The Accountant That Builds

Smart Business Solutions

Welcome to The Accountant That Builds, a workshop style business and finance podcast focused on providing actionable advice to empower individuals and business owners to build lives and businesses they really love. When host Shannon Smit decided to start her own accounting and business advisory firm, she had a vision from the beginning. With a career spanning global firms in New York, Prague, Amsterdam and Melbourne, Shannon chose to forgo a partner position at a Big 4 firm in New York, in favour of setting up a globally minded, local approach firm offering strategic tax, business and financial advisory in her local region, Mornington Peninsula. She wanted to give local business owners access an advisor with extensive global expertise, without having to travel to the city.  17 years on, and she’s got stories to tell about business and wealth building! Are you ready to build your business and your wealth?   www.smartbusinesssolutions.com.au/podcast

  1. From The Pool To The Boardroom with Grant Hackett

    21h ago

    From The Pool To The Boardroom with Grant Hackett

    In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Shannon Smit sits down with Olympic championturned business leader Grant Hackett to explore what it takes to perform at the highest level andsustain it over time. From breaking world records in the pool to leading an ASX-listed financialservices company, Grant shares the mindset, discipline and leadership lessons that have shapedhis journey from elite athlete to CEO.Grant reflects on his transition from sport to business, why he now finds greater fulfilment inleadership, and how the habits built through elite training became the foundation for his approachin the corporate world. He also shares a defining career moment where he was given the chanceto prove himself, delivering strong results and setting the foundation for long-term businessgrowth.The conversation dives into what separates high performers from the rest, highlighting theimportance of consistency, clear goals, and disciplined routines. Grant also shares a powerfullesson from the Olympic stage about blind spots and awareness, and how that experiencecontinues to shape his decision-making in business today.Grant Hackett will be speaking live at the B.I.T.E. Business Conference at MorningtonRacecourse on 5 August, where he’ll expand on these insights and share practical leadershipstrategies for business owners and leaders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min
  2. Smart and Practical Hacks to Wear Less Hats in Small Business with Shannon Smit

    Jun 1

    Smart and Practical Hacks to Wear Less Hats in Small Business with Shannon Smit

    For many small business owners, “doing it all” has become the norm - but it’s also the very thinglimiting growth. In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Shannon Smit reframes AI not asa complex, technical trend, but as a practical opportunity to take pressure off and reclaim time.Rather than seeing AI as a content-writing tool, Shannon encourages business owners to think ofit as their first digital team member - one that can handle repetitive tasks, streamline decision-making, and support day-to-day operations in a meaningful way.A key shift explored in the conversation is the move from basic AI tools to AI agents. While manyare familiar with asking platforms like ChatGPT to rewrite content, Shannon explains that the realopportunity lies in systems that can take action - drafting emails, pulling data, triggeringworkflows, and supporting processes across marketing, customer service, admin, and sales. Thisevolution allows business owners to move beyond small efficiency gains and start removingentire layers of low-value work, freeing them up to focus on higher-impact activities that actuallydrive the business forward. .What makes this especially powerful is the advantage small businesses have right now. Withoutthe layers, restrictions, and slower adoption cycles of larger organisations, small businesses areuniquely positioned to experiment, adapt, and embed AI quickly. Shannon makes it clear that thismoment isn’t about becoming more technical - it’s about becoming more effective. Thebusinesses that lean in, test, and iterate will be the ones that gain a competitive edge, simply bymoving faster and smarter than the rest.Importantly, getting started doesn’t require a complete overhaul. The most effective approach isto start small and stay practical: pick one repetitive task, trial one tool, and build from there. Thegoal isn’t automation for the sake of it - it’s about creating real time savings unique to yourbusiness. Ultimately, the biggest transformation comes from a mindset shift: moving away from “Ihave to do everything” and towards asking, “What should I stop doing?” Once that shift happens,AI becomes less about technology and more about creating space to focus on the work that trulymatters.Shannon will be diving deeper into these ideas in her upcoming keynote at the B.I.T.E BusinessConference on 5 August, 2026 at Mornington Racecourse, where she’ll share practical, step-by-step ways to integrate AI into everyday business operations. Designed specifically for non-technical business owners, her session focuses on real-world application—helping attendeeswalk away with clear actions they can implement immediately to reduce workload, improveefficiency, and start wearing fewer hats in their business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min
  3. Unpacking Confidence, Pricing, and the Importance of Building Genuine Value in Business - With Andrew Griffiths

    May 6

    Unpacking Confidence, Pricing, and the Importance of Building Genuine Value in Business - With Andrew Griffiths

    What does it really take to stop discounting yourself and start charging what you’re truly worth? In this episode of the The Accountant That Builds Podcast, host Shannon Smit sits down with Andrew Griffiths, Australia’s #1 small business author and one of the most respected voices in business and personal growth. With over four decades of entrepreneurial experience and fourteen bestselling books sold in more than sixty‑five countries, Andrew brings a rare mix of street‑smart insight, lived experience and powerful storytelling. From his early journey as an orphan navigating survival, to becoming a global authority on future‑proofing businesses, Andrew shares the lessons that have shaped his work, his writing, and his belief that business is always personal. Andrew is also a keynote speaker at the B.I.T.E. Business Conference 2026, where he will take the stage with his powerful message:“Someone has to be the most expensive – why not make it you?”  In this conversation, Andrew and Shannon explore why so many small businesses undervalue themselves, how pricing is deeply connected to confidence and identity, and why being the cheapest option is one of the biggest risks in today’s business environment. This episode is essential listening for business owners who want to rethink their value, reinvent how they position themselves, and reignite sustainable growth. Want to watch on YouTube? Click here: https://youtu.be/FYmVoG0GxM0 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  4. How To Find and Invest Time to Create Your Greatest Life - with Kate Christie

    May 6

    How To Find and Invest Time to Create Your Greatest Life - with Kate Christie

    What if time wasn’t your biggest constraint – but your biggest opportunity? In this episode of The Accountant That Builds Podcast, we are joined by Kate Christie, internationally recognised time management expert, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. Kate has spent more than two decades helping business owners, leaders and teams take control of their time, energy and priorities. As the founder of Time Stylers, Kate works with organisations across Australia and internationally to improve productivity, performance and decision‑making in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments. Kate is also a keynote speaker at the B.I.T.E. Business Conference 2026, where she’ll be presenting on how to find, protect and invest time to create your greatest life – both professionally and personally. In this conversation, Kate and Sophie Jackson unpack why so many business owners feel time‑poor, how productivity myths are holding leaders back, and what it really takes to design a workday that supports focus, impact and sustainable growth. This episode is essential listening for business owners who want to rethink how they use time, reinvent their approach to productivity, and reignite control over their work and life.Want to watch on YouTube? Click here: https://youtu.be/aAsoiFK9fuc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min
  5. Financial Literacy- What is it, Why It Matters and How to Improve It.

    Mar 31

    Financial Literacy- What is it, Why It Matters and How to Improve It.

    April is Australian Financial Literacy Month, and financial literacy has become one of themost talked about topics online, especially across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Shannon Smit explores what financialliteracy really means and why it matters so much for everyday Australians. She breaksthe concept down in practical, real life terms and explains why so many capable,intelligent people still feel confused, overwhelmed, or behind when it comes to money. The conversation looks at the emotional side of money, the impact of comparison cultureand social media, and the most common financial literacy gaps seen with clients.Shannon also discusses the role of mindset and behaviour in financial outcomes,highlighting why financial success is driven more by habits and choices than income orbackground.Shannon shares realistic, achievable steps listeners can take to start improving theirfinancial literacy, build confidence with money, and make more intentional financialdecisions over time. This episode is designed to be approachable, practical, andempowering, giving listeners clarity, reassurance, and simple ways to begin improvingtheir relationship with money. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  6. Building Your Future - Property Investment with Super

    04/01/2025

    Building Your Future - Property Investment with Super

    In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Financial Adviser and Accountant, Shannon Smit, dives deep into the compelling world of using self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to invest in property. With her signature energy and expertise, Shannon explains the mechanics of SMSFs, contrasting them with retail and industry super funds, and revealing the unique power they offer individuals to take control of their financial future.From tax advantages like 15% tax on rental income and zero tax on capital gains in pension phase, to leveraging super contributions as a way of indirectly gaining a tax deduction to purchase property, Shannon breaks it all down in a way that feels accessible and strategic.She shares real-life client stories, including her own, where commercial properties—like office buildings or factories—are purchased within SMSFs and leased back to businesses, creating long-term wealth and tax efficiency. Shannon also unpacks the rules around residential property—highlighting strict limitations on personal use—and discusses how smart structuring can open up even more opportunities.The episode is rich with advice on managing diversification within your super, planning for liquidity in retirement, and transitioning properties out of super in pension phase—all while navigating the complexity with professional support. If you’ve ever considered turning your super into a wealth-building tool through property, this episode is a goldmine of insights and practical guidance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
  7. From 2 to 10: Building A Self-Sufficient Property Portfolio

    03/18/2025

    From 2 to 10: Building A Self-Sufficient Property Portfolio

    Investing in property is one thing, but scaling a property portfolio is another challengealtogether. In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Shannon Smit dives into one of her favourite topics—how to make the leap from two properties to multiple properties while maintaining cash flow neutrality. If you’re looking to expand your investment portfolio and want practical, strategic advice, this is the episode for you. Shannon shares her insights on selecting the right properties, financing strategies, and the importance of structuring your investments correctly. She also explains the concept of cash flow neutrality—how to balance rental income with expenses to ensure your properties aren’t draining your finances.  With years of experience as both an investor and financial advisor,Shannon offers real-life examples of what works (and what doesn’t), including lessons from her own property journey. From navigating negative gearing and tax benefits to understanding market trends and risk management, this episode is packed with valuable insights for property investors at any stage.Whether you’re an experienced investor or just beginning to explore property as a wealth- building tool, Shannon provides the strategies and mindset shifts needed to grow a sustainable and profitable portfolio.Tune in now to learn how to take your property investments to the next level. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  8. The Financial Side of Aged Care: Insights from Specialists

    01/23/2025

    The Financial Side of Aged Care: Insights from Specialists

    When it comes to funding aged care, the challenges go beyond finances. Decisions often need to be made urgently for loved ones requiring immediate out-of-home care. These moments are emotional, and the process may involve complex estate planning or even disagreements among family members about the best course of action.In this episode, Shannon Smit is joined by aged care financial specialists Bianca Carroll and Tricia Hill from Smart Private Wealth. Together, they explore this critical and often-overlooked topic. You’ll learn what aged care financial planning is, why it differs from general financial advice, and how it can help families manage the costs of aged care while preserving assets, maximising benefits, and minimising tax losses. Bianca and Tricia also share real-life examples of how their advice has led to life-changing outcomes for their clients.Whether you’re navigating aged care decisions now or planning for the future, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min
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About

Welcome to The Accountant That Builds, a workshop style business and finance podcast focused on providing actionable advice to empower individuals and business owners to build lives and businesses they really love. When host Shannon Smit decided to start her own accounting and business advisory firm, she had a vision from the beginning. With a career spanning global firms in New York, Prague, Amsterdam and Melbourne, Shannon chose to forgo a partner position at a Big 4 firm in New York, in favour of setting up a globally minded, local approach firm offering strategic tax, business and financial advisory in her local region, Mornington Peninsula. She wanted to give local business owners access an advisor with extensive global expertise, without having to travel to the city.  17 years on, and she’s got stories to tell about business and wealth building! Are you ready to build your business and your wealth?   www.smartbusinesssolutions.com.au/podcast

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