It may be small and from humble beginnings, but Perth-based accounting firm McKinley Plowman (MP+) has proven it can mix it with the best in professional services by winning two Client Choice Awards in 2023.

MP+ was founded as a two-man operation in the regional West Australian town of Joondalup 25 years ago. From there, the firm’s partners say they have worked hard to retain a commitment to client service excellence as the team expanded.

The proof is in the pudding. This year, MP+ was named Best Bookkeeping & Payroll Firm (<$30m revenue), as well as Best Self-Managed Super Fund Firm (<$30m revenue) in the annual Client Choice Awards.

“This is the first year we’ve entered the Client Choice Awards and to take home two specialist awards on the first try is amazing, and a testament to the great team and clients we have,” said Director Nigel Plowman.

“We were also fortunate to gain Great Place to Work accreditation at about the same time as the Client Choice Awards. Caring for our clients and team have always been our highest priority, so it was great to have a double celebration.”

The annual Client Choice Awards are the only client-judged professional services awards in the world. They offer a unique opportunity for firms to receive feedback from those who arguably matter most – their clients.

A record 276 firms from across Australia and New Zealand entered in 2023, with Beaton analysing 17,413 pieces of individual client feedback to determine finalists and winners. This eclipsed last year’s entry numbers of about 250 entrants and 15,000 feedback ratings.

Plowman said winning two awards in such a competitive year confirmed his team’s strategy of first-class client communication as well as team collaboration on projects is working.

“It indicates that for all the emphasis we put on giving our clients the service of a small firm with the capability of a large firm, we are hitting the mark,” Plowman said.

He also said celebrating wins, valuing and thanking staff members was the number one thing professional services firms should focus on for success. He announced the Client Choice Awards results to his team at his quarterly staff meeting, where the team cheered over drinks and spent some out-of-office time celebrating together. “Look after and value your team. A great team that’s motivated to keep kicking goals means that your clients will benefit too,” Plowman said.

McKinley Plowman + was named the Best Bookkeeping & Payroll Firm (<$30m revenue), as well as Best Self-Managed Super Fund Firm (<$30m revenue) in the 2023 Client Choice Awards. This award was presented in partnership with FeeSynergy, and association partners Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.

Enter your firm for the 2024 Awards here.