Direct Management
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The motto for Direct Management is "Simplify Business." Founder Diane Lucas believes this can be achieved in many ways, including improved bookkeeping, training and streamlined processes.
The end result is an efficient business that provides business owners with real time knowledge of what's going on in their businesses. It is a strategy that Direct Management's dedicated team of passionate and experienced bookkeepers and consultants employ every day.
Founded in 2006, Direct Management is a growing business and bookkeeping solutions provider specializing in business support and training for bookkeeping and office procedures. And like many accounting professionals, Diane believes that cloud solutions are the core to today's business strategy.
That's why the Cranbourne, Australian firm uses technology to help free up time that allows for more value added work. The same approach is integral to how it deals with its clients.
"We embrace change – wholeheartedly – and seek to educate on these changes and innovations wherever possible."
Diane believes that rapid innovation will continue to change the accounting landscape. "We embrace change – wholeheartedly – and seek to educate on these changes and innovations wherever possible," she says. "We prefer to lead by example – the only certainty is change."
Insightful Accountant sat down with Diane to get her thoughts on where the industry is heading:
What are you seeing out there today?
There's a greater awareness among bookkeepers as to the changing bookkeeping landscape. This does not necessarily mean it's being embraced or welcomed. The AU Government will be introducing simplified GST processing in July 2017, and there is a general feeling this will further impact already reducing revenue. I think those who are scared and loosing revenue are not readily open to the changes happening. They are slow to recognize the need for a more diverse offering of services.
What was 2016's biggest surprise?
A greater awareness and uptake of QuickBooks Online among Australian business owners. The message is finally being heard that QBO is a very decent competitor to the entrenched incumbent Xero.
What is the biggest item on your 2017 to-do list?
To commence SMB training on business practices – F2F, seminars, webinars. This won't be restricted to QBO training, but to the area as a whole.
What are three areas every accountant should keep an eye on next year?
Movement of clients from desktop to cloud, under their own volition. Either get in first to advise, or get left behind as they find someone more proactive. Also remember to embrace Value Pricing. In addition, offer a greater mix of value-added services
What goals have you set for 2017?
I want to be able to enable my team to do more of my day-to-day work, which will free me up for the projects I have in mind.