My experience as an accounting firm coach and mentor in working with multiple firms is that the manager role is critical for firm success. I also observe that quite often people in these roles have not receive much in the way of training to equip them for success as a manager. While technical skills remain important it is the non-technical skills that make the real difference. I was asked by a few clients if I could develop some training specifically for managers and my Manager Development Program is the result.
I’ve outlined below what the program will look like and I’d love to get your feedback on it.
And of course if you review my outline and believe it would be a good fit for someone in your firm then I’d love to hear from you so we can book them in.
Who is this program designed for?
It is for managers in accounting and advisory firms or someone who is about to be promoted into that role. The program is suitable for business services, audit, insolvency and practice/office managers.
How long is it?
It is presented over three days with a break of a few weeks between each day to allow consolidation and application of each day’s learnings. Each day provides a minimum of 6 hours of CPD for members of CAANZ, CPAA or IPA.
What topics are covered?
The program is broken into 13 modules spread over three days as summarised on the next page. The content has been put together by Rob based on his many years’ experience in firms (including as a Business Services and General Manager) and supporting firms and specific feedback from firms on what they are seeking managers to be trained in.
What is the format?
The program is designed for a cohort of 16 managers from multiple firms to go through the three days together. The emphasis is on active participation and sharing with a range of activities including small and full group discussions, role plays and presentations by participants. Each module is supported by a framework and/or tools that participants will be able to apply in practice. If there is a high level of interest two cohorts of managers will be created.
At the end of each day each participant will identify three specific actions they will take as a result of the day. Rob will collect these from each participant and about a week after the day Rob will call each participant to check in on how they are going with the agreed actions. This will allow each participant to get some private support if they are finding challenges in completing their agreed actions.
Who is presenting the program?
Rob Pillans will be facilitating all three days.
Rob had his first experience training accountants as a regular guest instructor for the Learning and Development team at PW Sydney and was well trained in the art of facilitating learning. His specialities at that time became leadership and presentation skills. Since then he has presented on a wide range of topics.
In every accounting firm since PW, Rob was a passionate and successful presenter of training to team members of all levels. He is a natural and perceptive facilitator with a knack for explaining the complex. His sessions are interactive, engaging and energetic. Rob has presented for Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and the Institute of Public Accountants with excellent reviews.
When and where is it held?
A location in Sydney to be confirmed. Day 1 Tuesday 26 March, Day 2 Tuesday 9 April, Day 3 Tuesday 30 April. If there is demand a second cohort could be Day 1 Wednesday 3 April, Day 2 Wednesday 17 April, Day 3 Wednesday 1 May. There will also be a program offered in Brisbane and Melbourne.
What is the investment required?
$2,100 + GST per manager for the three days or $2,000 + GST for more than one manager. This includes:
- 18 hours of CPD for CAANZ, CPAA or IPA members
- A participant workbook and any other materials required
- Full catering for each day – beverages on arrival, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
- A brief individual follow up call for each participant with Rob after each of the three days
- A certificate of completion for each participant
- Feedback to each participant’s director/partner at a high level on that person’s participation in the program
Summary of the three days
DAY 1
| TOPIC | APPROX TIME |
| Warm up exercise and interactive introduction of participants and agenda | 1 hour |
| Module: 1 The role of a manager in an accounting firm – what it is and isn’t | 45 minutes |
| Module 2: Managing yourself and your priorities to be effective | 2 hours |
| Module 3: Managing others – applying the Situational Leadership framework and other ideas to get the best from your team, master the art of delegation and understand what motivates people | 2 hours |
| Module 4: Presentation skills – structuring and delivering a memorable presentation
On day two each participant will be applying these skills to deliver a prepared 5 minute presentation to the group |
1 hour |
| Wrap up – summary of the day and identification of three key actions | 30 minutes |
DAY 2
| TOPIC | APPROX TIME |
| Warm up exercise and recap from Day 1 | 30 minutes |
| Module 5: Managing jobs – workflow, WIP and debtors – to keep the business engine running smoothly – get jobs completed on time and on budget | 75 minutes |
| Module 6: Applying presentation skills – each person delivers a prepared 5 minute presentation on “how I helped a client” which is videoed and feedback provided including from other participants | 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Module 7: Client service and relationships – add a little wow! | 1 hour |
| Module 8: Communication styles – understanding your own and being able to adapt to others | 1 hour |
| Wrap up – summary of the day and identification of three key actions | 30 minutes |
DAY 3
| TOPIC | APPROX TIME |
| Warm up exercise and recap from Day 1 and Day 2 | 30 minutes |
| Module 9: Business development / marketing – what managers can do | 75 minutes |
| Module 10: Delivering beyond compliance for your clients | 2 hours |
| Module 11: Giving feedback – informal day to day and more formal performance reviews | 70 minutes |
| Module 12: Running effective business meetings | 1 hour |
| Module 13: Negotiating with and influencing others | 1 hour |
| Wrap up – summary of the days and identification of three key actions | 30 minutes |