The Level 5 Training Program


Originally developed by Edi Osborne* at Mentor Plus and taught live to thousands of accountants in North America, the program was designed to give accountants the tools they needed to deliver the kind of repeatable, value-added services their clients crave.  

This training, now available online and licensed for use by Geni Whitehouse at The Impactful Advisor, takes accountants from their traditional service offerings at Level 1 to continuous improvement at Level 5, enabling accountants to move their clients from hindsight to foresight.  

The online training includes everything you need to sit down and begin working with your clients immediately.  Course graduates have changed their practice and seen increased revenues by using just one of the more than 100 tools. 

“I look forward to learning more from you in 2024. You’ve made a huge impact on my firm and on my clients this year, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.” - Jonathan Godwin, CPA & Level 5 Graduate 

How does the online training work? 

The more than 100 tools are divided into levels with introductory conceptual videos in each main section plus tutorials, downloadable documents, spreadsheets, and even presentations which are licensed for use by you.  The training can be taken at your own pace with access to the videos available for as long as your subscription is current.  These tools are designed to help you gain a new mindset, provide you with a new skillset, and leverage new tools in helping your clients achieve their business goals.  At the completion of the training, you are eligible to take the Level 5 Certification Exam to gain certification. (This can be extended to the AIA (Accredited Impactful Advisor) certification for those who are looking to extend the training beyond the course.  

The Level 5 Online Training includes the following modules:

Getting Started

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.

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.

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.

Case Study

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.

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.  

Graduation / Certification

Level 5 PLUS

Continue Your Advisory Journey

Learning the Level 5 methodology is only the beginning.

The real transformation happens when you begin applying those concepts with actual clients. Every business is different. Every advisory conversation is unique. And with every new client comes new opportunities to learn.

That's why Geni Whitehouse created DIY Plus.

DIY Plus is an ongoing monthly subscription that helps you continue building your confidence as a trusted advisor. Through live monthly training, practical discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions, you'll continue learning directly from one of the accounting profession's leading advisory experts.

Whether you're just beginning your advisory journey or already helping clients make better business decisions, DIY Plus provides the continued guidance to help you grow.

Monthly Live Training. Real Conversations. Practical Results.

What You'll Receive

As a DIY Plus member, you'll enjoy exclusive monthly access to live training with Geni Whitehouse, including:

✔ Live monthly webinars

✔ Practical advisory strategies you can immediately apply

✔ Real-world client examples and case studies

✔ Live Q&A where you can ask your own questions

✔ New ideas and perspectives to strengthen your advisory practice

Every session is designed to help you become more confident using the Level 5 methodology in everyday client situations.

Why Continue Learning?

The most successful advisors never stop learning.

As your client base grows, so do the questions.

  • How do I facilitate better planning meetings?
  • Which Level 5 tools work best for this situation?
  • How do I help clients see opportunities they may be missing?
  • What's the best way to introduce advisory services?

DIY Plus gives you the opportunity to learn from Geni's experience while hearing questions and ideas from fellow accounting professionals who are building advisory practices just like yours.

Who Should Join?

DIY Plus is ideal for:

  • Graduates of the Level 5 DIY program
  • Bookkeepers expanding into advisory services
  • Accountants who want greater confidence leading client conversations
  • Professionals looking for continued coaching and practical guidance
  • Anyone committed to becoming a more impactful advisor

Flexible Monthly Membership

DIY Plus is offered as a separate monthly subscription.

You may remain a member for as long as you'd like and cancel your subscription at any time.

Your subscription includes live monthly training and Q&A sessions with Geni Whitehouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to complete Level 5 before joining?

DIY Plus is designed to complement the Level 5 DIY training. While you'll receive the greatest benefit after completing the core program, current Level 5 students are also welcome.

Are the webinars interactive?

Yes. Each session includes time for questions and discussion, giving you an opportunity to learn from Geni and other participants.

Is this a one-time class?

No. DIY Plus is an ongoing monthly subscription with new live training each month.

Does DIY Plus replace the Level 5 DIY course?

No. DIY Plus is designed to complement the self-paced training by providing continued live instruction and opportunities for discussion.

Continue Growing

The accounting profession continues to evolve, but one thing remains constant:

Business owners need advisors they trust.

DIY Plus helps you continue developing the skills, confidence, and perspective to become that trusted advisor.

Join DIY Plus and continue your journey with Geni Whitehouse.

Bundle includes

Here are all the courses that are included in your bundle.