Edward Brooks

The Beacons

No matter where you are now, there are always ways to get to the next level. Either you can follow the heard and fight toe-to-toe, or you can find different ways to get there, with a lot less competition. It's different for every business, and that's what I specialise in.

Founder

The RPA Academy

Created and grew The RPA Academy from scratch to teaching people online and onsite across the globe.

Covered Blue Prism, UiPath, Automation Anywhere and the business side of RPA, from implementation through to transformation. 

Home of The RPA Master Course - developed and rolled out to the members of the AICPA/CIMA globally.

From Aetna RPA Leadership:

"We asked The RPA Academy for a lot and they delivered! As RPA remains on the leading edge of automation technologies within firms worldwide, we had a need to have as many people as we could find to be trained to develop such tool. The RPA Academy worked with us to accommodate an aggressive schedule of training classes for 60 trainees over a 6 week period. The trainers were RPA experts that were willing to take the time to work with the trainees on everything from explaining basic programming terms to pushing advanced programmers to think of new creative possibilities with such a powerful tool. I recommend, and plan to use, The RPA Academy for future RPA training needs as they arise."

Management Consultant

Strategy, Transformation, Automation/Robotics, Shared Services, and Offshoring Consultant.

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Business Strategy, Transformation and Outsourcing

TPI/ISG

Senior Advisor - Transformation and Outsourcing

EDS/HP

Responsible for the implementation, management, and transformation of outsourced finance function for £9.6bn of payments to the UK military.

Director, Finance Transformation

Accenture

Development and Sales of Business Process Outsourcing deals in the HR and F&A space in the UK, US, Europe and APAC.

Solution Architect/Sales - BPO

I had a real problem.

I was good with Tech and good with start-ups. 

But...

It took so long for them to get real traction - even though I was solving real problems.

Then I realised that it wasn't just me!

Even AWS, Tesla or Zoom took 10-15 years to go from being "possible" to being "mainstream".

That's when I set out to solve this problem for all B2B Tech firms.

So, today, we create amazing Content (video mainly), positioning you as the experts, and then we get it in front of your exact target audience - AT MASSIVE SCALE!

I just learned that 3 of the most successful online marketers in the world use this exact same methodology.

Best of all.... 
1. This really works
2. Your competitors are NOT doing it. 
3. It works for any budget
4. We do the work for you.

Years ago, I sat in a room with the partners of a struggling CPA firm. 
 
They were overwhelmed, overworked, and losing clients. 
 
The culprit? 
A talent shortage. 
 
But here’s what happened next. 
 
We decided to take a chance. 
 
We embraced technology, invested in people, and redefined our work culture. 
 
The results were astounding: 
 
→ AI reduced our mundane tasks by 40%. 
 
→ Our training programs turned junior staff into rising stars. 
 
→ Remote work options attracted talent from across the country. 
 
→ Strategic outsourcing allowed us to focus on highvalue clients. 
 
And guess what? 
The firm not only turned around but became a leader in the industry. 
 
I share this story because I want every CPA firm grappling with talent shortages to know this: 
 
The challenge is real, but the solutions are within reach. 
 
Invest in your people. 
Embrace technology. 
Be flexible. 
 
These steps can transform your firm. 
 
Let’s not let a shortage of talent be our downfall. 
 
Instead, let it be the catalyst for our greatest growth. 
 
What’s your story? 
Have you faced and overcome similar challenges? 
 
Share your experiences and inspire others.

A proven strategy for CPA firms to grow revenues and enterprise value.

10 years ago, you could easily find a talented CPA. Today, it's a different story. 
 
The profession faces a 30% reduction in new entrants. This isn't just a statistic; it's a reality that shapes the future of your business. Here's why you should care: 
 
→ Talent Shortage: With fewer CPAs entering the field, finding skilled professionals is like searching for a needle in a haystack. 
 
↳ This directly impacts your ability to grow and scale. 
 
→ Increased Workload: Existing CPAs are stretched thin, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. 
 
↳ Can your team handle the pressure? 
 
→ Succession Challenges: Who will take over your firm when you retire? 
 
↳ The pool of potential partners is shrinking. 
 
→ Client Satisfaction: Overworked staff means lower quality service. 
 
↳ How long before your clients notice? 
 
So, what can you do? 
Invest in Training: Develop the skills of your current team. 
 
↳ Internal growth can counter external shortages. 
Embrace Technology: Automate repetitive tasks to free up your CPAs for more strategic work. 
 
↳ Efficiency is key. 
Offer Competitive Packages: Attract and retain the best talent. 
 
↳ Make your firm the place to be. 
Focus on Culture: Build an environment where employees want to stay. 
 
↳ Happy employees = Happy clients. 
Plan for the Future: Identify and groom potential successors early. 
 
↳ Don't leave your firm's future to chance. 
 
The CPA profession is changing. Adapt or get left behind. 
 
What steps are you taking to secure your firm's future? 
 
Share your thoughts below.

Are you tired of relying on word of mouth and referrals to grow your CPA firm? 
 
Imagine the difference a proven client acquisition strategy can make. 
 
At our firm, we've developed a methodology that significantly expands capacity, revenues, and value for CPA firms like yours. 
 
Here’s what you gain: 
 
→ Increased Valuation: A strategic approach to client acquisition makes your firm more attractive to buyers, investors, and Private Equity firms. 
 
→ Predictable Growth: No more waiting for referrals. Our system ensures a steady stream of new clients. 
 
→ Enhanced Negotiation Power: With a proven strategy in place, you hold the cards, whether you're selling, merging, or negotiating with investors. 
 
→ Scalability: Our methodology isn't just about getting clients; it's about sustainable growth. 
 
Don't leave your firm's future to chance. Equip yourself with a strategy that works. 
 
Interested in learning more? 
 
→ Let's connect. Comment 'interested' below, and I'll share how our proven methodology can transform your CPA firm.

12 years ago I was deep into the world of finance and advisory. I worked with some of the biggest companies, but something was missing.  
 
I realized the real gamechanger was specialization.  
 
When I looked at firms, the first decision was crucial: What services, niches, and geographies should they specialize in?  
 
It wasn't easy, but it was transformative.  
 
Once you chose your core services and focused relentlessly.... 
 
Everything became easier. 
 
→ Operations streamlined. 
 
→ Recruitment aligned perfectly. 
 
→ Marketing and selling became laserfocused.  
 
Today, I help other CPA firms do the same.  
 
If you're struggling to find your focus, remember: Specialization is the key to unlocking your firm's potential.  
 
Need advice? Let's chat.

Are CPA firms missing the biggest opportunity of our lifetime? Many are. 🚀  Struggling with resourcing and capacity? Lacking a proven way to attract clients? Risking millions in valuations?  Imagine being unable to capitalize on growth, acquisitions, or lucrative exits just because of these hurdles.  But here's the truth:  Resourcing doesn’t have to be a bottleneck. Scalable client acquisition strategies exist. Firm valuations can soar with the right approach.  The time to act is now. Elevate your firm's potential.  Ready to seize this golden opportunity? Let's talk!

Relying solely on wordofmouth for referrals and leads in your CPA firm? 
 
Here’s why that’s risky business. 
 
Word of mouth is powerful. 
 
→ It’s built on trust. 
 
→ It’s free. 
 
→ It brings in warm leads. 
 
But here’s the catch. 
 
It’s not scalable. 
 
Why? 
 
Because it depends on variables you can’t control. 
 
→ Clients’ willingness to refer. 
 
→ Timing of their referrals. 
 
→ Quality of the referrals. 
 
Here’s what you’re missing out on: 
Lost Revenue: 
→ Inconsistent cash flow. 
 
→ Missed opportunities. 
 
→ Limited growth. 
Firm Valuation Impact: 
→ Unpredictable future earnings. 
 
→ Lower valuation when selling. 
 
→ Reduced appeal to investors or partners. 
Growth Bottlenecks: 
→ Slower expansion. 
 
→ Limited market reach. 
 
→ Dependency on existing network. 
 
What’s the solution? 
 
Implement a proven, scalable lead generation strategy. 
 
Here’s how: 
Digital Marketing: 
→ SEO 
→ Content marketing 
→ Social media advertising 
Networking Events: 
→ Industry conferences 
→ Webinars 
→ Workshops 
Strategic Partnerships: 
→ Collaborate with tech firms. 
 
→ Joint ventures. 
 
→ Referral programs. 
CRM Systems: 
→ Automate followups. 
 
→ Track leads. 
 
→ Analyze data for insights. 
 
Remember: 
A balanced approach can safeguard your firm’s future. 
 
So, what’s your next move? 
 
Share your thoughts or tag someone who needs to read this.

Years ago, my CPA firm thrived on wordofmouth referrals. 
 
It felt like the golden ticket. 
 
But then reality hit. 
 
We realized we were stuck in a cycle. 
 
→ Waiting for referrals. 
 
→ Hoping for quality leads. 
 
→ Struggling to forecast revenue. 
 
It was a hard truth to swallow. 
 
Our growth was limited. 
 
Our potential undervalued. 
 
That’s when we shifted gears. 
 
We needed a strategy. 
 
→ One that’s scalable 
→ One that’s predictable 
→ One that adds value 
 
We invested in digital marketing. 
 
→ SEO 
→ Content creation 
→ Social media 
 
We attended more networking events. 
 
→ Conferences 
→ Webinars 
→ Workshops 
 
We formed strategic partnerships. 
 
→ Collaborations 
→ Joint ventures 
→ Referral programs 
 
And guess what? 
 
Our revenue became consistent. 
 
Our firm’s valuation soared. 
 
Our growth was no longer a gamble. 
 
So here’s my advice: 
 
Don’t rely solely on wordofmouth. 
 
Diversify your lead generation. 
 
Create a sustainable growth model. 
 
Your firm’s future depends on it. 
 
What steps are you taking to ensure your firm’s growth? 
 
Comment below or tag someone who needs to hear this.

A CPA firm without a strategic client acquisition plan is sitting on a ticking time bomb. Here's why. 
 
Imagine you're ready to sell, retire, merge, or deal with Private Equity firms. What's the first thing they'll assess? 
 
→ Your consistent revenue stream. 
 
If your firm's growth relies solely on word of mouth and referrals, you're in trouble. Here's the impact: 
Lower Valuation: Firms without a proven client acquisition strategy appear riskier. Investors and buyers will discount their value. 
Due Diligence Nightmares: Potential buyers will scrutinize how you gain clients. Without a clear, strategic approach, you'll face endless questions and doubts. 
Limited Negotiation Power: When you lack a scalable growth method, you're at the mercy of buyers. They control the narrative. 
Dependency Issues: Heavy reliance on referrals means your firm's growth is dependent on external factors. This is a red flag for Private Equity firms. 
Stunted Growth: Without a proactive approach, your firm can't tap into new markets, limiting its potential. 
 
So, what can you do? 
 
→ Develop a robust client acquisition strategy. 
 
→ Invest in digital marketing. 
 
→ Train your team on business development. 
 
→ Leverage technology and AI for lead generation. 
 
Remember, a firm's value is not just in its current clients but in its potential to grow. Don't wait until it's too late. Act now. 
 
What steps will you take today to ensure your CPA firm's valuation is as high as it should be?

I can almost guarantee you can double your CPA firm's revenues within 12 months. 
 
Yes, I know you will say, we don't have the capacity to do that. 
But there are many ways to address that, so don't worry about that for now. 
Instead, let's talk about the potential. 
 
Try this quick exercise to see what I mean. 
 
Pick three of your competitors. 
 
→ Go to their websites and look at how they are selling themselves. 
You’ll see very little of value. 
 
→ Then go to their social media. 
They are unlikely to have much, but at least look at the value they are giving through it. 
Again, I bet you it is close to zero. 
 
→ Do the same on their YouTube. 
 
→ Sign up for their newsletter. 
You’ll quickly see they are doing zero marketing. 
 
So what does this mean for you? 
 
Your market is wide open. 
 
Now, imagine doubling your revenues in the next 12 months. 
 
Here's what you need to believe: 
 
→ Marketing is not just for big firms. 
 
→ Leveraging technology can free up your capacity. 
 
→ Building strong client relationships can turn customers into advocates. 
 
→ Competitor analysis can uncover hidden opportunities. 
 
Every CPA firm has the potential to grow exponentially. 
You just need to see the opportunity and seize it. 
 
Are you ready to take that leap? 
 
Comment and share your thoughts. Let’s start this journey together!

Are you a partner in a CPA firm?  
 
Want to retire in the next 2 years?  
 
To maximize the value of your partnership, just do these three things. 
 
→ Double down on your specialization.  
 
Specialization isn't just a buzzword.  
 
It’s your ticket to standing out in a crowded market.  
 
Identify your niche and own it.  
 
Whether it's forensic accounting, tax planning, or financial consulting, become the goto expert. 
 
→ Sort the talent pool issue (it's actually very easy).  
 
Look beyond the usual candidates.  
 
Consider remote talents, contract professionals, and even AI-driven solutions.  
 
Create a flexible workforce that scales with your needs. 
 
→ Embed a proven and scalable way of bringing in new clients (i.e., it is NOT based on wordofmouth).  
 
Relying on word-of-mouth is risky.  
 
Invest in digital marketing, referral programs, and strategic partnerships.  
 
Create a robust pipeline that consistently brings in new business.  
 
Do these, and you can double the value easily within 24 months.  
 
Ready to get started?

Are you a partner in a CPA firm?  
 
Planning to retire in the next 2 years?  
 
Let's talk about maximizing the value of your partnership before you step down. 
 
→ Double down on your specialization. 
 
I once knew a partner who specialized in forensic accounting.  
 
He became the goto expert, and his firm’s value skyrocketed.  
 
Identify your niche and own it. 
 
→ Sort the talent pool issue (it's actually very easy). 
 
A colleague faced a talent shortage.  
 
He expanded his talent pool by considering remote and contract professionals.  
 
His firm thrived. 
 
→ Embed a proven and scalable way of bringing in new clients (i.e., it is NOT based on wordofmouth). 
 
Relying on word-of-mouth is risky.  
 
Invest in digital marketing, referral programs, and strategic partnerships.  
 
Create a robust pipeline that consistently brings in new business. 
 
Do these, and you can double the value easily within 24 months. 
 
Want to get started on this journey?

Ever wondered why your CPA firm isn't hitting those high valuations? 
 
Here's a harsh reality: 
 
Too many CPA firm partners are missing out on millions because they lack the capacity to grow and don't have a proven, scalable method for acquiring new clients. 
 
Let's break it down: 
 
→ Lack of Capacity: 
Overloaded staff leads to burnout. 
Client service suffers, and so does your reputation. 
You can't take on new clients if you're already stretched thin. 
 
→ No Scalable Client Acquisition: 
Relying on wordofmouth isn't enough. 
Ad hoc marketing strategies yield inconsistent results. 
Without a system, you're just spinning your wheels. 
 
So, what can you do? 
Automate Repetitive Tasks: 
 
→ Free up your team's time for highvalue work. 
Invest in Training: 
 
→ Equip your team with the latest tools and techniques. 
Develop a Scalable Marketing Strategy: 
 
→ Consistent lead generation is key. 
Leverage Technology: 
 
→ AI and tech solutions can significantly boost efficiency. 
Build a Proven Methodology: 
 
→ A repeatable process for client acquisition and retention. 
 
Don't let your firm be one of those that misses out on millions. 
 
Take action today and start building a scalable, growthoriented strategy. 
 
Because your valuation shouldn't be limited by your capacity. 
 
Agree? Disagree? Let's discuss in the comments.

I remember a time when finding a talented CPA was easy. 
 
Those days are gone. 
 
The CPA profession is facing a 30% reduction in new entrants. This isn't just a statistic; it's a reality that impacts us all. 
 
→ Fewer CPAs means more pressure on existing staff. 
 
↳ How long can they keep up? 
 
→ The pool of future partners is shrinking. 
 
↳ Who will lead your firm when you retire? 
 
→ Client satisfaction is at risk. 
 
↳ Overworked employees can't deliver their best. 
 
But here's the thing: every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. 
 
Here's how to turn this around: 
Invest in your team: Provide training and development opportunities. 
 
↳ Grow your talent from within. 
Embrace technology: Automate mundane tasks. 
 
↳ Let your CPAs focus on strategic work. 
Build a strong culture: Create an environment where people want to stay. 
 
↳ Retain your best talent. 
Plan for the future: Identify and mentor potential successors. 
 
↳ Secure your firm's legacy. 
 
The CPA profession is evolving. Those who adapt will thrive. 
 
What steps are you taking to ensure your firm's success? 
 
Let's discuss.

The talent shortage in the CPA world is a crisis. 
 
It's stifling growth, innovation, and even daytoday operations. 
 
I’ve seen it firsthand consulting with some of the biggest firms in the world. 
 
Here’s what’s happening and what you can do about it: 
The Problem: 
→ The demand for skilled CPAs is outstripping supply. 
 
→ Experienced professionals are retiring faster than new talent is coming in. 
 
→ The workload is increasing due to complex regulations and client demands. 
The Impact: 
→ Firms are struggling to meet deadlines. 
 
→ Quality of work is suffering due to overextended staff. 
 
→ Opportunities for growth are slipping away. 
The Solution: 
 
Embrace Technology: 
→ AI and automation can handle routine tasks. 
 
→ Free up your team for highervalue work. 
 
Develop Talent: 
→ Invest in training programs. 
 
→ Create pathways for career progression. 
 
Flexible Work Arrangements: 
→ Offer remote work options to attract a broader talent pool. 
 
→ Implement flexible hours to improve worklife balance. 
 
Outsource Strategically: 
→ Partner with specialized firms to handle overflow work. 
 
→ Focus your core team on strategic initiatives. 
 
Enhance Your Recruitment: 
→ Use datadriven hiring processes. 
 
→ Leverage social media and professional networks. 
 
Remember: 
If you tackle the talent shortage with a strategic plan, 
Your firm will not only survive but thrive. 
 
What’s your firm doing to address the talent gap? 
 
Share your strategies and let’s learn from each other.

Years ago, I worked with a CPA firm that was solely dependent on word of mouth and referrals for new clients. 
 
They were a talented team, but their growth was stagnant. They couldn't reach their full potential. 
 
When it came time for the partners to retire and sell, they faced a harsh reality. 
 
Potential buyers weren't impressed. The firm’s valuation was significantly lower than expected. 
 
Why? 
 
→ Lack of a proven client acquisition strategy. 
 
This experience taught me a crucial lesson: relying solely on referrals can be a firm’s downfall. 
 
I decided to help other firms avoid this fate. I developed a methodology that ensures consistent growth and a higher valuation. 
 
Today, that same CPA firm has transformed. They have a steady stream of new clients, their valuation has soared, and the partners are enjoying a welldeserved retirement. 
 
The moral of the story? 
 
→ Don’t wait until it’s too late. 
 
Invest in a proven client acquisition strategy now. Your future self will thank you. 
 
What’s holding you back from taking your CPA firm to the next level?

The first thing any CPA firm must decide on is specialization. Why? Because it sets the foundation for everything else. Here's a stepbystep guide to get you started:  
Identify your strengths. 
 
→ What services do you excel at? 
 
→ Are there niches where you have a competitive edge?  
Know your market. 
 
→ Which geographies have the highest demand for your expertise? 
 
→ What industries are underserved?  
Prioritize and focus. 
 
→ Choose 35 core services or niches. 
 
→ Focus your efforts there.  
Align your operations. 
 
→ Tailor your recruitment to attract talent in your focus areas. 
 
→ Streamline processes to serve your chosen niches efficiently.  
Market and sell strategically. 
 
→ Develop targeted marketing campaigns. 
 
→ Create a sales pitch that resonates with your specific audience.  
 
Remember, specialization simplifies operations, enhances recruitment, and makes marketing more effective. Need help defining your focus? Let’s discuss.

Five years ago, I took a leap of faith. 
 
I left my comfortable role as a CPA and ventured into the world of tech and AI. 
 
Today, I see a remarkable opportunity for CPA firms. 
 
The landscape has never been more favorable: 
 
→ Talent is in short supply, but this scarcity drives innovation. 
 
→ New technologies promise to revolutionize our industry. 
 
→ Multiple ways exist to boost capacity without burning out your team. 
 
Yet, many firms still cling to wordofmouth and referrals. 
 
What if you could break free from this mold? 
 
Imagine adopting cuttingedge technologies that actually work. 
 
Picture a team that is empowered and skilled in new ways. 
 
Visualize a firm that’s not just another player but a market leader. 
 
The opportunity is real. 
 
But it requires courage and vision. 
 
Are you ready to take that leap? 
 
Comment below on how you plan to seize this moment!

Labor Day has passed. Summer is over. And now you've got decisions to make about your CPA firm. Do you want to really take advantage of the unique confluence of circumstances – the CPA shortage, new technologies, and many ways of growing your firm with almost zero competition – or are you going to sit this one out and wait for the next 'onceinageneration' opportunity? 
 
Here's how you can take action right now: 
Leverage the CPA shortage: 
→ The scarcity of qualified CPA professionals means you can command higher fees. 
 
→ Focus on offering specialized services that others can't. 
Embrace new technologies: 
→ Automate routine tasks to free up valuable time. 
 
→ Invest in AIdriven tools that can offer deeper insights. 
Expand your service offerings: 
→ Diversify into advisory services to offer more value. 
 
→ Create bundled services to attract larger clients. 
Build a robust team: 
→ Hire for potential, not just experience. 
 
→ Offer continuous training to keep your team updated. 
Strengthen client relationships: 
→ Regularly communicate your value to clients. 
 
→ Offer personalized solutions to meet their unique needs. 
 
Don't let this moment pass you by. The opportunities are ripe for the taking. Your actions today will define your firm's success tomorrow. 
 
What steps are you planning to take to seize these opportunities?

Labor Day has passed. Summer is over. And now you've got decisions to make about your CPA firm. Do you want to really take advantage of the unique confluence of circumstances – the CPA shortage, new technologies, and many ways of growing your firm with almost zero competition – or are you going to sit this one out and wait for the next 'onceinageneration' opportunity? 
 
At our firm, we've developed a proven methodology to help CPA firms like yours significantly expand capacity, revenues, and value. 
 
Here's what we offer: 
 
→ Tailored strategies to navigate the CPA shortage. 
 
→ Cuttingedge technology solutions to streamline operations. 
 
→ Comprehensive advisory services to diversify your offerings. 
 
→ A focus on building a highperforming team. 
 
→ Strengthening client relationships for longterm growth. 
 
Why wait? The market is brimming with opportunities, and we're here to help you seize them. 
 
Want to learn more? 
 
→ Connect with me directly. 
 
→ Like this post. 
 
→ Comment 'interested' and I'll reach out with more details.

I see it all the time: CPA firms stuck in a cycle. The managing partner is buried in client work. The leadership team is doing the technical tasks. And it feels like there's no time to breathe, let alone strategize. 
 
Here's the thing: if you're always in the weeds, your firm will stay exactly where it is. 2024 will look like 2023, and 2025 will look like 2024.  
 
But it doesn't have to be that way. 
 
Here’s how to break the cycle: 
 
→ Delegate and Automate: Identify tasks that can be handed off or automated. Free up your leadership team’s time. 
 
→ Prioritize Strategy Sessions: Schedule regular strategy meetings. Protect this time fiercely. 
 
→ Leverage Technology: Adopt new tech solutions. They can streamline workflows and add capacity. 
 
→ Invest in Training: Empower your team to handle more complex tasks. This reduces the load on senior staff. 
 
→ Focus on HighValue Activities: Spend your time on decisions that drive growth. Leave the technical work to your team. 
 
Remember: 
 
Your firm’s growth depends on leadership focusing on strategy, not just daily operations. 
 
Are you ready to lead your firm into a more profitable future?

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