PODCAST · business
The Practicing Accountant
by The Practicing Accountant
Welcome to "The Practicing Accountant," the podcast dedicated to firm owners navigating the complexities of running a modern accounting practice. Whether you've been in the game for a decade or are just starting out, our candid conversations, insightful strategies, and real-world advice are here to guide you.Join us for casual yet impactful discussions where we dive deep into the issues that matter most—pricing, scaling, capacity, burnout, and the ever-challenging tax seasons. Expect a bit of banter, some cussing, and a lot of honesty as we explore how to build a firm that not only thrives b
Episodes
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Turning a Tax Practice into an Advisory Business (Live Coaching)
68. In this live coaching session, Doug sits down with Kisha Shabazz, CPA, who just wrapped her first full tax season after leaving corporate America. With 85 clients under her belt, Kisha is now facing the next challenge: how to transition into an advisory model that brings year-round value and...
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From Burnout to Niche Authority: Andrew Hunzicker on Cannabis Accounting
67. In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug sits down with Andrew Hunzicker, CPA and founder of DOPE CFO, to unpack how he turned an unexpected niche—cannabis accounting—into a thriving business and national movement. Andrew shares how he went from burnout in oil & gas to becoming a...
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If You Had $10K to Improve Your Firm… What Would You Actually Do?
66. In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan go back and forth on one simple—but powerful—thought experiment: if you had $10,000 to spend on your firm, how would you use it? They cover options that increase client quality, free up your time, strengthen your team, and boost your...
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Why More Clients Isn’t the Goal — And What to Focus on Instead
65. Dan and Doug unpack the dangerous obsession with client volume and why it’s time to stop measuring success by how many people you serve. From Facebook group hot takes to real-world stories, they explore why having fewer, better clients leads to more freedom, better margins, and a business…
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What I’d Tell Myself If I Were Starting My Firm Today
Episode 64: Over half of today’s accountants dream of starting their own firm—and nearly 80% of Gen Z accountants do too. But most new firm owners hit the same walls early on: pricing confusion, unclear offers, and the myth that you must “niche from day one.” In this episode, Doug and Dan reflect...
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The Easiest Way to Get New Clients Without Running Ads or Cold Calling
Tired of chasing leads or pouring money into ads that don’t convert? This episode is all about co-firming—a simple, high-leverage strategy to get better clients by building referral relationships with other accounting firms. Doug and Dan break down what co-firming is, why it works (especially if...
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62. What Happens When Your Biggest Client Leaves?
Doug and Dan dive into a powerful client case study about concentration risk—when too much of your firm’s revenue depends on one client. In this episode, you'll hear real-world stories from Doug's coaching work with firm owners who are navigating everything from losing major clients to rethinking...
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61. Post-Busy Season Priorities: Where to Focus Next
Doug’s been deep in it this week — coaching over a dozen accountants just days after the March 15th deadline. In this episode, he shares raw insights straight from the front lines: partner drama, people leaving to start firms, burnout, misaligned goals, and the surprising patterns showing up…
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60. The Busy Season Is Over — Now It's Time to Build Your Dream Firm
Busy season might be over, but the real work of building your firm starts now. In this episode, Doug and Dan talk about the hidden “aftershocks” of busy season — layoffs, client churn, and why now is the best time to crank up your business development dial. We dig into: Why “getting more clients”...
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59. Why Fewer Options Close More Deals: The Power of Two Packages
What if offering fewer choices actually made clients say yes faster — and at higher prices? In this episode, Doug shares a real story of how cutting from three proposal options down to two led to better conversions, less confusion, and stronger positioning. We talk about how to make your value...
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58. "Getting More Clients” Won’t Fix Your Firm—Here’s What Will
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan unpack the results of a recent poll that asked: “If you could change ONE thing to improve your firm (or your life as a firm owner), what would it be?” The top answer? “Get more clients.” It’s the most common response—and also the one most...
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57. Why Value Pricing Is No Longer Optional (Thanks to AI)
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan dive into why value-based pricing is becoming essential—not just smart—in the age of AI. Doug shares a real-world coaching story of a firm shifting from hourly billing to fixed-fee pricing and how it paid off after just two months. They...
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56. The AI Shift Is Already Here — Is Your Firm Ready?
AI isn’t coming for your firm — it’s already here. In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug shares a real story from inside a Top 60 firm that’s now using AI agents to fully automate the month-end close. He and Dan break down what this means for SOHO (single-owner, home office) firms…
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55. Why Accountants Struggle to Raise Prices (and How to Fix It)
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan dig into the results of a recent poll that asked accountants: What's stopping you from raising your prices? The answers may not surprise you—but they should motivate you. They break down the top reasons firm owners avoid charging more…
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54. Transitioning to Value-Based Pricing & The Future of Advisory
March 15th (17th) is behind us, and April 15th is looming. In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan break down two major conversations: how firms are transitioning from hourly to value-based pricing (with real-world results) and why now is the time to solidify your role as an...
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53. How to Fix Busy Season Burnout: Pace, Pricing, and Priorities
It’s crunch time—less than 40 days until the April 15th deadline. In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan break down the biggest themes they’re seeing in the accounting world right now, from unproductive busy season habits to why pricing is the real root of your stress. What we...
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52. The Future of Cannabis Accounting with DOPE CFO's Raymond Guns
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug sits down with Raymond Guns, CPA, to discuss the evolving cannabis industry and how accounting professionals can carve out a niche in this rapidly growing market. Raymond shares his journey from public accounting to finance and ultimately to DOPE...
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51. The Scaling Dilemma: When Clients Expect You, But You’ve Grown Beyond That
We’re at halftime in busy season, and some accountants are losing their shit. The stress, long hours, and client demands are piling up, and it’s time to reassess what’s working and what isn’t. In this episode, Doug and Dan tackle a common struggle for growing firms: Clients resisting change when...
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50. Why Your Firm Needs a Private Equity Mindset (Even If You’re Staying Independent)
Doug and Dan dive into the idea of running your firm with a private equity mindset—not because you’re looking to sell, but because it’s the best way to build a profitable, sustainable business. With private equity firms rapidly acquiring accounting firms, those who want to remain independent need...
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49. Breaking Free from Hourly Billing: Value-Based Pricing vs. Subscription Models
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan dive into the ongoing debate between value-based pricing and subscription-based models, breaking down the pros and cons of each. They explore why hourly billing is becoming obsolete—especially with the rise of AI and automation—and…
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48. Breaking Free from People-Pleasing and Embracing Value-Based Pricing
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan tackle two critical topics for accountants: breaking the cycle of people-pleasing and mastering value-based pricing. They kick things off with a list of actionable strategies to help accountants reclaim their time and authority, from...
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47. A Value-Pricing Formula?
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan dive deep into the concept of value-based pricing—cutting through the clichés and getting to the actionable details. They explore why so many accounting firms struggle to embrace this transformative approach and discuss how shifting from...
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46. How to Stay Ahead in Busy Season: Networking, Pricing, and Client Strategy
Busy season doesn’t have to mean putting business development on hold. In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan share actionable strategies to maintain momentum during your busiest months. From carving out time for networking to experimenting with pricing models when demand is...
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45. Staying Ahead in 2025: Insights and Strategies for Accounting Firms
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan dive into Accounting Today's latest survey exploring the challenges and opportunities for accounting firms heading into the new year. The discussion highlights the ongoing struggle between optimism and resistance to change in the...
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44. Leveraging CAS: Growth, Niches, and Opportunities for Your Firm
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan discuss the growth and opportunities in Client Advisory Services (CAS), driven by insights from the latest AICPA survey. They highlight the shift away from hourly billing toward fixed-price models, the importance of niching for...
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43. Staying Informed, Niching Down, and the Power of Saying No
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan tackle the importance of niche specialization and partnering with other firms. They discuss insights from Barry Melancon’s recent remarks about small firms needing to define their business models, identify their ideal clients, and excel…
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42. Networking for Accountants: Turning Competitors into Collaborators
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan discuss the value of networking with other accountants. They emphasize how building relationships with fellow professionals can combat the isolation of running a firm, open doors for collaboration, and even generate referrals. Doug...
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41. Tax Season Survival: How to Take Control of Capacity Before It Controls You
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan dive into preparing for busy season, emphasizing the importance of intentional planning to avoid burnout and chaos. They discuss how most accountants take on work without assessing their firm's capacity, leading to overcommitment and...
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40. How One Firm Hit $1M in Record Time: From Comfortable Networking to Business Freedom
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan share a client success story: reaching a $1 million revenue goal two years early. The secret? Embracing a niche and intentional networking. Doug explains how the client overcame hesitation to define their niche, attended industry events,...
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39. How Intention Transforms Productivity: From Weekend Projects to Business Success
In this The Practicing Accountant episode, Doug and Dan emphasize the importance of intention. Doug shares how a purposeful weekend set him up for success, contrasting it with the results of aimless time. They stress that intention is more than just setting goals—it’s about taking specific…
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38. Cross Selling and Specializing in Your Firm
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan discuss how accounting firms can strengthen client relationships and boost pricing power by focusing on a few core services instead of trying to offer everything. They argue that specialization allows firms to deliver higher-quality work,...
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37. Starting from Scratch: How to Grow Your Firm Without Wasting Time
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan talk about the challenges of starting out as a solopreneur. Doug recalls focusing on non-revenue tasks like tweaking his website and designing business cards, instead of going after clients. They stress that the top priority for any new...
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36. Why Saying 'No' is the Key to Winning Better Clients
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug shares how he recently said “no” to new work, even with available capacity, emphasizing the importance of staying true to your niche. Doug and Dan discuss "niche working," a focused approach to networking that targets specific industries and...
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35. Why Losing Clients Could Be the Best Thing for Your Business
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug and Dan dive into why losing clients can be the best thing for your business. Doug shares a story of a client who was overwhelmed with too many low-paying, non-ideal clients. By firing a portion of them, the client freed up space, brought on…
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34. Raising Prices, Happier Clients: The Surprising Strategy for Firm Growth
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan discuss how raising prices can lead to happier clients and a more rewarding firm experience. By offering different service tiers—ranging from low-touch to highly customized high-touch packages—accountants can provide more value,...
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33. Why fewer clients could be your secret weapon
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan discuss how reducing the number of clients can lead to a better experience for both accountants and their clients. They explore how overloading on clients diminishes the quality of service, leading to transactional relationships…
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32. Stop Networking More, Start Networking Better
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan dive into the importance of networking strategically rather than just networking more. Doug shares his journey of realizing that simply attending more meetings wasn’t productive and highlights the need for a focused approach. He...
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31. Drafting Your Ideal Firm: Streamlining Services and Maximizing Capacity
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan explore how focusing on your service offerings can significantly increase your firm’s capacity, revenue, and overall efficiency. They discuss the importance of intentionally designing your business model, much like drafting a...
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30. Building a Better Business Model: Intentionality in Accounting Firms
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Dan and Doug explore the concept of building a better business model for accounting firms. They discuss the importance of being intentional about how your firm operates, including client selection, service offerings, and overall business...
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29. Surviving Busy Season: Practical Tips for Retaining Your Sanity and Productivity
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Dan and Doug discuss essential strategies for surviving the busy season. They focus on the importance of setting personal minimums, such as maintaining health routines and prioritizing family time, even during the busiest times. They also...
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28. Capacity vs. Utilization: The Key to Unlocking Efficiency and Growth
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan discuss the key difference between capacity and utilization in accounting firms. They highlight how traditional focus on utilization can make accountants feel like mere tools, while embracing capacity opens up opportunities for...
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27. Slow Growth, Fast Success: The Power of Intentional Growth in Your Firm
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan dive into the importance of intentional growth in accounting firms, emphasizing the mantra "growing slow is the fast track to success." They explore the difference between rapid, unintentional growth and the benefits of slowing…
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26. Navigating Extension Season: How to Improve Your Process Next Year
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan dive into the chaos of the extension season, focusing on the challenges and lessons to be learned from the upcoming September 15th deadline. They discuss the importance of capturing the current experience—whether it’s workload,...
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25. Vision Over Goals: Why Creating a Clear Vision Will Propel Your Firm Forward
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan discuss the importance of creating a vision for your firm rather than simply setting goals. They highlight how goals, without a clear vision, can trap you in a never-ending cycle of busy work without meaningful progress. The...
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24. Boost Your Bottom Line by Firing Your Worst Clients
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan discuss the crucial but challenging task of firing your worst clients to improve your business. They highlight how difficult clients can drain your energy, reduce profitability, and negatively impact your overall practice. The…
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23. Why Saying No Can Boost Your Firm's Profitability
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan dive into the counterintuitive idea that saying "no" can actually lead to more profitable clients and a better business model. They discuss the importance of niching and how it can help you focus on the most lucrative and…
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22. Managing the People Pleaser and Creating a Strategic Fall Roadmap
In this episode of the Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan dive into the fall roadmap for accountants, focusing on how to navigate the busy extension season while preparing for the next tax season. They discuss the importance of managing the "people pleaser" tendency to avoid...
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21. Attract Ideal Clients: Master Networking and Client Service for Your Dream Firm
In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan explore effective strategies for attracting new clients. They begin with a light-hearted discussion about movies and the unique experience at Alamo Drafthouse, then delve into three main client acquisition methods: networking,...
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20. Creating Clients Who Brag About You: The Key to Loyalty and Growth
In this episode of the Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan discuss how to enhance client retention by creating memorable experiences that encourage clients to brag about your services. They emphasize the importance of intentionality in customer service, sharing personal examples…
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19. The Power of Mindset and Vision in Accounting
In this episode of the Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan discuss the importance of mindset and vision in accounting firms. They explore how generational mindsets influence work habits and productivity. Through the story "A Message to Garcia," they emphasize the value of having a clear...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to "The Practicing Accountant," the podcast dedicated to firm owners navigating the complexities of running a modern accounting practice. Whether you've been in the game for a decade or are just starting out, our candid conversations, insightful strategies, and real-world advice are here to guide you.Join us for casual yet impactful discussions where we dive deep into the issues that matter most—pricing, scaling, capacity, burnout, and the ever-challenging tax seasons. Expect a bit of banter, some cussing, and a lot of honesty as we explore how to build a firm that not only thrives b
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Practicing Accountant have?
The Practicing Accountant currently has 68 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Practicing Accountant about?
Welcome to "The Practicing Accountant," the podcast dedicated to firm owners navigating the complexities of running a modern accounting practice. Whether you've been in the game for a decade or are just starting out, our candid conversations, insightful strategies, and real-world advice are here to...
How often does The Practicing Accountant release new episodes?
The Practicing Accountant has 68 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Practicing Accountant?
You can listen to The Practicing Accountant on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Practicing Accountant?
The Practicing Accountant is created and hosted by The Practicing Accountant.
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