The COVID-19 pandemic thrust two years of historic change and challenges upon businesses.
As revenues tanked – or soared, for some – and bottom lines shadowed the peaks and troughs of case numbers around the world, keeping business finances in check became more important than ever. Accountants everywhere had to quickly adapt.
Tony Fittler, the Chair of HLB Mann Judd Australasia Association, said his accounting firm was forced to make rapid changes to respond to clients’ needs. He credits this innovation for helping the firm win in the 2022 Client Choice Awards – receiving the top prize for Best Accounting & Consulting Services Firm ($50-$200m revenue).
The firm was also named a finalist in the Most Innovative Accounting & Consulting Services Firm and Best CX Firm: Accounting & Consulting Services categories.
“Like every professional services firm, we have had to make significant changes to how we interact with clients and how we respond to their needs,” Mr Fittler said.
“It is very rewarding to know that, despite the challenges of the past few years, we have succeeded in maintaining our own high standards of client service.”
Mr Fittler said innovation could look a little different to every firm but utilising technology and developing more efficient ways to service clients had been gamechangers for HLB Mann Judd.
“A lot of work goes on behind the scenes. We rely on some technology to help us provide solutions. Sometimes, what may look like straightforward advice to a client, could have taken several hours of research and discussion by a team of people,” he said.
“Innovation and value are linked together … it is important to communicate or show value to a client.”
HLB Mann Judd has a long history of success at the Client Choice Awards, having been recognised as a finalist in at least one award category every year since 2012. The Awards uniquely are chosen based on feedback provided directly and independently by clients who have used professional services firms in Australia and New Zealand in the previous 12 months.
Winning a category in these awards chosen by clients is a strong indicator that a firm has weathered the storms of the past two years well.
As the world continues to make its way through murky economic waters, with war in the Ukraine, supply chain pressures, a rising cost of living and inflation in Australia, firms that continue to innovate may prove to draw further ahead in their fields. Mr Fittler said the feedback from clients would certainly assist in guiding innovation for his firm’s future.
“The recognition by our clients through these awards is the most important measure of success for us. beaton’s surveys set the benchmark and recognise industry best practice,” he said.
“Client feedback plays a crucial role in the development of client service and innovation. We integrate any feedback into our operations in order to deliver the best possible service to clients.”
HLB Mann Judd was named the Best Accounting & Consulting Services Firm ($50-$200m revenue) in the 2022 Client Choice Awards. This award is presented in partnership with FeeSynergy.
The Client Choice Awards rewards firms for excellent client service, technical expertise, innovation and client experience. It is the only multi-profession and fully client-judged awards anywhere in the world. The Principal Partner of the Awards is NAB.
Enter your firm for the 2023 Awards here.
