Growth-first Priorities for Accountancy Firms: Featured in Business Plus Magazine

As featured in the April 2025 issue of Business Plus Magazine, this article highlights the evolving priorities of managing partners in Ireland’s accountancy and advisory sector — particularly those leading ambitious firms with 3 to 20 partners.

From enhancing client experience and embracing tech as a growth catalyst, to nurturing high performing talent and rethinking leadership models, the firms gaining momentum are those scaling with both purpose and precision.

“The firms leading in this space don’t just respond to client needs; they anticipate them.” Mary Cloonan, Marketing Clever

If you’re a managing partner of an accounting or tax advisory firm, especially one looking to strengthen margins, deepen client relationships, or refine succession plans, this piece outlines the strategic shifts worth watching in 2025.

Growth-first Perspective

Mary Cloonan, founder of Marketing Clever, outlines the strategic priorities of managing partners at Ireland’s accounting and advisory firms in 2025.

Strategic Growth

Compliance remains the foundation of many firms, but the real opportunities lie in advisory services. Managing partners are doubling down on deepening client relationships, leveraging data-driven insights and building service lines that proactively solve business challenges. The firms leading in this space don’t just respond to client needs; they anticipate them.

Talent and Leadership

Firms are re-evaluating their reward structures, moving beyond traditional partner compensation models to recognise and incentivise high-performing professionals at all levels. They are also reshaping their leadership structures, recognising that sustainable growth demands more than technical expertise. Many are introducing chief operating and growth officers to drive efficiency and business development, allowing partners to focus on client service and strategic direction.

Technology

The most successful firms view technology as more than an efficiency driver, but rather as a catalyst for growth. Managing partners are focused on embedding digital tools to enhance client experience, improve decision-making and open new revenue streams. The challenge is not simply introducing technology but ensuring it aligns with long-term strategy and delivers real, tangible value.

Client Experience

Today’s clients expect more than advice. They want insight, number-crunching, and practical, proactive strategic advice. The firms thriving in this environment prioritise client experience — offering rich insights and solutions while providing forward-looking business advice and positioning themselves as indispensable strategic partners. Accessibility to senior leadership is also becoming a key differentiator.

Sectoral Expertise

Managing partners are recognising the need to position their professionals as visible experts, ensuring their insights reach the right audiences. The firms that stand out are those actively showcasing their sector specialisms through thought leadership, media engagement and targeted industry participation.

Future Proofing

Managing partners are placing greater emphasis on leadership development, succession planning and business models that support long-term success. Whether through equity restructuring, alternative fee models or cultural shifts towards more collaborative leadership, firms are realigning for the future. ESG is also playing a growing role in client advisory services and shaping firms’ strategies.

A special thanks to Business Plus Magazine, for the feature. Download the original article below.