【2024 Top Pro】Danny — From a Large Accounting Firm to Entrepreneurship

Updated: Jan 12 2024

Danny started his own accounting firm at a young age and currently offers services in accounting, auditing and tax return etc. Since he started his business, Danny has always been hands-on boss who manages accounts personally and contacts clients directly. What prompted him to leave a prospective job to start his own business? How is the accounting industry doing during the pandemic?

【2024 Top Pro】Danny — From a Large Accounting Firm to Entrepreneurship

Starting His Own Business

Having worked in accounting for 10+ years, Danny had been employed by large accounting firms and listed companies and had already reached middle management, but he decided to step out of his comfort zone to start his own business. While his work routine remains unchanged, Danny said that “it is a completely different experience because we are also responsible for building customer relations and are lucky to witness the success of his start-up clients”.

Thinking back on his days at an accounting firm, Danny feels that the company structure and available manpower had hindered his ability to fully assist his clients but he can now be more involved with customer relation. He expressed, “It’s not just about work, I want to meet real people and give them the services they need. Having helped a client from start to finish is truly a remarkable experience.” What can be more satisfying than to have an accountant who enjoys his job?

It's more remarkable for Danny to fully serve the clients.

Stepping out of His Comfort Zone

Danny didn’t tell his family about his venture until everything was on track and he was lucky to have their full support. He said, “Even though they were a bit worried in the beginning, my family has given me immense freedom.”

While working for a large accounting firm has its benefits, Danny feels that starting his own business will give him more freedom, flexibility and the opportunity to not just manage but “own” his work, which gives him great satisfaction. Before starting his own business, Danny had given serious thought about his career path. Should he continue to work at an accounting firm, be an analyst at a large corporation or financial institute, or start his own business? After careful consideration, Danny felt that being his own boss would be a satisfying job that involves analysis.

Time management is of the utmost importance to accountants. Since starting his own business, Danny realizes that he has spent much less time with his family and is trying to leverage on his work flexibility to make amends.

Danny has a more flexible working hour since he started his own business.

The Accounting Industry during the Pandemic

The pandemic has affected many industries and accounting is definitely one of them. Danny pointed out that the pandemic has caused many businesses to close down but no matter what happens, Danny and Toby will continue to do their best to serve all customers.

Despite the competitiveness of the accounting industry, Danny has enjoyed some interesting encounters during the course of his work, for example, there were times when he received orders that fell through but these opportunities had given Danny the chance to communicate with potential clients. Here is Danny’s advice to other new Service Pros: Don’t think too much about it, Toby is a platform that connects people, there might be a chance that we can all work together!

Under his calm facade, Danny is a positive and passionate accountant.