Episode 13

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Published on:

25th Oct 2021

Introducing the Little Black Dress

Lucky episode 13!

In this episode we introduce listeners to your newest team member - your tech stack. Your technology should be working for you and should be doing the work of a few FTEs whether it comes to workflow, document management or data processing.

We break the tech stack down into the back of house - apps for your firm - and the front of house - apps that you and your clients use to facilitate the flow of data. Penny suggests focusing on your back of house first which will then allow your to deliver a quality front of house experience to your clients.

The Little Black Dress is Penny's analogy for your front of house tech stack. You can wear it for any occasion and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Your standardized tech stack will do 80% of the work for 80% of your clients. You don't need to be an expert in every G/L, every expense processing system and every payroll system, choose one and specialize.

Tech is a big topic and in this episode we barely touch on what to look for in an app - we'll dig further into in the next episode.

Be sure to check out the book that gave us the inspiration for this podcast: Strategy and the Fat Smoker. Buy it on Amazon.

If you'd like outside help on this process or have questions about anything discussed in this episode, please do get in touch.

If your app provider and would like to better understand how we work with technology companies feel free to reach out.

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.