Don’t overlook the simple improvements in your search for the big fixes

Richard Brewin • June 15, 2019

Great works of art are not photographs. They are not the result of a single action but many, many thousands of individual brush strokes and steps, improved upon every day until the final result, the outstanding near perfection, is achieved.

As an accountant in practice, you can spend a lot of time and mind space researching, sourcing and trying to integrate the resources and developments that you need to invest in to keep pace with the rapid rate of change happening around us and within our profession.

Decisions on software and recruitment in particular are big decisions, necessary for meeting the ‘grand plan’ but time consuming and often not immediately achievable.

There is a common danger that the progression of a firm can be put on hold as thinking is focused on finding the solution for the firm’s improvement.

Amongst these big changes, it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that smaller improvements in your firm can be made every single day that can lead to amazing, and just as grand, outcomes.

Everybody in your firm can make improvements every single day. Small actions that on their own may seem inconsequential but cumulatively, and over time, can achieve the sort of performance and success that you have been searching for.

Creating a culture of improvement in your firm, where every day you and your team look to improve personal performance, client experience, systems and processes, teamwork is hugely beneficial on every level.

We’re not talking about seismic changes here. Trying that bit harder, smiling more often, sticking to the system, thinking about a client or colleague a little more, making slight upgrades and changes…it’s not hard.

Like everything else that has the greatest impact, it’s something to grow into your culture. Lead by example, encourage support and remain consistent in your attitude towards growing this.

Small brush strokes and tiny corrections lead to amazing artwork.

Why not start by painting “Individually and together, we can do better!” on your office wall.

The Art of Saying No Without Losing Clients

By Richard Brewin • December 5, 2025
In the Accountant/client relationship, “yes” often feels like the default. Yes to urgent requests. Yes to timeline shifts. Yes to “just one more thing” added to the scope. We want to say yes to our clients. We want to support them, be helpful and build more work, but every unqualified additional yes becomes an invisible cost; on your time, your margins, and your wellbeing.  Bold accountants think differently. They know that “no” isn’t rejection. It’s honest and professional. It’s a strategic decision that protects quality, strengthens relationships, and reinforces your value.

From compliance filer to trusted coach: The role waiting for accountants willing to start the client conversation

By Richard Brewin • November 28, 2025
Let’s be honest, most business owners have a perception of an accountant that probably falls far short of our ambitions. They want someone who helps them make sense of the chaos, plan for growth, and sleep better at night knowing someone’s got their back, but their accountant doesn’t usually spring to mind as this person. What they dream of is a coach, not an accountant, but, weirdly, they often don’t trust coaches but do trust their accountant. Their accountant can be both, so the client gets the trust and the coaching

AI in Accounting Firms: Key Considerations for Leaders Today

By Richard Brewin • November 17, 2025
Artificial Intelligence isn’t the future of accounting — it’s here now. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering deeper insights, AI is transforming the way we work, serve clients, and lead teams. But for firm leaders, success isn’t just about implementing technology; it’s about doing it strategically, responsibly, and humanely .  Before diving into the ‘how’ and making piecemeal decisions, accounting firm leaders need to consider the ‘why’…and its not as simple as “because everyone else is”.