Accounting Industry Insights with Mark Holton

Hosted by Mark Holton

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The business of accounting is constantly changing with evolving cloud technologies and process reengineering by the Government to simplify compliance processing. Accounting practices are facing increased challenges to successfully compete in the marketplace and deliver improved value added services to business owners. To meet these challenges, practices need to assess are they in fact ready to offer a suite of powerful services. This podcast is for you if you are looking to hear what is happening in the accounting industry with Mark's experience and wide network sharing their knowledge with you.

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51 recent

June 13, 202634 min

From Standard to Stand Out: Paul Dunn on Purpose, Impact and the Future of Accounting

Mark sits down with Paul Dunn, co-founder of B1G1, four-time TEDx speaker, and one of the most influential voices in the global accounting profession, for a conversation that challenges everything firms think they know about purpose, relevance and what it actually means to serve clients well. Paul unpacks why most firms are stuck in a sea of sameness, why impact is now a measurable strategic advantage, and what the shift from the experience economy to the transformation economy means for accountants as they navigate AI and an uncertain future. If you've ever wondered what separates firms that truly thrive from those just surviving, this one's worth your full attention. Paul Dunn: LinkedIn B1G1 website: www.b1g1.com

May 9, 202626 min

Technical Brilliance Isn't Enough: Building Real Leadership Capability in Accounting Firms

In this episode, Mark catches up with Kylie Denton, founding director of Performance Advisory Group, bestselling author, and one of Australia's most respected thought leaders in leadership and sales within financial services. With over 30 years in the industry (her words, not ours!), Kylie pulls no punches on one of the accounting profession's most persistent blind spots: promoting technically brilliant people into leadership roles and then leaving them to figure it out on their own. In this conversation, they cover: Why the skills that make a great accountant can actually work against you as a leader The 25 core competencies leaders need, and why most firms aren't developing any of them Delegation: why "I can do it better myself" is costing your firm more than you think Leading multigenerational teams, and why it's less about generational conflict and more about opportunity What younger professionals actually want, and why ignoring it is a talent strategy with a short shelf life Kylie's practical, no-nonsense approach makes this one genuinely useful for partners, managers, and anyone navigating the shift from doing great work to leading people who do great work. You can contact Kylie via her website: www.performanceadvisorygroup.com.au And also connect via LinkedIn

March 17, 202632 min

What the Numbers Are Really Telling Us: Industry Benchmarks Every Accounting Firm Should Know

Mark sits down with Matt Feehan from Three Rivers Group and M2 Academy to unpack two of the most talked-about reports in the accounting industry right now - the Smithink Partner Crunch Report 2025 and the Benchmarking Data & Research Accounting Industry Report 2025. From revenue per partner and staff productivity through to profitability, lockup days, write-offs, and the compliance-versus-advisory debate, Mark and Matt cut through the numbers and share what they actually mean for firm owners on the ground. Practical, honest, and at times a little confronting, this one's worth a listen whether your firm is flying or you're quietly wondering if the benchmarks are trying to tell you something. How to Register for The Crunch 2026 Register before 31 March 2026, and you'll receive 50% off the standard price, bringing it to $247.50. You submit your practice data through a secure questionnaire, typically in 30 to 45 minutes, using information you already have in your practice management systems. From there, your data is quality-checked, anonymised, and aggregated, and you receive a comprehensive benchmark report showing exactly where your firm sits and what the top performers are doing differently. It becomes a strategic tool you can use throughout the year, for pricing reviews, partner discussions, investment decisions, and performance monitoring. Register for The Crunch 2026 here.

December 7, 202521 min

Employee Ownership, Valuation and Succession with Dr Craig West

In this episode, Mark chats with Dr Craig West, founder and chairman of Succession Plus and creator of Capitaliz, about how employee share ownership plans can transform succession planning. Craig explains why ESOPs are so powerful for retaining key people, giving younger leaders a genuine path to ownership and lifting business valuation over time, and how accountants can use valuation insights to support advisory work and value based pricing. Contact Craig: Capitaliz: www.capitaliz.com Succession Plus: www.succession.plus

November 9, 202524 min

Lessons from 40 Years of Family Business Advisory with Paul Miller

Paul Miller has spent more than four decades helping family businesses grow, transition and thrive. As the author of Building a Legacy, he shares how structure, planning and communication shape the future of every business, not just those run by families. In conversation with Mark Holton, Paul reflects on what advisors can learn from family enterprises, why listening matters more than talking, and how accountants can turn numbers into stories that guide clients toward lasting success. You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn here. Find out more about Paul's book here. And download the three templates Paul refers to here.

September 25, 202523 min

From Scope Creep to Stronger Margins: Practical Insights with Ethan Cooney

In this episode, Mark talks with Ignition's Ethan Cooney, Accountants Daily's Tech Innovator of the Year. They explore how firms are navigating TASA's new disclosure rules, updating engagement letters, and addressing the risks of scope creep. Ethan shares how successful practices are rescoping agreements, running annual renewals, packaging services with add-ons, and confidently adjusting fees. The discussion also highlights how firms can de-risk cashflow by securing payments upfront. It's a practical look at what leading firms are doing right now to stay compliant, strengthen margins, and deliver a better client experience. Ethan's contact details: Ethan Cooney | Senior Partnerships Manager practiceignition.com LinkedIn

August 28, 202533 min

Redesigning the Client Meeting: Trent McLaren on Smarter Workflows and Stronger Relationships

Mark chats with Trent McLaren, co-founder of Vinyl and a recognised leader in accounting technology. They discuss how Vinyl grew from the frustrations of day-to-day firm meetings into a tool that helps accountants save time and strengthen client relationships. Topics include: - Where client meetings typically lose time, and what can be automated - Guardrails for security, privacy, and accuracy - How firms can pilot new tools without disrupting workflow - Lessons from early users and what's next on the roadmap A practical conversation about the future of meetings, trust, and technology in accounting. Contact Trent: Trent McLaren Founder and Director Journey www.usevinyl.com LinkedIn

August 3, 202529 min

From Compliance to Reliance: Why Advisory Doesn't Start with Software

Mark catches up with Matt Feehan to kick off the advisory conversation with a myth-buster: software isn't the first step. They explore Step One of the Enabler™ Seven Steps to Success: Prepare Your Firm, covering: Why the demand for advisory is rising Why starting with software fails What you need in place first: people, capacity, infrastructure How to pick your advisory champion Setting realistic targets If you're thinking about advisory, this episode gives you a clear place to start without the overwhelm. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn.

May 2, 202523 min

Marketing That Cuts Through: Insights from Ethan Tonelli

In this episode, Mark Holton is joined by Ethan Tonelli, Digital Marketing Director and co-founder of Canyon Digital. With a background spanning global brands like Netflix and Spotify, as well as not-for-profits and local businesses, Ethan shares how digital marketing strategies are evolving and what accounting firms can learn from other industries. They discuss: - Key shifts in digital marketing that accountants should be aware of - How to strengthen your firm's online presence without losing the personal touch - Common mistakes small businesses make with marketing—and how to avoid them - Practical tips for accountants to create valuable content and engage clients online If you're looking to make smarter marketing decisions and build deeper client relationships, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Get in touch with Ethan: www.canyondigital.com.au

February 14, 202523 min

The Crunch: What High-Performing Accounting Firms Do Differently

In this episode of Accounting Industry Insights, Mark speaks with Julia Thomson from The Benchmarking Group about the key findings from The Crunch: The Annual Accounting Firm Benchmark Report. They explore what sets high-profit firms apart—focusing on quality over quantity, efficient systems, proactive partners, and diversifying beyond traditional accounting services. Julia also shares insights on industry trends, including AI's growing role in accounting, the biggest challenges firms may face in 2025, and the untapped opportunities for firms willing to evolve. Tune in for expert advice on how accounting firms can boost profitability, enhance client relationships, and stay ahead in a changing industry. The Crunch: The Annual Accounting Firm Benchmark Report: www.benchmarking.com.au/accounting-industry-report The Benchmarking Group: www.benchmarking.com.au