Meet Brit!

In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Britt Summerill, a seasoned CFO with over 20 years of experience in accounting. Britt shares his journey from starting as an auditor to becoming a partner at Now CFO, discussing the importance of audit experience, the growth of Now CFO, and the impact of private equity on the firm. He emphasizes the significance of networking, the evolving role of AI in accounting, and the need for a balanced work-life approach. Britt also offers valuable insights on how to succeed in the accounting industry and the importance of being a connector in business.

Takeaways

- Britt Summerill has over 20 years of experience in accounting.

- He transitioned from auditing to a leadership role at Now CFO.

- Audit experience provides valuable insights into business operations.

- Networking is crucial for success in the accounting industry.

- AI will change the landscape of accounting but won't replace it.

- The accounting profession needs to adapt to attract new talent.

- Britt emphasizes the importance of personal connections in business.

- Data-driven decision-making is key to sustaining growth.

- Work-life balance is essential for long-term success.

- Being a connector can lead to mutual benefits in business relationships.

Sound bites

"You have to put in the work."

"You want to touch them on a personal level."

"You have to jump in and go right."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Britt Summerill and His Journey

01:55 Britt's Early Career and Transition to Now CFO

04:59 The Value of Audit Experience

12:45 Unique Audit Experiences and Lessons Learned

16:26 Transitioning to Now CFO and Initial Challenges

19:29 Overview of Now CFO and Its Growth

21:35 Impact of Private Equity on Now CFO

25:23 Sustaining Long-Term Growth at Now CFO

29:38 Training for Success 31:17 The Art of Connection

34:08 Building Relationships and Reciprocity

36:41 The Importance of Follow-Up

39:42 Navigating the Accounting Landscape

41:50 Short-Term Goals and Work-Life Balance

44:02 AI in Accounting: Opportunities and Challenges

46:40 Addressing the Pipeline Issue

48:45 Advice for Success

51:49 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Brit Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brit-summerillnowcfo/

Meet Mike!

In this conversation, Zane Stevens interviews Michael Bark, CPA, CVA, the founding partner of Bull Moose Financial. They discuss the unique approach of Bull Moose Financial, focusing on a subscription model that enhances client relationships and work-life balance.

Mike shares insights from his journey in accounting, the importance of nurturing younger partners, and the impact of private equity and AI on the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication, the value of mentorship, and the challenges of misinformation in the accounting space.

Takeaways

- Mike Bark emphasizes the importance of developing young partners in accounting firms.

- The subscription model allows for better client relationships and predictable revenue.

- Effective communication is key to client retention and satisfaction.

- Private equity can provide liquidity for retiring partners and enhance service offerings.

- AI is seen as a tool to assist accountants, not a threat to their jobs.

- Networking and personal relationships are crucial for acquiring clients in niche markets.

- Work-life balance is achievable in accounting with the right firm structure.

- Misinformation in the accounting space can mislead new professionals and clients.

- Mentorship and providing opportunities for growth are essential for retaining talent.

- The name 'Bull Moose Financial' reflects a respect for business owners taking risks.

Sound bites

"We try to be proactive."

"AI is going to help our job."

"We're not that important."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bull Moose Financial and Mike Bark

02:39 The Journey into Accounting and Early Career Experiences

05:30 The Value of Big Firms and Work-Life Balance

08:32 Creating a Sustainable Work Environment in Accounting

11:19 The Subscription Model and Client Relationships

13:57 The Importance of Communication and Client Retention

17:09 Navigating the Niche Market and Flat Fee Structure

19:49 The Role of Younger Partners in Accounting Firms

22:42 Private Equity and Its Impact on the Accounting Industry

25:36 The Future of AI in Accounting

28:21 Tackling Misinformation in the Accounting Space

31:12 The Meaning Behind Bull Moose Financial

34:16 A Day in the Life of Mike Barak

37:02 Advice for New Accountants and Leadership Insights

Connect with Mike

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebark/

X - https://x.com/mikebarkcpa

Meet Serena!

Episode Summary

In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane sits down with Serena Shoup, CPA, founder of Of Course Financial and The Ambitious Bookkeeper®. Serena shares her journey from a small-town girl in New Mexico to building a thriving accounting firm and launching a mentorship and education platform for bookkeepers worldwide. She opens up about entrepreneurship, balancing two businesses, parenting, creativity, and why embracing imperfection has been her greatest lesson.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How Serena transitioned from corporate accounting to launching her own virtual firm.

- The story behind The Ambitious Bookkeeper®

— from a simple blog to a thriving community, coaching program, and podcast.

- Why choosing a niche and aligning technology (like Xero) with client needs has been key to her firm’s success.

- Serena’s approach to balancing her firm, mentorship, family, and creative passions like music.

- Honest reflections on using (and pulling back from) AI in content creation and the importance of keeping things authentic.

- The mantra that changed her entrepreneurial journey: “Done is better than perfect.”

Connect with Serena

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenashoup/

The Ambitious Bookkeeper® - https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/