Issue #25 - Champions are built, not born
VCs bet on AI in accounting + top firms that transformed their workflows in 2024
Welcome to "Get Work Done," where we discuss the complexities of efficiently running accounting and bookkeeping firms. Brought to you by Financial Cents and delivered to your inbox every 2 weeks.
Small change, big difference
The best accounting firms don’t rely on memory or start from scratch every time—they build repeatable systems that create structure, save time, and boost efficiency. That’s exactly what last year’s Champions did to stand out. Shoebox Books Brisbane North East, for example, earned the title of Masters of Efficiency by developing a library of workflow templates, helping their team work smarter, not harder. Honest Buck Accounting, named Champions of Adaptation and Automation, took efficiency to the next level by embracing automation and process improvements, proving that the right technology can transform how a firm operates.
So, what’s one small change you can make to see a big difference?
Document one recurring process today, whether it’s onboarding, accounts receivable, or month-end close. Then, automate a step in that process, such as setting up automated client reminders, task assignments, or report generation. Even a small automation tweak can save you hours in the long run.
Want to see how top firms are transforming their workflows? 🚀 Meet the 2024 Financial Cents Champions and get inspired!
Communities 🫶
Meet Future Firm Accelerate’s RyanBot
RyanBot is an AI-powered coaching tool trained on Ryan Lazanis’ proven firm-scaling system. It helps you navigate pricing, hiring, client management, and workflow optimization. Unlike generic AI, RyanBot asks follow-up questions and adapts its advice, just like a real coach. At only $14/month, it’s an affordable alternative to 1:1 coaching, backed by Ryan’s continuous oversight and training. Early adopters get locked into the founder’s rate before Friday at midnight EST.
Financial Cents' Tax Season Wellness Breaks -Yoga Tomorrow + Gift Reveal!
Tax season got you feeling like you’re running on caffeine and sheer willpower? Time for a reset. Our Tax Season Wellness Breaks continue tomorrow with Yoga! Think a 30-minute virtual hangout with quick yoga routines and gentle stretches. It’s like hitting the refresh button for your brain—no spreadsheets required. About 400 of your peers have already RSVP’ed. What are you waiting for?
PS: Right after the Yoga session tomorrow, we’ll hold a fun live raffle and give away a wellness gift pack to one lucky participant, as well as our limited edition "Tax Season Hero Swag!”
Note: Must be an accountant, bookkeeper, or tax pro to win.
H🔥t today
Why VCs Are Betting Big on AI-Driven Accounting
AI is transforming accounting firms and attracting major venture capital investment. Firms like Bessemer Venture Partners and General Catalyst are backing AI-driven startups that acquire and optimize accounting practices, leveraging automation to handle more clients without adding headcount.
The takeaway? AI isn’t replacing accountants; it’s making firms more scalable and profitable, and investors are taking notice. If industry leaders are betting on AI-driven accounting, maybe it’s time to explore how automation and AI can unlock growth in your firm.
And it’s not just startups making moves. Forward-thinking firms are already integrating AI-powered tools to streamline workflows, improve client service, and drive efficiency. The firms embracing this shift today are setting themselves up to lead the industry tomorrow.
Read the full WSJ report to see where the industry is headed.
The Four-Day Workweek Gains Global Momentum
The traditional five-day workweek is being reimagined worldwide, with several countries experimenting with a four-day model to enhance productivity and employee well-being. Leading this movement, organizations like 4 Day Week Global advocate for the '100-80-100' principle: 100% pay for 80% time, maintaining 100% productivity.
Successful trials in nations such as Spain, the UK, and Portugal have demonstrated promising outcomes, including increased efficiency and improved work-life balance. Notably, Japan plans to implement a four-day workweek for government employees in Tokyo starting April 2025, aiming to address overwork and declining fertility rates. Similarly, Belgium has legislated a four-day workweek, allowing employees to compress 40 hours into four days, accompanied by a "right to disconnect" clause.
These initiatives reflect a global shift towards more flexible work arrangements, suggesting that a condensed workweek could become a standard practice soon.
Explore the future of work trends in 2025.
Swipe this workflow template
Swipe Tonya Schulte’s Discovery Onboarding template designed for use with QuickBooks Online (QBO) and various third-party apps, optimized for the new client file review and discovery phase.
Get more templates from firm owners like you in our community template library.
Meme
Relatable? 😂
Busy Season Corner
Wall of Positivity
Need some inspiration and positivity this tax season? Visit our Wall of Positivity for a dose of encouragement, and don’t forget to add your own! Share a tip, a kind word, or a little sunshine to brighten someone else’s day.
Join the #FC6KWalkChallenge
Here’s how to join:
1️⃣ Walk 6,000 steps or more daily this week.
2️⃣ Post your daily steps on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.
3️⃣ Don’t forget to tag us @FinancialCents and use the hashtag #FC6KWalkChallenge so we can follow along!
The person with the highest average steps takes home a prize by the end of each week. Learn more here.
Noteworthy
Refine Your Year-End Review with Malia White, MBA.
Still wrapping up the last few year-end reviews with clients? Now’s the perfect time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve for next year—while it’s still fresh. A well-structured review isn’t just about closing the books; it’s an opportunity to streamline workflows, refine client relationships, and set your firm up for success.
In this video, Malia White, MBA, walks through her proven year-end review process—one that helps her firm uncover inefficiencies, optimize services, and plan for smarter growth. Whether you’re fine-tuning pricing, assessing team productivity, or improving client communication, this process ensures next year runs smoother than ever.
Watch the video now and take your Year-End Review to the next level!
Get Malia’s Year-End Review Template
How to Optimize Your Solo Accounting Firm for a 15-Hour WorkWeek w/Erica Goode, CPA
At WorkflowCon 2024, Erica Goode, CPA, shared how she built her solo accounting firm while working just 15 hours per week. Her strategy revolves around setting clear 90-day goals, breaking them down into monthly tasks, and time-blocking to protect her schedule from distractions. By staying focused on high-impact work and avoiding scope creep, Erica has created a firm that supports her lifestyle without burnout. Her approach proves that working smarter, not harder, is the key to sustainable success for solo firm owners.
Read the full article to learn how to optimize your solo accounting firm for a 15-hour workweek.
Until Next Time,
