Traditional CPA vs. Strategic CPA: What Helps You Grow

Good accounting does more than file taxes — it protects your cash flow, reduces risk, and increases the value of your business. In this episode of The Richer Geek Podcast, we sit down with Chris Hervochon, CPA, CVA, founder of Better Numbers, and one of the most respected strategic accountants in the industry.

Chris has been honored by the AICPA Leadership Academy, named a 40 Under 40 for five consecutive years, and has deep expertise in outsourced accounting, tax planning, business valuation, and working with growth-focused entrepreneurs.

In this conversation, Chris explains the real difference between traditional CPAs vs. strategic, advisory-driven CPAs, how outsourced accounting compares to bookkeeping and controllers, and when a fractional CFO is worth the investment. He also breaks down upcoming tax law changes, the biggest financial mistakes entrepreneurs make, and the hidden risks that destroy business valuation.

If you're serious about scaling, reducing taxes, and running your company like the asset it should be, this episode delivers a roadmap to smarter financial decisions.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Richer Geek for more episodes on wealth, entrepreneurship, and financial freedom.

Timestamps:
00:00: Welcome and intro to Chris Hervochon
00:54: Chris’s path: accounting → pro golf → forensic + corporate finance → Better Numbers
03:45: Why he works with growth-minded entrepreneurs
05:05: Traditional CPA vs strategic CPA
07:18: Why volume-based firms struggle to provide real advisory
09:10: Advisory, tax planning & saving clients tens of thousands
11:24: The power of quarterly and monthly check-ins
13:05: W-2 vs business owner: totally different tax worlds
15:32: Upcoming tax law changes & how they affect entrepreneurs
17:22: State + local tax complexities many founders overlook
18:40: Bookkeeper vs controller vs fractional CFO
21:30: When to hire a CFO & cost expectations
23:48: Low-hanging tax strategies: entity structure & home office rules
26:18: How business valuation works & what buyers really pay for
27:35: De-risking your business to increase value
28:50: How to connect with Chris Hervochon
29:20: Final advice: why relationship-driven accounting matters

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