Accountants' Success Secrets

Mark Lee Philippa Haynes
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The Accountants’ Success Secrets podcast showcases and celebrates successful accountants who are doing good things, have years of experience and whose stories can inspire and encourage other accountants around the UK.

  1. DEC 17

    Accountants' Success Secrets Reflections Episode

    Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets! In this special Reflections Edition, Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee take a look back at the standout moments from some of their most recent interviews. Together, they chat openly about what resonated with them—both personally and professionally—drawing lessons from the journeys of inspiring accountants and bookkeepers. This episode dives into the real reasons practitioners start and build their firms, with stories of clarity, resilience, and the all-important power of showing up (even when you’d rather hit snooze). As always, Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee serve up plenty of practical advice—think understanding the true meaning of “know, like, and trust”, the significance of brand and story, and why accountancy is first and foremost a people business. Whether you’re after encouragement, insights for your own journey, or simply a bit of light-hearted conversation, you’ll find it here. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and enjoy the latest reflections from the Accountant Success Secrets team. 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

    36 min
  2. Accountants' Success Secrets with Kasia Machalinski of Prevail Accountancy

    NOV 26

    Accountants' Success Secrets with Kasia Machalinski of Prevail Accountancy

    This week’s episode features Kasia Machalinski, the multi-award-winning founder of Prevail Accountancy in Rochdale. Kasia’s journey is both inspiring and refreshing—moving to the UK from Poland with a master’s in economics, she’s become a CIMA-qualified accountant with a knack for supporting construction SMEs. Her specialist know-how in project costing and business planning is matched only by her passion for climbing actual mountains in her spare time! Joining co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee, Kasia reveals hard-won lessons from over 16 years in the sector, including: 1. From Bookkeeping to Board Meetings: Kasia describes how she found her true niche by combining hands-on management accounting with cloud technology, turning once reluctant clients into devoted fans of financial planning. 2. Getting Through Tough Times: Discover how Kasia built resilience—both as a single mum and an entrepreneur—while overcoming obstacles that would stop most of us in our tracks (including literally surviving a mountaineering accident!). 3. Mistakes Are for Learning: Hear Kasia’s mindset shifts and why she sees mistakes not as failures, but as experiences that happen for us—not to us. Packed with practical takeaways, honest advice, and a dash of true grit, this is an episode every accountant in practice can learn from—especially if you’re determined to build a business as strong as your clients’ foundations. Tune in to Accountants’ Success Secrets, subscribe, and leave a review if Kasia’s story resonates with you. And if you’ve got a story of your own to share, get in touch with Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee. Don’t miss it—your next step up could be just one listen away! 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

    34 min
  3. Accountants' Success Secrets with Emma Willder of Beyond Profit Ltd

    NOV 19

    Accountants' Success Secrets with Emma Willder of Beyond Profit Ltd

    Emma Willder founded Beyond Profit Ltd and built a thriving accountancy practice focused on the charity sector - with her family at the heart of the team. In this 30 minute episode, Emma shares her story, including the shift from a corporate financial career to finding purpose and balance by helping charities make a difference. As you listen to this episode, you'll...  🔹 Discover how Emma grew her practice by supporting grant-giving charities and offering a fully outsourced finance function. 🔹 Hear Emma’s honest reflections on why “growth for growth’s sake” isn’t always the answer—and how she reshaped Beyond Profit for values, impact, and family. 🔹 Learn practical tips about value-based pricing versus hourly rates, and how to find and keep ideal clients who appreciate your expertise. 🔹 Be inspired by insights into handling redundancies, streamlining your business, and ensuring work is meaningful (and sustainable). 🔹 Gain advice on building strong relationships and trust as a charity sector specialist, and why “saying no” can be the most powerful lesson of all. If you’re an accountant thinking of starting your own practice, wanting to specialise, or seeking more purpose and balance in your career, Emma’s journey will resonate and encourage 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

    34 min

  4. NOV 12

    Accountants' Success Secrets Reflections

    In this 30-minute reflections episode, Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee revisit inspiring interviews with Richard Wilson Artus (MWA Accounting), Stuart Harris (the Friendly Accountant), Penny Allard (Her Wild Bookkeeping), and Nicky Gentle (Thrive Bookkeeping). As you listen, you’ll...  🔹 Discover how Richard Wilson Artus navigated losing 85% of his hospitality clients during COVID and why having “bread and butter” clients as a safety net matters. 🔹 Hear Stuart Harris’s secrets to genuine networking, building trust, and sharing knowledge with both clients and peers. 🔹 Explore Penny Allard’s rebranding journey, the importance of bringing your true self into your practice, and how personal passions make you memorable. 🔹 Be moved by Nicky Gentle’s honest account of overcoming personal struggles, carving her own path, and building a practice with care and resilience. Whether you’re starting out, weathering a storm, or looking to inject personality and confidence into your accountancy or bookkeeping firm, this episode is packed with real-life lessons, practical advice, and a reminder—you’re not alone. Perfect for accountants, bookkeepers, and anyone looking for relatable stories, insights, and motivation to keep growing their 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

    33 min
  5. Accountants' Success Secrets with Nicky Gentle of Thrive Bookkeeping

    NOV 5

    Accountants' Success Secrets with Nicky Gentle of Thrive Bookkeeping

    This week’s Accountants’ Success Secrets episode features Nicky Gentle, founder of Thrive Bookkeeping in Devizes, Wiltshire. Nikki’s journey is anything but typical. Originally aiming for Olympic stardom in equestrian sport, Nicky’s career path took unexpected turns through health challenges and corporate life, before she found her calling in bookkeeping. Her story speaks to the resilience and adaptability accountants need when building a practice from scratch. Now AAT-licensed and with clients dating back to 2009, Nicky has built her business around honesty, heart, and a focus on helping ethical, green-minded companies thrive. She offers everything from classic bookkeeping to year-end support, working closely with accountants to make clients’ lives easier—no fuss, just diligent, warm service. In this uplifting episode, co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee encourage Nikki to share: Why embracing personal setbacks and being kind to yourself can be the superpower behind long-term business successThe importance of asking the right questions (including lessons learned from tricky VAT scenarios!)How authenticity, values, and “heart on sleeve” approach help win and keep loyal clients—even in tough timesWhether you’re starting out solo, keen to find more meaning in your work, or need a reminder that real accountants are human, Nicky’s story is packed with practical tips and inspiration. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Accountants’ Success Secrets 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

    42 min
  6. Accountants' Success Secrets with Stuart Harris of Stuart Harris Associates

    OCT 23

    Accountants' Success Secrets with Stuart Harris of Stuart Harris Associates

    This week’s episode welcomes Stuart Harris, the man behind Stuart Harris Associates and known to many as “the Friendly Accountant”. With 30 years in the profession, Stuart’s story moves from a South London family firm, through specialist partnerships, all the way to building his own practice in North London. Now, with a small but tight-knit team, Stuart supports clients on everything from emigration tax and trusts to charity and solicitor accounts—always leaning on his own experience as a small business owner. Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee FCA invite Stuart to reveal: Why networking—rather than advertising—was the game-changer for building his client base. How his “magpie” approach to new ideas and technology turned his Apple Mac obsession from a quirk into a business edge. What it really means to be “the friendly accountant”—and how trust, communication, and a dash of humour keep clients loyal and happy. Whether you’re starting out, seeking better work-life balance, or curious about cloud tech and remote teams, Stuart’s honest, practical insights will help you look at your practice in a fresh way. Tune in for stories, lessons, and laughs—plus tips on boosting your approach to client care and resilience in today’s changing world. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and pass the episode on to your fellow accountants! 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

    34 min
  7. Accountants' Success Secrets with MWA Accounting

    OCT 15

    Accountants' Success Secrets with MWA Accounting

    Richard Wilson-Artus started MWA Accounting in Manchester city centre back in 2014, and has grown a thriving practice with a focus on e-commerce, food & drink, content creators, and property businesses. In this 30-minute episode, Richard shares how he went from redundancy to building a successful ACCA-regulated firm with a small but dedicated team. As you listen to this episode, you’ll... 🔹 Discover Richard’s journey from a corporate role to entrepreneurship, including the challenges of finding clients and learning on the go. 🔹 Uncover the unique ways MWA Accounting supports e-commerce and hospitality businesses, including how a lucky break built their first niche. 🔹 Hear how Richard and his team survived the impact of COVID-19, pivoted their practice, and found new opportunities. 🔹 Learn about the importance of reviewing client fees, developing processes, and finding the confidence to say “no” to the wrong clients. Whether you’re just starting out, thinking about specialising, or wanting to future-proof your firm, Richard’s honest reflections and practical tips will help you shape a more successful accounting practice. 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 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

    36 min

  8. OCT 2

    Accountants' Success Secrets Reflections Episode

    🚀 Reflections from the Latest Accountants’ Success Secrets Podcast! 🚀 In this special Reflections episode, co-hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes take a lively look back at insights from four recent interviews with standout accountants and bookkeepers. Together, they unpack memorable lessons from Steph Beeston Clark, Simon Mason, Andrew Coombs, and Arun Mehra, drawing out stories of grit, growth, and the odd marketing mishap. Philippa and Mark discuss everything from embracing failure and mental health, to why wanting something isn’t always enough without practical steps. The conversation covers Steph’s journey from burnout to building confidence, Simon’s honest take on the uphill struggle of launching a practice, and Andrew’s people-first approach to team building (with a clever freelancer twist for working mums). There’s also a spirited debate on the real value – and pitfalls – of Google Ads and magazine adverts for accountancy firms. Arun Mehra’s entrepreneurial outlook especially grabs their attention, as he describes building a niche dental accountancy firm, investing in AI, and why he sees team as more important than clients—a mindset that may raise a few eyebrows. Throughout, listeners will enjoy Philippa and Mark’s trademark humour, practical tips, and encouragement—reminding everyone that accountancy careers are as unique as the people in them. Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your journey, this episode is packed with honest advice, a few cautionary tales, and inspiration to help you find your own path to success. For exclusive extras and deeper dives into the conversations, don’t forget to check out their Patreon channel! 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

    44 min
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About

The Accountants’ Success Secrets podcast showcases and celebrates successful accountants who are doing good things, have years of experience and whose stories can inspire and encourage other accountants around the UK.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Lee Philippa Haynes
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Accountants' Success Secrets
  • Show Website
    Accountants' Success Secrets