Accountants' Success Secrets

Mark Lee Philippa Haynes

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. Accountants' Success Secrets with Chris Hopwood of Tidal Accounting

    2d ago

    Accountants' Success Secrets with Chris Hopwood of Tidal Accounting

    This week’s episode welcomes Chris Hopwood, ACA, the founder of Tidal Accounting in Leeds. Chris made the leap from leading outsourcing teams in established accountancy firms to launching his own practice during the chaos of COVID. With a growing team, he’s built a reputation for supporting children’s activity providers—yes, those martial arts camps and holiday clubs you’ve always wondered about—as well as construction, property, and startup clients. Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and MARK LEE FCA draw out Chris’s practical wisdom and honest reflections, including: How to pick a niche (even when it finds you by accident), and why it can transform your business.When to be picky with clients, the subtle art of the “vibe check,” and why not every shoe fits.Systems and scaling: why adopting the right tech early (instead of when you’re drowning in spreadsheets) is a sanity-saver.Expect plenty of relatable laughs and down-to-earth advice, whether you’re fresh out of university, a seasoned sole practitioner, or somewhere inbetween—especially if you’ve ever wondered about VAT woes or wrestled with imposter syndrome. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast 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

    35 min
  2. Accountants' Success Secrets with Anum Hassan

    Jun 18

    Accountants' Success Secrets with Anum Hassan

    This week’s episode features Anum Hassan, FCCA, founder of Accounting Assist in central London. Anum’s journey is anything but ordinary: she launched her boutique practice from scratch while on maternity leave, starting with zero clients and a sleeping baby by her side. Fast forward, and she’s built Accounting Assist into a thriving six-figure business serving ambitious UK SMEs, all while carving out a special brand—Aesthetic Accounts—for clinics in the aesthetics sector. Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and MARK LEE FCA ask Anum to spill her hard-won secrets on starting up from zero with no prior practice experience, juggling (and then ditching) a demanding industry role, and learning everything not from textbooks, but from real client work and the power of an online accounting community. This episode’s headliners: Side Hustle to Six Figures: How Anum built her firm while working full-time—with no prior practice backgroundDon’t Undersell Yourself: Why confidence and continual learning are crucial for survival and growth in practiceTech on Your Terms: Anum’s approach to getting the right systems (like Asana and Odoo) in place early, and why they make all the differenceWhether you’re weighing up your next move, struggling with pricing, or feeling the juggle of family, career, and ambition—Anum’s story will leave you both reassured and energised. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more accountants find their way to Accountants' Success Secrets! 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

    35 min

  3. Jun 10

    Accountants' Success Secrets Reflections for May

    May’s Reflections episode brings you a feast of honest discussion, expert wisdom, and plenty of relatable moments from the world of UK accountancy—co-hosted by Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee. This month, our duo take stock of what resonated most from three standout guests, including Andy Smith, founder of Abbeygate Accountancy in Suffolk. Andy’s story is a masterclass in learning from mistakes and bouncing back—he didn’t just build a practice, he rebuilt it with smarter systems and a sharper sense of his value (after realising the first time around wasn’t quite a gold-medal run). Here’s what’s in store for accountants in practice, wherever you are on your journey: • Blueprint Thinking: Why codifying every step and service sets your firm apart, banishes inconsistency, and wins over clients with confidence. • The Four Faces of Accounting Success: Discover if you’re a finder, minder, grinder, or binder—and why every successful practice needs a mix (spoiler: you can’t just grind and hope for glory). • Growing Your Way: Whether your ambition is ‘small and mighty’ or you dream of a full-blown empire, learn how to set the right strategy, play to your team’s strengths, and avoid the dreaded “race to the bottom”. Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee keep things practical, positive, and just a bit cheeky (in the best possible way). Perfect for any accountant needing fresh perspective, tactical inspiration, or reassurance that even the best of us have to try, fail, and start again sometimes. Tune in, subscribe, and spread the word—accountancy success secrets worth sharing! 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. Accountants' Success Secrets with Claire Rulton of Addison Accounts & Training

    Jun 3

    Accountants' Success Secrets with Claire Rulton of Addison Accounts & Training

    Welcome to episode 106 of Accountants' Success Secrets! This week, your co-hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes celebrate three years of the podcast with a very special guest: Claire Rulton, director of Addison Accounts & Training in Milton Keynes. From beginnings as a tea scientist (yes, really!) to senior finance roles, and now running not one, but two accountancy practices—including a specialist firm for the health, beauty, and wellness sector—Claire Rulton shares her unique journey. Tune in for candid conversations about starting your own practice, the value of stepping out of your comfort zone, and why it’s vital to prepare your business for the future. Plus, hear practical lessons on growth, niching, and why sometimes, accountants make things too much about themselves. Throw in a hint of safari park stories and some top tips for getting your accountancy business running smoothly, and you’re in for a treat! Don’t forget to check out our sponsors, enjoy a few laughs, and get inspired to find your own success secrets. 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

    37 min
  5. Accountants' Success Secrets with Jonathan Amponsah of the Tax Guys

    May 27

    Accountants' Success Secrets with Jonathan Amponsah of the Tax Guys

    Welcome to episode 105 of Accountants’ Success Secrets! This week, Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes are joined by Jonathan Amponsah, founder of The Tax Guys, an award-winning accountancy practice started back in 2008 with just grit, Google Ads, and no clients to his name. We’ll dive into Jonathan Ampensar’s journey from financial controller to multi-qualified adviser (he’s even a barrister!), explore how the Tax Guys got their memorable name from the very public they serve, and discuss the twists and turns of running a modern practice, from winning prestigious awards to the real struggles of recruitment. You’ll hear about Jonathan Amponsah’s people-first approach, the lesson of humanising the numbers, and why it’s sometimes better for accountants to leave business development to those with the right personality for it. We’ll also get a taster of how AI is shaking up the industry—and how Jonathan Amponsah is using it ethically to deliver faster, better client service. So whether you’re a new accountant, a seasoned pro, or just fancy a little inspiration (and a reminder it’s not all about the numbers), settle in for another lively, practical episode packed with real stories and lessons you won’t want to miss. 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
  6. Accountants' Success Secrets with Andy Smith of Abbeygate Accountancy

    May 20

    Accountants' Success Secrets with Andy Smith of Abbeygate Accountancy

    Welcome to episode 104 of the Accountants' Success Secrets podcast! This week, your co-hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes are joined by Andy Smith, founder of Applegate Accountancy. Andy’s journey is anything but typical—think plot twists, a “business 2.0” reboot, and yes, five children (harder to keep up with than HMRC deadlines). From starting a practice as a finance director with zero blueprint (“I made every mistake going!” as Andy admits), to selling up, resetting, and building a firm recognised for outstanding advisory and client care, Andy shares the real highs, lows, and lessons learned. We dive into how he rebuilt better, why over-servicing can be a strategy (not a stumble), and the simple magic of rolling out the red carpet for every client that walks through the virtual door. If you’re an accountant who’s ever wanted to say no to the wrong client, price for value, or communicate in a way clients remember—not just nod along at—this episode is sure to inspire. Plus, we promise a fair dose of relatable laughs and a few insights you’ll want to apply straight 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

    36 min
  7. Accountants' Success Secrets with Jem Buitenhaus of Accounting Gem Ltd

    May 6

    Accountants' Success Secrets with Jem Buitenhaus of Accounting Gem Ltd

    This week, the Accountants' Success Secrets podcast features Jem Buitenhaus, founder of Accounting Gem Limited – a firm that started as a family-run bookkeeping outfit in Ipswich and has grown into a thriving practice supporting owner-managed businesses across Suffolk and Essex. After a career jump from the Army to computer engineering (with a detour flipping burgers with the BT redundancy crew!), Jem Butenhaus was roped into bookkeeping by his mum. He didn’t love it at first, but with a bit of serendipity, a ten-year vision, and the odd adventure behind a wakeboarding boat, Jem built a team of 10 and created a business that’s the envy of many lifestyle practitioners. In this episode, co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee delve into: From Wakeboarding to Work Ethic: How breaking a leg on a lake pushed Jem to turn a lifestyle business into a growth-focused practice ✨The Secret Sauce of Team Culture: Why hiring for personality (not just qualifications) injected new energy—and laughter—into the officeTrue Lessons from Costly Mistakes: How moving away from hourly billing saved hundreds of thousands, and why HR woes are a whole different stress ballIf you’re running a small firm, questioning how to scale, or simply keen to discover refreshing honesty about the highs and lows of building a practice, Jem Butenhaus’s story will strike a chord. Give it a listen, share your favourite moment, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tips and real-world stories from the UK’s most interesting 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

    35 min
  8. Accountants' Success Secrets with Richie Lennon of Around Finance

    Apr 22

    Accountants' Success Secrets with Richie Lennon of Around Finance

    In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Richie Lennon – founder of Around Finance and one of Ireland’s brightest finance leaders. Richie’s background is anything but ordinary: he’s a Chartered Accountant, qualified CPA, certified digital marketing professional, and brings years of hands-on experience as a CFO for tech, agency and e-commerce firms. From Galway to Dublin (with a virtual office in between), Richie’s firm now supports hundreds of ambitious businesses right across Ireland and beyond. In this fast-paced conversation, co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee FCA draw out the big lessons Richie’s learnt on his journey from humble beginnings with 13 beauty therapists as clients, to running an agile, pod-based team of specialists, and winning multiple industry awards. Accountants in practice – here’s a taste of what awaits: The “one arse, one horse” rule – why focus changed everything for Richie and his practiceTurning on the marketing lights: How Richie broke out of ‘winking in a dark room’ and grew his reputation fastBuilding the right team (and knowing when to part ways): honest lessons in recruitment and culture fitIf you want advice on scaling your firm, working with fast-growth businesses, and future-proofing your practice, this episode is packed with stories, practical strategies, and more than a few laughs along the way. Tune in, leave a review, and share with 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

    33 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Accountants' Success Secrets
  • Show Website
    Accountants' Success Secrets

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