The HR runway: preparing smaller practices for what comes next

In a small accounting firm, a leader’s stress rarely stays personal. It can shape how the team communicates, responds to pressure and raises problems before they grow. In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Chartered Accountant and Khoh Partners founder Jeremy Khoh explores why wellbeing in a smaller practice starts with leadership behaviour, not another policy or program. He explains how a leader’s emotional state can influence psychological safety and why a tense or reactive environment may make people less likely to speak up about deadlines, client issues or mistakes. You’ll hear three practical ways to create more breathing room, set healthier expectations and lead more sustainably, without pretending the workload or resourcing pressure is not real. The advice is designed for busy firm owners and practice leaders and does not require a large budget, a new wellbeing initiative or a spare afternoon. Resources and further reading: Learn more about what Jeremy does Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn Visit the CA ANZ member wellbeing hub Visit the Smaller Practices Centre for general practical tools and guidance See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting First Nations businesses goes beyond meeting procurement targets. For smaller accounting practices, Indigenous Business Month is an opportunity to recognise the contribution of First Nations entrepreneurship and explore practical ways to get involved. In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Jolene Kawak, a proud Yamatji woman, Fellow Chartered Accountant and Director at Karlaya Accounting & Business Advisory, explains why First Nations business success matters and how accountants can play a meaningful role in supporting it. In this episode, discover: Why supporting First Nations businesses matters beyond procurement. Opportunities for smaller practices to connect with and support First Nations businesses. The importance of genuine relationships and culturally respectful engagement. Resources and further reading 🔗 Explore the Smaller Practices Centre: https://caanz.s.gy/QgtnMj 🔗 Connect with Jolene: https://caanz.s.gy/7e3A4P 🔗 Supply Nation: The Sleeping Giant Rises: https://caanz.s.gy/DLeHQH 🔗 University of Melbourne: Indigenous Business and Corporation Snapshot Study 4.0: https://caanz.s.gy/1WMobY 🔗 Supply Nation: Indigenous Business Directory: https://caanz.s.gy/oRjsII See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ethical challenges in accounting rarely arrive as obvious dilemmas. They often show up in everyday decisions, from client pressure and tight deadlines to incomplete information or situations where something simply doesn’t feel right. In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Josephine Haste, Manager for Ethics and Professional Practice at CA ANZ, explores why ethics matters in everyday accounting practice, particularly for smaller firms where close client relationships can put professional judgement to the test. In this episode, you’ll learn: How ethical pressures can arise in day-to-day practice Why professional judgement and client trust matter Practical ways to build ethical decision-making into your firm Where to seek guidance when an issue isn’t clear Resources and further reading: Learn more and register for Global Ethics Day: https://caanz.s.gy/a6yM8c Review the Code of Ethics: https://caanz.s.gy/jzypzO Learn about the Chartered Accountants’ Advisory Group: https://caanz.s.gy/To2PzW Visit the Smaller Practices Centre: https://caanz.s.gy/KLeGJV See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PPSA compliance can be easy to overlook, but missing the right steps can have serious consequences for clients who hold, lease, hire or supply business assets. In this episode, Simon Read, Founder and Director at PPS Advisory, explains why structure alone may not protect assets in an insolvency scenario, and what smaller practices should be aware of when advising clients with asset protection structures, related-entity leasing arrangements, financed equipment, or equipment supplied to customers. In this episode, we cover: Why PPSA compliance matters for asset protection structures How clients can lose ownership interests in plant, equipment or vehicles Which client arrangements may create PPSA exposure How accountants can help clients spot the issue early and seek specialist advice where needed Resources and further reading: Visit the Smaller Practices Centre for general practical tools and guidance Learn more about Simon Read CA and PPS Advisory Helpful checklists from PPS Advisory PPSA checklist for equipment owners, hirers and leasing businesses PPSA checklist for businesses selling goods on credit These third-party resources are provided for general information only and do not constitute legal advice. Consider seeking professional legal advice for your circumstances. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Messy data can create big problems for smaller accounting firms. Even with better cloud tools and automation, many firms are still losing time to coding errors, unreconciled accounts, duplicated transactions and unclear handovers between bookkeepers, accountants and clients. In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Natalie Lennon FCA, Founder and Director of Two Sides Accounting, shares practical ways smaller practices can work better with bookkeepers, reduce rework and improve the quality of client data. You’ll hear why clearer roles, agreed processes, and regular check-ins can make a real difference to efficiency, profitability and client service. In this episode, we cover: Where the accountant-bookkeeper relationship often breaks down Why messy data creates workflow, profitability and advisory issues How to set clearer roles and responsibilities The importance of agreed systems, standards and communication Practical steps to prevent year-end clean-up Resources and further reading: Visit the Smaller Practices Centre for general practical tools and guidance Learn more about our host here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.