

Smithink - helping accountants turn their practices into great businesses
David Smith + Mark Holton, Smithink
We provide practical firm innovations, based on the decades we have spent as practicing accountants and business consultants. We know what works best, because we've done it. Smithink provides a wide variety of consulting services and educational events, tools and resources under the one roof. Now including a monthly podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 14, 2022 • 34min
The quality vs efficiency war – getting the balance right
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, Smithink

Nov 14, 2022 • 32min
Practice KPI’s that really drive accountability
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.
Presented by: Mark Holton, Smithink

Oct 27, 2022 • 33min
Maximising your resources in a world of labour shortage
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

Sep 22, 2022 • 48min
Firm of the Future – Part Two
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

Aug 11, 2022 • 31min
Business Advisory Software – what is the industry using in 2022?
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 some insight into some of the solutions that can assist in your advisory service delivery.
Presented by: Mark Holton, Smithink

Jun 16, 2022 • 47min
Process automation - how it will change the accounting profession
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

May 12, 2022 • 33min
Getting the right structure and process to deliver more advisory services in 2022
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.
Presented by: Mark Holton, Smithink

Apr 13, 2022 • 32min
Help your self-directed clients make better investment decisions - without giving financial advice
David Smith discusses with OpenInvest co-founder Andrew Varlamos how clients unwilling to pay for financial advice often make poor investment choices, potentially damaging their chances of a financially secure retirement. The webinar will highlight how accounting firms can help while also avoiding the regulatory burden that comes with the financial advice regime.

Mar 23, 2022 • 34min
Facilitating your client's monthly management meetings
Many small businesses struggle with the strategic management of their business. They are often in the here and now of solving today's issues. Yet, we all know that taking a regular step back to review progress, set targets and develop plans is highly beneficial to ensure focus is maintained on the issues that matter over the longer term.
Many small business people do not have the skills to establish an appropriate framework for monthly management meetings, governance and accountability. This session will outline how, as your client's key adviser, you can assist in creating and participating in these important meetings.
PRESENTED BY: David Smith

Dec 7, 2021 • 28min
How to be a financial storyteller
Today's accountants and consultants need to consider providing high-level advisory services as well as compliance services to their selected clients. In this webinar we will cover how to be a proficient financial storyteller, extracting meaning from the numbers and help clients understand their financial story, using web-based techniques like the 4 Chapters, the Power of One, and the 3 Big Cash Flow measures. Turn numbers into knowledge using simple strategies that will really impress your clients and help develop your firm's advisory services.
Presented by: Mark Holton, Smithink