A CFO I worked with used to say, “The difference between an accountant and an engineer is that the accountant doesn’t think they can do engineering.” It’s a funny line, but there’s some real insight behind it.
Most accounting firm owners I’ve worked with are sharp, disciplined, and deeply grounded in the mechanics of business. They know their numbers inside and out. But that fluency in financials can sometimes obscure other areas of the business that need just as much attention—things like people, structure, and day-to-day operations.
In firm after firm, I’ve seen recurring challenges:
- Unclear roles that lead to crossed wires or dropped balls
- Accountability that depends more on personality than process
- Struggles to consistently recruit, hire, and onboard the right people
- Meetings that drag on without real resolution
- Important issues that resurface repeatedly because there’s no clear way to tackle them
When firms begin to focus on these operational areas, change happens fast. Creating clarity in roles reduces rework and confusion. Building real accountability creates momentum. Tuning up recruiting and onboarding saves time and money. Streamlining meetings and introducing a consistent way to process issues gives teams the confidence to solve problems without drama.
All of these improvements fall under the umbrella of what I’d call a Business Operating and Strategy System—a framework for how you run the business, not just what you bill or how you close the books. It’s not about more bureaucracy; it’s about making space to lead intentionally, manage effectively, and execute with clarity.
The truth is, accounting firm owners are often great at this once they decide to go there. Their analytical mindset and appreciation for systems give them a natural edge when it comes to implementing structure and strategy.
If you’re running an accounting firm and you feel like things are “fine” but not quite working, this might be your cue. The numbers are only part of the story. How you lead, organize, and solve problems tells the rest.
