The Firm

In this insightful episode of "M&A Diaries," host James speaks with expert Ashley Rhoden about the crucial strategies for effectively integrating accounting firms during mergers and acquisitions. Discover the essential steps to ensure a smooth transition and maintain client relationships post-acquisition. ✅ Integration starts before the Letter of Intent (LOI). ✅ People and culture are the he...

In this episode of "M&A Diaries", host James Gosling speaks with guest Anthony Casey about the transformative benefits of joining the ETL network for accounting firms in Ireland. Discover how ETL empowers firms to thrive while maintaining their independence and focuses on client satisfaction. ✅ Learn about Noon Casey's successful journey and the strategic growth of their practice. ✅ Discover...

What does it really take to grow an accounting firm from $500M to $1.5B in revenue? In this episode of M&A Diaries , host James speaks with Alan Whitman , former CEO of Baker Tilly , to unpack the strategy, discipline, and cultural clarity that drove their rapid rise. If you're considering acquisitions, private equity, or scaling your firm beyond a lifestyle business, this is essential listeni...

Thinking of selling your accounting firm? In this episode of M&A Diaries , host James sits down with acquirer and exit strategist Julie Wilkinson to unpack what really makes a firm attractive to buyers — and why so many leave money on the table. If you're looking to sell, scale, or take investment, this is the blueprint you can't afford to miss. ✅ Why acquirers want an asset, not a job — and...

Should you sell your accountancy firm, stay independent, or take investment? In this episode of M&A Diaries , host James sits down with Shiv Shah, Director of M&A at TC Group, to unpack the most popular acquisition models and the real factors influencing deals in today’s fast-moving market. ✅ Discover the pros & cons of 100% exits, roll-ups, and split-equity deals ✅ Why regulatory bu...

On this episode of M&A Diaries , host James speaks with Luke Farren, founder of The Modern Firm, about how accountancy practices can unlock growth and exit opportunities through smarter technology strategy. With firsthand experience of being acquired by Cooper Parry, Luke shares what really matters when it comes to M&A readiness and firm valuation. ✅ Pros and cons of joining a private equ...

Mazuma Co-Founder Lucy Cohen joins James on M&A Diaries to share how she revolutionised accounting with the first-ever subscription model—despite industry pushback, gender bias, and no formal business background. This is not your typical firm growth story. Lucy reveals how childhood experiences shaped her obsession with financial certainty, how she accidentally built a recurring revenue powerh...

In this episode of M&A Diaries , James sits down with corporate lawyer Paul Forsyth to break down the legal essentials every accounting firm owner must know before buying, selling, or taking on investment. From avoiding costly mistakes to structuring deals that truly work, this is a must-watch for firm owners navigating today’s hyper-competitive M&A landscape. ✅ When and why to involve a...

In this episode, Kerry Agiasotis, President of The Access Group Asia Pacific, discusses how technologies like AI and The Access Group’s Evo platform are transforming workflows and freeing accountants from repetitive tasks.  He explains how strategic acquisitions, such as Fathom and Change GPS, are creating new opportunities for firms to deliver value. Kerry also emphasises why mindset and com...

AI is shaking up the accounting world—but is it a threat or an opportunity? 🤔 In this eye-opening conversation, Adam Tiberi, VP of Product and Engineering at The Access Group, reveals how AI is revolutionising accounting without replacing accountants. 🚀  He introduces Evo, the game-changing AI solution that’s unlocking data, streamlining workflows, and eliminating time-wasting tasks. But wi...

In a rapidly evolving profession, how can accountants stay ahead of the curve?  In this episode, David Boyar, General Manager of ChangeGPS, shares his journey from virtual CFO to an industry leader, offering invaluable insights on innovation, leadership, and career ownership. David opens up about the challenges accountants face today, the importance of building community, and why taking risks...

🎙️ Episode Summary In this debut episode, host Trent McLaren sits down with Electra Frost , a pioneering Web3 accountant and founder of ElectraFi, to explore how blockchain and decentralised technologies are transforming the accounting profession. From her unexpected journey—from punk rock drummer to crypto tax expert—to living on an island at the forefront of the Network State movement, Electra s...

How do you build a successful client advisory service from the ground up? In this episode of Mastering CAS, Trent sits down with David Ross, CEO of Direction Staffing Solutions, to break it all down. David shares practical insights on choosing your advisory “flavour,” implementing low-risk offerings, and scaling strategically. They discuss why advisory isn’t just about tech, how to uncover client...

🧠 Episode Summary Kieran James catches up with Kelvin Gieck as they dive into the hard truths about scaling a professional services firm and why many owners unknowingly become the bottleneck in their own business. From adopting EOS to developing leadership at every level, Kelvin lays out a practical, founder-tested approach to building a resilient, values-aligned accounting firm that doesn’t rely...

Episode Summary In this episode of  Traction Talks , Kieran James (CEO of Stride Accountancy) chats with Kelvin Gieck CFA, founder of TwentyEighty — a fractional finance firm based in Calgary, Canada. Together they dive deep into the  Vision  component of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and what it means to build a business that runs without relying solely on the founder. Kel...

🎙 Episode Summary In the first episode of  Traction Talks , Kieran James sits down with Kat Wellum-Kent to unpack the fundamentals of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and why it’s such a powerful framework for accounting firms. Kat shares how she implemented EOS from day one of starting her firm, and why she believes every firm — no matter the size — can benefit from it. They touch on a...

Episode Summary: In the debut episode of Master Client Advisory Services (CAS) , Trent McLaren sits down with David Ross, a seasoned accountant and business coach, to explore why advisory services often fail. They tackle the myth of “plug-and-play” advisory software and reveal the real reasons firms struggle to launch and scale these services. Packed with actionable insights and hard-earned lesson...

Episode Summary In this episode of Statement Brand with Chad Barnier , we explore how accountants can embrace TikTok and personal branding to elevate their firms with Natalie Lennon, founder of Two Sides Accounting. Natalie shares her evolution from a traditional accountant to a TikTok trailblazer with over 22,000 followers, a thriving firm, and a waitlist of ideal clients. Through candid conversa...

Episode Summary In this episode, Jason Robinson, Director of Future Advisory and host of The Numbers Game Podcast , shares invaluable insights on personal branding, niching, leveraging customer feedback, and using Net Promoter Scores (NPS) to transform accounting firms. Jason reflects on his journey in the accounting space, his work with Xero and CPA Australia, and his thoughts on the evolving rol...

Episode Summary In this episode of Statement Brand , Andrew Van De Beek and Chad Barnier delve into the power of authenticity in personal branding. They discuss how staying true to oneself is key to building a brand that resonates deeply with others, emphasising that personal branding should prioritise value and human connection rather than trends. Sharing personal stories, Andrew and Chad highlig...

Episode Summary In this episode of Statement Brand , Tyler Caskey, partner at The Bean Counters, shares his unique approach to personal branding and winning clients by leading with value instead of pushing sales. Tyler reveals how he uses LinkedIn to connect with potential clients, focusing on solving their problems and offering free advice to build trust and credibility. He also discusses how he...

Episode Summary In this episode, Freddie Bellhouse, co-founder of Ford House, shares his journey from law to investment, delving into why the accountancy sector is a prime target for private equity. He discusses the recurring revenue appeal, lessons from past roll-ups, and the importance of alignment and integration in acquisitions. Freddie and James Gosling also explore how AI and technology are...

Episode Summary In this episode, Shaye Thyer, CEO and founder of Pallas, shares her journey of building a financial consultancy for women, emphasising the importance of impact and authenticity in business. She explores the challenges women face with money and funding, personal branding, and public speaking. Shaye and Chad also discuss the power of vulnerability in leadership, strategies for engagi...

Episode Summary Grace Hardy shares her journey of building a personal brand as an accountant using TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. She emphasises the importance of authenticity, providing value, and engaging her audience with a mix of content types, from talking head videos to short informational pieces. Grace discusses balancing personal and professional content, planning and scheduling her post...

Episode Summary Rachel Harris, founder of Accountant She and Strive X, discusses her journey as a disruptor in the accounting industry and the importance of personal branding. She shares insights on using memes as a content strategy, adapting content for different social media platforms, and the value of authenticity. Rachel also emphasizes the significance of core values in her firm and the power...