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Why your accountant is the mentor you didn’t know you needed

May 4, 2023

Using mentors for decision-making support

An Accountant as business mentor can provide guidance and support, so you make the right decisions and stay focused on the end goal as a business owner. They can also help you move forward in your career by providing advice and feedback on what steps to take to reach the pinnacle of success. But have you ever thought of your accountant as business mentor?

Why your accountant is the ideal mentor

Having someone who understands your business journey is incredibly important. You might see an accountant as someone who files your tax returns. But, in fact, we’re experienced business owners, with access to a significant network of other business professionals. An accountant can be the mentor you didn’t know you needed. No-one knows your business better than us, so we’re perfectly placed to offer you advice, guide your business journey and help you push your skills and capabilities as a business owner.

An accountant as business mentor will:

  • Expand your knowledge as an entrepreneur – as business owners, we have the knowledge and experience to help you move your business forward. And we can work with you to expand your leadership skills, business thinking and entrepreneurial ideas.
  • Be a shoulder to lean on – we’ll offer 1-2-1 mentoring sessions where we can listen to your unique worries and concerns as a business owner. Having someone on the same page to listen and empathise is vital for your business and your own mental health.
  • Guide the important elements of your business – we’ll help you manage and improve your business strategy, planning and decision-making skills. We’ll also provide the management information systems you need to guide your finances and planning.
  • Keep your finances on track – we’ll show you how to maximise profits, reduce costs, and make better financial decisions. We’ll also help you plan your own personal wealth and tax strategies, so you can achieve your own entrepreneurial goals and lifestyle.
  • Introduce you to a broader business network – we work with hundreds of other business owners across a range of industries. This means we can link you up with other entrepreneurs and founders, so you have a network of other like-minded individuals to connect with. This can be vital when brainstorming and benchmarking, or if you need to talk to someone who understands the specific pain points you’re experiencing.

Having someone to guide your business journey can be invaluable. A business owner must grow and evolve along with their business, and having regular mentoring catch-ups is the ideal way to progress, offload your concerns and look for new inspiration.

How to Choose an Accountant as Business Mentor

Choosing the right accountant as business mentor requires careful consideration. You should look for an accountant who:

1. Has Relevant Experience

Choose an accountant who has experience working with businesses similar to yours. They should have a deep understanding of your industry, your financial needs, and your goals and objectives.

2. Offers Personalised Support

Choose an accountant who offers personalised support and understands your unique needs and challenges. They should be available to answer your questions, provide guidance, and offer solutions to help you succeed.

3. Provides Clear Communication

Choose an accountant who communicates clearly and effectively. They should be able to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms and provide actionable insights that you can use to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Having an accountant as business mentor can provide invaluable support and guidance to help you succeed. They can offer financial expertise, help you develop a solid business strategy, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide access to a network of resources and connections. When choosing an accountant as business mentor, look for someone with relevant experience, personalised support, and clear communication. If you want to grow as an entrepreneur, please come and talk to us about our business advisory services and how we can partner with you to guide your business future.

 

Author

  • Suzanne Walker


    Suzanne Walker is the founder of one of Australia’s leading public accounting firms, Clear Path Accounting, and has built her results-based reputation as a transformational business advisor over the last 25 years. She holds the philosophy that accounting is more than just tax returns and compliance and believes that accountants can have a profound impact on the lives of their clients.

    Suzanne began her career after completing her degree in Commerce from the University of South Australia. She started out working for a large accounting firm in Sydney before deciding to make the bold move of starting her own practice. Since then, she has helped countless business owners achieve their financial goals through her sound advice and guidance.

    Establishing a career as a young mum of three, in a male-dominated industry has also gifted her with a passion for helping other women in business. Motivating her to co-create courses and business mastermind groups specifically to empower women with the skills they need to find their own version of success.

    In addition to her work at Clear Path Accounting, Suzanne is also the Vice President of the Penrith Valley Chamber. She regularly attends and often hosts meetings, events and seminars, in an effort to support others in her local business community.

    Suzanne is passionate about helping her clients achieve financial success, taking a personalised approach to every engagement. Her dedication to her clients and her commitment to excellence have made her a trusted advisor to many businesses in Australia.