Accountants' Success Secrets

In this episode Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes review the latest 5 episodes of A.S.S and pull out some of the fantastic learnings 

 One of the key themes is being a business as well as an accounting firm with the understanding that "if you can't manage your own business, how can you manage someeone elses"

There's a strong theme around communiction and relationships too which is something that some accountants confess to struggling with.

If you're looking for a quick catch up, this is definitely for you

In this episode we welcome Jonathan Ford 
 
Jonathan is a director of Writers Tax Limited - a firm of chartered accountants that specialises in helping authors, script writers and other professional writers with their tax and accountancy needs. 
 
Johathan has a number of accolades to his name: 
 
Co-author of the Number 1 Best Seller - Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. 
 
Winner of the Accounting Excellence Specialist Team of the Year Award 2022. 
 
Winner of the Accounting Excellence New Firm of the Year Award 2022. 
 
Passionate about niche accountancy and not pursuing growth for the sake of growth. 
 
And for those who are interested in hearing about the media, this is most definitely for you 
 
This is a real treat with TONNES of important learnings

Enjoy

In this episode we talk to Pavan who has only been in business for 5 years but who brings a wealth of knowledge around the softer skills which many accountants may lack.

Good with communication and excellent at explaining the data to clients, Pavan has niched in a difficult space - creative agencies!

Not know for their financial acument, Pavan has got his work cut out with agencies but thrives on talking face to face or on zoom and turning difficult financial data into clear and actionable insights.

If you're looking at how AI can be your friend in the accounting world, Pavan has it cracked.  Using AI to find explanations "for 10 year olds" and then adding his own language and insight, he's found a way to make the client relationship solid and efficient

A really good listen for those who are thinking about starting out

LISTEN NOW

In this episode we talk to Graeme Tennick.

Graeme describes himself as Chief Impact Officer at Tennick Accountants, a multi award winning accounting firm. He’s from the North East, grew up with a Dad who had a forklift business and prides himself on being hands on and not afraid to do some hard graft.  Business first and accountants second.

There are some fabulous insights for other bookkeepers and accountants but the thinking around the broken relationship between client and accountant is an interesting one.  So is the strong message around collaboration which is driving the firm forward and bringing client engagement to new levels..

Future facing and innovative

A great listen

In this episode of A.S.S we are delighted to be talking to Mitch Hahn, CEO of Nordens. 
 
Having joined the firm in its earliest days, Mitch has been instrumental in its phenomenal growth. From helping to write the first chapter of the Nordens’ story, Mitch has risen to his current position of CEO, overseeing Business Development with a role that focuses on introducing and nurturing new clients and helping businesses grow and navigate through any issues they may be facing with specific strategic advisory. 
 
Outside of Nordens Mitch is an ex professional footballer who currently plays semi-professional football and captains the Team GB football team (Gold Medallist and double silver-medallist) and provides coaching and mentoring 
 
Wow what a CV! 
 
Join us to find out why Nordens:

A) Isn't the ordinary

B) Has a process to put the right people in the right seats which so important in business.

C) Cultivates a culture of positivity and approachability and aligns the team around a shared vision

And much much more.  

This is a great demonstration of a TRUE leader, innovator and all round good guy

We hope you enjoy it as much as we did

In this week's episode of A.S.S we will be discussing our last 6 interviewees pulling out a treasure trove of insights that we think are worthy of further discussion. 
 
This is where podcast meets learning as we digest what we've heard and bring our own perspective to the important themes that have discussed. 
 
If you want a shortcut to insight, this is for you 
 
If you don't know who to listen to first, this will give you a head start 
 
If you want to hear our analysis to add further value and strategic thinking, this is a must have too 
 
Whatever you need, this episode will bring everything together into a tidy and insight packed 30 minutes 
 
If you haven't yet listened in, this is most definitely for you!

In this episode we speak to Glenn Martin

Glenn is a North East based accountant and FD who has supported owner managed businesses for over 30 years, his firm Avery Martin Accountants focuses on helping business owners get the lifestyle they deserve with the client centric approach. 

This time we hear some gems around client portfolio management and a tried and tested approach to building a client base that you want rather than what you get landed with.

Glenn talks about his red, amber, green system and how learning to deal with difficult clients can yield fruit.

In this candid interview we hear about how Glenn managed through lockdown and the obstacles presented from 2019 to 2023.  There's lots to learn here.  The good news is that 2024 has brought the structure of the business Glenn wants and a really good and solid client base.

This is a good listen for those who want to be more commercial in their approach to their firm, Glenn has this covered in spades

We are thrilled to announce our next guest to the ASS Podcast series! 
 
This time we'd like to introduce Kieran Phelan, CEO and founder at Satori Accounting. 
 
In his own words: 
 
"In 2010, I broke the mould in our profession by becoming the first Xero Advisor in Northern Ireland and founding the first ever cloud accounting firm in Northern Ireland. 
 
Since then I have been at the forefront of the cloud accounting scene here, bringing the latest and greatest cloud tech to small businesses to help them 

I have helped the accounting profession in Ireland to embrace the new digital age we live in, taking part in Xero's roadshow events and giving talks to Chartered Accountants Ireland to share knowledge on digitalisation and cloud accounting tools. 
 
I am also a member of the advisory panel of The Digital Accountancy Show in London, a brand new accounting conference featuring the top tech and advisors in our industry. 
 
In 2019, I was nominated as Top 5 Finalist in the Accounting Web Accounting Excellence Awards as Practice Pioneer of the Year and our company was a top 3 finalist in Xero's annual awards as a 100% Xero firm. 
 
In March 2021 we were awarded Xero's UK Small Firm of the Year. 
 
With such an array of skills we look forward to learning more. 
 
See you there?

We are thrilled to welcome Vanessa Fuller to this episode of A.S.S.

Vanessa Fuller initially pursued a career in law, studying law and business at university with the aim of becoming a solicitor. However, after struggling to secure a training contract, she decided to explore other career options and found herself drawn to accountancy. Vanessa eventually landed a training contract with a top 10 firm and began her career in audit, but later transitioned to tax when she became pregnant with her daughter. This move allowed her to work in a more office-based role, where she discovered her passion for tax. 

Today, Vanessa Fuller thrives as a practice owner with her business partner.  She has over 400 clients and 8 staff whilst being able to work only 3 days a week.

Nicky founded Goringe Accountants in 2007 and Succession Planning in 2022. with a  vision is to take its clients from their early days through each stage of their lifecycle. That lifecycle includes access to finance, funding rounds and succession planning.

But this episode is more than this.  It's the story of one woman's mission to be in the Top 100 accounting firms as the original female founder.

On the way you'll experience several lightbulb moments including an enlightening take on Marketing.  Yes Marketing!

This lady is strong in communication and will deliver some very clear messages on breaking through

An episode where you need to take notes.

AWESOME

Welcome to to the A.S.S podcast where we talk to another fantastic accountant who has achieved great things over the years.

We are delighted to be speaking with Andrea Richards of Accounts Navigator who is a BIG personality with some huge goals.

Listen to how Andrea began her practice, experienced serious burn and had to re-prioritize to keep her partner and her business!

You'll hear about the test she uses for recruitment, her big learnings around having support in her business and how she has won the biggest contract of her life!

The Accountants’ Success Secrets podcast showcases and celebrates successful accountants who are doing good things, have years of experience and whose stories can inspire and encourage other accountants around the UK. 
 
In this episode we will be talking with Jessica Pillow of Pillow May Ltd. 
 
Jessica is passionate about cloud accounting software, process automation technology, and promoting the efficiency benefits of flexible & remote working practices. She is also an author for ICAEW, regular industry speaker, and cloud software innovator & development consultant. 
 
Jessica set up Pillow May in 2009 to break free from industry stereotypes and as early adopters of cloud software, cloud bookkeeping and fixed-fee pricing, are pioneering in offering their clients a dynamic & fresh approach. 
 
Pillow May’s vision is to be “accountants for a better life”. A simple statement, representing a multitude of grand plans and ambitions. They recognise what a huge emotional and financial investment it is to start your own business and see it as their privilege, to help clients cultivate a healthy financial environment - from which they can forge a better life.

This week we're on our own talking about the dreaded subject of niche or specialism.

It's come up so many times that we thought we'd dedicate some quality time to debunk the myths and talk about some clients who have taken the plunge and made it work for them.

If you've been mulling this over for some time, this is for you

We wanted to bring you the latest update from the Accountants' Success Secrets podcast! 
In our newest episode, hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes dive deep into the reviews of the first five episodes. If you haven't had a chance to listen yet, now is the perfect time to catch up on some incredible insights shared by experienced accountants in the industry.

Here are some key takeaways from the podcast reviews:

 1. Communication strategies for accountants

2. Success through resilience and mindset

3. Finding personal fulfillment in accounting

4. Supporting neurodiverse clients

5. Leveraging online networking for business growth

6. Commitment to giving back and volunteering

7. Insurance and disaster recovery planning for practices

8. Building self-confidence and setting boundaries with clients

9. Navigating tough times in running a practice

10. The power of video and technology in coaching and training

Be sure to listen to these amazing episodes to gain practical insights, learn success strategies, and get inspired by these remarkable accountants.

We are grateful for your continued support, and we hope this podcast brings immense value to your professional life as an accountant. 

Remember, our goal is to help you succeed and thrive in your practice. Stay tuned for more extraordinary episodes packed with wisdom and guidance from thought leaders in the accounting industry.

The Accountants’ Success Secrets podcast showcases and celebrates successful accountants who are doing good things, have years of experience and whose stories can inspire and encourage other accountants around the UK.

Hosted by Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes, this podcast provides an insight into the highs and lows, learnings and takeaways from a range of successful accountants.

In this episode we talk to Claire Owen-Jones of Loud & Clear Accounting Ltd.

Claire is an AAT licensed accountant who started her business, Loud and Clear Accounting, in 2015. Through a lot of trial and error, Claire has managed to pass the six figure turnover, all whilst working 25 hours a week and remaining a one man band.

If you want to learn about being a business owner and being neurodiversent then take a listen.  If you have kids too and can only work 25 hours and STILL want to earn £100k, this is definitely for you!

Some of the highlights:

1. From Fine Art to Accountancy
2. Uncovering the Hidden Potential: How ADHD and Dyslexia Influence Accounting Success
3. Excel Spreadsheets to Practice Management
4. Breaking the Mold: How Claire Built a Thriving Accounting Business by Accident
6. One Man Band Success: Managing 250 Clients Single-Handedly 
7. Overcoming Challenges: How Claire  Found Success in Accountancy Without a University Degree
8. Balancing Efficiency and Quality: Claire's Story of Evolving Accounting Practices
9. Networking in the Digital Age: Claire's Secrets to Online Success in Accounting
10. Adaptability and Communication: How Claire Supports Clients with Different Abilities in Accounting

This episode of Accountants' Success Secrets where we speak to Martin Cavey of Chorus Accounting is not to be missed!

We are delighted to be talking with Martin who has been a sole practitioner for 20 years. Having left the heady heights of a large regional firm, Martin stepped out in his early 30s to start his own practice (In 2004 this was a BIG deal).. Fast forward to today and he has a team of 6 with a practice that continues to flourish.

In this episode we'll learn about his journey into business ownership and more importantly about the life event which turned his world upside down, both personally and professionally, forever. We'll hear about his decision to "get on with life rather than running away" and how that decision has shaped everything that he does today. With strong values, and a stronger loyalty to his clients, we'll learn more about the highs and lows and some key learnings that we can take away

The Accountants’ Success Secrets podcast showcases and celebrates successful accountants who are doing good things, have years of experience and whose stories can inspire and encourage other accountants around the UK.

This series talks to accountants who have been at the top of their game for several years and have some key foundational learnings to share.

Hosted by Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes, this podcast provides an insight into the highs and lows, learnings and takeaways from a range of successful accountants.

We aim to cover the mechanics of the business of accounting, the softer more human side and provide interesting and valuable takeaways for the listener.

For this episode we will be speaking to Lorraine Ellison of Simply Additions Ltd.

Lorraine shares some of her fantastic insights including:

- A "no" list sheet can be a life saver and a means of empowering your conversations
- Ensure you have a clear filtering process before every call with a prospect
- Always provide a solution even if it's an alternative to working with a client

AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

The Accountants’ Success Secrets podcast showcases and celebrates successful accountants who are doing good things, have years of experience and whose stories can inspire and encourage other accountants around the UK.

This series talks to accountants who have been at the top of their game for several years and have some key foundational learnings to share.

Hosted by Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes, this podcast provides an insight into the highs and lows, learnings and takeaways from a range of successful accountants.

We aim to cover the mechanics of the business of accounting, the softer more human side and provide interesting and valuable takeaways for the listener.

This week we talk to Della Hudson,  chartered accountant who set up her first practice in 2009. She sold it in 2017 and then in 2020, she started a fresh practice at the height of the pandemic.  Author of "The Numbers Business" she has a wealth of knowledge of the accounting sector.

The Accountants’ Success Secrets podcast showcases and celebrates successful accountants who are doing good things, have years of experience and whose stories can inspire and encourage other accountants around the UK.

This series talks to accountants who have been at the top of their game for several years and have some key foundational learnings to share.

Hosted by Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes, this podcast provides an insight into the highs and lows, learnings and takeaways from a range of successful accountants.

We aim to cover the mechanics of the business of accounting, the softer more human side and provide interesting and valuable takeaways for the listener.

For this first episode we will be speaking to David Frederick, Managing Partner of Marcus Bishop Associates and published author of 4 Accounting books and co-author of a further two. Ex President of the AAT and frequent speaker, this is an episode not to be missed