Episode 33

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Published on:

4th Jun 2022

Can technologists be taught accounting

An interesting article on Accounting Today asked the question do you train accountants on tech, or technologists in accounting? Ultimately where we landed was agreeing with Geni Whitehouse who said hire the attitude and train for what you need. The old way of building an accounting firm was to hire more accountants and bookkeepers, but what we know is they're in short supply and they certainly don't want to be doing things the old way. As we were discussing a few common threads became apparent, and if you've been listening to this podcast, then they shouldn't be foreign to you - be very clear about want you want to get out of your business, what you want to do and what you don't want to do. And hopefully that'll help you identify whether or not you want to train accountants on technology or technologists on accounting.

To learn more about how MoneyPenny can help your accounting and/or bookkeeping firm visit https://moneypennyllc.com/.

And to ask us any questions or share any feedback, please connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Penny Breslin - LinkedIn | @PennyB57

Damien Greathead - LinkedIn | @Damien_GH

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About the Podcast

It's not Just the Numbers

Focused on CAS, this accounting podcast helps firm owners build their accounting and bookkeeping business with intention

It’s Not Just the Numbers is a podcast for accounting firm owners, leaders, and professionals building modern firms beyond compliance.

Hosted by Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin, the show explores what it really takes to create a sustainable, advisory-driven accounting practice in a profession undergoing rapid change. From technology, systems, workflow, and pricing strategy to leadership, client experience, staffing, and the future role of the accountant — this podcast goes beyond the spreadsheets and into the real conversations shaping the profession.

Each episode features practical insights, honest discussions, and lessons from firm owners, industry experts, technology leaders, and operators working at the forefront of modern accounting.

Whether you’re building a Client Advisory Services (CAS) practice, refining your operations, navigating AI and automation, or simply trying to build a better firm, It’s Not Just the Numbers delivers thoughtful conversations grounded in real-world experience.

Because the future of accounting isn’t just about compliance.

It’s about strategy.
It’s about relationships.
It’s about systems.
It’s about leadership.
And ultimately, it’s not just the numbers.

A Beyond Numbers podcast.

About your hosts

Penny Breslin

Penny Breslin is the founder of MoneyPenny, a consulting firm specializing in helping accounting firms and other businesses embrace the power of technology to simplify their operations and increase their profit margins.

Drawing on her years of experience and her knowledge of what it takes to run a successful business, Penny oversees the development of back office processes for her client firms. From the initial evaluation of the firm’s workflow, to technology selection, and assisting in the on-boarding of the firm’s clients, Penny works with her clients to maximize the benefits of a paperless and cloud-based firm.

Damien Greathead

Damien has been working in the accounting industry for more than 15 years. In addition to getting his hands dirty preparing tax returns and doing bookkeeping, but the bulk of his experience comes from consulting to both accounting firms and the technology companies that serve the industry.

He set up 2020 Group USA which was a membership group for small and medium sized accounting firms and then went on to set up Receipt Bank (now Dext) in North America.

He regularly speaks to industry bodies on technology, marketing and change management.