Meet David!

In this conversation, Zane interviews David Barbieto, a managing partner at De La Hoz Perez, and Barbieto, who shares his journey in the accounting profession.

David discusses the importance of teamwork, personal growth, and the challenges he faced transitioning from a large firm to starting his own. He reflects on his early career, the cultural adaptations he made while studying in Miami, and how he found his passion in public accounting. The conversation also touches on the significance of embracing technology, the entrepreneurial mindset, and the impact of personal experiences on professional success.

Takeaways

- The secret to success is surrounding yourself with a great team.

- Growth is essential for everyone in an organization.

- Public accounting offers unparalleled exposure to various business models.

-Transitioning to a new firm can be daunting but rewarding.

- Building a firm requires a different mindset than just having a job.

- Embracing technology is crucial for the future of accounting.

- Personal experiences shape professional journeys significantly.

- Risk management is a key aspect of entrepreneurship.

- Success is not just about personal achievement but also about serving others.

- Celebrating small wins helps in recognizing progress.

Sound Bites

"The secret is your team."

"I wanted to do my own thing."

"You have to walk the talk."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to David Barbeito

01:08 The Importance of Team and Growth

05:43 David's Journey into Accounting

13:43 Passion Meets Profession

18:01 Transitioning to Independence

24:54 Reflections on Success and Future Goals

26:07 The Pursuit of Goals and Growth Mindset

28:37 Heritage and Sacrifices: A Family Legacy

30:55 Navigating Change: The Leap into Entrepreneurship

35:45 Building a Firm: The Entrepreneurial Journey

41:01 Technology and Client Experience in Accounting

45:24 The Value of Public Accounting: A Career Perspective

46:10 Personal Insights: Life Beyond the Office

47:56 Rapid Fire Questions: Quick Insights

Connect with David:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbeitocpa/

Meet Geni!

In this conversation, Geni Whitehouse shares her insights on the evolving role of accountants, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding client needs, and adapting to cultural differences. She discusses her experiences in the wine industry and how they have shaped her approach to client interactions.

Geni highlights the need for accountants to focus on effectiveness over efficiency, the significance of training in communication skills, and the impact of technology on the profession. She also offers advice for new accountants and reflects on the future of the accounting industry.

Takeaways

- Communication is key in accounting to serve clients better.

- Understanding cultural differences can enhance client interactions.

- Lessons from the wine industry can inform better client service.

- Accountants need to focus on effectiveness, not just efficiency.

- Training in communication is essential for accountants.

- Bookkeepers play a crucial role in client success.

- Technology should be used to automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for valuable interactions.

- The future of accounting relies on adapting to client expectations and technology.

- Accountants should strive to make their clients feel smarter.

Sound Bites

"We need to automate the crappy stuff."

"We have to train them and educate them."

"Don't be afraid to ask dumb questions."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Geni Whitehouse and Her Mission

02:47 The Importance of Communication in Accounting

05:39 Cultural Differences and Client Interactions

08:40 Lessons from the Wine Industry

11:29 The Shift in Accounting Practices

14:18 The Role of Bookkeepers in Client Success

17:16 The Need for Effective Communication Skills

20:02 Training and Development in Accounting

23:04 Finding the Right People for Client Engagement

25:48 Empowering Accountants to Communicate Effectively

27:46 Rethinking People Management in Accounting

30:43 The Challenge of Attracting New Talent

32:45 Embracing Technology in Accounting

43:50 Advice for Aspiring Accountants and Personal Insights

Connect with Geni: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evenanerd/

Meet Scott!

In this episode, Zane interviews Scott Fuller, founder of Virtus Accounting Solutions.

Scott shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to becoming a seasoned CPA, emphasizing the importance of aligning financial strategies with personal values. He discusses his experiences in public accounting, corporate finance, and ultimately starting his own firm to help purpose-driven businesses achieve financial clarity.

Scott highlights the significance of empathy in client relationships and the role of accounting in making a positive impact in the world. He discusses the importance of purpose-driven business models, emphasizing the alignment of values with clients. He shares insights on niching by values rather than industry, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of collaboration over competition.

Scott also provides personal anecdotes and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of giving your best and maintaining business fundamentals.

Takeaways

- Scott's mission is to align financial strategies with values.

- He emphasizes the importance of empathy in client relationships.

- Scott's journey includes experiences in public accounting and corporate finance.

- He believes in the value of listening to clients' needs.

- Scott's firm focuses on providing financial clarity to clients.

- The name 'Virtus' reflects integrity and courage in business.

- Scott encourages younger accountants to experience both public and corporate accounting. We typically work with for-profit businesses that do good.

- Niching by values allows for a deeper connection with clients.

- It's important to focus on business fundamentals, even in purpose-driven companies.

- Your best effort is always good enough, regardless of outcomes.

- Collaboration in the accounting community is essential for growth.

- It's harder than it looks to run a business successfully.

- Values alignment with clients leads to better outcomes.

- Personal experiences shape our approach to business.

Sound Bites

"I think empathy is a really great word."

"Our job is to be the Yoda to help guide them."

"It's about doing good in the world."

"It's about the value behind it and the integrity."

"Your best is always good enough."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scott Fuller and His Mission

04:44 Scott's Journey into Accounting

11:39 Transitioning to Corporate Accounting

19:57 Starting Virtus Accounting Solutions

30:20 Defining Purpose-Driven Businesses

33:48 Purpose-Driven Business Models

36:18 Client Examples and Values Alignment

39:59 Niching by Values vs. Industry

42:52 Business Fundamentals and Growth Strategies

47:29 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

51:10 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Scott: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottfullercpa/