Secrets of the Fastest Growing Firm
In the accounting world, everyone wants to reach the top. To win the awards. To be recognised as a leader. And for many (though not all), the ultimate ambition is to secure a place in that coveted Top 100 bracket. But what separates the firms that simply want success from the ones that achieve it?
Below are the real secrets behind the fastest-growing accounting firms — the habits, decisions, and mindsets that push them ahead of the crowd.
1. Embrace Change — Even When It’s Uncomfortable
If there’s one constant in accounting, it’s this: nothing stays the same for long. Technology evolves. Regulations shift. Client expectations rise. And the firms that grow the fastest aren’t the ones who resist change — they’re the ones who sprint toward it.
To thrive, you must be willing to adapt, adopt, and evolve, even when it challenges the way you’re used to operating. The fastest-growing firms are innovators, the early movers who aren’t afraid to test new tools, platforms, or workflows. They see what’s coming next and walk toward it before anyone else does.
In an industry undergoing rapid transformation, being change-ready is not optional — it’s your biggest competitive advantage.
2. Know the Landscape — Especially the Top 25
If you want to become one of the fastest-growing firms, you need to understand one thing clearly: growth doesn’t happen in isolation.
What are the top 25 firms doing that you aren’t?
How are they structuring teams?
What technology are they investing in?
How are they attracting — and retaining — the right clients?
The fastest-growing firms study the leaders, analyse the trends, and then ask the most powerful question: How can we get ahead of them? This isn’t copying — it’s strategic awareness. You can’t outrun competitors if you don’t know the pace they’re setting.
3. Build Strong Client Rapport — The Foundation of Retention
Growth isn’t just about gaining new clients; it’s about keeping the ones you already have.
Fast-growing firms invest intentionally in rapport, communication, and trust. They take the time to understand their clients, not just their numbers. These stronger relationships lead to loyalty — and loyalty is one of the biggest drivers of stable, long-term growth.
When clients feel understood and supported, they stay. They refer. They advocate. And that momentum compounds.
4. Establish a Presence — Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Known
Becoming a high-growth firm means stepping out from behind the spreadsheets and into the spotlight.
Fast-growing firms show the world who they are: knowledgeable, forward-thinking, friendly, and human. They attend events. They network with other firms. They speak on panels. They appear on podcasts. They put their brand anywhere their future clients might be looking.
Visibility isn’t arrogance — it’s opportunity. And every interaction strengthens your reputation.
5. Document Your Processes and Build Consistency
Another secret? The fastest-growing firms run like well-oiled machines.
They create clear processes, remove inefficiencies, and use automation wherever possible. This doesn’t just improve output — it frees up staff for higher-value work, speeds up onboarding, and ensures every client receives the same high-quality experience.
Growth becomes easier (and faster) when your internal systems support it rather than slow you down.
6. Invest in Your People
Great teams build great firms. The fastest-growing practices invest in skills, training, wellbeing, and development. They know that when staff feel supported and valued, they perform better, stay longer, and deliver more.
Motivated people create growth. The firms who grow quickest never forget that.
Achieving a Place in the Top 100
Reaching the Top 100 isn’t just a badge of honour — it’s a catalyst for transformation. Once you’re in the bracket, trust increases, prospects look at you differently, and your firm instantly carries more authority. With that elevated status comes the ability to charge more appropriately for your value, giving you more resources to invest in staff, technology, and tools — including AI solutions that significantly reduce manual work and maximise efficiency.
This is the kind of growth that feeds itself. Once you break into the top tier, everything becomes easier: recruitment, marketing, pricing, and scaling.
The Path to Transformation
Climbing the hierarchy of accounting firms isn’t a mystery — it’s a formula. Embrace change, study the leaders, strengthen client trust, build your presence, refine your processes, and invest in your team. These are the building blocks of genuine transformation.
If your goal is to grow faster, climb higher, and unlock new levels of success, the steps are here. It’s now about taking them.
Speed up your growth today by getting in touch with us and discover how we can help you reach your goals.
