Accounting Industry Insights with Mark Holton

Mark sits down with Paul Dunn, co-founder of B1G1, four-time TEDx speaker, and one of the most influential voices in the global accounting profession, for a conversation that challenges everything firms think they know about purpose, relevance and what it actually means to serve clients well. Paul unpacks why most firms are stuck in a sea of sameness, why impact is now a measurable strategic advan...

In this episode, Mark catches up with Kylie Denton, founding director of Performance Advisory Group, bestselling author, and one of Australia's most respected thought leaders in leadership and sales within financial services. With over 30 years in the industry (her words, not ours!), Kylie pulls no punches on one of the accounting profession's most persistent blind spots: promoting technically bri...

Mark sits down with Matt Feehan from Three Rivers Group and M2 Academy to unpack two of the most talked-about reports in the accounting industry right now -  the Smi think Partner Crunch Report 2025 and the Benchmarking Data & Research Accounting Industry Report 2025. From revenue per partner and staff productivity through to profitability, lockup days, write-offs, and the compliance-versus-adviso...

In this episode, Mark chats with Dr Craig West, founder and chairman of Succession Plus and creator of Capitaliz, about how employee share ownership plans can transform succession planning. Craig explains why ESOPs are so powerful for retaining key people, giving younger leaders a genuine path to ownership and lifting business valuation over time, and how accountants can use valuation insights to...

Paul Miller has spent more than four decades helping family businesses grow, transition and thrive. As the author of Building a Legacy, he shares how structure, planning and communication shape the future of every business, not just those run by families. In conversation with Mark Holton, Paul reflects on what advisors can learn from family enterprises, why listening matters more than talking, and...

In this episode, Mark talks with Ignition's Ethan Cooney, Accountants Daily's Tech Innovator of the Year. They explore how firms are navigating TASA's new disclosure rules, updating engagement letters, and addressing the risks of scope creep.  Ethan shares how successful practices are rescoping agreements, running annual renewals, packaging services with add-ons, and confidently adjusting fees. Th...

Mark chats with Trent McLaren, co-founder of Vinyl and a recognised leader in accounting technology. They discuss how Vinyl grew from the frustrations of day-to-day firm meetings into a tool that helps accountants save time and strengthen client relationships. Topics include: - Where client meetings typically lose time, and what can be automated - Guardrails for security, privacy, and accuracy - H...

Mark catches up with Matt Feehan to kick off the advisory conversation with a myth-buster: software isn't the first step. They explore Step One of the Enabler™ Seven Steps to Success: Prepare Your Firm, covering: Why the demand for advisory is rising Why starting with software fails What you need in place first: people, capacity, infrastructure How to pick your advisory champion Setting realistic...

In this episode, Mark Holton is joined by Ethan Tonelli, Digital Marketing Director and co-founder of Canyon Digital. With a background spanning global brands like Netflix and Spotify, as well as not-for-profits and local businesses, Ethan shares how digital marketing strategies are evolving and what accounting firms can learn from other industries. They discuss: - Key shifts in digital marketing...

In this episode of Accounting Industry Insights, Mark speaks with Julia Thomson from The Benchmarking Group about the key findings from The Crunch: The Annual Accounting Firm Benchmark Report. They explore what sets high-profit firms apart—focusing on quality over quantity, efficient systems, proactive partners, and diversifying beyond traditional accounting services. Julia also shares insights on...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Krish Sritharan from Solutions Centric to discuss the evolving role of offshoring in accounting firms. They explore the most significant challenges firms face today, the importance of a strategic approach to offshoring, and key factors to consider when selecting a provider. Krish shares best practices for building high-performing offshore teams, managing staff...

In this episode, Mark chats with Dave Birch, Group Managing Director of smartAR Group, about his journey, the pivotal people who shaped his career, and the evolution of accounts receivable in today's business landscape. Dave shares insights into the challenges accountants face, the practical role of AI in accounts receivable, and how accounts receivable conversations can open the door to impactful...

In this episode, Mark speaks with Peter Annis-Brown, a qualified Mental Health Educator and Master Mental Health First Aid Instructor, about his inspiring journey to create Mental Fitness Australia. Peter shares his mission to shift the focus from mental health challenges to mental fitness opportunities, empowering individuals and organisations with proactive education and government-certified tra...

For his latest podcast episode, Mark caught up with Magnus Yoshikawa of Jadeja Partners, a firm with decades of experience helping accountants from startup to retirement and beyond. Magnus shares unique insights into the journey of accounting practice sales, focusing on the cultural fit, post-sale realities, and maintaining long-term relationships. Plus, hear the story behind his intriguing surnam...

Tune in to Mark's latest podcast episode featuring Mike McHenry, founder of Seamless SMSF. Mike shares his journey of scaling a successful business while fostering a strong culture. Discover how he built a leading SMSF firm, the keys to designing an impactful business culture, developing effective processes, and keeping teams engaged. Get actionable advice on creating a thriving business environme...

In this episode, Mark speaks with Kate Shanahan, Co-Founder of Brieff, about the critical role of advisory services in today's business landscape. They discuss the common challenges firms face when trying to expand their advisory services, explore effective strategies to overcome these hurdles and share quick wins for firms aiming to enhance their advisory offerings. The conversation also addresse...

Join Mark as he chats with Dan Beck and Krish Sritharan from Kloud Connect. Discover what inspired them to create a top-notch practice management solution for the Australian accounting industry. Learn how Kloud Connect streamlines operations, integrates with Microsoft technologies like AI Services (CoPilot) and Power BI, and tackles emerging industry challenges with innovative solutions. Don't mis...

Tune in as Mark sits down with Joanne Bell, the founder of Bells Accountants in the UK, to explore her journey from starting an accountancy business to achieving a £2m turnover in just 15 years. Uncover the secrets behind her success, the key factors that drove her growth, and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. From humble beginnings to unique services offered, Joanne shares her sto...

Discover the transformative power of forecasting in business with Michael Ford, CEO of Castaway Forecasting. From his journey in accounting to entrepreneurship, Michael shares valuable insights on the evolution of forecasting and its role in driving positive change with Mark. Gain practical advice on transitioning to advisory services, overcoming challenges, and delivering impactful forecasts. Whe...

Join Mark as he delves into the world of accounting with Graeme Tennick, founder of Tennick Accountants in the UK. Discover what sets Tennick Accountants apart, insights into the UK accounting market, and the impact of Making Tax Digital (MTD). Graeme shares his passion for helping business owners, the evolution of advisory services in his firm, and insights from his unique business book club. Plu...

Join Mark for his latest podcast with guest Mick Devine, CEO of Calxa, as they discuss the world of accounting and advisory services. They explore the landscape of accountants who excel in advisory roles and discuss the barriers preventing widespread adoption. Discover the crucial role of reporting in client discussions and the significance of budgeting and cash flow forecasting. Differentiate bet...

Join Mark and guest Damien Greathead, Head of the Accountant and Advisor segment at Intuit Australia, to explore the crucial link between clean books and advisory success. Damien shares global insights, revealing the revenue goldmine for Australian firms—bookkeeping. Delve into why outsourcing became vital and learn how bookkeepers can secure their future. Gain actionable strategies for profitable...

Join Mark for a concise and thought-provoking discussion with Richard Snell of Aider as they explore the impact of Generative AI on the accounting industry. Is it a competitor or ally? Will SMBs bypass traditional advisors? How can accountants scale services with AI tools? We also tackle the challenge of "black box" perceptions and speculate on the biggest impacts five years from now. Tune in for...

Listen to Mark's recent podcast, where he is joined by Sonia Gibson, Director at Accounting Heart Chartered Accountants. Explore the journey of sustainable accounting with insights on why it's crucial in today's evolving landscape. From addressing gender pay gaps to embracing innovation, discover the mindset shifts, skills, and practices needed for a contemporary and resilient accounting future. 

Mark delves into the fascinating world of business advisory and the Strategy 360 Program with our guest, Jenna van Nierop from Smith Thornton. Join us as we explore the journey of creating a Business Advisory division. We also discuss the key steps business owners should take to gain a deeper understanding of their business performance. Jenna is the Access Group's Young Gun of the Year for 2022 an...