There have never been more changes, challenges or opportunities than accountants are seeing today said Sam Zervides in the opening remarks of his presentation.

“By taking action now accounting firms can propel their business to the next level and deliver more value – especially to SME clients.

“However, in order for accountants to remain relevant in an intensely competitive market, a new paradigm and mindset is needed”.

SME surveys repeatedly confirm the accountant is regarded as the ‘trusted adviser’ yet far too many accountants are failing themselves and small business clients by not adopting a more pro-active leadership role in the provision of client service and engagement affirmed Sam Zervides.

The traditional (now obsolete) accountant model is based on the premise of selling time for services provided.  To truly embrace the role of trusted small business adviser, accountants need to focus on selling value-add not hours as it is contrary to the modern-day demand and needs of SMEs.

Restricting the client advice to the annual review of how best to manage tax and compliance obligations is not enough.  Accountants must become more involved in the business and financial decisions of their SME clients and this requires a new set of skills and client engagement infrastructure.

Accountants must go beyond the trusted adviser to become the ‘trusted business partner’ for their SME clients.

Sam Zervides continued, “By discarding the ‘commoditised’ role and developing a network of alliance relationships with fellow professional advice practitioners, accountants will be better positioned to address the needs of their clients.

“The integration of a financial planning offering should be a priority as it will provide the accountant with a stronger grasp of their clients’ financial situations and enable them to provide a greater depth of financial / insurance / superannuation strategies, cash-flow management, business succession and retirement planning options”.

Other services in the client centric model includes mortgage brokers, specialist lenders, investment managers, insurers, corporate solicitors, etc

The power of the ‘trusted business partner’ will be realised through alliances underpinning new services and facilities that in turn generate more revenue.  As the result accountants will be working more efficiently; have capacity to take on more clients; and charge more for providing more value to clients.

Firms that fail to adapt will experience loss of business value from declining revenues previously generated by outmoded service streams.

“The tide is definitely rising and those accountants that take action and future proof their businesses NOW will be winning practices of tomorrow”, concluded Sam Zervides.

The post Tide is rising for accountants…but new thinking & alliances can future proof businesses appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Commenting further on the announcement, Sam Zervides said Sam Koranias joined the practice in 2013 after completing his Bachelor of Business majoring in Financial Planning, initially in an administrative role before quickly progressing to paraplanner.

Sam’s passion for financial services and many outstanding attributes, especially his excellent interpersonal and people skills saw him setting his sights on an advice focussed career as a planner said Sam Zervides.

“Basically, he had the essentials needed to be a successful adviser in the modern era – young, ambitious, technology / social media savvy, university graduate and a commitment to ongoing personal and professional growth. In summary, the ideal attitude and cultural fit for AWS”, affirmed Sam Zervides.

Since joining AWS, Sam was mentored and coached by Sam Zervides as part of a development pathway that included obtaining his Diploma of Financial Planning culminating in his appointment as authorised representative last month.

A number of long term career goals (including life – work balance) have also been set and Sam Koranias has quickly immersed himself in the role. Sam is also working with fellow AWS staff to introduce and manage a number of marketing and CRM initiatives that will extensively use technology and social media to connect, educate, inform and communicate with clients, COIs and alliance partners.

“The need for advice has never been greater and as the next generation of financial planners, I see an exciting future ahead for the profession and advice sector”, said Sam Koranias.

“There is no doubt that there will be challenges – but I’ve grown up in an era filled with rapid advances in technology, constant change and an acceptance that ongoing academic study will be the norm throughout my career”.

“In particular, I envisage technology and new developments in communication mediums will facilitate the removal of many administrative / compliance barriers. This will enable much closer personal and productive engagement and relationships with clients and accountant, legal, broker and real estate alliance partners”.

AWS has established in 2004 by Sam Zervides as a boutique financial planning firm committed to providing the highest levels of personalised financial planning solutions and service to businesses and individuals.

Over the years, the practice has grown steadily and today has a highly regarded presence and reputation in the local south eastern suburban community. Recently, AWS relocated its office to larger modern premises to accommodate business growth plans and staff administrative needs.

Sam Zervides continued, “I am very bullish about the future prospects for AWS, hence the appointment of Sam Koranias, the new larger premises and focus on planner strength and support staff growth.

“Our success and longevity of the business will be achieved by having high quality people with a commitment to the highest standards of client service. The cultural fit within AWS and people with a passion to put clients first will continue to be the priority”.

Sam Zervides also confirmed that he planned to continue to identify special individuals with potential to succeed as planners and the process of bringing them into the practice to learn their skills from the ground up had great merit.

Sam Koranias concluded, “The need for professional financial advice has never been greater and I am looking forward with great excitement to my future and career as a planner and the opportunity to assist and empower clients to realise their aspirations for retirement, wealth creation and lifestyle / family protection”.

The post AWS founder welcomes Sam Koranias as new planner to the practice as growth plans gain momentum appeared first on AdviserVoice.