New Firms, Lean Stacks: How Startup Practices Avoid Tech's "Magic Beans"
Launching an accounting firm in 2025 no longer requires investing in servers, phone systems, or expensive hardware. New practice owners recently shared their technology setups and lessons learned on AccountingWEB’s podcast, No Accounting Two.
The episode highlights that running a successful practice today might only need “a half-decent laptop, an internet connection, a bank account.” The full discussion is available by searching “AccountingWEB” on your favorite podcast platform.
Focus on Client Accessibility Over Traditional Software
Founders Emily Vass of Nourished and Dean Shepherd of Eat Sleep Excel Repeat revealed they didn’t start by selecting accounting software.
“Helping them get through the door in a way that feels smooth,” was Vass’s priority, emphasizing tools like meeting booking systems and AI note-takers to simplify client onboarding.
This approach prioritizes easing the discovery process rather than rushing to implement a ledger or tax system first.
Starting with Pricing and Proposal Software
Dean Shepherd, who once believed document management would be central, shifted focus after leaving his role as TaxCalc’s product director. He began by adopting pricing and proposal software called Socket.
This strategic move highlights how startups benefit from tailoring technology choices to early business needs instead of following conventional paths blindly.
Author’s Summary
New accounting firms thrive by prioritizing client access and lean tech solutions over traditional, complex software setups, embodying a practical and efficient startup mindset.