Episode 249: The Reverse Multifamily Office: Accounting First, Then Wealth

What if your accountant helped you build wealth instead of just filing forms?

On this episode of The Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, host Seth Greene sits down with CPA and entrepreneur Sean Duncan, founder of SMD Consulting & Accounting, who shares his unconventional journey from preparing for a career in the FBI to sparking a reinvention of the traditional CPA model.  Instead of stopping at compliance, Sean built a subscription-based, holistic advisory firm that brings together tax strategy, wealth management, insurance, and legal coordination to deliver a true family office experience for everyday clients. He shares powerful insights on building a purpose-driven business, scaling with culture, and turning accounting into a strategic engine for growth. 

Key Takeaways:

→ Career purpose matters more than titles.

→ Traditional accounting leaves opportunity on the table.

→ SMD thrives with solo and small-group medical practices, particularly surgeons, who earn significant income but are often underserved by traditional family offices. 

→ Moving to fixed-fee, subscription-style services eliminates billable-hour friction and encourages deeper client engagement. 

→ Leading with tax strategy and integrated wealth management through partnerships creates a comprehensive solution for high-earning professionals. 

Sean M. Duncan has built a powerful reputation as a thought leader in the accounting industry by championing proactive strategy, education, and real-world guidance over routine tax preparation. Through SMD Consulting and Accounting, LLC, he operates on the belief that business owners and individuals need forward-thinking advice as much as they need financial compliance. With more than 25 years of experience, Sean shares his deep expertise in tax strategy, wealth building, asset protection, legacy planning, and philanthropy through conferences, private seminars, client advisory, and mentorship, all driven by a passion for helping others achieve lasting success. 

Connect With Sean:

Website: https://smdaccounting.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-m-duncan-cpa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMDConsultingAndAccounting

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