SMITH INK, LLC
NICEVILLE, FLORIDA

. He is the external practice advisor to many firms participating in firm management activities to provide an objective viewpoint and an understanding of strategies that have achieved success in other firms. He undertakes detailed practice reviews for those wishing to acquire practices, deal with succession issues or improve their strategy, efficiency, technology usage or client service. He conducts due diligence reviews of practices being acquired. He is Australia's most experienced independent technology and process adviser to accounting firms. Previously, for over 16 years David was a partner at PKF (now BDO) Sydney where he created a significant software business which was sold to MYOB. He is a regular speaker on topics relating to the future of the accounting profession, business strategy, process improvement and innovation. He is also the advisor to businesses that provide products or services to the accounting profession. He was the 2003 President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, was an initial director on listing of Countplus, the ASX listed aggregator of many accounting and related businesses. "The challenge to recruit and retain the star performers is driving change in how firms manage their technology and processes to enable flexible working, team productivity and a sought after work environment. Strategically firms are also reviewing how they engage with their clients. This ensures they are focussed on delivering to client needs and expectations as well as contracting with clients so that clients participate in assisting firms to provide highest quality and most efficient and cost effective service." He is also a respected consultant in taxation and business management, in particular business advisory services implementation and delivery using key structured advisory systems and software. . He is the external practice advisor to many firms participating in firm management activities to provide an objective viewpoint and an understanding of strategies that have achieved success in other firms. He undertakes detailed practice reviews for those wishing to acquire practices, deal with succession issues or improve their strategy, efficiency, technology usage or client service. He conducts due diligence reviews of practices being acquired. He is Australia's most experienced independent technology and process adviser to accounting firms. Previously, for over 16 years David was a partner at PKF (now BDO) Sydney where he created a significant software business which was sold to MYOB. He is a regular speaker on topics relating to the future of the accounting profession, business strategy, process improvement and innovation. He is also the advisor to businesses that provide products or services to the accounting profession. He was the 2003 President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, was an initial director on listing of Countplus, the ASX listed aggregator of many accounting and related businesses. "The challenge to recruit and retain the star performers is driving change in how firms manage their technology and processes to enable flexible working, team productivity and a sought after work environment. Strategically firms are also reviewing how they engage with their clients. This ensures they are focussed on delivering to client needs and expectations as well as contracting with clients so that clients participate in assisting firms to provide highest quality and most efficient and cost effective service." This session will concentrate on the key mistakes made by accounting firms when undertaking business advisory work. Material covered will include; managing commitment and capacity issues, developing a proven implementation system for advisory work, selecting the right staff, appointing a business advisory champion and resourcing them, overcoming confidence and the comfort zone and finally finding the right clients to work with. How do firms ensure that they are getting the most from their people? Effective people management is key as is implementing capacity and resource planning. This session will focus on capacity, resource planning and will discuss the 7 key ideas that every firm should implement.