The 5 questions to ask yourself about change in your firm

Richard Brewin • April 25, 2018

We should all know by now that accountancy firms have a pressing need to change. Digital disruption, and specifically Making Tax digital and cloud accounting, is changing the face of our profession, the needs and expectations of our clients and the demands being placed on our systems. Firms that want to develop as advisory practices […]

We should all know by now that accountancy firms have a pressing need to change. Digital disruption, and specifically Making Tax digital and cloud accounting, is changing the face of our profession, the needs and expectations of our clients and the demands being placed on our systems.

Firms that want to develop as advisory practices but keep their compliance arms face the dual challenge of changing the perceptions of ‘paid for’ advice and making the compliance product both cost effective and profitable.

Firms that want to focus on an online product face the challenge of maintaining value and creating differentiation in that market place.

Are you doing enough right now?  Ask yourself these 5 questions:

  1. Are you completely clear in your own mind of the direction in which you want your firm to go?  YES/NO/UNSURE
  2. Are the changes that you have made, or are already committed to make, to your systems, processes and resources consistent with that direction?  YES/NO/UNSURE 
  3. Do you have a clear client management plan in place for taking your clients in the same direction?  YES/NO/UNSURE
  4. Does the future excite you?  YES/NO/UNSURE
  5. Will you commit to action now to eradicate any ‘NO/UNSURE’ answers given in 1-4 above? YES/NO/UNSURE

MTD for business is now mandatory from April 2019, that’s 5 typical VAT returns away for many of your clients. How much have your systems, your clients’ systems and your client relationships changed over the last 5 submitted VAT returns? How much progress have you made in that time?

Get my point?

Change must be driven through your firm’s processes, client management strategies and support systems now if you are to be moving forwards proactively as opposed to reacting to HMRC and client pressures.

If your answers to 1-4 above aren’t all YES but your answer to 5 is then you are still in a good place. You at least recognise the need for change. Many of your competitors still don’t.

I’m very happy to talk to you now if you want guidance or support to create more YES answers for you.

Nothing Is Successful Without Enthusiasm: Why It Matters More Than Ever in Accounting

By Richard Brewin • October 30, 2025
In a world where technology, standards, and client expectations are constantly changing, one thing remains timeless: enthusiasm . As accountants, we’re known for precision, professionalism, and integrity — but without enthusiasm, even the most talented team can fall short of its true potential. As the saying goes, “Nothing is successful without enthusiasm.” And in today’s accounting profession, that’s more relevant than ever.  Here’s why enthusiasm is the secret ingredient that fuels success — both individually and collectively.

The Heart of the Profession: Why Empathy Matters More Than Ever for Accountants

By Richard Brewin • October 24, 2025
We live in a world that feels more uncertain by the day. Small business owners are juggling rising costs, changing markets, and constant pressure to do more with less. For many, it’s not just about keeping the business afloat — it’s about holding onto a dream.  And in the middle of all this change, accountants have a quiet but powerful role to play.

Time to coach

By Richard Brewin • October 17, 2025
We’ve always been the steady hand, the voice of reason, the trusted advisor. Coaching simply helps us do that better — with more empathy, clarity, and connection. Explore the new Accountants Coaching Community, launching now in Australia and the UK.