Smithink - helping accountants turn their practices into great businesses

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 some insight into some of the solutions that can assist in your advisory service delivery. Presented by: Mark Holton, Smithink

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. Presented by: Mark Holton, Smithink

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.

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

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

Most firms find their senior people are often overloaded with work and have very little spare time. Yet it is these same people that need time to drive further growth and development of the firm. This webinar will highlight how firms can improve delegation so that additional capacity can be unlocked for your senior people. Presented by: David Smith, Smithink

Having completed the Exceptional Leadership, Recruitment, Selection and Training and Exceptional Customer Service programs at Disney University in Anaheim, California, Mark shares his insights on the hugely successful Disney management model of "on stage and off stage" service delivery and "over managing" through an attention to detail that drives success. Mark will also articulate the learnings into how they can be applied to an accounting firm staff, operations, efficiencies and client service standards. Presented by: Mark Holton, Smithink

Recruitment seems to be getting harder and harder. Traditional channels have dried up. This webinar will explore different alternatives firms can consider as they hunt for staff and how firms can be positioned to give a competitive edge in recruitment.