Practice management

Topics

Buying or selling an accountancy practice

This page focuses on ways sellers can make their accountancy practice more saleable, as well as highlighting some areas that potential buyers will want to explore.

Client management

A strong client relationship is vital to the success of any accounting practice. On this page we provide a selection of resources on client care, client management and how to build successful client relationships.

Fees and charge out rates

A collection of resources on fees and charge-out rates in the accountancy profession.

Marketing your practice

Marketing can help to get your firm in front of the businesses most likely to need your services. On this page you can find information on successful practice marketing and the services we provide to help you.

Payroll services

Payroll compliance work is an important revenue stream for many practices. On this page we highlight some of the resources and services available from the ICAEW Library & Information Service.

Practice succession

Successful practice succession can be a real challenge. You may need to fund the retirement of older partners while keeping the practice an attractive proposition for new ones.

Support for growing your practice

We know that starting and growing a practice can be challenging. The ICAEW Library can support you with guidance, information and a range of practice support services.

Client screening

Use our client screening service as part of your account opening and global compliance procedures to check clients' names against UK and global watch lists from bodies such as the FCA, Companies House and the Insolvency Service. Reports on up to three names per week are provided free of charge.

Engagement letters

The Library & Information Service holds a range of engagement letters and other standard documents, including comfort letters and letters of representation.

Sources for engagement letters - A quick guide showing where you can find the help you need

Technical support

ICAEW resources for members working in practice

Articles and books in the ICAEW Library collection

View a list of recent books in our collection on practice management
To find out how you can borrow books from the Library please see our guide to book loans.
You can obtain copies of articles or extracts of books and reports through our document supply service.

eBooks

The ICAEW Library & Information Service provides full text access to a selection of key business and reference eBooks from leading publishers. eBooks are available to logged-in ICAEW members, ACA students and other entitled users. If you are unable to access an eBook, please see our Help and support advice or contact library@icaew.com.

Exclusive Value pricing for accounting professionals: a complete guide for accountants and bookkeepers to find the right clients and increase profitability

eBook
2022
Mark Wickersham
Kogan Page

Looks at how accountants and bookkeepers are pricing themselves incorrectly. Assessing the value of preparing accounts can be difficult - this book focuses on a practical approach with case studies of firms of accountants and bookkeepers sharing their story of how they've managed to get better prices and better results.

Exclusive Accounting disrupted

eBook
2021
Al Bhimani
John Wiley & Sons

This book delivers a powerful analysis of the new technological forces buffeting the accounting profession. Using case studies and practical examples, the author demonstrates how big data, blockchain, robotic process automation and artificial intelligence can help accountants adapt to new realities.

Exclusive Rattiner's secrets of financial planning : from running your practice to optimizing your client's experience

eBook
2020
Jeffrey H. Rattiner
Wiley

Financial planning involves everything from determining the client's financial position, cash flow, and investment strategies, to income tax planning, risk management, insurance, and retirement and estate planning. Financial planners and advisors are responsible for recommendations and decisions that help people define and achieve their financial goals.

Exclusive Numbers business: how to grow a successful cloud accountancy practice

eBook
2018
Della Hudson
SRA Books

This book is a road map that will help a qualified professional to start a successful business from scratch with no personal or business contacts; recruit and train a team of technical and administrative staff; move from the kitchen table to external premises; create a highly systemised business, which can function independently of the business owner; run an ethical business, which contributes to the local community; host and speak at business events; set up a marketing system that operates even during the busiest periods in order to; grow the business organically; purchase a business; and sel...

Terms of use

You are permitted to access, download, copy, or print out content from eBooks for your own research or study only, subject to the terms of use set by our suppliers and any restrictions imposed by individual publishers. Please see individual supplier pages for full terms of use.

Online articles

The ICAEW Library & Information Service provides access to leading business, finance and management journals. These journals are available to logged-in ICAEW members, ACA students and other entitled users subject to suppliers' terms of use.

Exclusive Changing with the times

Article
01 Mar 2024
Daniel Hood

A look at the growth strategies of the Top 100 US accounting firms for the coming year. These firms are adjusting their plans to adapt to changing circumstances, both internally and externally. They are exploring new ownership and management models, such as selling stakes to private equity firms or adopting employee stock ownership plans. Additionally, they are prioritizing advisory services, mergers and acquisitions, and finding ideal clients. Technology and innovation, particularly AI, are central to their growth strategies.

Exclusive Mastering cross-selling: How to expand services to existing clients

Article
09 Jan 2024
John Graziano

Accounting firms have untapped potential in their existing client base that can help them reach their growth KPIs, says John Graziano. The article provides steps to start your journey to mastering cross-selling to clients.

Exclusive How frontline staff reflect your brand

Article
01 Dec 2023
Lisa Tierney

An article on the importance of frontline staff in reflecting a company's brand and reputation. The author shares a personal experience of witnessing a disgruntled receptionist at an accounting firm and emphasizes how negative attitudes from frontline staff can leave a lasting negative impression on clients. The author concludes by urging firms to treat their frontline staff with respect and recognize their importance in delivering a great client experience.

Exclusive Tips for building a firm to the right size for you: Lessons learned from a practice seeking to grow better but not always bigger

Article
01 Dec 2023
Keila Hill-Trawick

Keila Hill-Trawick, Certified Public Accountant, shares lessons learned in building their boutique firm, Little Fish Accounting. Key success factors highlighted include tracking, evaluating, and changing services based on metrics, developing a strategic staffing strategy, and seeking advice from peers to avoid mistakes and gain guidance.

Exclusive Niche practice: The basics of finding and building specialties

Article
01 Dec 2023
Mark H.Fowler

How niche services can help accountants make their firm more profitable. The article looks at the opportunities available, the benefits of niche practices and how to develop your niche and promote it.

Exclusive Six communication dos and don'ts for next-gen advisers

Article
01 Dec 2023
Kristine McManus

Good communication is more than the way you speak - it's about making sure clients feel heard, says Kristine McManus. The article offers advice on client management for financial advisers, highlighting communication essentials such as setting expectations, clarifying value propositions and avoiding haphazard communication.

Webinars and recordings

Mastering funding advisory: A blueprint for accountants

Webinar
Apr 2024

Swoop for Advisors explain how it can empower members to access funding for their clients.

Practice Hot Topics – March 2024

Webinar
Mar 2024

Common enquiries and emerging issues relevant for small practitioners.

Client-centric accounting: the cash flow conversation with Futrli

Webinar
Nov 2023

Learn the next steps your firm needs to take to package your advisory services.

PRACTICE DEPARTMENT Start charging what you’re worth & grow more profitably (without being the bottleneck!)

Webinar
Nov 2023

How to systematically price your clients to remove scope creep.

PRACTICE DEPARTMENT Practice value-adds

Webinar
Sep 2023

This session covers how you can add value to your clients and the role technology plays. A Sage webinar series designed to give you MORE from your practice.

PRACTICE DEPARTMENT Exit routes from practice

Webinar
Jul 2023

If you are thinking of exiting practice in the next few years planning is essential. Whether you are aiming to ensure a successful sale or want to understand the regulatory requirements of retiring, this event explores your key considerations.

Exclusive AML for the small practice

Webinar
Jul 2023

It can be challenging to stay on top of current AML regulations and client due diligence. Sandy Price from the ICAEW Quality Assurance team highlights the resources available to support you and to prepare your practice for future reviews in this on demand webinar.

Start Your Own Practice: Day 2

Webinar
Jun 2023

If you are considering setting up your own practice, this event will explore the fundamental considerations of what really goes into the process, covering the practical questions and areas you might not have considered. Day 2 topics include: Quality Assurance, choosing the right technology for your practice, marketing your new business, a member case study.

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