Building an accounting firm from scratch can feel intimidating—especially if you don’t have years of industry experience or a traditional career path. But as Roger Knecht, President of Universal Accounting Center, explored on his podcast with guest Kirsten Reeder, founder and CEO of Purple Sapphire Business Solutions, there’s a clear roadmap for new accountants and bookkeepers who want to grow a successful practice from the ground up.

This article distills the core principles and strategies Knecht and Reeder discussed—practical insights for anyone building an accounting firm with limited experience.

1. Start With What You Do Know—and Build on It

One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is that you don’t need decades of accounting work under your belt to start a firm. Knecht emphasized that many successful practitioners begin with foundational training—bookkeeping courses, certification programs, or focused upskilling—rather than traditional accounting degrees.

Reeder’s experience backs this up. On the podcast, she shared how she returned to accounting after an 18-year break, leaning on a bookkeeping course to sharpen her skills. Her success shows that what matters most is mastery of the services you offer today, plus a commitment to ongoing learning.

Key lesson:
You can enter the industry at any stage—just be honest about where you are, and invest steadily in your expertise.

2. You Don’t Need Every Credential on Day One

Many new firm owners get stuck thinking they must earn an advanced certification before taking on clients. Knecht pointed out that this is one of the most common barriers he sees among beginners.

Reeder offered a helpful perspective: she originally pursued the Enrolled Agent (EA) designation because she assumed it was required to offer tax services. She later learned that wasn’t true—but the EA credential did allow her to expand into tax resolution and IRS representation.

Key lesson:
Start with the services you’re qualified to deliver now. Certifications can come later as your firm grows.

3. Pick a Niche Early—Even if Your Experience Is Limited

Choosing a niche isn’t just for established firms. Knecht noted that specialization is actually one of the fastest ways to gain credibility when you’re still new.

Reeder’s firm is a perfect example. By focusing her bookkeeping services exclusively on the travel and tourism industry, she built deep expertise quickly—even without decades of experience. As she stated on the podcast, understanding a niche’s pain points creates trust much faster than offering general bookkeeping to everyone.

Key lesson:
A niche accelerates expertise. It also simplifies marketing, referrals, and pricing.

4. Offer Services Through Clear, Structured Cadences

Beginners often struggle with inconsistent client communication or unclear scope. Knecht explained that structured client interactions solve many early-stage problems—especially around tax planning.

He shared a simple, repeatable cadence new practitioners can adopt:

• Q2: Review missed opportunities from the prior year
• Q3: Check progress on strategies
• Q4: Plan year-end moves

Reeder agreed that systematic touchpoints help clients see the value of ongoing advisory work, even if you’re still gaining experience.

Key lesson:
Structure creates professionalism—long before you feel experienced.

5. Use Technology to Stay Organized (So You Don’t Have To Be Perfect)

When you’re new, the right tech stack acts like a force multiplier. Reeder emphasized that tools such as TaxDome help streamline communication, automate onboarding, and give new firm owners a repeatable process for managing clients.

Knecht often stresses on the podcast that modern tools give beginners a level playing field: clients care about results and organization, not whether you have 20 years of experience.

Key lesson:
Leverage automation and modern accounting software to deliver reliable results from day one.

6. Understand the Difference Between Bookkeeping, Tax Prep, and Tax Planning

If you’re just starting out, clarity on service offerings reduces overwhelm—for both you and your clients.

On the podcast, Reeder explained the importance of distinguishing:

• Bookkeeping (accurate records)
• Tax preparation (compliance)
• Tax planning (strategy and advisory)

This separation is especially important for beginners, who often try to do everything at once. Knecht emphasized that building a firm gradually—starting with foundational services and adding complexity later—is far more sustainable.

Key lesson:
Grow your service offerings in stages, starting with what you can confidently deliver.

7. Network Relentlessly—Your Experience Matters Less Than Your Relationships

Experience isn’t the only path to client acquisition. Knecht mentioned on the podcast that networking, industry involvement, and niche-specific communities produce results far faster than waiting to “feel ready.”

Reeder reinforced this. She grew her firm through:

• Facebook groups
• BNI
• Industry-specific conferences
• Travel-sector events

Because she specialized, networking became easier and more fruitful—even early on.

Key lesson:
People hire accountants they trust. Trust is built through visibility and relationships, not years in the industry.

8. Protect Your Time—Boundaries Build Credibility

Many new practitioners think they must be “always available” to prove themselves. Knecht warned that this leads to burnout and inconsistent service. Reeder shared how clear boundaries—especially while homeschooling four of her nine children—actually strengthened her business.

Setting defined working hours, limiting scope creep, and charging appropriately for add-on consultations all help new firm owners maintain stability and deliver higher-quality service.

Key lesson:
Boundaries are a business asset. They signal professionalism regardless of your experience level.

9. Delegate Early, Not After You Burn Out

New firm owners often hesitate to hire because they feel inexperienced themselves. But on the podcast, Knecht and Reeder agreed that delegation is essential for growth—even if it starts with small tasks.

Reeder acknowledged that letting go of control is hard, but hiring a team allowed her to focus on advisory work and strategic growth instead of micromanaging.

Key lesson:
Experience comes faster when you stop doing everything yourself.

10. Lean on Community—It Shortens the Learning Curve

Both Knecht and Reeder emphasized that accounting can feel isolating, especially when you’re new. Being part of a professional community—whether through Universal Accounting Center, peer groups, or industry conferences—provides support, education, and friendship.

This sense of connection helps beginners navigate challenges without feeling alone.

Key lesson:
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need access to people who do.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Experience—You Need a System

The core message from Knecht and Reeder’s discussion is this:

A successful accounting firm is built on structure, support, specialization, and steady skill-building—not decades of prior experience.

If you follow the principles above, you can build a firm that:

• grows sustainably
• delivers real value
• supports your lifestyle
• doesn’t require you to know everything on day one

You simply need the right framework—and the willingness to keep learning.

Universal Accounting Center will teach you everything you need to know to build your own firm. Give us a call at 435-344-2060 to get started, or schedule an appointment when it’s convenient for you.