It’s a defining moment for accountants. Andy Gove (Intel) was once quoted, “We are at an inflection point where we need a fundamental shift in business strategy, nothing less is sufficient”. Although that’s still true today, given recent events, we believe this is a defining moment!
Now more than ever, small business owners are leaning on you for help and support. Accountants all over the world have been pulling out all the stops to support their small business clients over the last few months. 2020 has brought a lot of stress and uncertainty, lockdowns and new government stimulus packages seemingly never-ending.
But, there is light at the end of the tunnel. An inevitable recovery IS happening. And now is the time to plan for the future, not the time to sit back and react.
In our latest Clarity/Futrli Facebook live, Will and Dan discuss WHY now is a defining moment and why NOW is the time for action.
A defining moment for Accountants
A short and sweet summary from Clarity’s Will Jackson:
Why do Accountants want to do Advisory?
The phrase business advisory and trusted advisor is branded around a lot . With the perception that advisory is the answer if you want to start bringing in additional revenue. Yes, increased revenue is one benefit to value added services. But, more than this, advisory services means better relationships with your clients and an increase in client stickiness.
Studies show that 78% of SME’s want their accountant to be their ‘trusted advisor’. Someone they can go to regularly to have strategic sessions and advice. So why not start having those conversation when your clients need to speak with you regardless!?
Tax return season is coming thick and fast. This is normally a time of year accountants dread. It can take long hours, and even more time chasing clients for their information. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. If you have an efficient document collection process in place throughout the year, this time can really be spent sat down with the client, discussing how the year has been for them and really giving them some tangible insights into their business. It could be a conversation surrounding cashflow, business valuation or how they would like to structurally set up the business for growth.
“2020 has been a shocker of a year, whom many can’t wait to see the back of. However, I think it has given everyone a moment to reflect on their current relationship they have with their accountant and where they think it can be improved. Having simple conversations with your clients about business/lifestyle goals can only benefit both the accountant and client. It gives you a quantifiable metric to begin to work towards”.
_____________________________________________________
AAT Members
If you’re an AAT member and would like to join Aynsley Damery, CEO of Clarity, for a hands-on practical workshop specifically for accountants in practice on “Planning for 2021 before it’s too late”. Please register here.
This webinar is part of the AAT Practice Pros series brought to you by our partners at Clarity. All webinars in the AAT Practice Pros series have been designed to provide valuable CPD and educational content which we feel is of value to our members working in accountancy practice.
