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.

Being proactive is a culture, not a slogan

By Richard Brewin • June 27, 2025
Look at any accounting firm website and there is a fair chance that the word ‘proactive’ will be prominent. Ask some business owners and taxpayers whether they consider their accountant to be proactive.  There is commonly a gap between the two, between the intent of the accountant and the expectations of the client.

How tech helps us to rebuild our trusted advisor role

By Richard Brewin • June 23, 2025
The tag ‘Trusted Advisor’ gets bandied around a lot. Without trying to be deliberately contentious, I often challenge its use. Undoubtedly, accountants were once the trusted advisor to their clients. When I came into the profession 44 years ago now, the older partners, especially, were seen by their clients as their trusted advisor, their ‘go to’ person on any issues, business, family or personal, that were troubling them. Without the filing deadlines of today, these clients were with their accountant primarily because they valued the relationship rather than the products.

Why your accounting firm is unique

By Richard Brewin • June 5, 2025
All accountants are the same! We’ve all heard it said. It’s nonsense, of course, but, when you are asked what it is that your firm does that differentiates it from other accounting firms, it can be a challenge to come up with something tangible.  Accounting firms tend to offer similar services, that’s what makes them accounting firms. Differentiating from competitors based upon services provided is therefore an issue.