Meet Angela Roberts, the owner of Main Accounting. They are a virtual firm with six team members and over 40 clients.

In this episode, we talk about how she got her first client and continues to drive referrals, the challenges she faced growing her team, and pricing.

Show Notes

Host:
Welcome back to another episode of The Accounting Firm podcast where we bring you valuable discussions and insights from accounting firm owners. I’m your host, Shahram Zarshenas, and in today’s episode, we have a special guest joining us to share their journey of how they transformed their solo accounting firm into a thriving business. Our guest today is Angela Roberts, the founder and CEO of Main Accounting. Angela, welcome to the show!

 

Guest:
Thank you, Shahram. I’m excited to be here.

 

Host:
Let’s start by talking about the early days of Main Accounting. Can you tell us about your decision to transition from a solo firm to a larger business?

 

Guest:
Absolutely. Initially, I started Main Accounting as a one-person operation, providing accounting services to small businesses in my local area. As my client base grew, I realized that I needed to expand my capacity to meet the increasing demands. It was a difficult decision, but I knew that transitioning from a solo firm to a larger business was the right move to better serve my clients.

 

Host:
That sounds like a significant challenge. How did you go about building a team and delegating responsibilities?

 

Guest:
Building a team was a crucial step in the transition process. I carefully selected talented professionals who shared my vision and values. Delegating responsibilities was initially a struggle for me because I was used to handling everything myself. However, I quickly realized that I couldn’t do it all alone if I wanted to scale the business. I learned to trust my team and empower them to take ownership of their roles. It was about finding the right balance between being involved and allowing others to contribute their expertise.

 

Host:
That’s a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses. Can you share some specific strategies you implemented during the transition to ensure a smooth and successful journey?

 

Guest:
Certainly! One of the key strategies was developing streamlined processes and systems. We identified areas where efficiency could be improved and implemented new technologies and software solutions to automate repetitive tasks. This allowed us to handle a larger volume of clients without sacrificing quality.

Additionally, we focused on building strong relationships with our existing clients while actively seeking new ones. We enhanced our marketing efforts, leveraged social media platforms, and established partnerships with other professionals in related fields. Networking and word-of-mouth referrals played a crucial role in our growth.

 

Host:
It sounds like you made some remarkable strides during the transition. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

 

Guest:
One of the main challenges was managing the cultural shift within the company. As the team grew, maintaining a cohesive company culture became more complex. We invested time and effort into fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Regular team meetings, training sessions, and team-building activities helped to strengthen the bond among employees.

Another challenge was ensuring that the quality of our services remained consistent despite the increased workload. We focused on training and professional development to ensure that all team members were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. Continuous improvement and feedback loops became an integral part of our operations.

 

Host:
It’s inspiring to hear how you overcame those challenges. As we wrap up, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs considering a similar transition?

 

Guest:
My advice would be to plan meticulously and surround yourself with a strong team. Take the time to develop efficient systems and processes, and don’t hesitate to seek help or advice from mentors and industry experts. Also, be open to adapting and evolving as you grow. Embrace change and continuously invest in your team’s growth and development.

 

Host:
Wonderful advice, Angela. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and insights with us today. It was a pleasure having you on the show.

 

Guest:
Thank you