Our industry has many of the issues facing other businesses such as the threat of automation, software over-taking people, offshore suppliers and a quickening pace of change.
Accountancy sat back for a long time feeling insulated from these changes - but they are here and we must embrace the opportunities that technology brings. The other key issue is finding sufficient team members who are comfortable working the way we do - we are constantly recruiting.
What is the biggest issue you would like the new Government to champion in 2018?
Keeping the wheels on the economy. It's not sexy or glamorous - but we need the New Zealand economy to flourish so we can pay for all the things that Kiwis want, like more income equality, a fairer society, good water quality and affordable housing. It's impossible to know what's going to happen in the world over the next few years but there are some indicators of financial instability and some areas for concern which are being reflected in the decreasing confidence of business owners. The Government needs to keep an eye on that ball.
Do you get a break this summer? What's your favourite way to relax?
I am a strong believer in rest and relaxation. The Beany team works very hard through the year and I really want all of us to take a couple of weeks of complete break. So for me, that's time with my family and friends, swimming at Ocean Beach in Hawke's Bay, and maybe even a few hours with a jigsaw puzzle, sad, I know!