The Life First Accounting Firm podcast is for accounting firm owners, and accountants thinking about starting one, who want to build a successful practice without giving up their life outside of work.
Many accountants don't actually hate the work itself. They hate the work styles and environments that dominate the profession. This podcast exists to show that there are other ways to own and run an accounting firm — ways that prioritize sustainability, balance, and long-term well-being alongside meaningful work and reasonable income.
Because you don't have to give up your life to have a successful career in accounting.
S1 Bonus: Lessons Learned from Buying a Firm w. Logan George
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Logan George comes back on the podcast for this bonus episode. This conversation covers the detailed process of purchasing an accounting firm, including the decision-making, due diligence, negotiation, challenges, and reflections on the final decision. It emphasizes the importance of timing and cash flow when purchasing a firm, and highlights the lessons learned from the experience.
Logan George | High Peak Accounting (https://www.highpeakaccounting.com/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-george-cpa-09166a112/)
Resources Mentioned:
S1E2 Buying a Tax Firm w. Logan George | YoutTube (https://youtu.be/cRBp4uepwlA?si=XZAEvzNayIG8G_rk) | Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s1e2-starting-stories-buying-a-tax-firm-w-logan-george/id1883188369?i=1000761058453) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VtRKEYjr3vyPnkD0rTs61?si=28e4ac59806f4281)
Quit by Annie Duke | https://a.co/d/0hBPS735 (https://a.co/d/0hBPS735)
SBA Loans | https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:28 The Letter of Intent and Due Diligence
17:10 Challenges and Concerns
26:29 Final Decision and Reflection
39:16 Transition Period and Financing
51:35 Launching a Firm and Lessons Learned
Content ID Code: CKKC2DILY76LPKKU
1 Jun 2026
S1E9 Starting Stories: The Takeaways
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The first season of the Life First Accounting Firm podcast concludes with a recap of the main takeaways from the interviews. The key themes include the flexibility of starting a firm while working, the importance of personal networks for acquiring clients, reevaluating one's relationship with accounting, the value of time and flexibility, the need for self-belief, and the significance of financial stability as a backstop.
Content ID Code: CKKC2DILY76LPKKU
25 May 2026
S1E8 Starting Stories: Firm Ownership After Burnout w. Andrew Parks
Subscribe to The 15 Hour Accountant Newsletter (https://mailchi.mp/ericagoode/15hr-podcast)
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Andrew Parks | Momentum Strategic Advisors (http://momentumstrategy.co) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-parks-4134bb103/)
Resources Mentioned:
Aligned Accountants (https://www.alignedaccountants.com/)
Andrew Parks shares his journey from nonprofit work to starting his own accounting firm, highlighting the evolution of his career and facing burnout along the way. He discusses the process of self-reflection, networking, and the formation of his business with a partner, emphasizing the importance of listening and learning from others. Andrew Parks discusses his experience in managing a business, developing partnerships, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. He shares insights on client acquisition, financial management, and the flexibility of running his own firm.
Chapters
00:00 Meet Andrew Parks
05:47 Experience in Accounting and Advisory Services
13:08 Engaging with the Network and First Client
20:43 Business Growth and Service Offerings
25:55 Adapting to Business Changes
32:52 Client Size and Revenue Target
39:09 Navigating Burnout and Decision-Making
Content ID Code: CKKC2DILY76LPKKU
18 May 2026
S1E7 Starting Stories: A Side Gig Firm w. Monique Reece
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Monique Reece | Reece Accountancy (https://reeceaccountancy.com/)
Resources Mentioned:
ProConnect (https://accountants.intuit.com/tax-software/tax-online/)
Calendly (https://calendly.com/)
Aligned Accountants (https://www.alignedaccountants.com/)
This conversation covers the journey of Monique Reese, a CPA, from starting her accounting firm as a side hustle to transitioning it into a full-time business. It explores the impact of the pandemic, client acquisition strategies, and the challenges of balancing a side hustle with a full-time job. Monique shares personal challenges and the importance of work-life balance in her entrepreneurial journey. It also delves into the significance of starting with referrals and the challenges of marketing a side hustle. The conversation provides valuable advice for individuals considering starting a side hustle and emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability in the journey.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Debut
07:11 Impact of the Pandemic on Business
15:16 Balancing Work Hours and Client Load
38:34 Advice for Starting a Side Hustle
Content ID Code: CKKC2DILY76LPKKU
11 May 2026
S1E6 Starting Stories: Traveling the World + Running a Firm w. Alex Ostrov
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Alex Ostrov | Nomad CPA (https://nomad.cpa/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ostrov) | X (Twitter) (https://x.com/nomad_cpa)
Resources Mentioned:
Aligned Accountants (https://www.alignedaccountants.com/)
HoldCo Conference (https://www.holdcoconference.com/)
Alex Ostrov shares his journey from working in a traditional accounting firm to starting his own firm, Nomad CPA, while living a nomadic lifestyle. He discusses the challenges and rewards of remote work, building a global team, and the importance of work-life balance.
Chapters
00:00 Transition from Traditional Accounting to Nomad CPA
09:42 Client Base and Global Presence
18:36 Managing a Global Team and Time Zone Challenges
25:12 Professional Satisfaction and Growth
31:29 Advice for Aspiring Fractional CFOs and Controllers
Content ID Code: CKKC2DILY76LPKKU
4 May 2026
S1E5 Starting Stories: Using Upwork to Get Clients w. Katie Rau
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Katie Rau | Blessed Books LLC (https://blessedbooksllc.com/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katierau-blessedbooksllc/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/people/Blessed-Books-LLC/61559843682847/)
Resources Mentioned:
Upwork (https://www.upwork.com/)
QuickBooks Online Accountant (https://quickbooks.intuit.com/accountants/pricing/)
The conversation covers the journey of starting a solo accounting practice, client acquisition through Upwork, work-life balance, long-term vision, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Katie Rau shares insights into her experience and offers valuable advice for those considering a similar path in the accounting industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Update
11:19 Client Acquisition through Upwork
18:38 Work-Life Balance and Future Plans
26:22 Long-Term Vision and Business Growth
33:09 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Content ID Code: CKKC2DILY76LPKKU
27 Apr 2026
S1E4 Starting Stories: Coming From a Non-Accounting Background w. Steve Nay
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Steve Nay | Daybreak Tax (https://www.daybreaktax.com/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nsteven/)
Resources Mentioned:
Business Strategies for CPAs (https://www.businessstrategyforcpas.com/) podcast by Geraldine Carter
EA Journal (https://eajournal.naea.org/)
National Association of Enrolled Agents (https://www.naea.org/)
Tax in Action (https://tax.show/episodes) podcast by Jeremy Wells
All the Money in the World (https://a.co/d/0evVOvuj) by Laura Vanderkam
The conversation with Steve Nay covers his journey from a non-accounting background to starting a tax practice while working full-time. It explores the challenges and decisions involved in this transition, from becoming an enrolled agent to choosing tax software and managing the workload. The conversation covers the experience of balancing a side business with a full-time job, the growth and revenue of the business, client relationships, marketing, and the challenges of being a sole practitioner. It also provides advice for aspiring accountants coming from a different industry.
Chapters
00:00 Meet Steve
11:26 Choosing Tax Software and First Clients
17:01 Experience and Expertise
23:30 Client Relationships and Marketing
28:47 Challenges of a Sole Practitioner
Content ID Code: CKKC2DILY76LPKKU
20 Apr 2026
S1E3 Starting Stories: Building a Firm During Maternity Leave w. Savannah Reynolds
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Resources Mentioned:
The 15 Hour Accounting (https://mailchi.mp/ericagoode/15-hr-accountant-ebook) (Erica’s free ebook)
Savannah Reynolds | Branch and Vine Accounting, LLC (https://branchandvineaccounting.co/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/branchandvineaccounting/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/branchandvineaccounting/)
Savannah Reynolds shares her journey from a corporate controller role to starting her own firm. She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood, career, and entrepreneurship, as well as the lessons learned from her experiences. Savannah Reynolds discusses her experience transitioning from corporate accounting to running her own accounting firm, the challenges of setting pricing and finding the right clients, the impact of working from home on work-life balance, and the value of flexibility and autonomy in her new role.
Chapters
00:00 Career Transition and Corporate Dissatisfaction
07:30 Maternity Leave and Business Setup
14:37 Service Offerings and Client Engagement
20:08 Monthly Clients and Disjointed Work
25:21 Unwinding Corporate Habits
32:06 Learning and Experimentation
38:24 Career Transition and Encouragement
Content ID Code: CKKC2DILY76LPKKU
13 Apr 2026
S1E2 Starting Stories: Buying a Tax Firm w. Logan George
Subscribe to The 15 Hour Accountant Newsletter (https://mailchi.mp/ericagoode/15hr-podcast)
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Resources Mentioned:
Geraldine Carter (https://www.geraldinecarter.com/)
Michelle Weinstein (https://theabundantaccountant.com/)
Logan George | High Peak Accounting (https://www.highpeakaccounting.com/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-george-cpa-09166a112/)
The conversation covers Logan George's journey from being an employee to becoming a business owner, including the challenges and growth experienced in the first year of business. It explores his transition to entrepreneurship, merging and partnering with a firm, and the process of purchasing a tax practice. Additionally, it delves into the experiences and lessons learned during the first year of business and the subsequent growth. The conversation delves into the challenges of making tough business decisions, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and balance as key motivations. It also explores the natural human desire for growth and progress, even in a state of contentment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:07 Growth and Merger
11:01 Financial Considerations
17:09 Business Growth and Transition
22:28 Revenue and Workload Management
29:27 Motivation and Enjoyment of Work
Content ID Code: CKKC2DILY76LPKKU
6 Apr 2026
S1E1: Welcome to Starting Stories
Subscribe to The 15 Hour Accountant Newsletter (https://mailchi.mp/ericagoode/15hr-podcast)
Erica Goode | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-goode-cpa/)
Season 1: "Starting Stories" aims to highlight the experiences of accountants who started their own firms, emphasizing the possibility of success without sacrificing personal life. Erica Goode shares her journey and the intentional, life-first approach to accounting firm ownership, promising diverse and transparent conversations with guests.
Takeaways
Accounting firm owners can build successful careers without sacrificing their personal lives.
The podcast aims to showcase the stories of everyday accountants who started their own firms.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Starting Stories
06:13 Intentional Living in the Accounting Industry
Content ID Code: CKKC2DILY76LPKKU
6 Mar 2026
Starting Stories is coming soon!
The Life First Accounting Firm podcast is kicking off Season 1: Starting Stories soon!
Subscribe and Follow so you don't miss the first episode.
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