Blog & News

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.

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

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”.

The world of accounting, like most other aspects of life, is changing — and changing fast. Automation, AI, and new client expectations mean that simply “doing the numbers” isn’t enough anymore for accounting firms seeking to evolve and grow. Compliance will always matter, it’s the foundation of what we do, but it’s becoming the baseline, not the differentiator. We will always do accounts and tax, but no longer will firms be built around these as the core service. Team members will be spending less of their time compliance tasks and more in meeting the wider needs of clients. The contemporary accountant is evolving into something far more valuable: a strategic partner , a translator of data , and a coach for financial and personal growth .  So, what could accountants be offering beyond compliance in the years ahead?

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.

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.

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.

Look at the headlines and you don’t need me to tell you that the world feels unsettled. Wars, social disharmony, economic uncertainty, inflation, supply chain disruptions, digital attacks — the backdrop for business owners and families right now is complex, uncertain, and often stressful.  If you ask your clients what keeps them awake at night, it’s rarely a tax return. It’s their cashflow, their ability to look after staff, their own energy levels, their family’s security. They worry about the things that affect their lives, not just their ledgers.

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.