​The Business Growth
Accounta​​​​​nt

‘If you’re serious about growing and developing your accounting business, then Paul Shrimpling’s book is essential reading. Don’t just read it, take action. Do nothing at your own peril.’

“For any firm that is looking at staying ahead of the inevitable ‘march of automation’, this is the book for you.

Sharing knowledge and facts is no longer the role of the advisor, Google will do that far better. Your ability to remain relevant in the new digital age will depend on your skills in questioning, building rapport and connecting with your clients at a far deeper level.

As machines get better at answering questions… you need to get better at asking them. Paul’s book shows you just how to do that.”

The Business Growth Accountant is a treasure trove of advice on how to move your firm up the value curve – by giving your customers the services they need and want. In addition to Paul Shrimpling’s sage advice – and here I will reveal my bias – be sure to pay particular attention to three more Pauls quoted in the book: the late Paul O’Byrne, RIP, and his partner, Paul Kennedy, who continues to run what I believe is the most innovative accounting firm in the world, O’Byrne & Kennedy; and, of course, Paul Dunn, the man who blazed the trail and helped thousands of firms fulfill the transformational journey that is energetically articulated throughout this book.

“Paul has packed this book with great detailed practical advice on a modern accounting business. It's jam-packed with insights on what you need to do to take your accounting business from where you are today, to where you want to be in the future. It's a must read, but more importantly, must action.”

“I’ve just read the first 60 pages and thoroughly enjoying the book, I definitely agree with all the points you’ve made so far.

In January this year we launched our re-brand. We re-branded because any business that doesn’t change with the times will be left behind and so rather than wait for change to happen we’re working ahead of the curve. In a team session my opening slide said – Accounting isn’t about the numbers, it’s about people”.

Having read your section on why perceived value stems from feelings, I’ll tweak this slightly to ‘people’s feelings’. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the book Paul. Thanks for the insight.”

The Business Growth Accountant is a comprehensive, plain-speaking guide to profitability and advisory business growth. Many theorise about this – Paul tells you how!

“In my opinion this book is essential reading for any owner of an accountancy practice in these times where the pace of change is the fastest it has ever been. I have read a few books on the current issues facing the accountancy profession by different authors. The way this book has been put together, pooling a vast range of resources, ideas and research, provides a very good framework for re-modelling a traditional accountancy practice into a relevant advisory service business.

Paul’s undoubted knowledge, experience and passion to help improve the accountant’s role comes across in every chapter of this book.”

“This book tells you everything good about Paul Shrimpling’s approach and contribution to the accountancy profession. Anyone who has seen him present would vouch that Paul can never be accused of being half-hearted, and this book oozes passion and wholehearted advice from the first page. The book is filled with straightforward and common-sense advice, and Paul’s credibility comes not only from his thousands of hours one-to-one with accountants looking to improve their businesses but also his ability to get others to open up about the secrets of their success. This is a must-read for any accountant looking forward to the digital age with a little trepidation.”

In this book Paul brilliantly articulates the key issues facing our industry and the most effective solutions to them from people who have done it already.

Having worked with Paul for a number of years and read many of the books, which are referred to here, it’s great to see how Paul has pulled so much of this stuff together in one place. What is crystal clear and connected with me, is the importance of changing your mindset and being that advisor first, and an accountant second. We have already taken steps to reflect this and are changing our branding.”

“In his book Paul does not set out to be popular. He challenges you to be so much more than just another beige accountant. And let me tell you, the world doesn’t need any more of them!

In your hands is the book that every dull, boring accountant should read so they get a sense of what the wise ones are doing. Then why wouldn’t you leave mediocre and run-of-the-mill accounting behind you and take the actions and insights suggested by all the contributors to Paul’s book?

If I were an accountant I’d buy every available copy of this book so that the competition can’t get hold of a copy.

Paul, and the firms he’s interviewed for the book, re-invigorate my belief that the accountancy profession can deliver on its potential to change the way that businesses perform.”

“I worked with Paul for a number of years. He was coach, consultant, adviser, friend and trusted aide all at the same time. Paul’s knowledge, experience and expertise of the accountancy profession is simply brilliant.

He helped transform our firm and I’m forever indebted to him for all his support. I’m thrilled that Paul has written this book where he openly and transparently shares key insights into how to create an exceptional accountancy firm.

I think the book is a must-read for all accountants who are serious about running a remarkable practice.”

“Paul has interviewed some remarkably smart practitioners, and blended their remarkably practical insights with his own, to produce a remarkably useful book”

"Having worked with Paul from afar, I can see that the dedication to his work is truly making a difference and inspiring the accountant's he works with. Which in turn is having an amazing impact on the client's that those accounting firms are working with. Do yourself a favour, pick up this book and learn how you can create meaningful impacts in your accounting business which allow you to grow profitably. "

Having read Paul’s book this has opened my eyes to the clear challenges that the profession faces. New technology and new competition mean firms need to seriously review what they do and how they do it.

The book clearly identifies these issues and provides guidance on how you can turn these into opportunities for the practice. This has inspired me to make the necessary changes in my practice to ensure its future and the exciting growth that can be achieved.

If you want to safeguard what you have and build on it, this book is a must read.”

“It’s time for accountants to do more for business owners than just do accounts and tax returns! Wherever you are in your career, this book will give you the confidence, insights and knowledge to do just that. Easy to ready, it builds on your existing skill set. And, if you implement the ideas in the book, not only will it will position you as the go-to accountant, it will help you to make an incredible impact on your clients’ businesses and the lives of so many, ultimately creating a better World.”

I have just read your fantastic book and have been inspired to re-write completely our internal business advisory manual.

The firm has 58 staff now and we are attacking the MTD market at the moment with a training package for clients using Quickbooks, Sage and Xero together with an in-housed data processing solution using the same software but within LP.

We have been providing outsourced FD services for over 12 years with 80% of the practice now providing higher level tax planning (30%), business advisory(30%) and financial services advice (20%) to the client base.We are exploring creating two brands/practices - one for compliance services and the other Business Advisory first and accountancy a close second.

I am really inspired by your book and thank you so much for writing it, it has been a life changing experience.

“This is the book that the Accountancy Profession needs to wake itself up to what clients want.

It’s all in the book - how you start and deliver Business Growth Consultancy to your clients. It’s simply invaluable for those accountants that want to BE the change.

Well done Paul and this book needs to be read by every team member.”