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Description
This is a podcast to help accountants, CPAs and bookkeepers escape what we call the accountant's trap - where the only way to get paid more is to work more hours or take on more low-value and high-demanding clients.
On each episode we'll discuss strategies and tips that financial professionals can use to grow a practice of their dreams so they can finally escape the accountant's trap.
This podcast is produced by TheCFOProject.com - a training company that trains accountants, CPAs and bookkeepers on how to build, launch and scale a CFO and business advisory service.
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83 Episodes
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Welcome to The CFO Project Podcast, where host Adam Lean helps accountants and CFOs escape the “accountant’s trap” and build thriving, profitable firms through real-world strategies. Each week, Adam interviews industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and CFOs who share their best insights on running a business, building advisory services, and adding lasting value for clients. In this episode, Adam is joined by Roger Knecht, President of Universal Accounting, to break down what it really takes to be a...
Welcome to The CFO Project Podcast, where host Adam Lean helps accountants and CFOs grow their firms, escape the “accountant’s trap,” and deliver more value to business owners. Each week, Adam interviews top experts and leaders in the accounting profession to share practical strategies for building profitable, advisory-focused practices that make a real difference for clients. In this episode, Adam sits down with Eric Green, founder of Tax Rep Network, to talk about one of the most powerful w...
Welcome to The CFO Project Podcast, where host Adam Lean dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s accountants, CFOs, and firm owners. Each episode is designed to help you break free from the “accountant’s trap” by exploring strategies, tools, and insights that fuel sustainable growth. If you want to scale your firm, elevate your client relationships, and build a thriving advisory practice, this podcast is your go-to resource. In this episode, Adam sits down with Chris F...
Welcome to The CFO Project Podcast, where host Adam Lean explores the evolving world of CFO services and accounting leadership. Each episode features insights from professionals who are redefining what it means to grow an accounting practice, offer real advisory value, and build a firm that lasts. Whether you're a firm owner, CFO, or aspiring leader, this show will help you break free from outdated mindsets and thrive in today's competitive environment. In this powerful episode, Adam sits dow...
In this special case study episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean sits down with Rob Tokay to explore how implementing CFO advisory services transformed his business. Rob shares his journey from traditional accounting work to building a more profitable and impactful practice using the CFO model. You'll hear firsthand how Rob shifted his approach, attracted higher-value clients, and created a business that’s both scalable and fulfilling. If you’re an accountant or bookkeeper wonde...
On this episode of The CFO Project Podcast, Adam Lean and Jeff Prager dive into the key differences between launching a CFO advisory firm and starting a traditional accounting or bookkeeping business. While many professionals default to offering tax or bookkeeping services, they often overlook the more scalable and fulfilling opportunity of CFO advisory work. You'll discover why the skill sets, client relationships, and business models for advisory services offer greater long-term value—and ...
In this episode of the CFO Report, host Adam Lean sits down with Jeff Prager to reveal the three key reasons their CFO advisory firm achieved massive success. With years of experience guiding businesses toward financial clarity and profitability, Adam and Jeff break down the specific strategies that helped them stand out in a competitive market. Whether you're running an advisory firm or any business looking to scale, these insights will give you a framework for long-term success. Tune in as ...
Are you working long hours but still feel like you're not earning what you're worth? In this episode of the CFO Project Podcast, hosts Adam Lean and Jeff Prager reveal the eight key signs that accountants and bookkeepers are undervaluing their services. From being trapped in a pricing war to offering services that clients see as a necessary evil, we break down the common pitfalls that keep financial professionals stuck in a cycle of low earnings and high stress. If you're ready to break free...
Overcoming imposter syndrome is key to becoming a confident and successful CFO advisor. In this episode of the CFO Project Podcast, we break down six practical ways to overcome self-doubt, understand your value, and take action. Whether you're an accountant, bookkeeper, or aspiring CFO, this discussion will help you shift your mindset and build confidence in your expertise. Join hosts Adam Lean and Jeff as they share insights on why imposter syndrome is common among high achievers, how to eff...
In this episode of the CFO Project Podcast, we dive into the essential soft skills every CFO advisor needs to succeed. While technical expertise like forecasting and budgeting are crucial, soft skills like empathy, resourcefulness, and active listening are what truly set top advisors apart. Jeff Prager, co-founder of the CFO Project, joins the conversation to discuss how these skills help CFO advisors better understand their clients, build trust, and provide real value to small business owner...
In this insightful episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean sits down with Lauren Baptiste, founder of Aquilo and former CPA, to tackle the critical issue of burnout in the accounting profession. Lauren shares her personal journey from experiencing severe burnout that led to hospitalization, to discovering how mindset shifts and self-awareness can transform our relationship with work. As a fellow accountant who's been in the trenches, she offers a unique perspective on why high-achi...
In this eye-opening episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean sits down with Sara Bryson of CFO Yeah to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing accounting professionals today: effectively communicating with clients. Sara shares powerful insights on how to translate complex financial concepts into language that business owners not only understand but are motivated to act upon. Through real-world examples and candid stories of both successes and failures, this episode reveals why s...
Join Adam Lean as he sits down with Pam Greb, founder of Cloud Nine Financial, to explore her journey from corporate America to building a thriving bookkeeping and CFO advisory practice. After a 20-year career spanning engineering, account management, and sales, Pam shares how she transformed her traditional bookkeeping services into a high-value advisory practice that makes a bigger impact while requiring less time with each client. Discover practical insights on how to successfully add CFO ...
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 transitio...
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 constant...
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 practitione...
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...
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 scali...
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 transfo...
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 probl...
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