Delving into the mindset of an accountant
Richard Brewin • July 18, 2024
Generalisation alert!
There are millions of accountants in this world. The number seems to lie around 2m-3m but it’s hard to pin down because some don’t admit it! Anyway, I readily admit that I have not delved into the mindset of them all and my views in this article are based just on the hundreds that I have come across. You may not recognise yourself in some of the words that follow….that is great!
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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”.