{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Your Firm, Your Life: Achieving Balance in Accounting w\/ Jeff Dredge","description":"Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, Roger Knecht and Jeff Dredge discuss the evolution of the accounting profession, highlighting the shift from traditional compliance to essential advisory services. They explore how embracing technology and a \u201chindsight, insight, foresight\u201d approach can transform accounting firms and enhance client relationships. Learn about the value of work-life balance and strategic collaboration for sustained growth. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction & Early Career 02:11 From Employee to Partner 05:01 The Evolution to Advisory Work 07:35 Embracing Technology and Foresight 12:05 Value of Advisory Services 16:24 Human Element in Advisory 18:58 Selling the Accounting Business 24:41 Valuation & Industry Needs 33:28 Defining Services and Collaboration 39:20 Leveraging Collaboration & Post-Acquisition Changes 41:27 Recharging Through the Outdoors 44:34 Family, Growth, and Resilience 47:48 Selling Your Business: Considerations 51:25 Prioritizing Work-Life Balance 54:00 Rapid-Fire Questions 55:24 Show Recap & Host Offers 01:00:15 Final Thoughts: Hope & Growth 01:03:52 Closing Remarks & Resources Key Takeaways: Transition from technician to partner to gain ownership and leadership skills. Offer advisory services to move beyond commoditized compliance work. Understand business valuation factors: client stickiness, staff retention, and clear operating procedures. Prioritize work-life balance to sustain personal well-being and strong family relationships. Collaborate with other accounting professionals to offer comprehensive client solutions. Featured Quotes: \u201cIf you want to be successful, you\u2019ve got to separate yourself from the work, and you got to work on your business.\u201d \u2014 Jeff Dredge \u201cHindsight is a commodity if that\u2019s what you\u2019re providing\u2026 When you start getting to insight and foresight, you can charge higher fees because there\u2019s greater value to what you\u2019re providing.\u201d \u2014 Jeff Dredge \u201cI think more than ever in today\u2019s world, we cannot be entrenched. We\u2019ve got to learn to use these tools.\u201d \u2014 Jeff Dredge Behind the Story: Jeff Dredge, a CPA and founder of an accounting business, recounts his career trajectory, including the pivotal decision to pursue accounting after being inspired by a mentor\u2019s lifestyle. He explains his preference for a smaller firm that offered rapid responsibility and the journey to becoming a partner within five years. The narrative delves into his experience with selling his firm to a private equity group, the anxieties surrounding being \u201cmicromanaged,\u201d and the eventual realization of greater focus on delivery and strategy. Jeff Dredge emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, community involvement, and fostering independence in his children through challenging experiences. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger\u2019s team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally?  Then accept and participate in the Accountrepreneurs Challenge.  This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career.   Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This conference is one you don\u2019t want to miss.   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\u2019s library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: \u201cRed to BLACK in 30 days \u2013 A small business accountant\u2019s guide to QUICK turnarounds.\u201d  \u201cin the BLACK, Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable\u201d  \u201cYour Strategic Accountant\u201d - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business.  \u201cYour Profit & Growth Expert\u201d - Offer CFO & Advisory services with confidence and competence.  Take the time to understand what your clients expect from you as their accountant. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals.  This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area.  After more than 40 years we\u2019ve identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share.     Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve.  GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients.   Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center.   It\u2019s here where you can become a:   Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE     For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals, check out this collection HERE!   Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe.   Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have.  We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback   For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777   ","author_name":"Building the Premier Accounting Firm","author_url":"http:\/\/premieraccountingfirmuac.libsyn.com\/website","html":"