Accountants' Success Secrets

This week’s episode features Steph Rickaby, the founder of Sunflower Accounts – a practice with a difference, inspired by her personal journey from single mum on benefits to Chartered Certified Accountant and business mentor.Steph set up Sunflower Accounts in 2012, fuelled by a passion to help others build better lives – including her family, her team, and her clients. Her holistic approach links personal goals to business plans, and she’s living proof that resilience and authenticity are powerful assets for any accountant in practice.In this uplifting episode, co-hosts Philippa Haynes and MARK LEE FCA sit down with Steph to explore:Building a values-driven firm: Why Sunflower’s core principles matter more than ever for clients and team.From compliance to collaboration: How charging for onboarding and regular meetings transformed the quality of Sunflower’s client relationships.Avoiding classic pitfalls: Lessons learned from taking on the wrong clients, undercharging, and the real meaning of “success” beyond simply paying the bills.Whether you’re growing your own practice, rethinking your definition of success, or just looking for ideas on balancing family and work, Steph’s story is packed with practical advice and honest insight.Subscribe, share, and let a fellow accountant know – you won’t want to miss this one!The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com_________________________________________________________________Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret

This week’s episode reflects on four stand-out interviews with accountants who’ve each built remarkable practices on their own terms.Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and MARK LEE FCA dig into stories from Kevin Drew, community champion at Ascent Accountancy in Derby, whose path to inclusive, socially-minded accountancy started in the face of personal adversity and flourished into a practice where everyone, quite literally, has a seat at the table.Here are three headliners you won't want to miss:The Soup Maker Analogy: Why dropping cash on marketing is about as useful as buying a fancy soup maker – unless you actually get stuck in and do the chopping first. Learn how clarity of purpose beats passive spending every time.Personal Brand and Honesty: Balancing professional image with real-life grit, one of our featured guests reveals how being open about struggles—rather than pretending to be a faceless mega-firm—can actually win clients’ hearts (and loyalty).Confident Client Choices: Find out why saying “no” can be your practice’s secret weapon, and how three years can transform your confidence, your client base, and even the way you see your “competition.”If you’ve ever wondered how to build a practice as unique as you are, get more from your marketing, or just want to feel less alone in facing those “teachable moments” of starting out, this one’s for you.Hit subscribe, drop a five-star review, and join the conversation—because the best practices are built from real stories.The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com_________________________________________________________________Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret

This week’s episode features Libby Berg, founder of Iceberg Accounting in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.Libby’s journey is a refreshing blend of tough love, transparency, and resilience, shaped by her background as a CIMA-qualified management accountant with extensive experience in both industry and the corporate finance team at BDO.Thirteen years ago, Libby made the bold leap from an uninspiring job with a young family in tow to building a thriving practice from the ground up. Her approach is direct and full of heart—she challenges her clients, always keeping their goals front and centre, while expertly juggling work and family life.In this honest and insightful episode, co-hosts Philippa Haynes and MARK LEE FCA invite Libby to reflect on:The big switch: Why knowing your personal “red lines” is the foundation for building a practice that really works for you—no more missing school runs or sports days!Client chemistry: How trusting your instincts and being clear about your values shapes every client relationship, and why Libby still works with her very first client.The business “orb”: What happens when you prioritise flexibility, say no to the wrong clients, and surround yourself with a tribe of supportive business peers (plus a VAT specialist you don’t want to lose).If you’re running a practice, considering venturing solo, or simply searching for renewed purpose and smarter boundaries, Libby’s no-nonsense insights will strike a chord.Subscribe, leave your comments, and share the podcast with a fellow accountant who could use a little sparkle and clarity in their practice!The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com_________________________________________________________________Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret

This week, Accountants’ Success Secrets welcomes back David Frederick, founder of Marcus Bishop Associates, South London’s trusted specialists in tax, probate, and planning for blended families.David’s impressive CV spans decades in practice, championing both ICAEW-licensed probate and wide-ranging tax advisory work. He’s a previous president of the AAT, a networker with a knack for collaboration, and—fun fact—deliberately chose not to call his firm “Frederick & Co” (you’ll have to listen for why).Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee FCA dig into David’s “Take 2” journey, uncovering what’s truly changed since his first appearance and what every current or aspiring sole practitioner needs to know about today’s accountancy landscape.Here’s what you’ll discover:Headliners:Blended families and the inheritance trap – Why tax and wills advice isn’t just about numbers any more, and how getting it wrong can wreck family plans.Confidence to specialise…and to say no – David’s path from “accidental accountant” to proud niche-provider, and why choosing your clients and your collaborators could transform your practice (and your sanity).From competition to collaboration – How swapping old rivalries for new partnerships has set David’s firm apart, plus a fresh take on the entire bookkeeper-accountant divide.If you’re ready for honest talk on choosing your future, adapting to change, and why pen-and-paper might just outlast your iPad, don’t miss this episode.Subscribe, drop us a review, and share with an accountant who needs a boost!The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com_________________________________________________________________Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret

This week’s episode features Dora Ngoma, the force behind Grace Certified Accountants in Hemel Hempstead.Dora’s journey is a testament to true resilience and entrepreneurial spirit in accountancy. A Fellow of the ACCA and regulated by the Institute of Financial Accountants, Dora started her practice in 2019 after recovering from a serious car accident and overcoming huge personal and professional challenges—including raising four children, rebuilding from scratch after her marriage broke down, and moving from loss to record profits within a year.With a general practice background, Dora has carved a specialist reputation for helping landlords untangle historic, undeclared rental income issues with HMRC—a niche that’s not only in demand, but also highly rewarding for her clients and business.In this uplifting episode, co-host Mark Lee flies solo (as Philippa Haynes returns next week), guiding Dora to share her refreshingly honest journey, from networking nerves to building a visible personal brand, and how she survived the rollercoaster early years of business ownership.Three headliners for accountants in practice:Why “not everyone is your client” is the best advice you’ll receive this year—saving time, stress, and sanityThe surprising power of saying no and setting better prices—plus how Dora stopped underestimating her own valueSpotting and owning a niche: How Dora’s focus on landlords and property tax led to bigger, better clients and a steady stream of referralsWhether you’re building your own practice, battling self-doubt, or wondering how to get (and keep) the right clients, Dora’s openness and hard-won insights offer practical inspiration.Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with a fellow accountant!The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com_________________________________________________________________Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret

This week’s episode features Kevin Drew, founder of Ascentant Accountancy—whose remarkable journey started in a Derby caravan after 15 years in London’s legal finance sector.Kevin’s career is anything but typical, blending deep legal cashiering expertise, a championing of inclusivity with a strong LGBTQ+ and community focus, and plenty of hard-won lessons from building a thriving practice from the ground up.AAT and ILFM qualified, Kevin now leads a 13-strong team across two offices, serving both small businesses and law firms nationwide. His story is about more than technical skills: it’s a masterclass in resilience, niche positioning, and using lived experience to connect with clients who value understanding and authenticity.In this energising episode, co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee invite Kevin to open up about the setbacks that shaped his growth, the power of community, and practical tips for accountants ready to make their mark.For this week’s practice-changing inspiration, tune in for:From Caravan to Niche: The honest truth about starting without a plan and finding your specialism—by accident!Community as a Competitive Advantage: Why supporting local charities, apprentices, and LGBTQ+ businesses isn’t just good for the soul but good for business.Learning From Mistakes: Kevin’s confessions on costly marketing blunders, tricky recruitment lessons, and how letting go finally set him (and his practice) free.If you’ve ever wondered how to overcome early struggles, build a loyal client base, or simply stay human in the age of AI, you’ll find this episode packed with practical wisdom and approachable humour.Subscribe, share, and bring a mate—this is one accountants’ story you won’t want to miss!The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com_________________________________________________________________Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret

Join us for a review of the last 5 interviews including:Melanie Grant-CoeyBeth JacksonRubina AnjumNishi PatelSarah SallisWe revisit the journey of Melanie Grant-Cowie, founder of a thriving practice in Lisburn, near Belfast. Melanie combines spiritual values, strong boundaries, and what she calls “confident networking” to build a loyal client base—proving there’s more to practice growth than sales patter or cut-throat pricing.Don’t miss these headliners, all packed into our latest episode:Confident Networking Without the Desperation: How Melanie’s approach attracts the right clients (and keeps them sticking around).Putting Yourself First (and Not Feeling Guilty About It): Why working on yourself and getting the right mentors is non-negotiable for practice success.Take It or Leave It – The Power of Setting Boundaries: Why standing firm on your fees and terms means more time for clients you actually want.From practical mindset shifts to honest revelations, Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee pull out wisdom every accountant in practice should hear—whether you’re three months in or thirty years along.Listen now for ideas to help you network with confidence, set your boundaries, and (finally) stop comparing yourself to the competition.If you want to up your game, this is the guidance you didn’t know you needed.Subscribe, share, and leave us a five-star review!The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com_________________________________________________________________Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret

This week’s episode welcomes Sarah Sallis, founder of The Accountancy Office in Evesham, Worcestershire.Sarah’s journey is anything but “by the numbers”. Having started out in commercial roles and civil service—without even a maths GCSE—she’s now a Chartered Management Accountant who’s built a thriving accountancy firm from scratch, specialising in supporting service-based businesses, online coaches, and the construction sector.Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee FCA dive into Sarah’s refreshingly honest—and highly relatable—story, from juggling motherhood with bookkeeping side hustles to scaling a specialist practice that offers truly personal support.Tune in for uplifting, hard-won advice on:• The reality behind growing from “suck it and see” startup to established firmHow Sarah moved beyond imposter syndrome, built confidence without prior practice experience, and found her niche—while never missing a single school sports day.• The big leap: When and how to bring your first team member on boardWhy timing is everything, how to get off the hamster wheel, and what really happens when you let go of “doing it all”.• Getting brave with pricing and picking the right clientsSarah explains how she went from saying “yes” to everyone, to confidently reviewing fees—even when some clients headed for the hills.If you’re an accountant thinking about your next step—or simply in need of a bit of reassurance and inspiration—Sarah’s story is one you won’t want to miss.Listen now, subscribe, and let us know what you think!The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com_________________________________________________________________Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret

This week’s episode spotlights Nishi Patel, the founder of N-Accounting in Northampton.Nishi made the leap from a successful career in corporate finance to launching his own practice—motivated by a desire to truly help small business owners, not just nudge profits from 96% to 97%. As a Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA) since 2007 and now leading a talented in-house team, Nishi believes in business plans with real purpose and advice that makes a difference where it matters most.Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee encourage Nishi to reveal:The ‘back to basics’ marketing strategies that actually landed clients – and what he’d never do nowHow focusing on one channel trumps scattergun marketing (even if everyone else says otherwise)Why early networking is more 'dessert' than 'greens', and the unexpected value of getting involved with clients, not just chasing new leadsNishi’s honest, self-aware take on building a modern accounting practice will make you rethink your own growth strategy—and maybe your reading list too!Whether you’re just starting out, itching to grow, or questioning the next step, this episode delivers practical insights with both humility and humour.Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your fellow accountants!The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com_________________________________________________________________Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret

This week’s episode features Rubina Anjum, founder of Pyramid Point Accountants in London and CIMA-qualified accounting dynamo.Rubina’s story offers a refreshing take on the realities of launching a practice—blending corporate experience with a brave leap into entrepreneurship. Originally intent on building a large, generalist firm, she soon found her calling supporting healthcare professionals and those with foreign income, carving out a unique specialism and helping clients navigate the ever-changing world of tax with tailored advice and boundless enthusiasm.Not only has she powered her firm’s growth, but she’s also created a library of over 130 tax tip videos on YouTube, turning digital content into a magnet for new clients.In this practical and uplifting conversation, co-hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes draw out Rubina’s most valuable lessons for accountants at any stage of practice, including:- Why business plans are only the start...and why your first client might just be hiding at a networking event- The real secrets to pricing and growing your firm without losing your sanity (or weekends!)- How “trial and error” marketing on the right channel can transform new business, with tips and mistakes honestly sharedIf you’re ready to specialise, want your practice to stand out, or simply need a nudge to get started on camera, Robina’s story is exactly what you need to hear.Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your fellow accountants!The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com_________________________________________________________________Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret