Starting an Accountancy Practice Speakers
You've got an audience hungry to learn how to build a successful accountancy firm from the ground up...
But finding someone who's actually done it and can explain it clearly? That's the tricky part.
Maybe you're thinking: how do I find the right starting an accountancy practice speakers who aren't just theory-heavy but have real experience?
People who can talk about the tools, the clients, the setbacks, and the wins - without making it overwhelming.
This page helps you do exactly that. You'll find speakers who've started solo and scaled, figured out the pricing puzzle, and actually know what it's like to grow a practice in today's market.
I've seen how the right speaker can totally shift the energy of a conference or podcast episode.
Whether you're planning a summit, a YouTube interview, or a panel for your membership community, these starting an accountancy practice speakers bring clarity, credibility, and actual value.
Scroll down to explore the lineup or book someone great for your next event.
Top Starting an Accountancy Practice Speakers List for 2025
Tyler Martin
Driven entrepreneur with a proven track record of success and a passion for helping others succeed.
NICHOLE COMPTON (now Shelton)
That One Attorney Speaker that Makes You Smile and Shine!
Leisa Reid
I train Coaches & Entrepreneurs how to use speaking to attract their ideal clients
Craig West
Craig West: 20+ years of expertise in Succession & Exit planning, plus a doctoral thesis on Employee Ownership.
Noel Guilford
Helping ambitious accountants to transition from employee to successful practice owner
Karen S. Durda, EA
Empowering through expertise and education. Let's connect today.
Randall Avery
Financial Planner │ Author │ Speaker
Roger Knecht
If it's about accounting, it's Universal. Speaker, Host, Author, Husband, Father
Perry Jones
From Bold Visions to Big Returns: Your Success Story Starts Here!
What Makes a Great Starting an Accountancy Practice Speaker
Take someone like Heather Townsend, author of 'The Accountants Millionaires' Club'. She doesn't just explain how to start a practice-she paints a picture of what it feels like to go from employee to entrepreneur. A great speaker in this niche knows how to connect emotionally with their audience, whether they're speaking to aspiring accountants in the UK or small firm owners in Southeast Asia.
But it's not just about storytelling. Great speakers are also great listeners. They tailor their message to the room, whether it's a virtual summit or a local networking event. They anticipate the questions their audience hasn't asked yet-and answer them before anyone raises a hand.
And finally, they're generous. They don't hold back their best tips. They share frameworks, checklists, and real-world examples that attendees can use right away. That's what makes people remember them-and invite them back.
So if you're looking for a great starting an accountancy practice speaker, look for someone who educates, inspires, and delivers real value with every word.
How to Select the Best Starting an Accountancy Practice Speaker for Your Show
1. Define Your Audience and Goals
- Are you targeting early-career accountants, or seasoned professionals looking to go solo?
- Do you want a speaker who focuses on marketing, compliance, tech, or mindset?
- Clarify whether your goal is to educate, inspire, or drive action.
2. Search Smart Using Tools Like Talks.co
- Use Talks.co to browse speaker profiles with filters for niche, experience, and availability.
- Look for speakers who've been featured on similar shows or summits.
- Check their speaker page for past topics, testimonials, and audience feedback.
3. Review Their Content
- Watch past talks or webinars. Are they engaging? Do they explain clearly?
- Read their blog posts or LinkedIn articles. Are they up-to-date and insightful?
- Look for speakers who can adapt their message to different formats-podcasts, panels, keynotes.
4. Evaluate Fit and Personality
- Schedule a quick call. Are they easy to talk to? Do they understand your audience?
- Ask how they tailor their content. A great speaker will ask you questions too.
5. Ask for References or Case Studies
- Reach out to other hosts who've booked them. What was the audience response?
- Look for speakers who've helped drive tangible outcomes-like increased signups or engagement.
Selecting the right speaker isn't just about credentials. It's about connection, clarity, and credibility. Do your homework, and your audience will thank you.
How to Book a Starting an Accountancy Practice Speaker
1. Identify the Right Speaker
- Use platforms like Talks.co to find vetted speakers with relevant experience.
- Filter by niche, availability, and region if needed.
- Check their speaker page for bios, topics, and booking links.
2. Reach Out with a Clear Ask
- Send a concise message outlining your event, audience, and what you're looking for.
- Include the date, format (live, pre-recorded, panel), and expected audience size.
- Be specific about the topic you want them to cover-e.g., 'How to land your first 10 clients as a solo accountant.'
3. Confirm Logistics Early
- Agree on the time zone, tech platform, and duration.
- Share your promotional plan so they know how their talk will be marketed.
- Ask if they need slides, a moderator, or special equipment.
4. Send a Speaker Agreement
- Even for free talks, outline expectations in writing.
- Include cancellation terms, recording rights, and promotional guidelines.
5. Promote and Prepare
- Feature them in your event marketing-use their headshot and bio.
- Schedule a tech check or dry run if it's a live session.
- Share your audience's top questions so they can tailor their content.
Booking a speaker is part relationship-building, part project management. Do it well, and you'll create a win-win for your audience and your guest.
Common Questions on Starting an Accountancy Practice Speakers
What is a starting an accountancy practice speaker
These speakers typically have firsthand experience building or advising accounting firms. They may be former partners at large firms, solo practitioners who've scaled their business, or consultants who help others do the same. What sets them apart is their ability to teach, inspire, and support others on that journey.
They speak at virtual summits, podcasts, webinars, and live events, often covering topics like pricing strategies, client acquisition, regulatory compliance, and leveraging cloud accounting tools. Their audience might include recent graduates, mid-career professionals, or even bookkeepers looking to expand their services.
In essence, a starting an accountancy practice speaker is a niche expert who helps others navigate the transition from employee to entrepreneur in the accounting world. They bring clarity to a process that can feel overwhelming-and they do it in a way that's engaging, relevant, and actionable.
Why is a starting an accountancy practice speaker important
These speakers fill a critical gap between technical training and real-world business building. Most accountants are trained to do the work, not to run a business. A speaker who's been through that journey-or helped others through it-can offer insights that save time, money, and stress.
They also help normalize the challenges. Starting a practice can feel isolating, especially in regions where entrepreneurship isn't the norm. Hearing from someone who's navigated similar hurdles-whether it's pricing services in a rural town or marketing in a competitive urban market-can be incredibly validating.
Moreover, these speakers often introduce new tools and trends. For example, they might highlight how firms in Australia are using Xero to automate client onboarding, or how UK-based practices are leveraging niche marketing to grow faster. This kind of exposure can spark innovation and confidence.
In short, a starting an accountancy practice speaker doesn't just share knowledge-they accelerate progress. They help people move from thinking about starting a practice to actually doing it, with clarity and courage.
What do starting an accountancy practice speakers do
They typically perform the following roles:
- Deliver Keynotes and Workshops. They speak at industry events, virtual summits, and webinars, offering step-by-step strategies for launching and scaling an accountancy practice.
- Create Educational Content. Many produce online courses, write books, or host podcasts. For example, some speakers offer downloadable templates for engagement letters or pricing calculators tailored for new firms.
- Consult and Coach. Outside of speaking engagements, they often work one-on-one or in group settings to help individuals craft business plans, choose tech stacks, or navigate compliance issues.
- Facilitate Community Learning. Some speakers lead mastermind groups or online communities where aspiring accountants can learn from each other. This peer support can be especially valuable in regions where local mentorship is scarce.
- Promote Innovation. They introduce new tools, like cloud-based accounting platforms or AI-driven analytics, and explain how to integrate them into a new practice.
Whether they're speaking to a room full of CPAs in Canada or a Zoom room of freelancers in Kenya, starting an accountancy practice speakers help people take confident, informed steps toward building a business of their own.
How to become a starting an accountancy practice speaker
1. Define Your Niche and Message.
- Are you focused on helping solo accountants launch their first practice? Or are you more about scaling from a small firm to a multi-office business? Pinpoint your angle.
- Tip: Browse Talks.co to see what other speakers are covering. Find the gaps.
2. Build Your Authority.
- Start publishing content: blog posts, LinkedIn articles, short videos. Share your insights on starting and growing an accountancy practice.
- Host webinars or virtual summits. These are great platforms to test your message and grow your audience.
3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Your speaker page should include a bio, headshot, talk topics, testimonials, and a booking form. Tools like Talks.co make this easy.
- Pro tip: Add a short video of you speaking. Even a 2-minute clip builds trust fast.
4. Get Booked on Podcasts and Virtual Events.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to connect with event hosts. Pitch yourself as a guest who can speak to the challenges of launching an accountancy firm.
- Customize your pitch. Mention how your talk helps their audience solve a specific problem.
5. Refine Your Talk and Collect Feedback.
- Practice your talk live or in small groups. Ask for feedback on clarity, engagement, and value.
- Record every session. Watch it back and improve.
6. Scale Your Speaking Opportunities.
- Once you've got a few gigs under your belt, start charging. Add speaking to your LinkedIn headline. Let your network know you're available.
- Consider running your own virtual summit focused on accounting startups. It's a great way to position yourself as a go-to expert.
The key is consistency. Keep showing up, keep sharing, and keep refining your message.
What do you need to be a starting an accountancy practice speaker
Expertise in Starting an Accountancy Practice
You must have hands-on experience or deep knowledge in launching and running an accountancy practice. This could be from your own journey or from coaching others. Audiences want real-world advice, not theory.
A Defined Audience and Message
Who are you speaking to? New grads starting solo? Mid-career accountants leaving firms to go independent? Your message should be tailored to their pain points. For example, if you're targeting UK-based accountants, you might focus on navigating HMRC regulations and setting up a compliant practice.
Presentation and Communication Skills
You don't need to be a TED-level speaker, but clarity, structure, and energy matter. Practice helps. So does feedback. Join speaker communities or use platforms like Talks.co to test your material and get reviews.
A Speaker Page and Booking Infrastructure
Event hosts want to see your credentials fast. A speaker page with your bio, topics, testimonials, and a booking link is essential. Tools like Talks.co make this simple and professional.
Connections and Visibility
You'll need to network with podcast hosts, summit organizers, and business communities. Start by offering free talks to build your portfolio. Then leverage those appearances to get more gigs.
In short, being a starting an accountancy practice speaker is about combining subject matter expertise with audience empathy and a platform to share your voice.
Do starting an accountancy practice speakers get paid
Paid vs. Unpaid Opportunities
- Paid Gigs: These are typically at industry conferences, corporate training events, or high-ticket virtual summits. Speakers can earn anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per talk.
- Unpaid Gigs: Common for newer speakers or niche events. But they offer exposure, leads, and content you can repurpose.
Factors That Influence Pay
- Experience and Reputation: A speaker with a track record of helping hundreds of accountants launch practices will command more than a newcomer.
- Audience Size and Type: Speaking to a room of 50 local CPAs pays less than addressing 2,000 attendees at an international summit.
- Event Budget: Nonprofits and community organizations often offer honorariums, while corporate events have larger budgets.
Data Snapshot
Speaker Level | Typical Fee Range |
---|---|
Beginner | $0 - $500 |
Intermediate | $500 - $2,000 |
Expert | $2,000 - $5,000+ |
- Pros: Speaking can be a high-leverage way to build authority, generate leads, and earn income.
- Cons: It takes time to build a reputation, and not all gigs pay directly.
Many speakers also use unpaid gigs to funnel attendees into paid services, which we'll explore in the next section.
How do starting an accountancy practice speakers make money
1. Speaking Fees
This is the most obvious one. Experienced speakers can charge anywhere from $500 to $5,000+ per event, depending on the audience and event size. Corporate training sessions and industry conferences tend to pay the most.
2. Lead Generation for Services
Many speakers use their talks to attract clients for their consulting, coaching, or online programs. For example, a speaker might offer a free checklist or mini-course at the end of their talk, leading attendees into a paid funnel.
3. Virtual Summits and Webinars
Running your own virtual summit can be a major revenue driver. You can monetize through ticket sales, sponsorships, or upselling VIP access.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Some speakers promote tools and software relevant to starting an accountancy practice, like QuickBooks, Xero, or practice management platforms. They earn commissions when attendees sign up through their links.
5. Books and Courses
Publishing a book or launching an online course is a great way to monetize your expertise. These products can be promoted during talks and continue to sell long after the event.
6. Sponsorships
If you have a large following or run popular events, brands may pay to sponsor your sessions or be featured in your materials.
In short, speaking is often the tip of the iceberg. The real money often comes from what happens before and after the talk.
How much do starting an accountancy practice speakers make
Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $500 per talk.
- Most income comes from backend offers like coaching or consulting.
- Often speak at local meetups, webinars, or podcasts.
Mid-Level Speakers
- Earn $500 to $2,000 per event.
- May have a course, book, or group program that adds to their revenue.
- Speak at regional conferences or virtual summits.
Top-Tier Speakers
- Can command $3,000 to $10,000+ per keynote.
- Often have multiple income streams: speaking, consulting, licensing content, etc.
- Speak at global events or run their own high-ticket summits.
Example Breakdown
Revenue Source | Monthly Estimate (Mid-Level) |
---|---|
Speaking Fees | $2,000 - $5,000 |
Coaching/Consulting | $3,000 - $10,000 |
Online Courses | $1,000 - $3,000 |
Affiliate Income | $500 - $1,500 |
- Audience size and engagement.
- How well you convert attendees into clients.
- Your ability to scale through digital products.
So while some speakers treat it as a side hustle, others build six-figure businesses around their speaking brand.
How much do starting an accountancy practice speakers cost
Cost Ranges
- Local or New Speakers: $250 - $750. Ideal for small business events, local chambers, or webinars.
- Experienced Professionals: $1,000 - $3,000. These speakers have a track record and may offer workshops or follow-up consulting.
- High-Profile Experts: $5,000 - $10,000+. Often authors, course creators, or influencers in the accounting space.
Virtual vs. In-Person
- Virtual events tend to cost less due to no travel or lodging.
- In-person events may include travel fees, per diem, and accommodation.
Add-On Costs
- Custom Workshops: $500 - $2,000 extra.
- Licensing Materials: If the speaker provides templates, checklists, or training modules, there may be additional fees.
- Follow-Up Consulting: Some speakers offer post-event coaching or implementation support.
Cost Comparison Table
Speaker Type | Virtual Fee | In-Person Fee |
---|---|---|
Beginner | $250 | $500 |
Mid-Level | $1,000 | $2,000 |
High-Profile Expert | $3,000+ | $5,000+ |
Who are the best starting an accountancy practice speakers ever
Mark Wickersham: Known for his practical strategies on pricing and profitability, Mark is a go-to speaker for accountants starting out.
Jody Padar: Dubbed 'The Radical CPA', Jody brings a fresh, tech-forward approach to launching modern accounting firms.
Ed Kless: Co-host of The Soul of Enterprise podcast, Ed blends philosophy and business strategy in a way that resonates with accounting professionals.
Michelle Long: A CPA and author, Michelle is known for her QuickBooks expertise and training programs for new firm owners.
Jason Blumer: Founder of Thriveal, Jason speaks on innovation and entrepreneurship in accounting, especially for startups.
Amanda Aguillard: A champion of cloud accounting, Amanda helps new firm owners build lean, remote-first practices.
Geni Whitehouse: A CPA turned keynote speaker, Geni focuses on making accounting more human and accessible.
Greg Kyte: Combining comedy with accounting, Greg offers a unique and memorable take on starting and running a practice.
Joe Woodard: Founder of Scaling New Heights, Joe is a respected voice in helping accountants grow and scale their businesses.
Who are the best starting an accountancy practice speakers in the world
Mark Wickersham (UK): A top speaker in Europe and Asia, Mark's webinars and live events consistently draw large international audiences.
Jody Padar (USA): With a focus on cloud tech and modern firm models, Jody's global influence continues to grow through books and keynotes.
Jason Blumer (USA): Known for his work with creative accountants worldwide, Jason speaks at global conferences and virtual summits.
Amanda Aguillard (USA): A leader in remote accounting firm strategies, Amanda speaks internationally on tech and team building.
Sholto Macpherson (Australia): Editor of Digital First, Sholto is a frequent speaker on accounting innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.
Heather Smith (Australia): A tech-savvy accountant and author, Heather speaks globally about integrating apps and automation in new practices.
Geni Whitehouse (USA): Her TEDx talk and global workshops make her a favorite among firms looking to communicate better with clients.
Joe Woodard (USA): Runs international events and speaks on scaling accounting businesses with systems and strategy.
Richard Francis (New Zealand): Founder of Spotlight Reporting, Richard speaks worldwide on advisory services and firm growth.
Common myths about starting an accountancy practice speakers
Not true. While name recognition helps, many successful starting an accountancy practice speakers built their reputation by delivering value-packed talks at niche events. Take someone like Heather Townsend, co-author of 'The Go-To Expert'-she wasn't a household name when she started but became a sought-after speaker by focusing on practical strategies for accountants launching their own firms.
Myth 2: You must have decades of experience running your own practice.
This one holds a lot of people back. The truth? You only need to be a few steps ahead of your audience. If you've recently gone through the process of setting up your own accountancy practice, you've got fresh insights others are hungry for. In fact, newer speakers often connect better with audiences because their stories are current and relatable.
Myth 3: Speaking is only for extroverts.
Plenty of introverted professionals thrive on stage. It's not about being loud or charismatic-it's about being clear, helpful, and authentic. Speakers like Susan Cain, author of 'Quiet', have proven that introverts can captivate audiences by leaning into their strengths: preparation, empathy, and depth.
Myth 4: You won't get paid unless you're famous.
While some gigs are unpaid, many events offer honorariums, travel coverage, or lead generation opportunities. Smart speakers use their sessions to drive attendees to a free resource or strategy call. For example, a speaker might offer a downloadable checklist for starting an accountancy practice in exchange for emails-building their list and future client base.
Myth 5: There's no demand for niche speakers like this.
Actually, the opposite is true. Conferences, webinars, and summits are always looking for experts who can speak directly to their audience's pain points. If you can talk about pricing strategies for solo accountants, or how to niche down into e-commerce clients, you're gold. The more specific your topic, the more valuable you become.
Case studies of successful starting an accountancy practice speakers
Then there's Jason Staats, a CPA from the US who turned his curiosity into a content engine. He began by experimenting with YouTube videos and Twitter threads, breaking down automation tools for accountants. That led to podcast interviews, which led to virtual summit invitations. His transparency about building a modern practice made him a go-to speaker for tech-savvy accountants.
In Australia, Amanda Gascoigne took a different route. After exiting her own firm, she began mentoring other accountants. Her speaking career grew from her coaching work-she'd host webinars, then get invited to speak at CPA Australia events. Her focus on work-life balance and solo practice growth filled a gap in the market.
What ties these stories together? None of them waited for permission. They shared what they knew, consistently. They picked a niche-whether it was tech, mindset, or solo practice-and leaned into it. And they weren't afraid to start small: webinars, local meetups, even Instagram Lives. Each step built credibility and opened new doors.
So if you're wondering whether your story is worth sharing, remember this: people don't just want polished success. They want real, relatable journeys. And that's exactly what these speakers delivered.
Future trends for starting an accountancy practice speakers
First, virtual-first events are here to stay. Even as in-person conferences return, hybrid formats are becoming the norm. This means speakers need to master both stage presence and webcam charisma. Tools like StreamYard and OBS are becoming part of the speaker toolkit.
Second, micro-niching is gaining traction. Instead of broad talks on 'how to start a practice', organizers want speakers who can dive into specifics: how to launch a cloud-based firm, how to serve crypto clients, or how to build a practice in rural areas. The more tailored your expertise, the more in-demand you'll be.
Third, audiences are craving transparency. Speakers who share real numbers, failures, and behind-the-scenes processes are winning trust. Think of it like the rise of 'build in public'-but for accountants.
Here are a few key trends to watch:
- Rise of community-driven events. Platforms like Circle and Mighty Networks are hosting their own summits, often inviting speakers from within their member base.
- AI and automation as hot topics. Accountants want to know how to integrate tools like ChatGPT, Dext, or Zapier into their workflows. Speakers who can teach this practically will stand out.
- Global audiences, local relevance. With virtual events, you might be speaking to attendees from five continents. But they still want examples that feel local. Smart speakers tailor their stories to resonate across regions.
- Short-form speaking formats. Lightning talks, 10-minute TED-style sessions, and panel discussions are becoming more popular. Speakers need to be concise and compelling.
The bottom line? The best opportunities will go to those who stay agile, specialize deeply, and speak with authenticity.
Tools and resources for aspiring starting an accountancy practice speakers
SpeakerHub. A global directory where you can list your speaking profile, browse events, and connect with organizers. Use it to build your speaker portfolio and get discovered by event planners looking for niche experts.
Canva. Not just for slide decks-Canva is great for creating speaker one-sheets, social media promos, and branded visuals. Pro tip: Use templates to keep your branding consistent across all your talks and platforms.
Otter.ai. This transcription tool is perfect for turning your talks into blog posts, LinkedIn articles, or lead magnets. Record your sessions, transcribe them, and repurpose the content to grow your authority.
Calendly. Make it easy for event organizers or podcast hosts to book you. Set up a speaker-specific booking page with a short intake form to streamline the process.
LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn on Creator Mode to showcase your speaking topics, grow your audience, and attract event invites. Post short clips from your talks, share behind-the-scenes prep, and engage with other speakers in your niche.
Zoom Events. If you're hosting your own webinars or virtual workshops, Zoom Events gives you more control over registration, branding, and analytics. Great for building your own stage before others invite you to theirs.
Notion. Use it to organize your talk outlines, track speaking gigs, and store feedback. Create a speaker dashboard to keep everything in one place-from pitch templates to testimonials.