What’s the secret to great client relationships in accountancy? It’s not just about spreadsheets and deadlines – it’s about people.
Accountants who stand out aren’t just technically brilliant – they’re trusted partners. Whether you’re advising on tax, leading an audit, or navigating a business through corporate finance decisions, your relationship with your client is what defines success.
So how can you become the accountant clients never want to leave?
🔐 The Key? Trust.
And trust doesn’t appear overnight. It’s built through consistent communication, professional integrity, and genuine care for your client’s goals. Your technical skills are expected – but your people skills are what truly set you apart.
🔑 5 Key Skills to Build Trust with Clients
1. Communicate Clearly
Ditch the jargon and be approachable. Clients rely on you to simplify the complex, not complicate it further. Explain what matters, in plain English, and always create space for questions.
Pro tip: Always summarise key advice in an email – it shows you're on top of things and helps clients feel reassured.
2. Be Consistently Reliable
Missed deadlines, late replies, or vague updates? That’s a fast track to losing confidence. Set realistic expectations, stick to them, and if something changes – communicate early and honestly.
3. Show Proactive Value
Don’t just wait for clients to ask – anticipate their needs. Whether it’s a reminder about upcoming deadlines, suggesting a tax-saving opportunity, or flagging sector changes, proactive advice shows you’ve got their back.
4. Build Rapport, Not Just Reports
Clients are people first. Remember birthdays, take an interest in their business journey, and don’t be afraid to bring a bit of warmth to your conversations. People remember how you made them feel – not just what you did.
5. Stay Curious
Understand your client’s world. Ask better questions. What are their goals? Pressures? Plans? When you care about the bigger picture, your advice becomes strategic – and that’s what builds long-term partnerships.
👥 What Makes a Client Relationship Truly Great?
The best ones feel like a collaboration, not a transaction. Clients want to feel supported, not sold to. They want consistency, not surprises. And they want someone who listens, understands, and adds value – not just someone who ticks boxes.
And here’s the truth: accountants who prioritise relationships don’t just retain clients – they grow them.
🐾 A quick (and Heartfelt) Word About Relationships of Another Kind...
This week also marks National Rescue Dog Day – and we couldn’t let it pass without giving a special shoutout to our very own rescue superstar: Blue 💙
Blue isn’t just the ProTalent office dog. He’s our unofficial therapist, morning greeter, emotional support buddy and lunchtime walking coach.
In the world of recruitment – and in life – things can be stressful. Blue reminds us to take a breath, be kind, and wag our tails a bit more often 🐕✨
If you’ve ever rescued a dog (or been rescued by one), we’d love to see your pup stories too!
🚀 Job of the Week:
Corporate Finance Manager – Manchester
We’re working with a forward-thinking practice in Manchester looking for a strong Corporate Finance Manager to join their ambitious team. If you're ready to lead deals, drive strategy, and work directly with entrepreneurial clients, this could be your next step.
📩 Interested? Drop us a message!
Final Thoughts
Great client relationships are never about flashy gestures – they’re about showing up, doing what you say you will, and making the complex feel simple.
In a world where trust is earned, not given – let your actions speak for you.
And if in doubt? Take a leaf out of Blue’s book: be loyal, be present, and always greet people like they matter. 🐶