{"id":28888,"date":"2025-12-11T10:10:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T17:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/?p=28888"},"modified":"2025-12-15T09:28:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T16:28:14","slug":"how-to-build-an-accounting-firm-without-much-prior-experience-lessons-from-kirsten-reeders-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/how-to-build-an-accounting-firm-without-much-prior-experience-lessons-from-kirsten-reeders-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build an Accounting Firm Without Much Prior Experience: Lessons from Kirsten Reeder\u2019s Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Building an accounting firm from scratch can feel intimidating\u2014especially if you don\u2019t have years of industry experience or a traditional career path. But as Roger Knecht, President of Universal Accounting Center, <a href=\"https:\/\/universalaccounting.com\/blog\/2025\/04\/24\/2025-tax-planning-blueprint-your-quarterly-roadmap-to-maximize-deductions-kirstin-reeder\/\">explored on his podcast with guest Kirsten Reeder<\/a>, founder and CEO of Purple Sapphire Business Solutions, there\u2019s a clear roadmap for new accountants and bookkeepers who want to grow a successful practice from the ground up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article distills the <strong>core principles and strategies<\/strong> Knecht and Reeder discussed\u2014practical insights for anyone building an accounting firm with limited experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Start With What You <em>Do<\/em> Know\u2014and Build on It<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is that <strong>you don\u2019t need decades of accounting work under your belt to start a firm<\/strong>. Knecht emphasized that many successful practitioners begin with foundational training\u2014bookkeeping courses, certification programs, or focused upskilling\u2014rather than traditional accounting degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reeder\u2019s 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 <strong>what matters most is mastery of the services you offer today<\/strong>, plus a commitment to ongoing learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key lesson:<\/strong><br \/>You can enter the industry at any stage\u2014just be honest about where you are, and invest steadily in your expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. You Don\u2019t Need Every Credential on Day One<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t true\u2014but the EA credential did allow her to expand into tax resolution and IRS representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key lesson:<\/strong><br \/>Start with the services you\u2019re qualified to deliver now. Certifications can come later as your firm grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Pick a Niche Early\u2014Even if Your Experience Is Limited<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a niche isn\u2019t just for established firms. Knecht noted that specialization is actually one of the fastest ways to gain credibility when you\u2019re still new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reeder\u2019s firm is a perfect example. By focusing her bookkeeping services exclusively on the travel and tourism industry, she built deep expertise quickly\u2014even without decades of experience. As she stated on the podcast, understanding a niche\u2019s pain points creates trust much faster than offering general bookkeeping to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key lesson:<\/strong><br \/>A niche accelerates expertise. It also simplifies marketing, referrals, and pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Offer Services Through Clear, Structured Cadences<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beginners often struggle with inconsistent client communication or unclear scope. Knecht explained that <strong>structured client interactions<\/strong> solve many early-stage problems\u2014especially around tax planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He shared a simple, repeatable cadence new practitioners can adopt:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Q2:<\/strong> Review missed opportunities from the prior year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Q3:<\/strong> Check progress on strategies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Q4:<\/strong> Plan year-end moves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Reeder agreed that systematic touchpoints help clients see the value of ongoing advisory work, even if you\u2019re still gaining experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key lesson:<\/strong><br \/>Structure creates professionalism\u2014long before you feel experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Use Technology to Stay Organized (So You Don\u2019t Have To Be Perfect)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key lesson:<\/strong><br \/>Leverage automation and modern accounting software to deliver reliable results from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Understand the Difference Between Bookkeeping, Tax Prep, and Tax Planning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re just starting out, clarity on service offerings reduces overwhelm\u2014for both you and your clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the podcast, Reeder explained the importance of distinguishing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bookkeeping<\/strong> (accurate records)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tax preparation<\/strong> (compliance)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tax planning<\/strong> (strategy and advisory)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This separation is especially important for beginners, who often try to do everything at once. Knecht emphasized that building a firm gradually\u2014starting with foundational services and adding complexity later\u2014is far more sustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key lesson:<\/strong><br \/>Grow your service offerings in stages, starting with what you can confidently deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Network Relentlessly\u2014Your Experience Matters Less Than Your Relationships<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Experience isn\u2019t the only path to client acquisition. Knecht mentioned on the podcast that <strong>networking, industry involvement, and niche-specific communities<\/strong> produce results far faster than waiting to \u201cfeel ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reeder reinforced this. She grew her firm through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Facebook groups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BNI<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industry-specific conferences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Travel-sector events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because she specialized, networking became easier and more fruitful\u2014even early on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key lesson:<\/strong><br \/>People hire accountants they trust. Trust is built through visibility and relationships, not years in the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Protect Your Time\u2014Boundaries Build Credibility<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many new practitioners think they must be \u201calways available\u201d to prove themselves. Knecht warned that this leads to burnout and inconsistent service. Reeder shared how clear boundaries\u2014especially while homeschooling four of her nine children\u2014actually strengthened her business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key lesson:<\/strong><br \/>Boundaries are a business asset. They signal professionalism regardless of your experience level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Delegate Early, Not After You Burn Out<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2014even if it starts with small tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key lesson:<\/strong><br \/>Experience comes faster when you stop doing everything yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Lean on Community\u2014It Shortens the Learning Curve<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Knecht and Reeder emphasized that accounting can feel isolating, especially when you\u2019re new. Being part of a professional community\u2014whether through Universal Accounting Center, peer groups, or industry conferences\u2014provides support, education, and friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This sense of connection helps beginners navigate challenges without feeling alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key lesson:<\/strong><br \/>You don\u2019t need to have all the answers. You just need access to people who do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts: You Don\u2019t Need Experience\u2014You Need a System<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The core message from Knecht and Reeder\u2019s discussion is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A successful accounting firm is built on structure, support, specialization, and steady skill-building\u2014not decades of prior experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you follow the principles above, you can build a firm that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>grows sustainably<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>delivers real value<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>supports your lifestyle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>doesn\u2019t require you to know everything on day one<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You simply need the right framework\u2014and the willingness to keep learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/calendly.com\/uac-certification-enrollment\/career-success?month=2025-12\">schedule an appointment<\/a> when it&#8217;s convenient for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Building an accounting firm from scratch can feel intimidating\u2014especially if you don\u2019t 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\u2019s a clear roadmap for new accountants and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":28889,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[292,278,294,280],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-start-cfo-advisory-business","category-start-accounting-business","category-grow-cfo-advisory-business","category-grow-accounting-business"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28888"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28888\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalaccountingschool.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}