Podcast Library: Accounting Industry Insights with Mark Holton

In this episode, Mark chats with Dr Craig West, founder and chairman of Succession Plus and creator of Capitalized, about how employee share ownership plans can transform succession planning. Craig explains why ESOPs are so powerful for retaining key people, giving younger leaders a genuine path to ownership and lifting business valuation over time, and how accountants can use valuation insights to support advisory work and value based pricing.

Paul Miller has spent more than four decades helping family businesses grow, transition and thrive. As the author of Building a Legacy, he shares how structure, planning and communication shape the future of every business, not just those run by families.

In conversation with Mark, Paul reflects on what advisors can learn from family enterprises, why listening matters more than talking, and how accountants can turn numbers into stories that guide clients toward lasting success.

In this episode, Mark talks with Ignition’s Ethan Cooney, Accountants Daily’s Tech Innovator of the Year. They explore how firms are navigating TASA’s new disclosure rules, updating engagement letters, and addressing the risks of scope creep.

Ethan shares how successful practices are rescoping agreements, running annual renewals, packaging services with add-ons, and confidently adjusting fees. The discussion also highlights how firms can de-risk cash flow by securing payments upfront. It’s a practical look at what leading firms are doing right now to stay compliant, strengthen margins, and deliver a better client experience.

Mark chats with Trent McLaren, co-founder of Vinyl and a recognised leader in accounting technology. They discuss how Vinyl grew from the frustrations of day-to-day firm meetings into a tool that helps accountants save time and strengthen client relationships.

Topics include:

• Where client meetings typically lose time, and what can be automated
• Guardrails for security, privacy, and accuracy
• How firms can pilot new tools without disrupting workflow
• Lessons from early users and what’s next on the roadmap

A practical conversation about the future of meetings, trust, and technology in accounting.

Mark catches up with Matt Feehan to kick off the advisory conversation with a myth-buster: software isn’t the first step.

They explore Step One of the Enabler™ Seven Steps to Success: Prepare Your Firm, covering:

• Why the demand for advisory is rising
• Why starting with software fails
• What you need in place first: people, capacity, infrastructure
• How to pick your advisory champion
• Setting realistic targets

If you’re thinking about advisory, this episode gives you a clear place to start without the overwhelm.

In this episode, Mark is joined by Ethan Tonelli, Digital Marketing Director and co-founder of Canyon Digital. With a background spanning global brands like Netflix and Spotify, as well as not-for-profits and local businesses, Ethan shares how digital marketing strategies are evolving and what accounting firms can learn from other industries.

They discuss:

• Key shifts in digital marketing that accountants should be aware of
• How to strengthen your firm’s online presence without losing the personal touch
• Common mistakes small businesses make with marketing—and how to avoid them
• Practical tips for accountants to create valuable content and engage clients online

If you’re looking to make smarter marketing decisions and build deeper client relationships, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

In this episode of Accounting Industry Insights, Mark speaks with Julia Thomson from The Benchmarking Group about the key findings from The Crunch: The Annual Accounting Firm Benchmark Report. They explore what sets high-profit firms apart—focusing on quality over quantity, efficient systems, proactive partners, and diversifying beyond traditional accounting services.

Julia also shares insights on industry trends, including AI’s growing role in accounting, the biggest challenges firms may face in 2025, and the untapped opportunities for firms willing to evolve. Tune in for expert advice on how accounting firms can boost profitability, enhance client relationships, and stay ahead in a changing industry.

In this episode, Mark sits down with Krish Sritharan from Solutions Centric to discuss the evolving role of offshoring in accounting firms. They explore the most significant challenges firms face today, the importance of a strategic approach to offshoring, and key factors to consider when selecting a provider. Krish shares best practices for building high-performing offshore teams, managing staff across time zones, and leveraging technology to maximise efficiencies. Whether you’re new to offshoring or looking to refine your strategy, this episode offers valuable insights to help your firm succeed.

In this episode, Mark chats with Dave Birch, Group Managing Director of smartAR Group, about his journey, the pivotal people who shaped his career, and the evolution of accounts receivable in today’s business landscape. Dave shares insights into the challenges accountants face, the practical role of AI in accounts receivable, and how accounts receivable conversations can open the door to impactful business advisory services. Tune in for a dynamic discussion blending innovation, leadership, and practical advice.

In this episode, Mark speaks with Peter Annis-Brown, a qualified Mental Health Educator and Master Mental Health First Aid Instructor, about his inspiring journey to create Mental Fitness Australia. Peter shares his mission to shift the focus from mental health challenges to mental fitness opportunities, empowering individuals and organisations with proactive education and government-certified training. Discover how Mental Fitness Australia’s programs are transforming workplaces, including accounting firms, and how individuals can become certified advocates driving positive change.