Smithink - helping accountants turn their practices into great businesses

It’s almost 50 years since the first practice management computer system became available for small to medium accounting firms. The core functionality of tracking work and billing clients continue but systems have evolved to provide a host of other insights and functions to significantly improve practice performance. David will highlight the changes that occur in this important application for fir...

Often, we are asked to sit on boards of charities, sporting clubs, community organisations, and other similar organisations. One consideration is “Should I accept the appointment?” and “Is it for me?”. The other is understanding the benefit of helping others, doing “your bit” for the community, making key contacts, and developing your firm. This session will focus on my experience and the personal...

There is a vast array of software and solutions in the market all designed to assist accountants in providing initial and engaging business advisory services to their clients. Understanding the differences and how products fit into the business advisory process is critical if firms are to select the right tools for their firm. This session will provide some insight into some of the key solutions a...

Every practitioner knows the importance of quality but many have not realised that quality reviews can be a very effective way to not only ensure clients are receiving high-quality service but to unlock other service opportunities. David will highlight how firms are achieving success in developing new work from their quality reviews in this webinar. PRESENTED BY: David Smith

Smi think  is proud to launch The Crunch, a new benchmarking service for accounting firms, in partnership with The Benchmarking Group. If there is one take-home message from the first Crunch Report, it’s quality over quantity. In this session, David will highlight key results from the first survey and discuss the issues behind the stand-out firms. PRESENTED BY: David Smith

Today’s accounting advisor must provide high-level advisory services as well as simple accounts management. Learn how to be a proficient storyteller, extracting meaning from the numbers and helping clients understand their financial story, using powerful web-based techniques like the 4 Chapters for Success, the Power of One and the 3 Big Cash Flow measures. Presenter: Mark Holton, Smithink

For an accounting firm to be successful there are a large number of systems, people and processes that need to be effectively lead and managed. This session will focus on what makes a great leader. We will also cover the 10 common mistakes managers make and how to overcome them. PRESENTED BY: Mark Holton

In an age where the boundaries of business are being redefined, offshoring emerges as a pivotal strategy for accounting firms to harness global talent and drive economic efficiency. That said, the success in offshoring is not merely about transferring tasks overseas; it demands a meticulous approach, profound understanding, and nuanced organisation. This webinar will share: Key preparatory steps t...

Clearly, the leaders of the firm have a huge influence over the success of the business whether it is growing the business, managing client relationships or managing the practice. Yet, all too often, unlike employed team members, performance reviews do not occur and performance targets are not set. This can result in the firm not optimising the contribution from these valuable leaders. This sessio...

As the baby boomers move to retirement and the hereafter we are going to see an enormous transfer of wealth to the following generations. Yet, family structures have become more complex so it is not a simple task to create appropriate plans. Often beneficiaries are not aligned with their goals. Estates can sometimes need to continue for many years after death. Presented by: David Smith, Smi think

Join us for a compelling panel discussion webinar featuring esteemed leaders in the accounting profession as they share their valuable insights and highlight essential practices they feel should be prioritised over the next 12 months. Gain exclusive access to expert perspectives and actionable recommendations to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of accounting. PRESENTED BY: Mark Holton + David...

Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring an insightful interview with Maree Jones, Manager at McKinley Plowman who has leveraged technology alongside her team to help fuel the organisation’s thriving accounting advisory business! Discover the secrets behind their success and gain valuable tips for implementing technology-driven strategies in your own practice. PRESENTED BY: Mark Holton with Tom...

Every professional service firm acknowledges that there are extra services they provide that many of their clients need but do not use. This is particularly the case when someone else in the firm provides the other service. This session will explore how firms can unlock these extra opportunities and achieve effective cross selling in their business. PRESENTED BY: David Smith

Measuring performance in an accounting firm is a critical task. This session will examine the recent Accountants Pulse Report 2022 that details the industry the challenge now is measuring how we compare to our peers. This session will review the latest industry trends and benchmarks and how they relate to the performance of your firm. PRESENTED BY: Mark Holton, Smi think

A common theme when we interview team members in firms is dissatisfaction with their performance reviews and how their performance is being measured. In this world where recruiting team members is often a challenge, retaining strong performers is critical. This webinar will consider effective ways to provide feedback and assist individuals to grow and develop. PRESENTED BY: David Smith

There is a vast array of software and solutions in the market all designed to assist accountants in providing initial and engaging business advisory services to their clients. Understanding the differences and how products fit into the business advisory process is critical if firms are to select the right tools for their firm. This session will provide some insight into some of the key solutions a...

In an era of acute labour shortages, it is critical that there is a strong focus on training to ensure not only high efficiency and technical competency but to also provide team members with the knowledge they need to advance their careers. This webinar will outline the topic categories that should form part of any training program, how training should be managed and how suggestions for training t...

Strategic planning starts with aligning your client’s business with its vision, mission and values. Then taking the time to think through where it makes sense to focus energy and resources in order to reach intended outcomes and results, and ensure all stakeholders are aligned and working toward common goals. This session will help you determine where your clients are today, where you want to get...

Utopia is to never have any mistakes and all the work is produced with maximum efficiency. Unfortunately, the reality is that often some trade-off is required between efficiency and the possibility of error. In this session, we will review how firms endeavour to maintain operating efficiency while effectively managing the risk of errors and the resulting consequences. Presented by: David Smith, Sm...

There are many key performance indicators that can assist accounting firms in monitoring performance and efficiency. This session will look at some of the common compliance performance drivers, how they are used, monitored and what to measure your team against. We will also examine other “non financial” engagement KPIs that can help monitor activity and delivery of more diversified services. Prese...

There are only two ways to solve resource shortages. Find more labour and/or get more production from existing labour. In this session, we will review how firms are addressing the labour shortage with strategies to unlock new sources of labour. We will also review how firms are using resourcing planning and other tools to boost productivity. Presented by: David Smith, Smithink

What will an accounting firm look like in the future? What will clients expect from us? Let’s look forward and consider the future of the profession and what firms should be doing now to be successfully positioned in the years to come. Presenters: Mark Holton + David Smith, Smithink

There is a vast array of software and solutions in the market all designed to assist accountants in providing initial and engaging business advisory services to their clients. At first glance, many appear to do the same things. Understanding the differences and how products fit into the business advisor process is critical if firms are to select the tools for their firm. This session will provide...

Introduction to process automation Why the accounting profession is a perfect fit Real-life examples Different approaches/leading vendors Pitfalls to avoid Presented by: David Smith, Smithink + Rob Cameron, FYI

How do professional service firms re-focus from compliance services to value-added reliance services? Mark shares his innovative 7-step to success divisional advisory process that includes insight on the correct firm structure, infrastructure requirements, turning numbers into knowledge, action planning and identifying your clients' additional needs through innovative engagement strategies. Presen...