Latest Articles
Check your client permissions before your next AI query
With the rise and rise of AI one thing that can be easily forgotten is the importance of understanding privacy, confidentiality and security issues around its use. I included getting clear on these things in my 13 elements for an AI strategy that adds value. I...
Optimising for AI Search: What You Need to Know From Google’s First Official Guide
Getting the most from your digital marketing strategy is a pretty specialised area. So this month I’ve included some great content from Kiki Prasad at Harper Digital. With the rise and rise of AI I think we all understand that there is a need to move beyond SEO. Over...
The client experience – what accountants can learn from Johannesburg airport
As an accounting firm coach, consultant and mentor I often look at things in the world with my clients in mind. Ideas and lessons can come from all sorts of places. And Johannesburg airport is one of those places. Some context first. In April/May Kate and I spent...
Building an AI Strategy That Delivers Value: The essential elements for small to medium accounting firms
AI is no longer a side project for the technology enthusiast in the firm. It has quickly become part of everyday accounting software, document production, research, client communication, workflow and pretty much anything else that goes on inside an accounting and...
Elite athletes, coaching and business
Australia recently completed a very successful participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Italy. We won 3 gold, 2 silver and a bronze in Olympic competition and 1 silver and 1 bronze in Paralympic competition. One thing you can be sure of is that...
Risk Management Gets Personal
Some recent events involving a few people I know have highlighted the importance of considering risk and also highlighted how personal this needs to be, particularly for firms with a single owner. I’ll come back to the details of what happened, but for now a reminder...
What is Power Automate, and how can it be used in a small to medium accounting firm?
A practical article for accounting firm owners, partners, managers and operational leaders. In simple terms Power Automate is Microsoft’s workflow and automation tool. It lets firms trigger actions automatically when an event occurs, on a schedule, or after a user...
Observations from the Accountants Business Expo (ABE) 2026 in Sydney
ABE has been running for a number of years now and based on feedback from people I’ve spoken with appears to have been a success in 2026. They advertise it as having about 150 speakers, 100 organisations displaying their wares and 3,000 visitors. For the most part I...
Microsoft Lists vs Microsoft Planner for Accountants
Both these tools are a part of many M365 subscriptions. So how small and medium accounting firms can use each tool effectively? A simple way to remember the difference: Microsoft Lists is best for tracking structured information; Microsoft Planner is best for tracking...
From “Sea of Sameness” to Standout: How Firms Can Differentiate in a Crowded Market
(Thanks to guest writer Damien Greathead for this article.) Walk through the websites of ten accounting firms, and you’ll start to notice a pattern. “Tailored approach.” “Trusted advisors.” “Excellence and integrity.” “Seamless client service.” These phrases are...
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