Interview with Senior Manager Bree Crohan – a mindset shift in the right direction

Paul Jansz (PJ) has an open conversation with Bree Crohan (BC), a senior manager with a 4-partner accounting firm based in Victoria.

PJ: Bree, welcome to our next series of interviews where I will look to delve a little deeper into your mind, your role and the plans you have for the future development of your role?
Maybe you can start by explaining to me your reasons for becoming an accountant and the opportunities your firm has provided you with?

BC: I chose to become an accountant, basically because at high school and university I picked it up quite well, and I knew that there were plenty of jobs in a variety of industries and roles. I was fortunate enough to commence with the firm who have provided me with so many opportunities, starting off as an accountant whilst still studying, to entrusting me with their valued clients, to being a manager at a young age – I am not sure whether this would have happened elsewhere.

PJ: What changes did you have to endure to take the next step?

BC: I put my head down and worked hard! I believe I took up all the challenges that came my way, and that – with some luck (other managers leaving) led me to be a manager at a young age.

PJ: And to be a manager, not just by title?

BC: To be a manager I think you have to be open to change – and challenges! And also to be a good communicator – with accountants, partners, clients and outside contacts.

PJ: Was understanding your role a key part to your success?

BC: YES! This and constant partner feedback of how I was going against what was expected in my role was a major factor.

PJ: What do you believe the role of the accounting firm manager is today?

BC: It is a manager of everything – basically the partner’s role but without the day to day financial decisions. I am involved with client management, team management, workflow management, marketing, debtors, and end of month billing! Basically you have a finger in every pie within the office…

PJ: Have you always thought like this?

BC: Well, the role has evolved like this, due to internal re-structuring, and advances in computer technology I am involved in every aspect of a job coming in and out of the office.

PJ: Where do you feel the biggest impact has been?

BC: The biggest impact has been through me taking on billing and debtors – which used to be done primarily by the support team. I feel that this, whilst challenging has really rounded off my role as prior to this, my involvement ended when the job was finished.

PJ: What has been the result of the first six month period to 31 December?

BC: Our first 6 months have been really solid and I think the planning and organization prior to 30 June has made it so successful.

PJ: What are your goals for 2006?

BC: Goals are to consolidate on the first 6 months, in a period where it is traditionally less busy, and continue to strive for our targets.

PJ: Where do you see the firm heading over the next 3 years?

BC: I can see the firm growing stronger and extending…both in client base and team numbers. I look forward to continue to work with our clients to help them achieve their goals both personally and professionally.

PJ: What advice would you give to other managers?

BC: Communication is the key! As I said earlier with the people you work with, with clients and with partners! Be open to and embrace change. And have a positive attitude as it rubs off! You need to be organized, DELEGATE! Do the hard things first and structure your day to achieve the most out of your time!

PJ: What if anything did GPL’s non technical Manager Development Workshop provide you with?

BC: It gave us a great opportunity to meet other managers of firms that had a similar ideology to our firm (i.e. strive to improve, motivated, modern etc.) and communicate our frustrations and how we can improve matters...It encouraged us to plan and be organised - and how important this is in being a good manager...

It was a great motivator and came at a good time of the year to action our plans!

PJ: Bree, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the role of a successful manager, where you came from, where you are now and where you want to be in the future!

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