This week’s 100th episode is a special milestone for the Accountants’ Success Secrets podcast, co-hosted by brand expert Philippa Haynes and mentor Mark Lee FCA.

Reflecting on three years and 80 inspiring guests, Philippa and Mark take a lively look back at the professional journeys and success secrets of accountants who've built thriving practices through very different – sometimes quirky – routes.

Hear how Joanne Bell, Managing Director of Bell’s Accountants in Kent, grew her practice from humble beginnings (mortgage struggles and all!) to a successful, acquisition-ready business by nurturing a culture of learning and evolution—proof that it’s perfectly fine not to know it all at the start!

This extra-special episode is jam-packed with practical wisdom and laugh-out-loud honesty, including:

Headliners

• To timesheet or not to timesheet: Innovative alternatives to tracking staff efficiency—why green, yellow, and red cells in Excel might be all you need.
• The “Lego approach” to practice growth: Breaking apart what works and rebuilding it stronger, with lessons from Dan Healan’s dynamic, experiment-driven business philosophy.
• AI: April Fool or game changer? What happens when an accountant builds a practice made up of 11 AI teammates—and what all of us can learn from it.

With bonus reflections on client handholding, niche expertise, pricing pitfalls, and why your communication style might matter even more than your technical chops, this landmark episode offers a candid, energising distillation of what truly drives long-term success in accountancy.

If you’re an accountant who wants to future-proof your career, get real about practice life (and maybe, just maybe, enjoy the ride), tune in and join Philippa and Mark for their most insightful—and entertaining—episode yet.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the love with your network!

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

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Welcome to Episode 98 of the Accountants' Success Secrets podcast! This week, Speaker A and Speaker B bring you an episode with a twist. On this April 1st recording, they welcome Alexis Kingsbury, the founder of Accrual Intentions—the world’s first accountancy firm staffed entirely by AI bots, except for Alexis himself!

Most weeks, the show features accountants with years of experience running their practice. Today, Alexis stands out with just five weeks under his belt, but a unique story. Inspired by conversations at Accountex 2025 and his own book, Accrual Intentions, Alexis launched an ambitious experiment to explore how far AI can go in transforming the accounting profession.

Expect laughter, curiosity, and plenty of “April fool?” moments as Alexis explains the motivation behind his firm, the lessons learned, and what UK accountants of every age can take away from his journey. From practical tips to mindset shifts, this episode promises inspiration, surprises, and actionable insights for accountants at any stage of their career.

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

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Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  

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Welcome to episode 97 of Accountants' Success Secrets, where Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes chat with inspiring practitioners about what makes a thriving accountancy firm. This week, we’re joined by Dan Heelan, founder of Heelan Associates, who shares his journey from retail management (and a childhood aversion to accountancy!) to leading a team of 40 and growing a hugely successful practice in Hampshire.

Dan reveals everything from his early days working in his mum’s conservatory, to lessons learned about business, client service, and the power of social media—plus why making YouTube videos has become his unlikely passion. Together, our hosts explore the highs, lows, and key learnings that have shaped Dan’s approach to growth, systems, team culture, and pricing.

Whether you’re a sole practitioner, seasoned partner, or just dipping a toe into the world of accounting, you’ll discover practical secrets and insights to help you build a stronger, more sustainable practice. So grab your favourite brew, settle in, and get ready for another dose of Accountants’ Success Secrets!

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

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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

Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets! This week, your hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sit down with Joanne Bell, Managing Director of Bells Accountants in Kent. From accidentally falling into the world of accountancy to leading a thriving, multi-office practice with around 30 staff and winning top industry accolades, Jo shares her inspiring journey.

You'll hear how Jo started out just trying to make ends meet during the 2008 housing crash, and how an early mentor helped steer her towards building the successful firm she runs today. This episode is packed with honest stories of growing pains, learning from mistakes, and the realities of acquisitions—warts and all! Plus, she dives into financial education, the importance of team culture, and balancing effective delegation with staying involved.

If you want practical insights, uplifting stories, and a few laughs, this is one for your playlist. And, as always, if you have your own accountant's story to tell, Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes would love to hear from you. 

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

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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

Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets, where we dive into the real stories and reflections behind successful accountancy practices in the UK. In this special February Reflections edition, hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee look back at the lessons learned and lightbulb moments shared by recent guests.

From Jonathan Vowles' honest admission that he once focused on being the "cheapest accountant in the world" (and how that shaped his brand and business approach), to Paul Reid's refreshing take on starting a practice the second time around—this episode pulls out the threads connecting authenticity, business savvy, and making the kind of decisions only hindsight can teach.

You'll also hear about Dave Sellick's maniacal focus on building a practice that genuinely makes him happy, and how building a niche using both creativity and technology can flip the traditional accounting model on its head. Finally, Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee unpack the challenges and surprising strengths behind running a franchise practice with Tej Gowara, and why marketing and people skills are just as crucial as sharp technical knowledge.

Whether you're a seasoned accountant, a sole practitioner, or just someone who wants to stand out from the crowd, this episode serves up practical insights, hard-won wisdom, and a good dose of humour to help you level up your accountancy career. So, grab a cuppa—and maybe even a luxury chocolate biscuit—and join us as we reflect on the secrets to real success in 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

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Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?  

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Fifteen years ago, Tej Gewara made the leap from a career in industry to open his own accountancy practice. Now, as owner of TaxAssist Accountants in Leicester East and Nottingham, with a team of 12, Tej shares what it's really like to build a thriving business from scratch.

In this 30-minute episode, Tej talks candidly about:
🔹 Why he chose the franchise route—and the realities of leveraging a well-known brand
🔹 The lessons learned from managing a growing team, making local acquisitions, and developing genuine people skills
🔹 Overcoming mistakes like underpricing (and the liberation of finally putting fees up!)
🔹 The day-to-day differences between working in and on your practice—and how to break free from never-ending client work
🔹 Practical tips for building client loyalty through service, not just number-crunching

Whether you’re setting up your own practice, considering an accountancy franchise, or aiming to run a more profitable business, Tej’s story is packed with real-world advice and inspiration.

Hosted by Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes. For exclusive bonus content, subscribe on Patreon!

#AccountantsSuccessSecrets #TejGewara #AccountancyPodcast #PracticeGrowth #SMEAdvisory #FranchiseAccountants #TeamManagement #FeeRaising #AccountingInsights

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

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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

Welcome to another episode of Accountant Success Secrets! This week, Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sit down with Dave Sellick, the visionary behind Sidgrove, a purpose-led accounting practice and finance consultancy. Dave shares his journey from a tough start at PwC—right as Lehman Brothers crashed, no less—through years of soul-searching in founder-led businesses, all the way to creating his own innovative, one-man firm.

Tune in as we explore how Dave’s passion for creativity, technology, and wellbeing (he’s a yoga teacher and a DJ, after all) shapes his unique approach to accountancy. You’ll hear why he challenges traditional models, how he harnesses tools like Stream Deck and automation to redefine his workflow, and his mission to humanise accounting—both for himself and for his clients.

Plus, we chat about the value of small, values-driven practices, how personal happiness fuels professional success, and why Dave is opening up his methods to inspire other accountants. Whether you’re a seasoned practice owner or just starting out, you’ll find fresh ideas, honest reflections, and a few surprises in today’s conversation. 

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

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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

Welcome to Episode 92 of the Accountants' Success Secrets podcast! This week, your hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sit down with Paul Reid, founder of Empower Accountancy in Cambridge, for a conversation full of wisdom, wit, and inspiration. Paul shares his unusual journey—after selling his first practice almost ten years ago, he ventured into running a family insurance business before recently returning to accountancy.

In this episode, you'll discover how Paul's experience across industries shaped his approach, what drove him to set up a second practice, and the lessons that he's applied the second time round. He talks candidly about the importance of having a clear strategy, hiring the right team, giving back through charity, and the confidence to choose clients wisely. You'll hear practical tips, honest reflections, and plenty of encouragement for anyone looking to build a practice with purpose and passion.

So, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, join us for a lively chat packed with actionable insights from Paul's remarkable career. And, as always, find out how you can connect with our hosts or get involved in future episodes. Let’s get inspired and learn the real secrets to success in accountancy!

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

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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

Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets, where we delve into the personal journeys of accountants who have truly made their mark. This week, hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes introduce us to Jonathan Vowles, founder of JVCA in Cranfield, near Cambridge—a man who started his accountancy practice last century from a cupboard under the stairs (yes, just like Harry Potter).

Jonathan brings honesty, humour, and decades of experience, sharing both the triumphs and his “idiotic” mistakes (his words, not ours). From his beginnings in hotel management to launching his own firm, Jonathan opens up about his path, the unexpected hurdles—including a £145,000 bad debt—and the lessons he’s learned on building a successful, friendly accounting business.

This episode is packed with practical takeaways, including tips on client relationships, managing teams, and why every accountant needs a comfort blanket (six months of mortgage payments, anyone?). Plus, we discuss how being approachable makes all the difference for clients wary of finance conversations.

Get ready for candid reflections, laughter, and real stories that will inspire and reassure accountants at every stage of their journey.

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

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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

Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets! This week, hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee are celebrating a milestone—it's the 90th edition of the podcast, and they're serving up one of their signature reflections episodes.

If you're an accountant or bookkeeper looking for real, practical insights you can use, you're in the right place. Philippa and Mark take a look back at the last four guest interviews, distilling the best lessons, biggest surprises, and honest advice from peers who've walked the walk. Expect discussions about rapid practice growth, building rapport with clients, handling technology (without getting carried away), and finding that elusive work-life balance—even if that means working just 27 hours a week!

You'll hear stories from accountants who've chosen their own paths—whether that's refusing to follow so-called 'gurus', focusing on business success rather than just technical work, or daring to raise their fees. Plus, there are plenty of practical nuggets for anyone thinking about risk management, hiring the right people, or making sure your marketing feels true to you.

So, whether you're just starting out, or you've been in practice for decades, grab a cuppa and join Philippa and Mark for straightforward conversations, relatable advice, and a laugh or two along the way. Let’s get started!

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

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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