IN THIS ISSUE
Training Beyond Accounting specialises in leadership, communication and practice management training for accounting firms. A new program TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR TIME runs as an in-house training program over 10 modules. With this approach, firms can conduct training and implement specific actions at their own pace, in their own time. The program uses over 1,000 hours of practical hands-on experience with accounting firms. Topics covered include Principles of effective delegation, Effective task management, Using admin staff to create more capacity and Managing client expectations. This program has been specifically designed by accountants for accounting firms and is action-orientated to give real results to your staff. For further information, Click here.
The Timesheet is only one measure of performance
While the time sheet is an integral part of most accountants’ lives, it is not the measurement of performance that many believe. A time sheet is nothing more than an accountability tool. A recent article by Garry Boomer highlights the folly of trying to service client better whilst focusing solely on internal measures of performance. Firms that focus only on time sheets and production quickly lose balance and often lose revenue. The solution is to establish external measures of performance, specifically those that are related to client satisfaction such as turnaround time. Asking clients for direct feedback is confronting for many firms, but is often the best way of creating new opportunities to service clients better and bring in more revenue. Click here for a copy of Garry Boomer's recent article on this subject, or purchase Ron Baker's book Measure What Matters To Customers.
Survival of the Fittest
The accounting profession is expected to consolidate significantly in the medium term. Smaller accounting firms in particular will see greater challenges, as well as opportunities, within the next few years. Already, some smaller firms are moving to take advantage of these opportunities. Business Aptitude, with support from Lifespan Financial Planning, has published a white paper SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST that outlines these challenges, and discusses the potential solutions for smaller firms. Business Aptitude has also developed the S4 Peak Performance Index - a tool that allows firms to independently assses their practice health and identify areas requiring specific attention. For more information on the white paper and peak performance index, click here.
2009 Accounting Technology Showcase - 18th and 19th October 2009
The 2009 ATSA Showcase is only a week away. Topics covered will include Implementation of current technologies, management & workflow systems, website design and maintenance, management of technologies and processes and applications to aid expansion into value-added services. With 32 presentations, 16 product demonstrations and over 25 exhibition stands, this event is essential for any accounting firm interested in finding the RIGHT technology for their firm. For further information, click here.
- Do you find yourself searching for alternative products and services to meet your practice needs? A new service has been launched to assist firms with this challenge.
- Time management is one of the critical issues facing accounting firms. What can you do to improve time management skills in your firm?
- How can you effectively measure the performance of your team members without looking at the timesheet?
- Survival of the Fittest - How to survive and thrive in the new accounting environment
- Reminder - 2009 Accounting Technology Showcase
New Directory Service for Accounting Firms.
What product.com.au has recently been launched to provide accountants in public practice with ready access to information on products and services to meet their specific needs. This service has been developed by two leading practice management consultants to the accounting industry, Thea Foster and Dale Crosby, in response to ongoing feedback from accountants that they needed an independent reference source to compare products and services in a range of categories. The on-line directory currently has over 50 categories, with in excess of 400 individual products and services. You can also subscribe to a monthly E-bulletin service that keeps you in touch with new products and services to meet your practice management and business development needs. The service is FREE to accountants. Click here for further information.
Take Control of Your TimeTraining Beyond Accounting specialises in leadership, communication and practice management training for accounting firms. A new program TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR TIME runs as an in-house training program over 10 modules. With this approach, firms can conduct training and implement specific actions at their own pace, in their own time. The program uses over 1,000 hours of practical hands-on experience with accounting firms. Topics covered include Principles of effective delegation, Effective task management, Using admin staff to create more capacity and Managing client expectations. This program has been specifically designed by accountants for accounting firms and is action-orientated to give real results to your staff. For further information, Click here.
The Timesheet is only one measure of performance
While the time sheet is an integral part of most accountants’ lives, it is not the measurement of performance that many believe. A time sheet is nothing more than an accountability tool. A recent article by Garry Boomer highlights the folly of trying to service client better whilst focusing solely on internal measures of performance. Firms that focus only on time sheets and production quickly lose balance and often lose revenue. The solution is to establish external measures of performance, specifically those that are related to client satisfaction such as turnaround time. Asking clients for direct feedback is confronting for many firms, but is often the best way of creating new opportunities to service clients better and bring in more revenue. Click here for a copy of Garry Boomer's recent article on this subject, or purchase Ron Baker's book Measure What Matters To Customers.
Survival of the Fittest
The accounting profession is expected to consolidate significantly in the medium term. Smaller accounting firms in particular will see greater challenges, as well as opportunities, within the next few years. Already, some smaller firms are moving to take advantage of these opportunities. Business Aptitude, with support from Lifespan Financial Planning, has published a white paper SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST that outlines these challenges, and discusses the potential solutions for smaller firms. Business Aptitude has also developed the S4 Peak Performance Index - a tool that allows firms to independently assses their practice health and identify areas requiring specific attention. For more information on the white paper and peak performance index, click here.
2009 Accounting Technology Showcase - 18th and 19th October 2009
The 2009 ATSA Showcase is only a week away. Topics covered will include Implementation of current technologies, management & workflow systems, website design and maintenance, management of technologies and processes and applications to aid expansion into value-added services. With 32 presentations, 16 product demonstrations and over 25 exhibition stands, this event is essential for any accounting firm interested in finding the RIGHT technology for their firm. For further information, click here.
