Rewind : Unveiling the Secrets of QuickBooks with Alicia Katz Pollock

07/06/24 • 39 min

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023!

Welcome to "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" with your host, Roger Knecht. In this captivating episode, Roger sits down with Alicia Katz Pollock, a distinguished QuickBooks Online expert, coach, speaker, author, and entrepreneur.

Alicia's journey into the world of accounting began with her fascination for QuickBooks. She shares the story of what sparked her interest and how it led her to establish her thriving online learning business, Royalwise.

Alicia also talks about how Social Media was key in attracting some of her biggest clients in the early days of QuickBooks Online. She discusses why business owners often choose to outsource bookkeepers instead of learning QuickBooks themselves, and why it is important to train employees on this powerful accounting tool. She also sheds light on her unique approach to training, catering to different learning styles to ensure maximum comprehension and proficiency.

Curious about the differences between QuickBooks desktop and online? Alicia breaks it down for you, sharing why some users still prefer the older desktop version and the advantages of transitioning to QuickBooks Online. Stay ahead of the game as Alicia provides a sneak peek into the exciting updates coming to QuickBooks Online.

As the conversation unfolds, Roger and Alicia touch on intriguing topics such as the relationship between QuickBooks and bookkeepers, dispelling any concerns of professional insecurity. They explore the potential impact of AI on the accounting profession, offering valuable insights into how this technology might shape the future.

Unlock a treasure trove of QuickBooks tips and tricks that will elevate your accounting skills. Alicia generously shares her knowledge, ensuring that you're well-equipped to streamline your processes and achieve greater efficiency. Discover the least utilized features in QuickBooks and understand why exploring and experimenting with them can lead to enhanced productivity.

Accounting conferences play a vital role in professional growth, and Alicia highlights their value. Gain invaluable advice on how accountants can make the most of these events and leverage vendor relationships to their advantage.

Closing the episode, Alicia imparts her wisdom and guidance to business owners, offering valuable advice that will help them navigate the complex world of accounting.

Tune in to "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" as Roger Knecht and Alicia Katz Pollock dive deep into these fascinating topics and more. Expand your knowledge, gain practical insights, and unlock the potential to take your accounting firm or business to new heights.

Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center

Guest Name: Alicia Katz Pollock

Alicia Katz Pollock is the QBO Rock Star at Learn.Royalwise.com. As a Top 10 ProAdvisor and a member of the Intuit Trainer/Writer Network, Alicia has five QuickBooks books on Amazon, leads weekly training webinars, and runs a QBO Coaching program. She is a top-rated speaker at QuickBooks Connect, and Scaling New Heights, and will be joining us at GrowCon 2023. With a Masters of Arts in Teaching, 30+ years of tech industry experience, and a mile-long list of professional certifications, Alicia expertly blends deep subject matter expertise and patient guidance to provide an easy and fun online learning environment.

Sponsors:

Universal Accounting Center

● Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

Offers:

Get the QuickBooks Online training you need to work confidently and competently. Enroll in the QBO Bootcamp (UAC) that Alicia created to help you become a capable QuickBooks user.

“GROWCON23” - use this coupon for 23% off any courses we offer, or off 1st month of membership

For more information related to the training that Alicia offers, check out www.Learn.Royalwise.com

Also consider becoming a certified QuickBooks Specialist with Universal Accounting.

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...

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023!

Closing the episode, Alicia imparts her wisdom and guidance to business owners, offering valuable advice that will help them navigate the complex world of accounting.

Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center

Guest Name: Alicia Katz Pollock

Sponsors:

Universal Accounting Center

● Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

Offers:

Get the QuickBooks Online training you need to work confidently and competently. Enroll in the QBO Bootcamp (UAC) that Alicia created to help you become a capable QuickBooks user.

“GROWCON23” - use this coupon for 23% off any courses we offer, or off 1st month of membership

For more information related to the training that Alicia offers, check out www.Learn.Royalwise.com

Also consider becoming a certified QuickBooks Specialist with Universal Accounting.

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...

Previous Episode

The Power of Branding and Effective Communication in Accounting w/ Heather Hurst

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. This episode delves into the crucial role that consistent branding and effective communication play in establishing a top-tier accounting firm through the perspective of industry expert Heather Hurst. Roger and Heather explore how these elements not only build trust and positive client connections but also drive business success through targeted marketing and clear, impactful messaging.

Key Points:

Consistency in Branding:
- Importance of maintaining consistent branding elements such as product lines, interactions, and website appearance.
- Example of QuickBooks’ use of consistent color schemes to build trust and positive client connections.
Targeted Messaging:
- Delivering messages tailored to niche markets.
- Utilizing client feedback to understand and meet their needs effectively.
Outcome-Focused Marketing:
- Emphasizing the benefits and impact of services rather than just the services themselves.
- Highlighting how the offerings improve client outcomes.
Proactive Accounting Services:
- Educating business owners on the importance of regular financial reports for informed decision-making.
- Integrating AI to simplify communications and generate reports using natural language processing.
Challenges of AI:
- Addressing potential inaccuracies and biases in AI technology.
- Ensuring the correct interpretation of tones in written communication.
Professional and Personal Communication:
- Examining the use of swearing in professional contexts and its impact on relationships.
- An anecdote on implementing a no-swearing rule with felons to demonstrate the power of self-control.
- Discussing family dynamics, the importance of clear communication, and setting boundaries regarding swearing.
Effective Language in Branding and Marketing:
- Promoting the significance of using effective language to highlight benefits over features.
- Stressing the importance of personal and firm branding for accounting professionals.
- Encouraging intentional marketing efforts to strengthen brand presence.
Resources and Opportunities:
- Promoting podcast subscriptions for continued learning.
- Highlighting GrowCon as an event for professional development.
- Offering free resources available through Universal Accounting to support bookkeeping and accounting businesses.

Thank you to Heather Hurst for underscoring the transformative power of consistent branding and effective communication in the accounting industry, advocating for a strategic, outcome-focused approach to client relations and marketing, in this episode. By focusing on these key elements, accounting professionals can enhance their branding, improve client relationships, and achieve greater success in their practice.

Sponsors:

Universal Accounting Center

Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

Offers:

We’d like to invite you to listen to the Canopy podcast: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ3AGdF9R6FkoJ41z4fk9uZ_ptB1bcBkjt-hzG8ONGmlvdGVYizyfFJ49ujbnxw1SCe8fjtrEFJe

And for those who need CPE, check out their CPE library: https://www.getcanopy.com/courses

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 Busi...

Next Episode

The Evolving Role of CFOs and the Future of Accounting w/ Kevin Appleby

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting firm, host Roger Knecht interviews chartered accountant and COO Kevin Appleby to explore his journey from traditional accounting roles to strategic advisory positions. They delve into the changing landscape of the CFO’s responsibilities and the future of accounting in the age of automation and AI.

Key Discussion Points:

The New Path for Many Accounting Professionals:
- Kevin recounts his transition from traditional accounting roles to industry positions at companies like ICI and PwC.
- Roger and Kevin discuss his experience and insights gained from podcasting and sharing industry knowledge.
The Evolving Role of CFOs:
- The hosts explore the shift from traditional financial tasks to providing strategic advisory services in today’s accounting world.
- Roger and Kevin highlight key competencies needed to work with clients: cash flow management, fundraising, and business strategy.
Mentoring, Consulting, Advising, and Coaching:
- Kevin shares what he’s learned from taking on different roles within the accounting industry.
- Roger emphasizes the importance of managing client expectations effectively.
Future Trends in Accounting:
- The hosts explore how increased automation has and will impact accounting practices.
- Roger and Kevin wonder how large a role AI will take in interpreting financial data and providing actionable insights.
Advice for Accountants Transitioning to Advisory Roles:
- Kevin recommends strategies for data analysis and delivering insights that drive business decisions.
- The importance of detailed cost analysis and product performance evaluation is discussed.
Preparing for Emerging Technologies:
- Understanding and leveraging new technologies to stay ahead.
- Preparing for future challenges in the accounting profession.
Effective Storytelling for Client Communication:
- Using storytelling techniques to convey complex financial information clearly and compellingly.

Conclusion: Kevin Appleby’s discussion provides valuable insights for accountants looking to evolve their roles and embrace the future of the profession. By focusing on strategic advisory services and understanding emerging technologies, accountants can better serve their clients and drive business success.

Sponsors:

Universal Accounting Center

Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

Offers:

Join GrowCFO as a free member http://www.growcfo.net

“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 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 he...