - www.summitcpa.net
• Email us with questions - cpa@summitcpa.net
• Bergstein CPA website - www.bergsteincpa.com/