I. Getting Started

II. Level 1 – Technical Foundation

Level 1 is where every accounting firm lives. It’s the technical foundation that makes up the profession’s comfort zone. It’s something accountants are really good at, so naturally, they gravitate towards it.

At the same time, it’s difficult to differentiate services at this level; being good at Level 1 is an assumed competency. Clients expect (and rightly so) that you excel at the preparation and delivery of financial statements, taxes, and audits. However, with proper training in our proven Level 5 methodology, you can add tremendous value even at this level.

III. Level 2 – Financial Fluency (What if)

Level 2 is about hindsight (understanding what has already happened) AND insight (understanding the implications of those outcomes going forward). 

We start with financial fluency: helping clients better understand their businesses from a financial perspective. We then 

take that fluency skill and do some “what if” calculations around the most critical ratios in a client’s business. With the right mindset, tool set, and skill set, gained from online training in our complete Level 5 Advisor methodology, you can help your clients create the business of their dreams.

IV. & V. Level 3 (3A and 3B) – Discovery

At Level 3 we work with clients from a strategic perspective to understand their vision, and ensure they have a clear plan for executing that vision. Borrowing from Stephen Covey, “beginning with the end in mind” (knowing where your clients want to go in the future), helps you tailor information to support strategically focused decision-making. It’s the difference between managing the business day-to-day and managing toward a desired outcome.

In Level 3, the focus shifts from analyzing the past to planning for the future. This level is divided into two sections: Level 3A is about uncovering opportunities in your client’s business while Level 3B is about planning and facilitation. 

By investing in Level 5 training (an investment you can recoup with a single client engagement), you will be setting yourself apart from every other accountant in your market.

VI. Case Study

VII. Level 4 – Linking Activities to Outcomes

Level 4 looks at the plans developed at Level 3 and translates the big picture goals into measurable activities called KPIs (key performance indicators). We establish a performance measurement system to monitor the KPIs. Those KPIs are designed to support management decisions.

Equally valuable, from a client perspective we are able to provide the team with strategically relevant feedback about how they are performing. We implement the feedback loop through the use of custom dashboards. At this stage, with the tools and support available from Level 5 training, you will be creating an actionable plan that everyone in your client’s company can follow.

VIII. Level 5 – Continuous Improvement

Level 5 is about the ongoing review of measures and outcomes to determine if clients are on track to achieve the goals they’ve set for themselves. 

As market conditions change or your client’s goals and strategies get adjusted, you’ll end up helping clients develop new measures or realign the ones they already have in place to provide the decision support needed to run the company more effectively. Thanks to your Level 5 Certified Advisor training, you will at last be able to call yourself a true Trusted Advisor.  

IX. Graduation / Certification