Accountant's Minute's Podcast

In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers unpacks the critical role accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors play in helping SMEs secure funding for survival and growth. From government grants like the Export Market Development Grant and R&D Tax Incentive to equity capital options including Early-Stage Innovation Companies, Section 708 of Corporations Act, and Crowd-Sourced Funding – this episode is a practical roadmap for advisors ready to step up. Peter challenges the notion that funding advice is only for engineers or scientists, showing how trusted advisors can guide clients through strategic planning, financial forecasting, and capital-raising compliance. You’ll discover: ✅ Why SME clients need more than tax returns ✅ How to help clients access up to $780,000 in grants ✅ The untapped power of R&D advisory for firms ✅ The role of business advisors in capital raising strategies ✅ How offering these services can attract and retain talented team members Whether you're lo

In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, Founder and Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, delivers a clear challenge to accountants and bookkeepers: It’s time to stop planning and start doing. As client demands shift and compliance work becomes increasingly automated, the future of your firm lies in delivering high-value advisory services. But where do you start? Peter walks you through a practical, step-by-step approach to launching and scaling your advisory offering – starting with just one SME client. You’ll discover how to: ✅ Turn weekly performance insights into strategic business decisions ✅ Use the 52-Week Business Enhancement System to drive accountability and results ✅ Package, price, and deliver advisory services with clarity and confidence ✅ Position your firm as your clients’ virtual CFO ✅ Support SME clients in scaling up, funding, and investment readiness This isn’t theory – it’s your blueprint for building long-term, high-impact client relationships that elevate your firm

Most accountants and bookkeepers still deliver what SMEs have come to expect: an annual set of accounts and a tax return. But what if that’s no longer enough? In this powerful episode, Peter Towers, founder of ESS BIZTOOLS, challenges the profession to step up and become the trusted strategic advisor every SME desperately needs. From real-time financial insights to weekly performance reviews, Peter reveals how you can help clients make better decisions – faster – using tools like KPI dashboards, business health checks, cash flow forecasting, and the 52-Week Business Enhancement System. Discover how to: ✅ Build retainer-based, Virtual CFO services ✅ Set up weekly and monthly reporting rhythms that drive accountability ✅ Use business evaluations, checklists, and survival strategies to lift SME performance ✅ Add real value beyond compliance – before AI and automation redefine your role If you're ready to stop reporting history and start shaping the future for your clients, this episode is your roadmap. You

In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, Founder and Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, explores how accountants, bookkeepers and business advisors can offer powerful value to SME clients through capital raising advisory services. Peter explains the immense opportunity in helping SMEs raise funds through Crowd-Sourced Funding (CSF) Equity Raising and Early-Stage Innovation Company (ESIC) status. These services not only help clients grow without debt but also open new revenue channels for your firm – such as virtual CFO roles and strategic advisory board positions. You’ll gain insight into: ✅ How to guide clients through the CSF and ESIC processes ✅ Eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and ATO/ASIC compliance ✅ Why most CSF applications are rejected – and how to help your clients avoid that fate ✅ How your firm can differentiate and grow with these services You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube    

In this compelling episode, Peter Towers, Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, explores how offering Research & Development (R&D) advisory services can transform your firm into a strategic partner for innovative SMEs. Discover why R&D is not just a tax incentive – it’s a powerful differentiation tool for accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors. Peter outlines: ·         Why R&D services are critical in a post-compliance world ·         How to guide clients from idea to incentive and beyond ·         Key requirements: company structure, $20K minimum spend, documentation ·         The ripple effect: mentoring, commercialisation, and capital raising ·         How ESS BIZTOOLS supports your journey with 46 R&D tools and templates With looming changes in compliance workflows and increasing SME demand for innovation support, now is the time to diversify your service offerings. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube    

In this powerful episode Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, Founder and Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, urges accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors to reflect on a vital question: Are you really helping your clients grow, or just lodging their tax returns? Peter shares compelling insights from his journey—ranging from CFO of a public company to advisor on innovation and capital raising—highlighting how traditional compliance work is rapidly losing value in today’s tech-driven world. With AI, value-based pricing, and government-backed funding options reshaping the landscape, firms that fail to diversify will be left behind. Tune in to learn: ✅ Why most SMEs don’t see their accountants as advisors ✅ How to break free from the “compliance-only” trap ✅ The real-world benefits of offering services like R&D support, cash flow forecasting, and capital raising ✅ What you can learn from corporate finance that applies to SME clients ✅ How ESS BIZTOOLS packages are built to help you stand ou

In this episode, Peter Towers, Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, shares a compelling roadmap for accountants, bookkeepers and business advisors ready to transition from tax-focused work to delivering high-impact advisory services for SME clients. Discover how to implement a structured business planning process, identify key client concerns with the SME Needs Analysis, and coordinate meaningful leadership team discussions. Peter outlines the critical steps in developing business plans that don’t just sit in drawers – but actively drive performance. From predictive financial reports and budgeting per business unit to real-time performance tracking and KPI management, this episode is a practical guide to becoming your client's trusted advisor. If you're ready to help clients survive and thrive with a systemised advisory approach, this episode is your blueprint. Don’t miss Peter’s insights into the ESS BIZTOOLS Financial Forecasting Package, including the training and tools that can elevate your firm’s services

In this edition of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, founder and Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, dives deep into the essential – but often overlooked – topic of corporate governance for SMEs. This episode is a must-listen for accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors who want to provide stronger leadership and risk management guidance to their clients. From understanding directors' duties under the Corporations Act to improving board meeting practices, internal controls, and financial literacy, Peter outlines practical steps professionals can take to help SME clients strengthen their governance frameworks. Whether your clients are companies, not-for-profits, sporting clubs, or churches, this episode shows how Corporate Governance can boost confidence, prevent costly mistakes, and build stakeholder trust. Learn how to position yourself as the trusted advisor your clients need to navigate their legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Plus, discover how ESS BIZTOOLS' Corporate Governance and Advis

In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers challenges accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors to step into the role of true strategic partners for SMEs. Discover how financial forecasting, real-time reporting, and predictive accounting can transform your client relationships and your practice. From cash flow management to capital raising through crowdsource funding, Peter outlines the practical tools and advisory opportunities waiting for firms ready to move beyond compliance. If you're looking to deliver deeper value, build recurring advisory revenue, and help clients scale with confidence You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

In this episode of the Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers explores why family businesses are the cornerstone of the Australian SME sector—and what that means for accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors. With 70% of SMEs being family-run, understanding the unique dynamics, challenges, and opportunities of these businesses is essential. Peter dives into real-world advisory questions—from employing family members and paying fair wages to succession planning and funding options like crowd-sourced equity and early-stage innovation. Discover how ESS BIZTOOLS can equip you with ready-to-use tools, resources, and communication strategies to confidently advise your family business clients and grow your own firm in the process. Whether you're already working with family businesses or just getting started in advisory, this episode will inspire you to think bigger, ask better questions, and deliver real value. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, founder of ESS BIZTOOLS, challenges accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors to rethink their role with SME clients. It's time to move beyond tax returns and embrace the full potential of business advisory services. Peter explores how tools like the SME Needs Analysis, Business Plus+ newsletters, and Predictive Accounting Reports can empower accountants to deliver real impact – helping clients manage cash flow, reduce debtors days outstanding, plan for succession and raise capital. He also reflects on why many SMEs are missing out on critical advice and how accountants can step into the gap as trusted business advisors. If you’re ready to broaden your services, deepen client relationships, and future-proof your firm, this episode is essential listening.

In this episode of the Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers dives into why so many Australian businesses struggle to scale—and how accountants and advisors play a pivotal role in building the right foundations. From strengthening internal systems and cash flow forecasting to debtors management, supplier negotiations, and business planning, Peter unpacks practical ways professionals can guide SME clients toward sustainable growth. Tune in to discover how you can help your clients avoid costly pitfalls and position your firm as a trusted advisor on their scaling journey. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube    

In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers explores how accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors can respond to the mounting pressures faced by SME clients—and their own firms. With compliance services rapidly evolving and advisory opportunities expanding, Peter outlines how the ESS BIZTOOLS Starter Package equips you to become a virtual CFO, deliver ongoing commercial insights, and support clients through financial forecasting, R&D, charge-out rates, and more. If you're ready to move beyond tax returns and help businesses truly thrive, this episode is your roadmap to getting started. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube    

In this episode of the Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, explores how accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors can create meaningful conversations that go beyond compliance and drive real results for SME clients. Drawing from decades of experience, Peter highlights the importance of proactive client engagement, effective communication of advisory services, and the power of tools like the Business Plus+ newsletter to spark valuable dialogue and deliver measurable improvements in client outcomes. Discover how to shift your conversations from reactive to transformative – and why it’s time to start promoting your advisory offerings like your clients market their own businesses. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, explores how accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors can put Business Plus+ into action to spark meaningful conversations with SME clients. Learn how this monthly communication tool becomes a gateway to advisory services - covering everything from business planning and R&D to selling a business and improving cash flow. Peter also reflects on industry shifts, including warnings from Chris Jordan and Mark Wickersham on the decline of compliance work, reinforcing the urgent need to evolve into proactive advisory roles. If you're ready to move from insight to implementation, this episode is essential listening. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

In this episode of Accountant’s Minute Podcast, Peter Towers unpacks the urgent need for accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors to pivot as traditional compliance work continues to decline. Drawing on insights from thought leaders like Mark Wickersham and former ATO Commissioner Chris Jordan, Peter explores how firms can future-proof themselves through proactive, value-adding advisory services. Learn how the Business Plus+ newsletter can become your secret weapon to engage SME clients, build trust, and showcase your expertise far beyond tax returns. If you’re ready to move from "tax preparer" to "trusted advisor," this episode is for you. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

In this special podcast episode, based on the 400th edition of Accountants Minute, Peter Towers delivers a powerful wake-up call for the accounting profession. With compliance work on the decline and automation accelerating, the future belongs to those who embrace their role as trusted advisors. Learn how to diversify your services, implement powerful advisory tools like financial forecasting and virtual CFO support, and make your firm indispensable to SME clients. Featuring insights from thought leader Mark Wickersham and a candid look at the challenges facing SMEs today, this episode is a must-listen for any accounting professional serious about staying relevant—and thriving—in a changing landscape. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

In this Accountants Minute Podcast episode, Peter Towers challenges accountants, bookkeepers, and advisors to step beyond compliance and become strategic leaders in their clients’ growth journeys. Peter dives into what it really takes to deliver premium advisory services—from implementing performance-driven systems and predictive accounting to mastering business planning and becoming a true "storyteller" for your clients’ future success. Whether you're advising SMEs or aspiring to be a virtual CFO, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you build scalable, future-focused services—and position your firm at the forefront of the profession. Don’t miss this call to action as we approach our 400th edition! You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

In this episode of Accountant’s Minute Podcast, Peter Towers urges accountants, bookkeepers, and advisors to move beyond compliance work and embrace value-added services. With automation rapidly reducing tax-related tasks, now is the time to step up as trusted advisors, offering strategic insights to help SMEs thrive. Discover why your future depends on advisory services—and how you can start the shift today. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

In this episode of The Accountant's Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, delves into The Future of Accounting—a crucial topic for accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors working with SMEs. With over 2 million small businesses in Australia facing increasing financial pressures, is your firm ready to evolve beyond compliance and tax return services? Peter explores the shifting landscape of accounting, highlighting former Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan’s warning: High-volume, low-margin tax work is unsustainable. Learn how you can transition to advisory-based services, add value to your SME clients, and secure the future of your practice. Plus, discover the Advisory Intro Package—a simple way to start offering financial and management advisory services within just one week. Tune in for actionable insights and strategies to future-proof your accounting firm. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube