Australian Wealth Solutions (AWS) principal, Sam Zervides, has been elected president of the Victorian branch of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), where he would provide input to the national organisation on initiatives, programs and policies for the benefit of the association’s members.
Zervides said he was pleased to be taking on this role at such a pivotal and important time for the profession.
“The issues that keep so many accountants awake at night is how to deal with the constant change whilst transforming their businesses to remain viable and profitable,” he said.
“Keeping up with new standards, regulations and taxation changes; downward pressure on fees; technology; attracting and retaining both clients and talented staff; exit and succession; and work-life balance are universally accepted as the key concerns and challenges for the profession.
“Yet the solution to address all this doom and gloom is simple – ‘don’t be afraid to ask for help’. The IPA is here to help and individuals like myself are happy and willing to share our knowledge, expertise and experiences.”
Zervides said that for IPA member firms to remain sustainable, profitable enterprises by delivering holistic and relevant advice for their clients, accountants needed to become a “trusted business partner”.
“The power of the ‘trusted business partner’ will be realised through alliances with mortgage brokers, specialist lenders, investment managers, insurers, corporate solicitors, and many more; underpinning new services and facilities, that in turn generates more revenue,” he said.
“To this end, accountants will be working more efficiently, have capacity to take on more clients, and charge appropriately, for providing greater value to their clients.”
