The CFO Project

In this eye-opening episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean welcomes price and profit coach Loren Fogelman to discuss how accounting professionals can break free from price-based competition. Loren shares powerful insights on the crucial difference between selling features versus benefits, explaining why most firms struggle by focusing on technical aspects like workflows and reports instead of communicating the transformative outcomes they deliver to clients.Learn how to transition from hourly billing to value-based pricing and discover Loren's proven five-step process for converting existing clients to a new pricing model without losing them. Whether you're running a bookkeeping, tax, or accounting firm, this episode reveals practical strategies to elevate your pricing, attract better clients, and increase revenue while working less. Loren and Adam dive deep into real examples, including how one bookkeeper transformed her practice by targeting entertainment industry trades and eliminating the "starving artist syndrome" for her clients.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Business Success Solutionshttps://www.businesssuccesssolution.com/work-with-loren/

In this episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean is joined by Keila Hill-Trawick, Founder of Little Fish Accounting. They discuss the idea that you don't have to be a big firm to be successful in the accounting industry. Keila shares how she built her practice to serve the "little fish" - small businesses and sole proprietors - by offering a concierge-level experience regardless of the client's size.Keila emphasizes the importance of defining "enough" for your firm and not constantly chasing growth for growth's sake. She talks about how she structured her team and services to provide maximum value to her clients without burning out. This episode is full of practical advice for accountants, CPAs, and bookkeepers who want to build a sustainable, fulfilling practice that aligns with their personal and professional goals.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Little Fish Accountinghttps://www.littlefishaccounting.com/

Struggling to market your accounting or advisory firm effectively? In this episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean sits down with Christian Jones, CEO of Tax Pro Marketer, to discuss the best marketing tactics for accounting and advisory practices.Christian shares insights on building genuine relationships with potential clients, creating a marketing funnel that converts, and leveraging online and offline strategies to attract your ideal customers. Whether you're a tax practitioner, bookkeeper, or advisory services provider, this episode is packed with practical tips to grow your firm through smart, effective marketing. Don't miss it!Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About TaxProMarketerhttps://taxpromarketer.com/

In this enlightening episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean sits down with Shelby Ashley, founder of Optimized Financial Solutions, to tackle the challenging topic of setting boundaries with demanding clients. Shelby shares her journey from corporate financial analyst to successful CFO advisor, and discusses how learning to say "no" transformed her business - leading her to sign three new clients in just one month after letting go of a problematic one.Join Adam and Shelby as they dive into practical strategies for managing client expectations, setting clear boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance while delivering high-value CFO services. They explore why financial professionals often struggle to turn down client requests, how to structure engagements to prevent scope creep, and when it's appropriate to part ways with clients who aren't the right fit. Whether you're an established CFO advisor or just starting your journey from accountant to advisor, this episode offers valuable insights on building a sustainable and profitable practice.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Optimized Financial Solutionshttps://www.optimizedfinancialsolutions.com/

In this insightful episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean sits down with Shahram Zarshenas, founder of Financial Cents, to discuss essential tips for running an efficient accounting practice. Shahram shares his journey from investment banking to creating a practice management tool specifically designed for accountants and bookkeepers. Learn how implementing the right systems can help you transition from being just an accountant to becoming a successful firm owner, capable of scaling your business and achieving a better work-life balance.Discover the three core problems that growing firms face: visibility, creating a single source of truth, and automation. Shahram offers practical advice on how to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of starting early in your firm's journey. Whether you're a solo practitioner or managing a team of 20, this episode provides valuable insights on leveraging technology to streamline your workflow, improve client communication, and ultimately find peace of mind in your practice. Don't miss out on these game-changing strategies that can transform your accounting firm's efficiency and scalability.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Financial Centshttps://financial-cents.com/

Join host Adam Lean and special guest Michelle Weinstein, the "Pitch Queen" and founder of The Abundant Accountant, as they tackle one of the biggest challenges facing financial professionals: selling services without feeling like a salesperson. In this enlightening episode of The CFO Project Podcast, they dive deep into why accountants and bookkeepers often struggle with sales, debunking common misconceptions and fears about selling high-value services.Discover practical insights on transforming your mindset from "doing the work" to confidently selling your expertise at premium rates. Michelle shares invaluable perspectives on overcoming the fear of rejection, understanding your true value, and approaching sales as a way to genuinely help clients. Whether you're an accountant, CPA, or bookkeeper looking to grow your practice, this episode provides actionable strategies to elevate your sales game while staying authentic to your professional identity.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About The Abundant Accountanthttps://theabundantaccountant.com/

In this episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean sits down with Tom Griffiths, a fellow CFO and founder of Synergy CFO Solutions, to discuss how accountants and finance professionals can effectively sell CFO advisory services.Tom shares insights on changing the mindset around sales, uncovering a prospect's true needs, and handling objections productively. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the prospect's goals and positioning the CFO services as a solution to their problems, rather than just listing out a set of services. Listeners will learn practical techniques for having more meaningful sales conversations and increasing their chances of winning new clients for their advisory practices.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Tom Griffithshttps://synergycfosolutions.co/

Join host Adam Lean as he sits down with seasoned CFOs Dan May and Paul Weller to explore "The Day in the Life of a Full-Time CFO" on The CFO Project Podcast. In this insightful episode, Dan and Paul share their experiences and perspectives on the crucial role of trust, communication, and organization in their daily responsibilities. They discuss the challenges of translating complex financial data into actionable insights for various stakeholders and the importance of maintaining strong relationships across different departments and external partners.Discover how modern CFOs balance traditional accounting tasks with strategic decision-making and learn about the critical skill of managing cash flow in diverse business environments. Whether you're an aspiring CFO, a seasoned accountant, or a curious bookkeeper, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving role of financial leadership. Dan and Paul also touch on the misconceptions about the CFO role and emphasize the importance of adaptability in today's fast-paced business world. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a full-time CFO in today's complex financial landscape.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/

In this insightful episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean sits down with Carina Thomas to explore the critical topic of "How to Be a Strategic CFO." Carina, an experienced financial professional, shares her journey from traditional accounting to becoming a strategic CFO, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond basic bookkeeping and tax preparation. She discusses how strategic CFOs use data-driven decision-making to help businesses grow, and explains why benchmarking against a company's own performance can be more valuable than industry comparisons.Accountants, CPAs, and bookkeepers will find valuable insights on transitioning from compliance-focused work to advisory services. Carina highlights the benefits of this shift, including better work-life balance and the ability to make a more significant impact on clients' businesses. She also touches on the importance of building an ecosystem of partners and the personal nature of the CFO-client relationship. Whether you're considering expanding your services or looking to enhance your strategic financial leadership, this episode offers practical advice and motivation to take your career to the next level.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Carina Thomashttps://www.everlifeaccountinggroup.com/

In this episode of "The CFO Project Podcast," host Adam Lean engages in an insightful conversation with Alicia Katz Pollock, founder and CEO of Royalwise Solutions, about the pros and cons of using QuickBooks for client work. Alicia, a seasoned QuickBooks trainer and host of the "Unofficial QuickBooks Accountants Podcast," shares her expertise on when QuickBooks is the right choice and when it might not be the best fit for your clients. Whether you’re a fan or a critic of QuickBooks, this episode is packed with practical advice for accountants, CPAs, and bookkeepers looking to make informed software recommendations.Alicia and Adam dive deep into the love-hate relationship many professionals have with QuickBooks, discussing its strengths, limitations, and the common pitfalls users encounter. They also explore the evolving landscape of bookkeeping and accounting, highlighting the importance of choosing the right tools for different types of clients. Tune in to learn how to maximize the benefits of QuickBooks, when to consider alternative software, and how to better serve your clients by leveraging the right technology.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Alicia Katz Pollockhttps://royalwise.com/

In this episode of "The CFO Project Podcast," host Adam Lean sits down with David A. Perez to discuss the transformative journey from being a traditional tax preparer to becoming a high-value tax advisor. David shares his personal story of how he started in tax preparation and eventually transitioned into offering advisory services that significantly increased his earnings. This episode is a must-listen for accountants, CPAs, and bookkeepers who are looking to evolve their practice and provide more strategic value to their clients.David's insights delve into the challenges of competing in a commoditized tax preparation market and how he successfully pivoted to advisory services by focusing on deeper client relationships and tailored tax strategies. He emphasizes the importance of shifting the conversation with clients from mere tax compliance to proactive tax planning, which not only increases client retention but also opens up new revenue streams. Tune in to learn how you too can make this shift and grow your practice in today's competitive landscape.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About David A. Perezhttps://www.davidaperez.com/

In this episode of "The CFO Project Podcast," Adam Lean is joined by Kelly Goode to discuss the compelling reasons behind her transition from corporate finance to becoming a CFO advisor. With nearly two decades of experience in various accounting and finance roles, Kelly shares her journey of seeking more autonomy, meaningful impact, and the desire to assist small business owners beyond traditional bookkeeping. The conversation delves into how small businesses often lack the financial expertise needed to truly understand and leverage their numbers, and how CFO advisors can fill that critical gap, offering strategic insights that drive growth.Kelly highlights the challenges small business owners face when their financials are merely viewed as historical data for tax purposes, rather than as a tool for future planning and decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of shifting the conversation from just bookkeeping to operational goals and strategic planning. This episode is a must-listen for accountants, CPAs, and bookkeepers interested in expanding their roles to become trusted advisors who help businesses thrive by turning financial data into actionable insights.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletter And check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Kelly Goodehttps://www.thegoodepathgroup.com/

Ever feel like you're drowning in paperwork and working crazy hours? Nick Boscia's been there. In this eye-opening chat with Adam Lean on The CFO Project Podcast, Nick spills the beans on how he turned his dad's old-school accounting firm into a modern powerhouse. We're talking double the clients without doubling the workload. If you're an accountant, CPA, or bookkeeper dreaming of a life beyond spreadsheets, you'll want to tune in.Nick's got the lowdown on cool tech that'll make your life easier, from document management to automated billing. Plus, he shares some slick tricks for handling client communication and growing your business. Whether you're looking to jazz up your practice or just want to clock out at a reasonable hour, this episode's packed with practical tips you can actually use. So grab a coffee and hit play – your future self will thank you.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Nick Bosciahttps://www.bosciapc.com/about-us

In this insightful episode of "Escaping The Accountant's Trap," host Adam Lean sits down with Dr. Ranelli Williams to discuss the art of offering advisory services to service-based businesses. Dr. Williams shares her expertise on why service-based business owners specifically seek CFO advisors and the unique challenges they face. This episode is packed with valuable insights for accountants, CPAs, and bookkeepers looking to expand their services and increase their income through CFO advisory roles.Discover how to make more money as an accountant or bookkeeper by addressing the pain points of service-based businesses. Dr. Williams and Adam explore real-world examples of how CFO advisory services can transform businesses, from debt management to strategic revenue planning. Whether you're considering how to offer advisory services or looking to refine your approach, this episode provides actionable advice on becoming a trusted CFO advisor and escaping the traditional accountant's trap.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Dr. Ranelli Williamshttps://www.erjservices.com/

In this episode of "Escaping The Accountant's Trap," host Adam Lean sits down with Jolyeane Kimble, an experienced finance expert, to discuss the ins and outs of becoming a successful CFO advisor. Jolyeane shares her journey from corporate finance to owning and selling multiple businesses, and how this experience shaped her approach to advisory services. She offers practical advice for accountants and bookkeepers looking to expand their services and make more money by helping small business owners make better financial decisions.Jolyeane and Adam tackle common misconceptions about CFO advisory services, emphasizing that these skills are valuable for businesses of all sizes, not just large corporations. They discuss the importance of understanding both the numbers and the day-to-day challenges faced by small business owners. Whether you're an accountant considering offering CFO services or a bookkeeper aiming to increase your value to clients, this episode provides actionable insights to help you transform your practice and build more rewarding client relationships.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Jolyeane and Financial Edge Consultinghttps://www.fecgrow.com/

In this episode of "Escaping The Accountant's Trap," host Adam Lean interviews Geraldine Carter, an expert in helping accountants and CPAs boost their profitability without working more hours. Geraldine shares invaluable insights on how to offer advisory services and make more money as an accountant or bookkeeper. She emphasizes the importance of understanding value creation, effective pricing strategies, and efficient service delivery. This episode is packed with practical tips for solo CPAs looking to enhance their business model and achieve a better work-life balance.Discover how to transform your accounting or bookkeeping practice into a thriving advisory business. Geraldine and Adam discuss key strategies for increasing revenue while reducing workload, including the power of niching and mindset shifts. Whether you're interested in offering CFO advisory services or simply want to boost your income without burning out, this episode provides actionable advice for escaping the traditional accountant's trap. Don't miss these expert insights on how to make more money as an accountant or bookkeeper while working fewer hours.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About Geraldine Carterhttps://geraldinecarter.com/

Struggling to find work-life balance as an accountant or bookkeeper? In this episode of the "Escaping The Accountant's Trap" podcast, host Adam Lean from The CFO Project interviews productivity expert Marcey Rader. She shares practical tips on how to prioritize tasks, batch work, and manage your calendar so you can offer advisory CFO services to clients without sacrificing quality or your wellbeing - especially during busy tax seasons.Marcey reveals the key to avoiding burnout by taking real breaks, unplugging from emails, and making time for deep work. You'll learn simple strategies like time blocking, using video tools like Loom, and adjusting your physical workspace to boost focus and creativity. Whether you want to make more money as an accountant offering CFO advisory services or just streamline your bookkeeping business, this podcast provides a roadmap to ditch the "accountant's trap" of endless hustle.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Learn More About RaderCohttps://www.helloraderco.com/

Is pricing your advisory services a struggle? In this episode, Adam interviews Shahrooz Niknami from Aco Tech Group about how he prices and packages his CFO advisory services. Niknami shares his evolution from hourly billing nightmares to profitable fixed-fee pricing models. You'll learn why hourly rates often lead to client disputes and leave money on the table. Niknami reveals the ideal way to scope and price advisory projects so prospects say yes without sticker shock.The key is giving business owners predictable budgets by chunking your services into fixed-fee packages. Niknami explains how separating financial advisory, operational consulting, budgeting and more into set monthly retainers helps manage client expectations. You'll discover how transparent bundled pricing can eliminate client pushback while allowing you to profitably scale your high-value CFO services. Whether you're just starting out or an experienced consultant, don't miss these invaluable pricing insights.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Connect with Shahrooz and Learn More About AcoTechhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shahrooz-niknami-b0556313/?originalSubdomain=ca

Are you an accountant, CPA, or bookkeeper looking to make more money by offering advisory services? In this episode of Escaping The Accountant's Trap, Adam Lean interviews Katie Ferro, founder of the "Profits and Prosecco" movement. Katie shares her journey from corporate accounting to building a thriving bookkeeping and advisory business. You'll learn how she leverages technology like Xero to offer efficient, scalable bookkeeping that truly advises clients on profits. Katie also reveals the secrets to getting clients, choosing the right accounting software, and building a team so you can make more money while working less.Katie's "Become a Bookkeeper" program has helped hundreds of accountants escape the commodity tax return trap and transition into lucrative CFO advisory services. Whether you want to start a bookkeeping side hustle or build a multi-six-figure firm, this episode is packed with actionable steps. Discover how to differentiate yourself, ditch the commoditized model, and finally make the money you deserve as an accounting professional. Click play for an insightful discussion on leveraging your skills to offer high-value CFO advisory services.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Become a Bookkeeperhttps://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/a3jpoFVv 6 Secrets to Starting a Simple, Scalable Bookkeeping Business -https://www.katieferro.com/a/2147513515/a3jpoFVv

What exactly does it mean to offer CFO advisory services to clients? Many accountants and bookkeepers hear they should provide advisory but aren't sure what that entails. In this episode, Adam and his guest demystify the CFO advisor role. You'll learn the key difference between bookkeeping, tax compliance, and true advisory work. Discover why business owners crave advice and answers they can't get from their bookkeeper or overtaxed CPA firm.The hosts break down what clients really want from a financial advisor - clarity on cashflow projections, budget analysis, key metrics to watch, and more. Rather than complex number-crunching, owners seek simple answers to questions like "Can I afford this hire?" or "What are the financial implications of this decision?" Offering proactive CFO advisory services builds sticky client relationships and generates higher revenue than compliance work alone. Whether you're just starting out or an experienced accountant, this episode provides a clear framework for transitioning into the lucrative CFO advisory space.Sign Up For Our Newsletter:https://thecfoproject.com/newsletterAnd check out The CFO Project's free training here:https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-serviceLearn More About The CFO Project:https://thecfoproject.com/Check Out Clara CFO Group's YouTube:https://claracfo.com/latest-youtube-videos/