Posts Tagged ‘practice management’
Developing your firm’s strategy checklist
Reviewing your accounting firm’s strategic structure is a valuable way to align partners and leaders with the firm’s direction. It is also a strong entry point into advisory-based strategic planning services for your business clients. The following 15-point Strategy Checklist is a practical tool for planning, organising, and reviewing how effectively your strategic plan is…
Read MoreFrom Silos to Synergy: Why Culture, Not Configuration, Defines Cloud Security
“The greatest weakness in your cloud security setup isn’t misconfiguration – it’s mindset.” As the professional services sector embraces the cloud, the conversation around security is shifting. The new frontier of risk management is not just about technology; it’s about people, behaviours, and culture. In a world where data is everywhere and threats evolve daily,…
Read MoreClosing the Loop: Lessons from a Lifetime of Practice, People, and Progress
If you’ve been reading my blogs over the years, you’ll recognise the same drumbeat beneath every topic: make it simpler, make it smarter, make it serve people. I’ve written about pricing and productivity, talent and leadership, marketing and client experience, and systems, data, and the great unbundling of work by technology. I’ve nudged (and occasionally…
Read MoreFrom Compliance to Confidence: Managing an Accounting Firm in the Modern Era
Running a successful accounting firm today goes far beyond technical expertise. The environment is shifting rapidly, driven by client expectations, technology, and workforce dynamics, and firms need to adapt if they want to thrive. Effective management requires clarity of vision, purposeful leadership, and a deep focus on people. Leadership and Culture At the heart of…
Read MoreFrom Cost-Cutting to Value Creation; Let’s Simplify the New Role of Outsourcing
For years, outsourcing was primarily seen as a cost-cutting tool, sort of like a way to shift non-core functions to lower-cost regions and improve profit margins. While reducing operational costs remains a valid advantage, today’s business leaders are beginning to see outsourcing through a more strategic lens. It’s no longer just about saving money; it’s…
Read MoreWhy Resource Planning Matters More Than You Think
Most accounting firms do some form of capacity planning, but proper resource planning? That’s much less common. And that’s a shame, because the firms that do put in the effort consistently see better results: smoother workflows, happier teams, and more satisfied clients. Accounting is one of the few professional services where resource planning actually makes…
Read MoreThe Struggle for Accountability: Why Your Firm Needs an Accountability Framework
I encounter a common theme when working with firms: frustration with accountability. Too often, people are unwilling to take responsibility, and others are unwilling to hold them to account. This isn’t a simple issue to solve. It’s partly cultural. It’s also often a result of using the wrong performance measures, or a complete lack of…
Read MoreYour 2025 Resolution Must Be To: Get Digital Advice & Guidance For Your Business
The advice affordability problem is well documented: The majority of Australians know they need advice, albeit they have simple requirements given their financial circumstances, but only a small percentage of the population can actually afford to pay for the rising cost of personal comprehensive (multi-topic) advice. So, what’s being done to solve this problem?: Why…
Read MoreStrategic Planning for Your Accounting Firm
In today’s fast-evolving accounting industry, driven by technological advancements and generational shifts, staying relevant and competitive requires regular strategic planning for your accounting firm. By continuously assessing and refining your approach, your firm can provide up-to-date services while positioning itself ahead of competitors. The Importance of Flexibility in Strategic Planning Flexibility is key to effective…
Read MoreNew Year: Time for Client Engagement
For as long as I’ve been in the accounting profession, most firms I’ve worked with or spoken to acknowledge there are additional services they could provide to meet unmet client needs. In fact, many estimate they could generate 20% more in fees by tapping into these opportunities. Yet, many firms fail to unlock the opportunity.…
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