A Calculated Move: How the Accountants’ Growth Club Transformed Their IT with Kimbley IT.
Our journey with the Accountants Growth Club began in 2018, thanks to a recommendation from another valued accountancy firm client. Founded by the renowned Heather Townsend, the club was operating without any formal IT support when they first approached us. They needed a robust, secure, and flexible solution to not only get their IT infrastructure off the ground but also to support their growing team and flexible work culture. This is the story of how we helped them achieve just that.
About The Accountants' Growth Club
To understand the importance of getting the IT right, it's essential to understand the mission of The Accountants' Growth Club and its founder, Heather Townsend. With over 20 years of experience helping accounting firm owners grow and scale their businesses, Heather became frustrated with the number of 'mentoring' organisations that promised the earth but delivered very little.
In response, she started The Accountants’ Growth Club with a clear and unwavering aim: to help accountants grow and scale their firms while working fewer hours with less stress. The club has since grown to include a dedicated team of Growth Experts and Club Hosts, all committed to helping members succeed. With such a vital mission, it was crucial that their internal technology was a seamless enabler of their work, not a barrier.
The Challenge: Building an IT Foundation from Scratch
The Accountants Growth Club, led by the forward-thinking Heather Townsend, had a clear vision for their business, but they lacked the IT infrastructure to support it. Their primary challenges were:
No Centralised IT: They had no dedicated IT support, which meant any technical issues could lead to significant downtime and frustration.
A Need for Remote Work Capabilities: Heather and her team needed to be able to work efficiently and securely from anywhere, be it the office, home, or on the go.
Data Security and Management: With a growing team and client base, ensuring the security and proper management of their data was a top priority.
On-demand Support: They required a responsive and knowledgeable team to assist with the day-to-day IT queries and challenges that inevitably arise.
The Solution: A Tailored IT Support Package Centred Around Google Workspace
Working closely with Heather Townsend and the Accountants Growth Club, Kimbley IT implemented a comprehensive IT support package to address all their needs. The solution centred around the powerful and versatile Google Workspace platform.
Here’s a breakdown of the support they received:
Google Workspace for Seamless Collaboration: The Accountants Growth Club was migrated to Google Workspace Business Plus, which gave them a full suite of collaborative tools, including Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Meet, and Google Chat. This allowed their team to communicate and work together in real time, from any device, anywhere.
Unlimited, Proactive IT Support: They received unlimited IT assistance and support through instant messaging, email, and phone. The support wasn't just reactive; their systems were proactively monitored to identify potential issues before they could impact their work. The provided chat logs show numerous instances of the team receiving prompt assistance with a wide range of issues, from new Mac migrations to troubleshooting software and hardware problems.
Robust Security and Peace of Mind: To protect their data, a multi-layered security approach was implemented, including AI-powered monitoring, breach detection, and secure domain configuration with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. This gave Heather Townsend and her team confidence that their business and client data were safe.
Effortless Onboarding and Offboarding: As the Accountants Growth Club grew, their entire onboarding and offboarding process for new and departing team members was managed to ensure a smooth and secure transition. This included assistance with setting up new team member accounts, hardware recommendations for new MacBooks and Chromebooks, and the prompt and efficient revoking of access for departing employees.
Reliable Data Backups: A comprehensive backup solution for their Google Workspace data was implemented, taking snapshots three times a day to ensure their valuable information was always protected and easily recoverable.
Ongoing Learning and Support: To empower the team, the Accountants Growth Club was provided with ongoing training resources, including "how-to" videos and email updates, to ensure they were getting the most out of their IT investment.
The Results: A Thriving Business with Future-Proof IT
The partnership has been a resounding success. The implementation of a modern, cloud-based IT infrastructure and proactive, responsive IT support has enabled Heather Townsend and her team to focus on what they do best: helping accountants grow their firms.
The key results include:
Increased Efficiency and Productivity: The move to Google Workspace has allowed the team at Accountants Growth Club to work and collaborate seamlessly, no matter where they are.
Enhanced Security and Peace of Mind: With robust security measures in place, they no longer have to worry about the safety of their data.
Scalability and Growth: The flexible IT support has allowed the Accountants Growth Club to scale their team and operations without being hindered by technology.
A True Partnership: The chat logs highlight a relationship built on trust and a deep understanding of their business needs. From advising on the best iMac for Heather Townsend's needs to troubleshooting third-party software like Sanebox and Zoho, support has been there every step of the way.
Conclusion
The journey of the Accountants Growth Club is a testament to the transformative power of a well-executed IT strategy. For any business, especially one starting from scratch like the Accountants Growth Club was in 2018, having the right IT partner is not just a convenience; it's a critical component for success. We are proud to have been a part of their story and look forward to continuing to support Heather Townsend and her team as they continue to grow and thrive.
Is your business ready to make the switch to a more efficient, secure, and collaborative IT environment? Book a video call today to find out how we can help.