In episode five of Bean Counter to Boss, hosts Will, Amy and James Goulsbra dig into the question every new firm faces: how do you win clients from a standing start?
Amy shares how a single favour snowballed into steady work and why Facebook groups and Google reviews still matter. James talks through getting out of his comfort zone, using conversations to shape his offer, and why delegating marketing can be a game changer.
They compare what actually works on LinkedIn vs Facebook, how to build referral streams, and the realities of SEO, websites, and ProAdvisor listings. You will also hear practical ways to stop giving away free advice, from setting firm meeting limits to swapping “quick chats” for structured consultations. The trio finish with ideas for workshops and local meet ups that position you as the go to accountant in your community.
Highlights:
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system. Visit the website to start a free trial or find out more
In this guest episode of the Bean Counter to Boss podcast, hosts Will Rush and James Goulsbra sit down with Luke Farren, founder of The Modern Firm, to explore the realities of leaving corporate stability for entrepreneurial freedom.
Luke shares his journey from leading integrations at Cooper Parry to launching The Modern Firm, a consultancy helping accountancy practices modernise through smarter tech, streamlined processes, and cultural change. Together, they unpack the traps firms fall into when chasing too much tech, why process should come before platforms, and how leaders can empower their teams to drive digital transformation from within.
Expect candid reflections, practical insights for accountants looking to start or scale their own practices, and a few laughs along the way.
Highlights:
Quickfire Round: Coffee vs tea, office vs remote, process vs tech, and a surprising take on curry pizzas.
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system. Visit the website to start a free trial or find out more
In this episode of Bean Counter to Boss, Will, Amy, and James dive into the technology shaping the next generation of UK accounting firms. From automating workflows to managing clients smarter, it’s all about building a practice that runs efficiently — and scales effortlessly.
💡 You’ll discover:
Whether you’re just starting your practice or streamlining an established one, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples to help you run a more connected, tech-savvy firm.
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system. Visit the website to start a free trial or find out more
In this insightful and entertaining episode, Will, Amy, and James sit down with Kev Lord, General Manager at FirmCheck, to talk all things AML compliance and why it’s the often-overlooked cornerstone of building a successful accounting practice.
Kev shares his journey from FreeAgent and Chaser to leading FirmCheck, and dives deep into how modern AML software is transforming compliance from a painful tick-box exercise into a strategic, reputation-saving advantage.
You’ll hear:
Whether you’re launching your own firm or levelling up your processes, this episode will help you see AML as an opportunity, not a burden.
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system. Visit the website for a free trial or to find out more
In this episode, our trio dives into the nuts and bolts (and maybe a few laughs) of setting up your accounting business the right way from day one.
Sole trader or limited company which structure actually makes sense for you? Then they’ll chat about whether finding your niche is a must or if staying flexible can still make you the go-to accountant in town.
And of course, what’s a modern practice without a brand and website that screams “We’ve got our numbers sorted”? Learn how to build a presence that draws in your dream clients and maybe keeps the not-so-dreamy ones away.
Whether you’re just starting out or giving your firm a facelift, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest laughs, and a few stories that might sound a little too familiar…
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system.
In this guest episode we sit down with the amazing Jeri Williams to chat through her journey, going out on your own and obviously the amazing work she does with other accountants and bookkeepers at The Digital Accountants Club.
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system.
Making the leap from employee to business owner is one of the most significant and often, most intimidating decisions in an accountant’s career. In this episode, we explore the mindset shifts that happen when you move from working for someone else to building your own practice. We’ll dig into the risks and rewards of striking out on your own, how to know if you’re ready, and what to expect on the other side. You’ll also hear candid stories from Amy and James on why they made the decision, and what they learned along the way
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system.
Lets get to know Amy and James! Where did it all start, what got them in to accounting and who is the person behind the accountancy firm owner!
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system.