Manager Development Program
Who is this program designed for?
It is for new and experienced managers in accounting and advisory firms or someone who is on the path become a manager.
The typical role of participants is Senior Accountant, Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Manager or Senior Manager.
The program is suitable for business services, tax, advisory, audit, insolvency and practice/office managers. We’ve also had people in financial planning participate.
How long is it?
The face to face program runs over three full days with a break of three to four weeks between each day to allow consolidation of each day’s learnings. The online facilitated program runs over six half days with typically a week or two between sessions. Both formats deliver 20 hours of CPD for members of CAANZ, CPAA or IPA.
How interactive is it?
Very interactive! Both for the face to face and online facilitated version each module has activities for participants where they typically work in groups of two or three to discuss ideas or work on case studies. Plus Rob as facilitator takes questions from participants on the fly all the way through. He also asks lots of questions of participants!
What topics are covered?
The program is broken into 13 modules as summarised below. The content has been put together by Rob Pillans 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.
Summary of content:
13 modules, presented over 3 x full days (face to face), or 6 x half days (online).
Day 1
Warm up exercise and interactive introduction of participants and agenda.
Module 1: The role of a manager in an accounting firm – what it is and isn’t and how it differs to other roles.
Module 2: Managing yourself and your priorities to be effective.
Module 3: Managing others –master the art of delegation, apply the Situational Leadership model and understand what motivates people.
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.
Wrap up: Summary of the day, identification of three key actions by each participant.
Day 2
Module 5: Managing jobs - to keep the business engine running smoothly – get jobs completed on time, on budget and promptly billed and collected.
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.
Module 7: Communicating and working effectively with others. Each participant will complete a DiSC profile assessment which will be discussed during the module delivery.
Module 8: Client service and relationship management. Includes how to become a trusted advisor and add some wow for your clients.
Wrap up: Summary of the day, identification of three key actions by each participant.
Day 3
Module 9: Negotiating with and influencing others. Build your confidence in dealing with others and having your views accepted.
Module 10: Delivering beyond compliance for your clients. Why is this useful and how managers can play a critical role.
Module 11: Giving feedback - informal day to day and more formal performance reviews.
Module 12: Running effective business meetings. How to make the most of your meetings and to know if you even need one!
Module 13: Business development / marketing – what managers can do. Each participant will start on building a personalised BD plan.
Wrap up: Summary of the days, identification of three key actions and certificate of completion presentation.
Who is facilitating the program?
Rob Pillans facilitates all face to face and online programs. See Rob’s profile here. As at January 2023, 204 people have participated in the program and given it an average rating of 4.8 where 4 is excellent and 5 is outstanding. Participants love Rob’s skills, knowledge and energy as a facilitator and value the real world examples he integrates into the program.
What is the investment required?
Face to face – $2,200 + GST per manager for the three days or $2,100 + GST for more than one participant from the same firm.
Online – $1,900 + GST per participant for the six half days or $1,800 + GST for more than one participant from the same firm.
This includes:
- 20 hours of CPD for CAANZ, CPAA or IPA members
- Participant workbooks
- Full catering for each day* – beverages on arrival, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (*face to face program only)
- An individual follow up call for each participant with Rob after program completion
- A certificate of completion for each participant