If you only compare your accounting firm to other accounting firms, then you’re operating at a dangerously low level.

The bar is set so much higher now. But most accounting firm owners have never even looked up to see where it is.

Many firm owners are still stuck wondering whether they should move to cloud software, or using the failing systems that their multi-partner firms are used to, or obsessing over Letters of Engagement in case things go wrong.

While they’re stuck pondering, the world has changed on them.

The bar has been dramatically raised, and many other practices are now flying over it.

Put yourself in your clients’ shoes

Your clients are not comparing you to other accountants. They’re comparing you to anything they want to compare you to.

They might be comparing you to the fact that they can order a book on Amazon on a Saturday and be reading it with their coffee on Sunday morning.

They’re comparing you to the fact that they can call their bank at 10pm on a Sunday and speak to a human being and get all their questions answered.

That’s the exceptional, world-class service that your clients now expect. From everywhere.

So, what are ‌world-class accountants doing for their clients?

The accounting firms that are delivering the best service today are producing Monthly Management Reports within a week of month-end. And they are sending it to their clients via video, ahead of their monthly meeting.

They complete Annual Accounts within 30 days of year-end. They have all of this year’s tax returns completed at the end of last year. They know their clients’ business and personal goals. And they reference them in every report they provide them with.

The best accounting firms have their client’s name printed on a parking space when they arrive. Then it appears again on a screen as they walk in the door. Everyone greets the client by name, and their favorite drink is waiting for them, made to their liking (because the firm asked them what they wanted when they booked the meeting).