Latest Articles
Avoid this trap when managing client expectations
A few recent experiences have prompted me to come back to thinking about how client expectations are managed. In particular, I’ve reflected on a “trap” I think many firms still fall into when trying to manage and guide client expectations. It’s a trap that typically...
Tasks to complete before 15 May and 30 June
As we are in the final quarter of another financial year in Australia, please pause to consider if you are on top of what you want to get done before 15 May and 30 June. If you are not, time to get your skates on! For accounting firms in Australia there is a well...
What Specsavers teaches accountants about process
I recently had a visit to Specsavers for my regular eye test and update of my glasses. It was a very good experience which made me realise that Specsavers could teach accountants a lot about processes and customer service. And of course in my role as an accounting...
What’s in M365? Microsoft Stream for Accounting Firms
In the first of a series of articles on M365, I start with exploring Microsoft Stream. It’s one of the applications that comes with many M365 subscriptions and which a lot of people are probably not conscious of. So what is Microsoft Stream, and how can it be...
Risk Management for Accountants: What’s your Plan B?
As an accounting firm owner I believe it wise for you to spend a little time considering what might go wrong in your business and what your “Plan B” will be. I was prompted to think about this by an unexpected event for me in January. I tried Pickle Ball (in South...
Seven accounting firm themes for 2025
As an accounting firm coach, consultant and mentor I’m privileged to see inside a lot of firms and talk to owners about what’s on their mind. Here are some of the common themes I believe will occupy the minds of accounting firm owners in 2025. The opportunities,...
Time sheets or no timesheets, that is the question! The pros and cons of using timesheets in an accounting firm
Timesheets have long been a staple in accounting firms, originally helping to track billable hours and measure team member productivity. However, as firms evolve with automation and value-based pricing models, the relevance of timesheets is open to question. As an...
Observations from Travel in Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia
In July 2024 Kate and I had the good fortune to spend five weeks in Europe. As part of this we spent some time in Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The short summary is these are all fabulous countries and I highly recommend them as places to visit. Denmark I’d...
Year end – A time for reflection and projection
I love the end of a calendar year. It’s a time for family Christmas celebrations in many households, including mine. It’s summer and there are some extra holidays to be had. There is generally a positive vibe in the community. These are all good things, but perhaps...
Something useful from Elon Musk for accountants
In 2017 I presented a session for the leaders of the firms in an association of firms in Australia. It was on lessons from 30 years in the profession and one of those lessons was “you can do more with less than you think (process and people)”. One of the key messages...
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