What drives James to be unforgettable
“WE want our clients to remember us as a firm that helped them to achieve both their financial and personal goals – not just a firm that saved them a bit of tax,” says accountant James Watt. And James is not your average accountant; on July 1 he became the joint director of the boutique accounting firm Beames & Associates in Deakin, of which 25 per cent is owned by a major, listed financial services company. He brings a mix of experience dealing with small business and enthusiasm to the team headed by brothers Peter and Ross Beames and financial planning director, David Rae.
When asked why someone should bring their business to Beames & Associates, he uses the analogy of a car on a highway: “There are three kinds of accountants – one that sits in the passenger seat, looking in the rear-view mirror to tell you what has happened. These are your stereotypical accountants whose annual highlight is lodging your income tax return.
“The second kind is the driver, one who looks out the windscreen to see what is immediately ahead. This is the accountant that will prepare your tax return and offer some advice on what you should be doing in the short-term future.
“We are the third kind – we are the GPS system that not only tells you where you have been and where you are going – but also how to get there. We advise our clients on all their entire financial affairs throughout their entire life cycle. “In part, we believe that is why our firm was selected for a 25 per cent investment by a major listed company. The investor saw the benefits of the ‘whole-of-life’ adviser services being provided to clients.
“We look at the big picture – annual compliance, tax advice and structuring, investments and financial planning, superannuation, insurances, lending and estate planning. We look at where a client is now, where they want to be and what they need to do to get there.”
James, who joined the firm in 2004, is typical of the new breed of chartered accountants who are moving into the industry as the previous generation look to retire. They are young and hard working, absolutely dedicated to their clients, but also happy to take time out to celebrate successes with their colleagues. “It’s not just me,” says James, when asked why he has remained at Beames & Associates for so long. “We have managed to keep the core group of our best and brightest employees together for a long time, which can be very hard in the accounting industry. “We offer excellent pay and incentives, a mixture of youth and experience, social functions every quarter, Friday drinks, weekly training, a focus on sport and fitness… the list goes on.
“You won’t find a lot of businesses, let alone a lot of accounting firms that offer both the professional and social aspects that we offer here. We also make a point of promoting from within based on merit – not on age or length of service. If you’re good enough, you can become whatever you want here.
"Beames & Associates are always on the lookout for the right person to join our team."
