In this episode, I am joined by Maya Weinreb, the founder of Solvency Now, to discuss her journey from being a full-charge bookkeeper to running a successful remote bookkeeping business. Maya shares her insights on the challenges and misconceptions in the bookkeeping industry, the cultural nuances of managing a remote team, how she handles the hiring process, and the importance of persistence and grit in entrepreneurship.

Guest Information:

Maya Weinreb - CEO at Solvency Now Bookkeeping, Inc.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-weinreb-05012b4b

• Solvency: https://solvencynow.com/ 

• The Bottom Line (Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaWdx0QAXj1-xBwY_ytYud4Hc20P3bljC 

Contact Andrew Lassise (Host): 

• Email: alassise@rushtechsupport.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lassise/

Keep up with the show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rush-tech-support

In this episode, I am joined by Loren Fogelman, a renowned business coach at Business Success Solution, recognized by HubSpot as one of the world’s top 22 business coaches. Loren shares her expertise in transitioning accounting firms from the traditional hourly billing model to a value-based pricing strategy. She outlines her “Raise Your Rates” formula, emphasizing the importance of quality clients, effective communication, service packaging, value pricing, and consultation mastery. Tune in to transform your accounting firm with the Value Pricing Model and the “Raise Your Rates” formula!

Guest Information:

Loren Fogelman - Price & Profit Coach | Keynote Speaker

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenfogelman/ 

• Business Success Solution: https://www.businesssuccesssolution.com/  

Contact Andrew Lassise (Host): 

• Email: alassise@rushtechsupport.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lassise/

Keep up with the show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rush-tech-support

In this episode, I got to sit down with Ajoy Krishnamoorthy, the CEO of Cin7, a fully integrated, cloud-based inventory management software that streamlines stock management across multiple channels.

We dive into the key benefits of implementing an intelligent inventory management system, especially as businesses scale across multiple sales channels like Amazon, Shopify, and brick-and-mortar stores. Ajoy explains how cin7's platform goes beyond just tracking inventory levels by providing valuable insights that drive smarter business decisions. This includes identifying fast-moving products to restock, slow-moving items to discontinue, seasonal demand patterns, and more. He stresses the importance of having a centralized source of truth for inventory data that seamlessly integrates with accounting platforms like QuickBooks to ensure accurate financial reporting and profit analysis.

Whether you're a seller, accountant, or just interested in intelligent commerce solutions, this conversation offers an insightful look at how the right tools can transform inventory from a costly necessity into a strategic advantage.

Guest Information:

Ajoy Krishnamoorthy - CEO of Cin7

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajoykrishnamoorthy/ 

Website: https://cin7.com/ 

Contact Andrew Lassise (Host): 

Email: alassise@rushtechsupport.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lassise/

Keep up with the show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rush-tech-support

It is important to ensure that you have the buy-in from the right people before embarking on any type of process change. Without the right people on board, any change is likely to fail.

The biggest problem that my clients have is reporting. They spend so much time and energy every month on creating reports in Excel, which can be very tedious and time-consuming.

If you want to keep up with the latest technology trends, you need to move to cloud-based applications. Artificial intelligence is one of the biggest trends in technology, and all the publishers know that they're not investing in their on-prem applications anymore. The right technology is all cloud based today.

The use of technology to solve problems is becoming increasingly commonplace, and the Chief Cloud Officer is responsible for helping organizations assess and migrate their processes to the cloud.

David Cieslak is Chief Cloud Officer and EVP with RKL eSolutions, a leading business process automation consulting firm with offices across the US. In his position, he is accountable for using cloud-based solutions and sector-specific service knowledge for ERP, CPM, CRM, AP Automation, and other crucial business processes to assist firms in growing strategically.

He is a Sage Intacct Certified Consultant and possesses the GIAC Security Essentials Certification. He is a frequent lecturer for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA), and various state accounting societies (GSEC). He served as both the previous president of the California CPA Education Foundation and the past chair of the AICPA IT Executive Committee.

If you're looking for marketing advice that will help you target accountants and small businesses, this episode is a must-listen. The speaker discusses the difficulty of marketing to these groups and how the cycle for a lead can take nine months. This episode is packed with useful information and is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about marketing to this demographic.


-How to market to accountants
-How to market to small businesses
-The difficulties of marketing to these groups
-The lead cycle for a sale

The big misconception is that sales and marketing are the same thing. They are not the same thing and a lot of people want someone that is going to dabble in both.

Looking to start marketing in 2020? This episode of Tech 4 Accountant is for you! In it, the speakers discuss their experiences with marketing, specifically beginner SEO for accountants and app companies. They explain how beginner SEO is helpful for understanding how a company is being found and how they want to be found. They also mention the importance of diversifying a client base. This episode is packed with useful information for anyone looking to get started in marketing.


-How to get started with marketing
-The importance of SEO for businesses
-How to diversify your client base

This was a very pivotal moment because it showed that she was willing to take a risk and go for what she wanted without a safety net.

Kelly Gonsalves is the founder of Totally Booked, the co-founder, of Totally SEO, the co-founder of Ideation: Think Forward, the co-founder of Leading Lady Machine Works, the top 10 ProAdvisor in the World, and top 50 Cloud Accountants North America. She is a real businessperson who invests fully at all times. Kelly is a formidable opponent. Kelly started Totally Booked five years ago, marking the beginning of her first endeavor (TM). The goal is to help all small businesses increase their profitability by using effective accounting procedures.

Many would relax and enjoy their accomplishment, but Kelly is not the majority. She doesn't appear to be slowing down. Kelly started a new company called Totally SEO in 2020. The main goal of Totally SEO is straightforward: to increase the visibility of accounting experts and app partners within the target audience so that they can concentrate on building the successful businesses they deserve.

In this episode, I got to sit down with Paul Hamann, the Founder and President of RCReports. He has more than 13 years of experience in providing online solutions for determining Reasonable Compensation for Closely-Held Business owners.

We discuss the often misunderstood topic of reasonable compensation for S corporation owners. We dispel common myths like the 50/50 rule for wages vs. distributions and explain how to properly determine a defensible reasonable compensation amount. Paul shares insights from his company's expertise in this niche, including the legal risks of getting compensation wrong and the tax/retirement planning benefits of getting it right. It's an engaging conversation packed with practical tips for advisors and entrepreneurs alike on navigating this key compliance issue.

Guest Information:

Paul Hamann - Founder of RCReports

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulrcreports/ 

Website: https://rcreports.com/ 

Contact Andrew Lassise (Host): 

Email: alassise@rushtechsupport.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lassise/

Keep up with the show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rush-tech-support

The accounting industry is evolving and struggling to keep up with the changing markets, which has been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. The remote workforce has become more common, but it has also made it harder to maintain the leadership connection from people in different offices.

The current market trend for accounting firms is to move heavily into the advisory sector in order to better service their clients' needs. This can be done through building up an internal team, acquiring another firm, or partnering with another company.

The first step to selling a business is to have a conversation about what the firm is worth and what kind of expectations there are in the market. This will help to set a realistic price for the business.

The decrease in the talent pool for accountants has left many firms struggling to maintain their businesses. Without enough young people coming into the profession and an aging baby boomer population, firms are having to rely on outsourcing and other methods to keep up. This can often be difficult and unprofitable, leading many firms to consider selling or merging.

Bob, who is among Accounting Today's Most Influential People, has dedicated his life to advancing the CPA profession for the past 25 years. In order to combine or purchase a CPA firm or a non-accounting company like a computer company, VAR, or consulting group, he works with the Top 10 on down. His deal help comprises full deal cycle management, from inception through discussions and closing, as well as deal counseling for prospects a firm independently identifies. Bob holds more than thirty speaking events annually on average.

He attended DePaul University in Chicago where he earned both an MBA and a degree in finance. He has vast experience working with the leadership of CPA firms and supervised a regional accounting team for a Fortune 36 corporation. He helps with businesses to help their partners and staff improve their selling skills, mine clients, and build referral networks. He also teaches value pricing, specialty development, and can set up outsourcing options.

The budgeting and forecasting process is not sexy, but it is important. Large companies embrace this process because it allows them to accurately predict the future. As a business adviser, you should be familiar with this process and be able to help your clients solve problems.

If you're looking for tips on creating and sticking to a budget, this episode is a must-listen. In it, the importance of delegating budget decisions to employees is discussed, along with the cadence and monthly review process that are critical to making a budget work. You'll come away from this episode with a better understanding of how to budget effectively and make it work for your business.

The benefits of using a rolling forecast process for businesses. This process allows businesses to track their progress and make adjustments as necessary, based on actual results for past months. This is an essential tool for businesses of all sizes.

At Playing Guru, we provide budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling software to businesses of all sizes. Our software is flexible and easy-to-use, allowing users to get down into the weeds and create detailed forecasts. I'm the CEO of Playing Guru and have 12 years of experience with the company. Prior to Playing Guru, I worked at IBM in their finance department.

Christian formerly worked for IBM's Global Technologies Group as the Worldwide Plan Analyst before joining PlanGuru. Before it, he worked in a comparable capacity for IBM North American Operations. He has assisted hundreds of companies, non-profits, and financial experts since joining PlanGuru in creating more precise budgets, projections, and plans faster.

In PlanGuru, they assist businesses in carrying out this type of analysis faster and more effectively than they could with Excel. Additionally, they help small firms carry out these crucial procedures for the first time by working closely with them or allowing their accounting company or consultant to do so.

In this episode, I get to chat with Scott Scarano, an accountant and rapper known as the "OK Rapper." Scott shares his unique journey from a traditional accounting background to embracing his passion for rap music and performing at accounting conferences. He delves into how leveraging technology and it allowed him to free up time and pursue his creative interests. 

Scott discusses the evolution of his firm, from automation and marketing strategies to building a self-sustaining business. The conversation also explores the potential impact of AI on the accounting profession and Scott's vision for a future where technology enables professionals to step away from their desks and engage more with the world around them.

With a blend of entrepreneurial insights, rap performances, and thought-provoking discussions, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into Scott Scarano's unconventional journey.

Guest Information:

Scott Scarano (OKR) - Rapper/Accountant @ Accounting High

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

• Accounting High: https://www.accountinghigh.com/

• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/18i17H2Pbtm8c95eEevCiD 

Contact Andrew Lassise (Host): 

• Email: alassise@rushtechsupport.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lassise/

Keep up with the show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rush-tech-support

The way to increase the value of your services is to have a conversation with the client about the value they will receive from the solution you provide.

Listen to the amazing story of how one accountant went from making $700,000 a year to living a life of joy and freedom. Learn the science behind happiness and how you can use it to transform your life. This episode will change the way you think about success and happiness.

CPA firms typically aim for a 50% profit margin, but most don't come close. When I had my accounting practice, my profit margin was 73%.

The traditional model of success in accounting is outdated and does not lead to a fulfilling life.

Erik Solbakken is an author, coach, and creator of the Accountant Success Formula, an executive-level program for CPAs. Erik's tried-and-true system aids accountants in maximizing their earnings and obtaining the best clients while acquiring the time and flexibility they deserve. His current interests include spending time with his family, travelling, boating, singing lead in a heavy metal band, coaching and consulting accountants, and going on various adventures.

The Accountant Success Formula programs are for qualified accountants who must adapt their business model to increase net income, draw in their ideal clients, and take back the freedom and time they deserve. Trading money for labor and cranking out as many tax returns as possible is the old corporate model, which is tyrannical, robs us of our freedom, and brainwashes us into believing three lies: that our WORTH is equal to the hours we work, that our CLIENTS are naturally priced sensitive to our services, and that tax time just has to SUCK.

Link: https://www.accountantsuccessformula.com/home-page

Free Master Class: https://www.accountantsuccessformula.com/masterclass31550911

Free Book: https://eriksolbakkencpa.com/book/

The most important thing for a job applicant to do is to tailor their resume to each specific job they apply for. This can be done by backwards engineering the job listing to understand what skills and responsibilities the employer is looking for, and then adapting your template resume to fit those requirements.

When considering whether or not to use a new technology in your business, assess what problem or challenge you're facing that you're trying to resolve, and whether or not you've already systematized it.

The importance of standing out when seeking employment. Utilizing best practices, such as research and connecting with the interviewer, can help make the candidate more top of mind.

The most important thing you can do when job hunting is to make sure your resume and cover letter stand out. One way to do this is to address the specific qualifications the employer is looking for in your cover letter. This shows you have what it takes to do the job and makes you more personable than a resume alone.

When job hunting, it is important to make your resume stand out from the rest. One way to do this is by using keywords that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Another way to make your resume stand out is by actively reaching out to the employer and expressing your interest in the position.

In this episode, we delve into the diverse paths one can take within the accounting profession. Our guest, Lukas Sundahl, shares his own unconventional journey, starting as a personal trainer to transitioning into accounting through an MBA and CMA certification.

Lukas emphasizes the importance of exploring different accounting designations, such as the CPA and CMA, and how they can complement each other in building a well-rounded career. He also discusses the impact of emerging technologies like AI on the accounting landscape, highlighting how these tools can free up accountants to focus on higher-level strategic analysis and decision-making.

This episode offers a refreshing perspective on the accounting profession, showcasing the wealth of opportunities available for those willing to think outside the box. Whether you're a student considering an accounting career or an experienced professional seeking new avenues, this discussion provides valuable guidance on navigating the evolving landscape of the accounting industry.

Guest Information:

Lukas Sundahl - Accounting Storyteller

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukasnsundahl/    

Webiste: https://www.accountingcouture.com/   

Contact Andrew Lassise (Host): 

Email: alassise@rushtechsupport.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lassise/

Keep up with the show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rush-tech-support

Roger Knecht is the president of Universal Accounting Center, which assists accountants in having the best accounting company in their community that provides high-quality, value-added services with assurance and competence. Over more than 20 years, he has assisted thousands of accounting professionals in starting and growing their firms, developed programs to address every facet of an accounting business, and co-authored Red to Black, the how-to guide for accountants to assist clients with the most typical business difficulties.

In addition, Roger is a leader in strategic business development who works with business owners to set short- and long-term goals, strategies, plans, and policies that will boost sales, boost profitability, and increase the value of the company.

It is useful to understand the process behind algorithms instead of blindly trusting them. This understanding allows for more critical thinking and creativity when problem solving.

Working from home can impact productivity due to isolation, something to be aware of to prevent productivity decline.

The best way to ensure employees are productive is to trust them and judge their output, not by how many hours they clock in.

If you're looking for ways to be more productive, this episode of The Tech Talk Accountant Show Podcast is a must-listen. The speaker discusses the importance of having a dedicated space to work in order to minimize distractions and maximize productivity. He shares how he has worked from home for most of his career and has found that having a dedicated space to work in has been helpful in allowing him to focus. This episode is packed with useful tips and advice that will help you boost your productivity

Ted Needleman is a former editor-in-chief of accounting technology and a contributing editor to accounting today for the last 25 years. He has a track record of accomplishments as a Contributing Editor in the publishing sector. Competent in marketing strategy, technical writing, operations management, social media, and advertising. Dedicated media and communication professional with an MS from Iona College with a teaching concentration.

About 4,000 reviews, editorials, feature articles, and two books—including the first book ever published on using PCs in a small accounting firm—have been produced by him in his spare time. The other book is titled Accountant's Guide to the Internet. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading science fiction and action thrillers, playing with Raspberry Pi computers, and listening to music. He also enjoys reading magazines about the Maker Movement.

If you're a small business owner, keeping track of your finances is essential to your success. But who has the time to do all the bookkeeping? That's where outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services come in.

These services are growing in popularity because they offer several benefits to small businesses. They can save you time and money and free up your staff to focus on other tasks.

If you're a business owner, you know how important it is to maintain the trust of your clients. But did you know that one of the best ways to do that is by ensuring that you're providing them with accurate information about the value you provide?

Outsourcing your accounting to a professional can be a great way to ensure that your clients always have access to accurate information about your business. 

If you're looking for a way to improve your efficiency and accuracy while closing your books, in this episode, you'll learn how accountants are billing clients based on value and how automation can save you time and money. Don't miss out on this informative episode.

Billing and accounting software has evolved from being focused on sales to automating back-office processes like expense reports and bill pay. This has made these solutions more efficient and allowed companies to invest more in them.

In this episode, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of generative AI and its implications for the accounting profession. My guest, John Higgins, a Strategic Technology Advisor, Coach and Author, shares his insights on how AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot can augment and enhance the work of accountants.

We explore the potential of these AI assistants to streamline tasks like financial analysis, report generation, and even advisory services. John provides practical examples of how accountants can leverage generative AI to save time, increase efficiency, and deliver more value to clients.

Tune in as we navigate the exciting yet challenging terrain of generative AI and discuss how now is the best time for CPAs as well as other professions to embrace AI and learn how to leverage its capabilities.

Guest Information:

John Higgins - Higgins Advisory, LLC

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhhiggins/   

Website: https://higginsadvisoryllc.com/ 

Contact Andrew Lassise (Host): 

Email: alassise@rushtechsupport.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lassise/

Keep up with the show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rush-tech-support

Bob is an SVP, Accountant Channel Development at Corpay One. His expertise and passion are using innovative solutions and automating historically inefficient business processes to develop high-growth channels and strategies in financial accounting and ERP ecosystems for early-stage cloud/mobile businesses to develop strategic partnerships.

His leadership philosophy is based on empowerment and engagement. With a clear mission to enable team members to develop their skills, gain experience, and build relationships they can use to take their careers to the next level in our rapidly growing organization.

Investing in employees and helping them to develop and grow their career will result in happier staff and less of a staffing problem.

The biggest asset of an accounting business is its people, yet firms often fail to invest enough time in developing their careers. This podcast episode explores why this is a problem and how firms can retain employees by focusing on their people.

-What is the focus of the podcast?
-How can firms better retain employees?
-What are the benefits of investing in employees?