Mike Pocrnich is an accounting professional with over 20 years of experience, primarily in non-profit accounting, auditing, and financial analysis. Based in the Minneapolis area, he holds a BA in Accounting from St. John’s University. In his early career as a Senior Auditor at CliftonLarsonAllen, Mike managed non-profit audits, developed internalcontrols, trained junior staff, and presented financial reports to leadership. He is known for his financial forecasting, reporting, and analytical skills, as well as his proficiency in various ERP and CRM software, including the Microsoft suite.
Currently, as a Finance Manager at Element Financial Advisory, Mike Pocrnich provides CFO and Controller services for a range of clients, from government and non-profit organizations to entities with revenues exceeding $20 million. He specializes in financial forecasting and manages all aspects of state and federal grant administration. His prior role as Controller at Beltz, Kes, Darling & Associates (now BerganKDV) involved similar duties and the leadership of annual audits and client financial facilitation.
Mike’s professional skill set includes staff management, client relations, and a high emotional IQ, making him a strong communicator and customer service expert. He efficiently oversees accounts payable, payroll, and financial compliance, leading his team effectively. Mike Pocrnich’s extensive use of accounting principles like GAAP, FASB, and GASB throughout his career demonstrates his commitment to financial accuracy and strategic leadership. His experience and approach position him as a key resource for organizations looking to strengthen their financial practices and oversight.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I typically create a schedule ahead of time and follow it, to be sure that nothing is missed and my goals are met.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Brainstorming and collaboration is key.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the increasing use of advanced financial technologies, especially in nonprofit accounting. The integration of automation and AI in ERP systems is revolutionizing how we handle financial reporting and audits. It allows for more precise forecasting, reducing manual errors, and streamlining processes. This trend is reshaping how nonprofits manage their finances, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency, which ultimately helps organizations maximize their impact. Embracing these innovations can elevate the financial operations of any organization and free up more time for strategic decision-making.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me stay productive is prioritizing my day through detailed planning. Each morning, I review my tasks and organize them based on urgency and complexity. This allows me to tackle the most critical tasks during my peak focus hours. I also allocate time for follow-ups and breaks to maintain a steady workflow. This structured approach ensures I stay on track, especially when juggling multiple clients and projects. It’s also a practice I recommend to my team for fostering consistent productivity and avoiding last-minute rushes.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace adaptability and continuous learning, especially when it comes to emerging technologies. Early in my career, I focused heavily on mastering the technical side of accounting without fully understanding how rapidly technology would reshape the field. Staying open to learning new systems and financial tools would have given me an even stronger edge earlier on. Additionally, I’d emphasize the importance of building relationships—success isn’t just about technical skills, but also about collaborating with and supporting others.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that non-profit accounting can be just as dynamic and rewarding as for-profit sectors, if not more so. Many people assume non-profit finance is slow or limited compared to corporate roles, but the opposite is often true. Non-profits deal with unique challenges such as complex grant reporting, compliance with varying funding sources, and mission-driven budgeting. The opportunity to create meaningful impact while managing sophisticated financial systems is what makes this work fulfilling. Few see non-profit accounting as fast-paced or challenging, but I see it as incredibly rewarding.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend everyone set aside time for reflection and continuous improvement. Whether it’s at the end of the week or month, I review what worked, what didn’t, and where I can streamline processes. This habit helps identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement in both my work and personal life. It also keeps me grounded, ensuring that I don’t just move from task to task without considering the bigger picture. In a field like accounting, this habit promotes accuracy, growth, and long-term success.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I step outside and go for a short walk, often with my dog, June. Being in nature helps clear my mind and allows me to return to work with a fresh perspective. Sometimes, taking a break is the best way to regain focus. I also find that breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces helps reduce stress and improve my concentration. This approach allows me to tackle each component of a project systematically, rather than getting overwhelmed by the bigger picture.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong client relationships has been a key strategy in advancing my career. I’ve made it a priority to understand my clients’ missions and financial needs deeply, which fosters trust and long-term partnerships. By offering tailored financial solutions and maintaining clear communication, I ensure that my clients feel supported, which naturally leads to more referrals and expanded opportunities. This relationship-driven approach has been particularly effective in the non-profit sector, where transparency and trust are crucial.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the importance of communication during a large audit project. I was so focused on the technical details that I didn’t keep the leadership team fully informed. This caused confusion and delays. I learned that clear, consistent communication is just as important as technical expertise. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to update clients regularly, ensuring they’re fully aware of progress and potential issues. This experience taught me that technical skill and client communication must go hand in hand for successful project execution.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea is to create a specialized financial management software tailored specifically for non-profits and grant-funded organizations. Most current solutions cater to for-profits, but a customizable platform that simplifies grant management, tracks restricted funds, and automates compliance reporting could be a game-changer for non-profit organizations. It could also include built-in templates for state and federal grant reporting, reducing the administrative burden and freeing up time for organizations to focus on their missions.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Microsoft Excel remains one of the most powerful tools in my workflow. It’s incredibly versatile and allows me to perform everything from financial analysis to budgeting, and it’s indispensable for creating forecasts. I use Excel’s advanced functions, like pivot tables and macros, to automate complex financial processes, ensuring accuracy and saving time. Its ability to handle large data sets with ease makes it perfect for both day-to-day tasks and big projects, especially in managing non-profit finances and grants.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
A favorite book of mine is The Lean Startup by Eric Ries. Even though it’s targeted toward entrepreneurs, the concepts of innovation, testing ideas quickly, and iterating based on feedback resonate with any field, including accounting. The book’s focus on adaptability and continuous improvement has influenced how I approach financial management, helping me implement strategies that drive efficiency and innovation within organizations. I recommend it to anyone looking to rethink traditional business processes.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed the movie The Accountant. While the film’s portrayal of an accountant with a unique skill set is obviously dramatized, it highlights the importance of problem-solving and integrity in our profession. The movie also underscores how financial professionals can have a major impact beyond the balance sheet, which is something I’ve always believed in. Plus, it’s an entertaining take on a profession that doesn’t often get the Hollywood spotlight.
Key learnings
- Build strong client relationships to foster trust and long-term success.
- Prioritize communication alongside technical expertise to ensure project clarity.
- Embrace adaptability and continuous learning, especially with emerging technologies.
- Break down tasks to stay focused and prevent overwhelm.
- Regular reflection on work processes can lead to better efficiency and growth.