The big question about your systems and people

Richard Brewin • January 13, 2023

Which is more important to your accounting firm, your systems or your people?

It’s tempting to jump in, of course, and say “both” and most firm leaders will try to develop this way but, are we diluting our efforts in doing so? What if, by focusing just on one, we made better progress across them both?

Which is more important to your accounting firm, your systems or your people?


It’s tempting to jump in, of course, and say “both” and most firm leaders will try to develop this way but, are we diluting our efforts in doing so? What if, by focusing just on one, we made better progress across them both?


In which case, which one?


As with many things in our profession, the general answer is “It depends”.


It depends on:-


·     your vision for your firm

·     your own values and drivers

·     how you aim to deliver your services

·     the commercial goals that you have

·     your target market


There is a very strong argument for prioritising your systems. Systems bring a consistency and efficiency to your delivery. The processes within them provide a framework and rulebook for your firm. With systems in place you can more easily drive and monitor your operation, embed new people and scale up your business.


But…


 what if your people don’t stick to them?

 what if they present too many constraints?

What if they prevent you from being agile in a changing world?


Conversely then, there is a strong argument for prioritising your people. Their thinking brings creativity, flexibility and solutions to your firm. Their personality brings energy and drive.  The human touch is a great differentiator in our tech-based, system-driven world and is often what clients crave.


But …


how do you manage the timing and quality of your delivery?

how do you make your business scalable when the talent pool is running low?

how do you guarantee your outcomes?


I wonder if, by trying to better both aspects of our firm at the same time, we end up in a less effective middle ground,  mixing our strategies and creating a people/systems muddle as opposed to a people driven or systems driven strategy.


It’s common to walk into a good firm but still see people frustrated by systems or systems not being used properly by people with less effective outcomes in either case.


Take a step back.


Do you want a people driven firm supported by systems…


or a systems driven firm supported by people?


Be clear on that point first, a point fully aligned to your core vision, and then use this to determine which aspect is your number one priority. That will then shape how you address the other side.


As a people driven business you want systems that help them to excel.


As a systems driven business you want people that help them to function effectively.


That clarity may just help you to make better decisions.


Which is more important to you?

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.