Why practice admin feels harder than it should - and what to do about it

Last week I did something I haven't done since before 2020. I presented an evening talk in person for a local branch group of Accountants.

Oh, the joys of two 2+ hour journeys and then returning home after 11pm.

The positive feedback and thanks I received made it all worthwhile.

And I'm open to invitations to attend more such branches and regional groups to deliver valuable, topical and, I hope, entertaining, talks that keep attendees awake - even after a hard day's work!

The added challenge with this specific talk is that needs constant updates to reflect the speed of developments in the use of AI in accountancy firms. But, some of the key messages about how to take control of YOUR future, remain constant.

Talks for accountants >>>

Client workflow management

At last week's meeting of the Sole Practice Club the main focus of our discussions was how to simplify practice admin.

As you'll see later in this newsletter, I've referenced some of the issues we considered in this week's blog post.

One related topic that we have shelved until our August meeting relates to client workflow management.

What members want to discuss here includes:

• Planning and managing client workflows
• Tracking jobs
• Managing deadlines and avoiding last minute panics

Click the link to find out more and see what to expect from our meetings and other membership benefits. 

Then let’s chat if you’d like to join us in time for our next meeting.  If you join in the next week or so I'll send you the recording of our July meeting along with the follow up materials I share afterwards with members.

Find out more >>>

When should we talk now?

Has anything you've read here resonated with you?  Or maybe something else is causing you you to feel excited, stuck, isolated, overwhelmed or frustrated?

Whether you want to grow your practice or simply for things to be easier/better, then let's talk.

My clients often tell me how much better they feel with my experienced, friendly, practice-focused support, guidance and encouragement.

Maybe a quick call is all you need. That's fine. Or we may agree that a 1-2-1 mentoring arrangement could work for you.

Pick a time for a quick call >>>

Why practice admin feels harder than it should - and what to do about it

There are few things that drag down our energy quite like admin.

Some of the admin that accountants do now might be different from when I was still in practice. But much seems to have remained the same. And attitudes don't seem to have changed.

You know what I mean: the repetitive non-billable client related tasks, chasing clients for replies and data, AML processes, updating your records, the never-ending form-filling. And so on. 

It all needs doing. But none of it makes you feel like you're a brilliant accountant or doing anything that's earning you money.

And when you’re running your own practice, it can feel like you’re the only one drowning in this tide of admin. 

But here’s the truth. You’re not. I know that with certainty as we discussed this very issue at a recent meeting of the Sole Practice Club.

Ahead of time, I mentioned the upcoming meeting on Linkedin. One accountant shocked me with his comment: "You've made me worried now, as I spend virtually no time on admin as a sole practitioner". I suspect he has a more limited view of what most accountants consider to be 'admin' - otherwise, yes, he should be worried!

Whenever I mention the topic to accountants, their eyes roll and their admin related frustrations are quickly very apparent.

In this post I have highlighted five areas of practice admin that we discussed at the Sole Practice Club. In each case I have mentioned some of the practical solutions that seemed to have wide appeal

Read more...>>>

Last week on the Podcast

Last Wednesday on the Accountant Success Secrets Podcast, saw a Reflections episode. And I was ahead of myself when I referenced this in last Tuesday's newsletter here!

Instead I should have flagged our most recent interview. That was with Kath Docherty .

So I'll try to stimulate your interest today, in case you've not yet heard it ;-)

Kath’s story is a masterclass in accountancy reinvention. After selling her previous (very compliance-based!) practice, she set up Hydref Accounting Ltd to focus on her real passion - helping business owners make sense of their finances, rather than just ticking the boxes.

Kath brings decades of experience, including stints in industry and practice, to her boutique approach: every client gets Kath’s expertise directly, not a rotating cast of juniors.

In this lively interview with Philippa Haynes and me, Kath shares exactly how she carved out a niche as the “Queen of Numbers”, why she believes robust bookkeeping underpins every successful client relationship, and how she’s helped businesses get the very best from cloud platforms like Xero and QuickBooks.

She opens up about learning to price confidently, celebrate her vast experience, and accept when it’s time to let clients move on—all with characteristic warmth and wisdom.

You’ll discover how Kath works hand-in-glove with year-end accountants (not in competition!), what she wishes she’d known about pricing from day one, and her refreshing take on building a practice that actually fits your life - three dogs in tow.

Whether you’re just starting out or fancy a refresher on finding your unique value as an accountant, Kath’s insights are both inspiring and practical.

Give the episode a listen, subscribe for more stories like this, and please do share or leave a review if you enjoyed it!

You can listen to this episode, sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group and supported by Tax Advice Network, along with all of the earlier eps, on Linkedin, Youtube or your favourite podcast platform.

Fun time - A dozen ways to maximise the tax you pay (a parody)

1. Find the cheapest accountant you can. Bonus points if they're your cousin’s mate.
2. Give them your books at the last minute – ideally in a carrier bag.
3. Don’t involve your accountant in major decisions – just let them “sort it out later.”
4. Draw as much as you like from your limited company bank account – it’s your money, right?
5. Pay your taxes late and file your returns late – HMRC love a bit of extra interest.
6. Always listen to your mate Dave down the pub. His situation sounds exactly like yours.
7. Ignore all reminders from HMRC – they’ll get back to you if it’s urgent.
8. Treat your accountant like a form-filler, not a business adviser – why waste their brainpower?
9. Leave your VAT registration until you've already blown through the threshold.
10. Keep poor records – better still, don’t keep any at all.
11. Assume that if you paid tax last year, you’ll owe the same this year – why check?
12. And finally, always argue about your accountant’s fees. Because saving a few hundred pounds there is far more important than the thousands you might save in tax.

Mark Lee FCA

Mentor, Speaker, Debunker

Linkedin profile >>>

Website >>>

When you're ready, here are some ways we can work together:

1. Let's talk for a few minutes and both decide if we want to take it further >>>

2. A one-off 30 minute 1-2-1 Linkedin clinic >>>

3. A one-off focused strategy call/zoom >>>

4. Regular 1-2-1 mentoring zoom calls >>>

5. Check out how you could benefit from the Sole Practice Club >>>