THOUGHT PROVOKING ARTICLES FROM COUNT AND OUR VALUED CONTRIBUTORS
HOW TO HAVE A DIFFICULT CONVERSATION WITH YOUR CLIENTS
07 January 2019It’s not easy to talk to clients about what will happen if they lose their mental capacity through illness or injury. But having a difficult conversation now could make an enormous difference to their...
TOP 5 WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS
10 December 2018Promoting your firm doesn't have to cost the earth. Here are some simple, cost effective ways to put yourself out there.
THE RISE OF THE GIG ECONOMY
12 November 2018As more people swap full-time employment for freelance work, accountants and financial advisers can help their clients stay in control of their money.
WANT TO BECOME A BETTER NETWORKER?
15 October 2018These simple rules of networking will have you working the room like a pro.
HOW TO BUILD A NEXT-GENERATION WORKFORCE
17 September 2018Does your firm want to attract and retain talented staff – especially younger employees? Here are five ways to help make your workplace millennial-friendly.
IMPRESSIONS DO COUNT WHEN IT COMES TO OFFICE DESIGN
20 August 2018The design of your office can say a lot about your business. To get it right, ask yourself these 5 questions.
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
23 July 2018Since 1978, Robertson Scannell has been helping the community of Toowoomba – initially as an accounting firm, and now with full suite of financial services, including financial planning, business advi...
MARK O’BRIEN: EVERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR IS THE RESULT OF YEARS OF WORK
25 June 2018Success in business is rarely achieved overnight. Instead, it takes years of careful thinking, planning and refining – and learning from the experience of others. Mark O’Brien from Count’s Member Firm...
3 TRENDS SHAPING THE ACCOUNTING INDUSTRY
18 June 2018What’s the current state of play for Australia’s accountants? A new CommBank study highlights the driving forces at work in the industry, while offering a glimpse into the future for the accounting pr...
HOW SHOULD YOU SPEND YOUR FY19 TRAINING BUDGET?
28 May 2018As the financial services industry continues to undergo rapid transformation, it’s more important than ever to stay up to date with changes that could impact your firm and your clients. With a wide ra...
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CLIENT VALUE PROPOSITION + PERSONALISED SERVICE = BUSINESS SUCCESS
30 April 2018While technology is changing the way accountants and advisers operate, there’s no replacement for human connection. Count Pinnacle Award winner Bob Reus explains why a clear value proposition and stro...
FIVE TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR FIRM TO THE TOP
06 April 2018Want your firm to stand out from the pack? Slipstream Coaching’s Sharon McClafferty, a key presenter at last month’s Count Conference, offers some strategies to set you off in the right direction.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: REFLECTIONS ON FEMALE FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
08 March 2018Support your female clients by giving them the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their own financial journeys.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BEING ACCESSIBLE TO YOUR CLIENTS
14 February 2018If you want to create the best possible client experience, making yourself more accessible can go a long way.
SUPPORTING YOUR CLIENTS THROUGH LIFE'S JOURNEY
12 February 2018The right financial advice lasts a lifetime. Here’s how you can continue to play an important part in your clients’ lives, even after they’ve retired.
THE ART OF GIVING BACK
15 January 2018Want to start off the year on the right foot? One way is to make charitable giving a part of your firm’s business activities. Here’s how to do it.
THE THREE Rs FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2018
04 December 2017Planning big things for your accounting business in 2018? Take some time out now – and come back even stronger next year.
SEVEN TIPS FOR CREATING A HIGH PERFORMING TEAM
09 October 2017A team is more than just the sum of its parts – to achieve the best outcomes, every team member needs to work together effectively.
WEBSITE DIY IN FIVE STEPS
13 September 2017Need a new website for your accounting or financial advice firm but you’re not sure where to begin? These simple steps will start you off on the right foot.
GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH CLIENT REFERRALS
14 August 2017Even though referrals from loyal clients can give your business a tremendous boost, many accountants and financial advisers struggle to start the conversation. But according to referrals expert David ...
YOUR FY18 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
17 July 2017Not sure where to focus your professional development budget for this financial year? Here are some of the key industry events happening around the country – plus suggestions on how you can join the c...
DAMIEN MCKERN: LOOK FOR BUSINESS PARTNERS WHOSE VALUES ALIGN WITH YOURS
26 June 2017Over the last 15 years, Damien McKern and the team at McKern & Associates have built a loyal base of accounting clients. With a view to provide an even more comprehensive service to his clients, in 20...
DOES YOUR FIRM MAKE THE MOST OF TAX TIME?
19 June 2017For many accounting firms, EOFY is when things really start to get hectic. But it’s also an opportunity to connect and engage with clients.
OVERCOMING THE PRICING CHALLENGE
12 June 2017How can you articulate the true value of your services to clients – and charge them fairly for it? Count Practice Development Manager Paul Tsikopolous has some answers.
JAKE REUS: YOU NEED TO FOCUS ON YOUR CLIENTS BEFORE YOUR BUSINESS CAN GROW
05 June 2017According to Jake Reus, Partner and Head of Financial Planning at Bob Reus & Co, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to serving clients. His efforts have paid off, with the firm growing ...
WHERE IS THE ACCOUNTING INDUSTRY HEADED?
09 May 2017According to the latest Accounting Market Pulse report, Australian accountants are investing in their future – and already reaping the rewards.
HELPING YOUR CLIENTS ON THE ROAD TO RETIREMENT
24 April 2017Recent Commonwealth Bank research shows that only 53% of Australian households are on track for a comfortable retirement. So how can you make sure your accounting clients are ‘retire ready’?
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE CLIENT: STAYING CLIENT-CENTRED IN THE AGE OF AUTOMATION
18 April 2017With the impact of automation on accountants and advisers a hot topic, sometimes, the importance of knowing your client can be overlooked. Count Pinnacle Award winner Jim Pickersgill explains how putt...
IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS PROCESSES IN FIVE STEPS
10 April 2017So you want to grow your accounting firm? Here’s how to build better processes across your firm in five simple steps.
OLD DOGS, NEW TRICKS: HELPING SENIOR ACCOUNTANTS NAVIGATING CHANGE
27 March 2017It’s a big concern for young accountants looking to move into financial advice: how can you break from tradition … and also bring your older colleagues along for the ride?
ACCOUNTING IN 2017:TAKEOUTS FROM THIS YEAR'S COUNT CONFERENCE
20 March 2017The 32nd annual Count Conference was packed with valuable insights for Australian accountants. Here are seven highlights.
THE GLASS CEILING
06 March 2017Every year on 8 March, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world. So what better time to reflect on what the future holds for women in the financial advice industry?
ARE YOUR SMSF CLIENTS READY FOR 1 JULY?
27 February 2017The 13th annual SMSF Association National Conference focused on the impact of the upcoming super reforms and how advisers and accountants can guide their SMSF clients through the changes.
DEVELOPING YOUR FIRM’S CLIENT VALUE PROPOSITION
20 February 2017As with any business, it helps to have a roadmap to follow – and that’s where your CVP comes in. Here’s how to create a clear and effective CVP.
GUIDING YOUR CLIENTS THROUGH THE NEW SUPER RULES
08 February 2017Want to show your clients that you have their best interests at heart? Here’s how you can, by getting them ready for the super reforms coming into play on 1 July.
ACCOUNTANTS AND SMSFS: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
06 February 2017With only a small number of accountants now licensed to provide SMSF advice, what does it mean for the industry?
FIVE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
30 January 2017Have you set your personal New Year’s resolutions? You can always replace them with these business resolutions to help drive your accounting firm forward.
HOW TO MAKE GOOGLE WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS
23 January 2017How can you make the most of Google’s capabilities to analyse data and gain insights into client behaviours?
ROBOT WARS: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE VERSUS ROBO-ADVICE
16 January 2017Technology is on the rise in the accounting industry and not necessarily a threat to your existence. Think of it as an opportunity to deliver even better service to your clients.
THREE OF THIS YEAR’S HOTTEST TOPICS
19 December 2016As we prepare to enjoy the holiday season, we take a look back at 2016 to explore some of the topics that were front of mind for accountants during the year.
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: A DOZEN WAYS TO THANK YOUR STAFF
05 December 2016Here are some ways you can reward your staff for their hard work throughout the year.
HELPING YOUR CLIENTS MANAGE THE COSTS OF AGED CARE
28 November 2016Moving into aged care is a life-changing decision – which is why your clients need to start planning early. Here’s how you can help them make a smooth transition into their next life phase.
THE ART OF INFLUENCE: SEVEN STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL COMMUNICATION
21 November 2016The success of your business depends on the relationships you build with your clients and your team. Expert Chris Helder can teach you the art of effective communication in seven simple steps.
FOUR LAWS FOR LEADERS TO LIVE BY
14 November 2016What does leadership means for accountants and advisers? Here are some ground rules for building a prosperous firm of the future.
Q&A WITH DAVID LANE: IMPORTANCE OF SMSF LICENSING IN THIS NEW WORLD
07 November 2016With the new SMSF licensing rules now in place, what are the potential risks for unlicensed accountants who continue to provide SMSF advice? To find out, we spoke to Count Financial’s CEO, David Lane.
PREPARING YOUR CLIENTS FOR THE NEW SUPER RULES
31 October 2016With super contribution caps proposed to be reduced in 2017, now’s the time to connect with your clients and guide them through the potential changes.
SMART BUSINESS, SMARTER SOLUTIONS
24 October 2016The transition from accounting into financial advice is a big step — but if you get it right, the benefits for your firm will speak for themselves. Here’s how Smart Business Solutions are making the m...
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: HOW YOU CAN BUILD THE FIRM OF THE FUTURE
17 October 2016Want to give your accounting firm the best chance of future success? Then you need to start focusing on these seven key areas.
CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE: FOUR STEPS TO EFFECTIVE CLIENT COMMUNICATION
10 October 2016As competition gets fiercer for accountants and financial advisers, how can you make sure your message gets across to your clients?
WHAT’S KEEPING YOUR SME CLIENTS UP AT NIGHT?
03 October 2016A new report on SME business owners reveals a few monsters under the bed — but also gives insights into how you can make life easier for your SME clients.
INSIGHTS FROM AN INSIDER: XEROCON SOUTH 2016
26 September 2016On 7–9 September, thousands of accounting professionals and industry leaders met at the southern hemisphere’s largest tech conference, Xerocon. Here’s what we took home from.
LENDING: THE NEW FRONTIER FOR ACCOUNTANTS
12 September 2016Looking for new ways to serve your accounting and advice clients? Adding a lending service to your offering could be the answer.
GENERATION NEXT: HOW TO BUILD YOUR FUTURE CLIENT BASE
05 September 2016With close to 7 million Gen Xs & Gen Ys in Australia, it's time to start reaching out to the people who don’t yet have an accountant or financial adviser.
GENERALIST OR SPECIALIST: FIVE STEPS TO SMSF SUCCESS
29 August 2016Think long term if you want to make self-managed super a lucrative and sustainable part of your business.
HOW WILL THE SUPER REFORMS IMPACT YOUR SMSF CLIENTS?
22 August 2016The government proposed widespread reforms to Australia’s super system. SMSF clients may need to rethink their super strategies before the changes take effect.
WHAT MILLENNIALS WANT
15 August 2016Here are 5 things you should know about millennials, a valuable client segment.
UNLOCK THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA
08 August 2016Social media is fast becoming an essential tool for accountants and financial advisers looking to grow their business.
HOW TO CREATE A HIGH-PERFORMING TEAM
01 August 2016As the accounting landscape continues to evolve, accountants need to focus more on the value they provide to their clients and less on their billable hours.
ARE YOU (AND YOUR CLIENTS) SUPERSTREAM-READY?
25 July 2016The new SuperStream system makes it easier for you to manage your employee super payments. It also offers an opportunity to add value for your small business clients. The first step: make sure you’re ...
TEN TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS CYBER-SAFE
18 July 2016Exposure to cyber risks can have serious legal, financial and reputational implications. That’s why you need to understand the risks and be vigilant about managing them.
FIVE PROVEN WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH CLIENTS THROUGH TIMES OF CHANGE
11 July 2016As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, your accounting firm’s communication and marketing strategy should too. Here’s what some of the more successful firms are doing to set themselves up fo...
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE
04 July 2016If you’re making the transition from accounting to advisory services, what does it mean for your professional indemnity cover?
GLOBAL MEGATRENDS — AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS
13 June 2016Colonial First State shares insights into some of the key trends shaping the global economy.
INSIGHTS FROM THE LATEST COMMBANK ACCOUNTING MARKET PULSE
06 June 2016CommBank released the Accounting Market Pulse for FY16. The report captures the sentiments of a cross-section of different-sized firms around the country.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
30 May 2016With end of financial year fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to plan your professional development spend for the year ahead.
AVOID THE EOFY BREAK UP
23 May 2016Want to keep your clients happy this end of financial year (EOFY)? Focusing on client engagement is a great place to start.
MAKE BETTER BUSINESS DECISIONS WITH THE RIGHT FRAMEWORK
16 May 2016When you’re running your own accounting firm, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks that keep your business going. What’s not always so easy? Stepping back to look at the bigger picture.
HOW ARE YOU SPENDING YOUR WORK TIME?
09 May 2016Accountants may balance books, but balancing time is another matter. How can you maximise your time and work smarter, not harder?
VALUE-BASED PRICING AND THE CLIENT CONVERSATION
02 May 2016Many accounting firms are moving towards value-based pricing structures - but you will need to articulate what the change will mean.
HOW DO YOU LOOK ONLINE?
26 April 2016Make a good impression long before the first appointment. That’s why a strong web presence is vital for you and your firm.
SUCCESSION PLANNING PART 3: THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION
18 April 2016Today’s new recruits could be your firm’s future managers and partners. So how do you attract the best talent for the job?
SUCCESSION PLANNING PART 2: SUPPORTING THE FUTURE LEADERS OF YOUR BUSINESS
11 April 2016With job mobility on the rise, hanging on to talented employees can be a challenge. So how can you build a workplace that encourages up-and-coming staff to stick around for the long haul?
SUCCESSION PLANNING PART 1: DO YOU HAVE A MINI ME?
04 April 2016You’ve invested a huge amount of time, energy and capital into building a successful and profitable accounting practice. But when the time comes for you to exit the business, will the right person be ...
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOOKS
28 March 2016With self-service and automated solutions changing the accounting landscape, accountants need to look beyond traditional services - and find new ways to engage their clients.
TECH DISRUPTORS BRING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACCOUNTANTS
21 March 2016As technology continues to disrupt traditional accounting models, forward-thinking firms are uncovering new opportunities and ways to future proof their business.
THE BATTLE OF URGENT VERSUS IMPORTANT
14 March 2016Having trouble managing your time effectively? By thinking about how you spend your days, you’ll be able to focus more on what’s really important for your business.
CHANGES FOR SMSF COLLECTIBLES
07 March 2016With a looming deadline for collectibles and SMSFs, FirstTech Executive Manager, Craig Day, has prepared a timely update for accountants and advisers on the provisions and rule changes.
EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH FINANCIAL ADVICE
07 March 2016Understanding women’s need for advice is good for business. It can help you better engage with your client base — and grow your business too.
WORK LESS, DELEGATE MORE
29 February 2016Many business owners find it daunting to hand over responsibilities to their staff. But if you want your business to grow and succeed, it’s time to start loosening the reins.
HOW ADVICE COULD TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL
22 February 2016The decision to integrate advice into your service offering is big. One that has paid off for the GNS Group of Melbourne.
TO SELF-LICENSE OR TO JOIN A LICENSEE - WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
15 February 2016Before choosing the right licensing model for your firm, think carefully about the pros and cons of each option.
HOW SHOULD I PRICE MY ADVICE SERVICES?
08 February 2016Martin White from Jacoby Cameron Chartered Accountants explains the importance of getting your pricing right.
GROWING CLIENTS FROM YOUR CLIENTS
01 February 2016“Your best prospects are your existing clients” is a well-known marketing maxim. Like all maxims, this one is based on generations of experience.
REACH YOUR ACCOUNTANCY GROWTH ASPIRATIONS
18 January 2016Accounting is now considered a mature industry, with growth rates typically mirroring those of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Read three ways to achieve growth above GDP here.
ACCOUNTING MARKET SNAPSHOT
11 January 2016The December 2015 Accountant Market Pulse survey revealed some of the significant challenges facing the accounting industry. Check out our infographic.
CONFIDENCE IS ON THE RISE AS ACCOUNTANTS LOOK TO THE FUTURE: KEY TAKE OUTS FROM THE COMMBANK ACCOUNTING MARKET PULSE
14 December 2015The business landscape is changing faster than ever before — so what does this mean for accountants in the years ahead?
FIVE TIPS FOR WINNING OVER ADVICE CLIENTS
07 December 2015To build rewarding advice relationships, it’s critical to engage clients in the advice process right from the start.
WHAT SMSF CLIENTS REALLY WANT
30 November 2015Find out what matters most to SMSF investors when it comes to choosing a financial adviser.
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF MARKETING PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES
23 November 2015Dr George Beaton shares his research insights on how to successfully take public accountancy services to market.
5 TOP TIPS TO MAKE THOSE FIRST CONVERSATIONS WORK
16 November 2015Initial conversations with clients can make or break the financial advice process. Engage the client and gain their trust from the start.
STARTING THE ADVISORY CONVERSATION - THREE RULES TO GET YOU STARTED
09 November 2015Approaching the advice conversation in the right way is key to creating deeper client relationships, better outcomes and a more profitable practice.
BUILDING THE PRACTICE OF THE FUTURE
23 October 2015There is a great divide in the industry about how accounting firms are planning to tackle the changing environment. What will you do?
THE VALUE OF ADVICE
22 October 2015As an accountant you are best placed in your clients' minds to give them financial advice. What is the value of trust if you don't leverage it?
ACCOUNTANTS MUST ADAPT AND EVOLVE TO REMAIN RELEVANT
19 October 2015With the rise in online services and accounting software for data management and book keeping, switched on accounting firms are beginning to look at higher value added advisory services and client eng...
CHANGING THE WAY CLIENTS THINK OF YOU
12 October 2015How do your clients perceive you? Do they still see you as the person who completes their tax return and sends you on their way until the following year?
CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS WIN
06 October 2015What is the key to a successful accounting business? Is it revenue, number of clients or size of your firm? In fact, it’s your client relationships.
YOUR CLIENTS ARE IN THE KNOW - USE THEM TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS
30 September 2015Do you know what your clients like about your business and what they don’t? There is a simple way to find out everything you want to know – ask them!
HARNESSING DIGITAL DISRUPTION
21 September 2015Embracing the power of technology has proved a winning strategy for Count Financial's Verve Group.
ACCOUNTING TECHNOLOGY: IT’S TIME TO TAKE OUR HEADS OUT OF THE SAND
21 September 2015What’s the best way to use technology to ensure growth and profitability? And how can you harness it to enhance the client experience and ensure customer satisfaction?
THINK YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR CLIENTS WANT?
03 September 2015Clients want more advice from a trusted source - and they are willing to pay for it. The trick is finding out what clients value.