Grow My Accounting Practice | Tips for Accountants, Bookkeepers and Coaches to Grow Their Business

Not every client is meant to grow with your firm, and that's okay.

In this episode of GMAP Guide Chats, Profit First Professionals Guides Erin Moger and Liz Szporn tackle one of the more uncomfortable parts of running an accounting or bookkeeping firm: knowing when it's time to let a client go.

They explore the warning signs that a client relationship is draining your team's time, energy, and capacity, even when the numbers don't immediately tell the whole story. From setting clearer expectations and boundaries to having difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy, Erin and...

What if your next opportunity for growth is already sitting inside your business?

In this episode of GMAP Guide Chats, Profit First Professionals Guides Erin Moger and Liz Szporn explore how accounting and bookkeeping firm owners can leverage the trust, relationships, and reputation they've already built to expand their impact without starting from scratch.

They discuss how to introduce new services without alienating existing clients, why moving from one-on-one advisory to group offerings can create more capacity, and what financial professionals can learn from the marketing strategies of successful consumer brands.

Erin and...

AI is here to stay, but is your firm actually set up to use it effectively?

In this episode of GMAP Guide Chats, Profit First Professionals Guides Erin Moger and Liz Szporn explore how accounting and bookkeeping firm owners can move beyond casually experimenting with AI and start making it a meaningful part of their operations.

They break down the importance of building an internal knowledge base, creating rulebooks and playbooks that reflect how your firm operates, and giving AI the context it needs to produce more consistent, useful results.

But implementing AI...

What happens when you're the only person in your firm who can make the sale?

In the first episode of GMAP Guide Chats, Profit First Professionals Guides Erin Moger and Liz Szporn tackle a problem they see all the time: firm owners who know they need to get out of the middle of every sales conversation, but don't know how to hand that responsibility to someone else without watching results suffer.

They break down how to turn the sales process that currently lives in your head into something your team can actually follow, why documenting...

In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Ron and Liz sit down with Jason Snider to discuss the realities of managing remote and hybrid teams in today's accounting profession. As more firms embrace flexible work environments, Jason shares practical insights from his experience leading and growing a distributed team while maintaining strong client service, accountability, and company culture.

Throughout the conversation, Jason explains that successful remote management goes far beyond simply allowing employees to work from home. He emphasizes the importance of creating intentional systems, clear expectations, and consistent communication practices that keep team...

In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Mike and the team sit down with Laura Shwaluk to explore the evolving role of accountants and bookkeepers as they move beyond compliance work into more strategic, advisory-driven relationships with their clients. The conversation centers on what it really takes to step into a higher-value role and how professionals can position themselves as trusted partners rather than just service providers.

Laura shares insights on the importance of building strong client relationships rooted in trust, communication, and consistency. She emphasizes that clients are no longer looking for just...

In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Mike, Ron, and Liz sit down with Sara Connell to explore a critical but often misunderstood element of growth: the power of storytelling in building authority, trust, and meaningful client relationships. While many accountants focus on credentials and technical expertise, Sara reveals how sharing your story can be the key to standing out in a crowded market.

Sara discusses how firm owners can uncover and articulate their unique narrative—not just what they do, but why they do it—and how that message resonates more deeply with idea...

In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Mike, Ron, and Liz sit down with Tyson Ray to explore a powerful but often overlooked driver of growth: alignment between how you naturally operate and how you build your firm. While many accountants focus on tactics and short-term wins, Tyson introduces a deeper lens—understanding your instincts, simplifying your approach, and designing a business that truly fits you.

Tyson also brings attention to a critical topic many firm owners avoid: exit planning. As trusted advisors, accountants spend their careers helping clients prepare for the future, yet of...

In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Mike and Ron sit down with Darren Cioffi to challenge a common belief among firm owners: that growth comes primarily from more leads or better marketing tactics. Instead, Darren reveals that sustainable growth is built on consistency, relationships, and a clearly defined message that resonates with the right audience.

Darren shares how accounting professionals can simplify their marketing efforts by focusing on what truly works—building trust, staying visible, and creating meaningful connections over time. He highlights the importance of showing up consistently, refining your positioning, and le...

In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Mike and Ron sit down with Michael Boly to challenge a common misconception around credit: that a high credit score alone guarantees access to funding. Instead, Michael reveals that lenders are looking far deeper—at the structure, depth, and behavior within your credit profile, not just the number.

Michael breaks down how entrepreneurs can strategically optimize both personal and business credit to unlock better funding opportunities, higher limits, and more favorable terms. He explains how understanding what banks actually look for—such as utilization, credit mix, and acco...

Show Summary:

In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Matt Granados challenges a common belief among firm owners: that team issues are people problems. Instead, he reveals how most challenges stem from broken or misaligned systems, not the individuals within them.

Matt shares how accounting leaders can redesign their processes to naturally reduce burnout, increase motivation, and create more consistent performance across their teams. He introduces the idea of intentionally engineering workplace culture, rather than leaving it to chance, so it actively supports both growth and well-being.

Throughout the conversation...

Show Summary:

In today's episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice, we sit down with Chuck Staszkiewicz to explore what it really takes to build, scale, and successfully exit a business.

Chuck shares his journey of growing a trades company from the ground up to $22 million in annual revenue over 12 years, along with the hard-earned lessons from 25 years in the industry. He offers a candid look at what happens after the exit, including the often-overlooked identity shift founders experience once they sell their business to private equity.

The conversation also highlights how Chuck...

Show Summary:

In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, we're joined by Dr. Don Wood to explore the powerful connection between trauma, mindset, and peak performance.

Dr. Wood explains how childhood experiences can become unresolved trauma later in life and how they often show up in subtle but impactful ways. He introduces the concepts of "atmospheric conditions" and "emotional concussions," helping listeners understand how past events shape present behaviors, stress responses, and decision-making.

The conversation also tackles big questions around anxiety, panic attacks, and addiction—challenging common assumptions and offering a...

Show Summary:

In today's episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice, we sit down with Craig Dacy to unpack the simple but powerful changes that more than doubled his firm's sales close rate in 2025.

Craig walks through the key metrics his team began tracking to identify where prospects were dropping off, and the three strategic tweaks that transformed their sales process. From refining their messaging and intake process, to reframing the purpose of consultations, and simplifying conversations so prospects weren't overwhelmed with information, each adjustment helped create a clearer and more effective client experience.

Show Summary:

In today's episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice, we explore what it truly means to build a purpose-driven, profitable business. Profit for Good: How Purpose-Driven Businesses Turn Passion into Sustainable, Profitable Impact reframes profitability as the starting point for generosity, not the reward at the end.

Through real client stories, we share how passion projects became sustainable, revenue-producing businesses once clarity, structure, and intentional profit were put in place. The conversation highlights how Profit First creates the confidence business owners need to say "yes" to impact without sacrificing financial stability.

...

Show Summary:

In today's episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, we explore the critical shift every founder must make to scale successfully by moving from operator to true leader.

The conversation breaks down why being buried in emails, meetings, and day-to-day decisions isn't leadership and how CEOs can intentionally reclaim their time before burnout forces change. We discuss when it's actually the right time to hire help, how to scale yourself first, and why founders' syndrome is one of the most common blind spots holding growing companies back.

The episode also...

Show Summary:

Show Summary:

In this Insider's Access episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, hosts Ron Saharyan, Liz Szporn, and Mike Michalowicz explore what it takes to scale advisory services in 2026 without burning out.

They challenge firm owners to make the "CEO Pivot," stepping out of the technician role and into true leadership, even in an AI-driven world. The conversation highlights why empathy and human connection have become competitive advantages as automation takes over precision work.

The hosts unpack how to price and position advisory through a Tiered Service Model, why burnout persists...

Show Summary:

In this episode, we explore what the shift to a cookieless world really means for marketing and advertising and what is hype versus what is actually changing. The conversation explains the so-called "Cookie Apocalypse" and how the loss of third-party cookies affects data collection, targeting, and performance tracking.

The discussion covers how marketers can measure the effectiveness of emerging, non-click digital channels such as connected TV (CTV) and podcasts, and why traditional attribution models are no longer enough. It also addresses modern approaches to marketing attribution that help teams make better decisions about...

Show Summary:

In this GMAP episode, Brandon Hall joins the conversation to break down what actually holds accounting firms back from meaningful scale—and why technology alone isn't the answer.

Drawing from his experience as a CPA, firm founder, and real estate investor, Brandon explains why most firms don't have an operations problem—they have a sales and leadership problem. He challenges the idea that sales should be "balanced" with operations, arguing instead that healthy firms intentionally let sales outpace operations to force growth, systems, and accountability.

The discussion dives into why firms stuc...

Show Summary:

In this episode, we're joined by John Zakel, Jr., founder of Smooth 401k, to explore how business owners can turn their 401(k) plans into a strategic advantage—not just a benefit expense.

John breaks down why many small and mid-sized businesses overpay for their 401(k) plans and what owners can do to fix it. He explains how the right plan design can support business growth, improve employee retention, and create meaningful tax savings for both employers and their teams.

The conversation also covers the rise of pooled and tech-enabled 401(k) platforms, ho...

Show Summary:

In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Dr. Holly Tucker joins the conversation to explore the powerful connection between physical well-being and business profitability. Dr. Tucker shares her journey as a chiropractor and how her passion for helping others extend beyond the treatment room and into supporting professionals—especially women in the chiropractic field—through the Profit First framework.

She discusses her path to joining the Beyond Your Books team and how she bridges chiropractic care with financial advisory work. Dr. Tucker explains why posture and musculoskeletal health are critical for...

Show Summary:

In this episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, we sit down with Justin Allan Montgomery, founder of ProCourseStart, to unpack how professionals can scale an eight-figure continuing education (CE) business—without fancy funnels or marketing gimmicks.

Justin shares why accountants are uniquely positioned to launch CE businesses as a powerful passive income stream and explains how this model helps break the time-for-money trap that keeps many firm owners overworked and capped on income. He also dives into the growing role of AI in accounting and other professional fields, outlining how a CE business ca...

Show Summary:

In this episode, William Spengler breaks down why traditional hiring continues to fail finance leaders—and what top CFOs are demanding instead. He reveals how outdated recruiting systems lack the data integrity, accountability, and measurable ROI that finance executives rely on in every other area of business. William explains why the best CFOs don't want résumé collectors—they want strategic partners who understand business drivers and build relationships before a job search begins.

William also shares how Frederick Fox's performance-first hiring model, built on flexible, commission-based partnerships, delivers precision, speed, and long-term retent...

Show Summary:

In this episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, we're joined by Gabriel Florentino, Client Development Director at Engineered Tax Services (ETS), to break down one of the most powerful – and often misunderstood – tax strategies available to businesses: cost segregation.

Gabriel shares what ETS does as a national leader in specialty tax services and explains how cost segregation works to accelerate depreciation, improve cash flow, and unlock significant tax savings. He also dives into bonus depreciation, how it amplifies the benefits of a cost seg study, and why it's especially important in the current tax...

Show Summary:

In this episode, Wayne Foreman shares his powerful journey from launching CDF with almost no capital to scaling it into a family of five successful companies with more than 150 team members. He opens up about the role faith played in his entrepreneurial path — including the prayer that shifted everything — and how trusting God through both challenges and victories shaped his business decisions.

Wayne also explains how discovering Profit First transformed the way he operated, giving him clarity, stability, and true profit freedom. He dives into his coaching framework, 3PX, which focuses on People, Prof...

Show Summary:

In this special episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice Podcast, hosts Ron Saharyan, Liz Szporn, and Mike Michalowicz take listeners behind the scenes of ProfitCON 2025, the exclusive annual gathering for Profit First Professionals.

They explore this year's theme, "In Plain Sight," uncovering how profit, purpose, and potential are often right in front of us. The team shares highlights from standout speakers, powerful sessions, and moments that inspired connection and growth within the community.

Listeners will hear practical insights on pricing, efficiency, and mindset shifts that members can apply immediately—plus in...

Show Summary:

In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice Podcast, Mark Perlberg, founder of Prosperl CPA, joins the show to discuss how accounting professionals can elevate their services through proactive tax planning. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Mark specializes in advanced tax-reduction strategies for high-income real estate investors and entrepreneurs across the U.S. He shares his insights on what it takes to build a team capable of delivering high-value tax planning rather than simply filing returns, emphasizing structure, communication, and the right mindset for firm growth.

Mark dives into several key tax strategies...

Show Summary:

In this episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, we're joined by Laura A. Shepherd, founder of Momentum BK, My Top Bookkeeper LLC, and MTB Management LLC. Laura shares how the Momentum BK Business Model empowers accounting professionals and business owners alike through its dual-purpose design—streamlining firm operations while enhancing client outcomes.

Listeners will discover how the model guides firms from startup to scalable, turning standard operating procedures into strategic assets that drive growth and consistency. Laura also unpacks the Momentum BK Client Service Method, a revenue- and profit-focused framework that creates confidence, ca...

Show Summary:

In this inspiring episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Mike Michalowicz and Ron Saharyan sit down with Rachel Bernier-Green, founder and CEO of the Economic Justice Consortium (EJC), to explore how financial professionals can lead — and thrive in — the social impact revolution.

Rachel shares how the booming $715B ESG investment market and the B-Corp movement are creating unprecedented opportunities for accountants, bookkeepers, and advisors who want to align profit with purpose. She reveals how EJC's equity-centered consulting model not only delivers measurable impact but also commands premium pricing and builds deep trus...

Show Summary:

In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, we welcome Marcel Wasserman—strategic business coach, licensed financial planner, and founder of LanternWay. Marcel shares how his greatest reward comes from seeing clients flourish and prosper from the work they do together.

With over a decade of experience in financial planning, Marcel has built a business that not only supports his clients' growth but also provides him with a fulfilling lifestyle—one filled with freedom, purpose, and the joy of helping business owners thrive. Tune in to hear his insights on creating a bu...

Show Summary:

In this episode, Erika Jones explains how accounting professionals and business owners can identify profit leaks, adjust their pricing and cash flow strategies, and implement a CFO-backed system that makes profitability predictable rather than accidental. She also shares how she combines the Profit First framework with her proprietary Profit Seen™ system to help clients move from guesswork to financial clarity and sustainable growth.

Show Summary:

In this episode, we explore the future of accounting in the age of AI and what firms need to do to stay ahead. From the growing risk of transactional work becoming undervalued to the reality that software providers like Intuit and Xero won't be protecting accountants, the conversation gets straight to the point: AI won't replace accountants—but accountants who use AI will replace those who don't.

We dive into why effective staff training and leadership are critical, and how firms can unlock big advantages by building their own micro tools and AI ag...

Show Summary:

In this episode, we dive into a new book by Kayla Caldwell, Profit First Professional, founder of KC Virtual Bookkeeping, and creator of the PEACE framework.

The PEACE Strategy combines the practical money management principles of Profit First with intuitive strategy and nervous system-aware business design. Built around five pillars—Profit, Energy, Alignment, Capacity, and Ease—this framework helps women entrepreneurs move beyond burnout and financial overwhelm to build businesses that truly support their lives.

Kayla shares how baby steps toward Profit, clarity around energy drains and fuels, alignment with dream clie...

Show Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Paige Wiese, Founder and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, to explore how finance professionals can leverage marketing to establish authority, attract the right clients, and scale with confidence. Paige discusses why accounting firms should embrace marketing or partner with experts like her to accelerate growth, and she shares strategies for building and distributing content that positions professionals as trusted leaders in their field. She also explains how AI can be used to streamline content creation, the role SEO plays in ensuring content reaches the right audience, and how...

Show Summary:

In this episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, we welcome Ian Vacin, co-founder of Karbon and co-author of the upcoming book Scale with Purpose: The Service Entrepreneur's Guide to Intentional Growth, written with Jason Blumer. Together, they've drawn from over 25 years of experience advising, consulting, and mentoring service firm owners to create a practical roadmap for entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses intentionally—not accidentally.

Ian discusses why scaling a service-based business is about far more than just growth in numbers. He shares insights from the book, including how to optimize human ca...

Show Summary:

In this episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, we sit down with Najma Khan, Certified Profit First Professional and founder of Rocket to Profit. Najma shares how implementing Profit First from day one—before she even had consistent income—set the foundation for her business and her clients' success.

She walks us through her calm, client-centered approach to introducing Profit First without overwhelming or "selling," and how she reframes the most common resistance: opening multiple bank accounts. Najma also reveals the powerful emotional shift clients experience once they gain financial clarity, moving from stre...

Show Summary:

In this episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, finance insider turned industry disruptor Wallis Tsai reveals how high earners can use life insurance strategically to reduce taxes, protect their wealth, and build long-term financial security. Drawing on her experience as a former Goldman Sachs investment banker and hedge fund investor, Wallis shares a refreshingly transparent, no-BS approach to insurance-based wealth planning that cuts through the jargon and gets straight to what works.

From protecting against the financial devastation of a health crisis to understanding why disability insurance is often the most overlooked coverage...

Show Summary:

In today's episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, we're joined by Dana Staszkiewicz—Co-Founder of The Opus & Golds Group and former GM/COO of All Hours Plumbing, Heating, and Air. Dana shares how she helped scale a home service business from $12M to $20M in under three years, leading to a successful sale in 2023.

She walks us through what the business looked like when she stepped in versus where it landed at exit, and how her diverse background—from advertising agency leadership to retail management—uniquely shaped her approach.

Dana also unpack...

Show Summary:

What if you could tap into your full learning potential—on demand?

In this powerful episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, Dr. Sonny Magana, award-winning educator and globally recognized learning expert, shares how learning is not just a skill, but the foundation of all human achievement. Drawing from his groundbreaking research, Dr. Magana introduces us to the concept of "Learning in the Zone"—a state where individuals consistently achieve optimal learning performance.

You'll discover how, regardless of how fast or slow we learn, there are proven principles that can accelerate learning for...