Nicole Reilly, founder of Growth Through Knowledge, is not your traditional accountant. With a career spanning management accounting, business analysis, and corporate consultancy, she has crafted a practice that blends strategic foresight with efficient financial management. Nicole’s mission is clear: help small businesses thrive by being a proactive partner, not just a service provider.
Here’s how Nicole transformed her approach to accounting, overcame common challenges, and built a practice centred on adding value for her clients.
From Trainee Accountant to Strategic Consultant
Nicole’s journey began right out of A-levels, when she landed her first job as a trainee management accountant. From there, her career progressed into business analysis and enterprise portfolio management, equipping her with skills far beyond basic bookkeeping.
In 2005, Nicole took the leap to establish Growth Through Knowledge. Today, she manages the financial operations of small businesses while providing consultancy services for corporate clients navigating major organisational change. Her experience has allowed her to seamlessly integrate these two worlds, creating a unique and impactful offering.
Tackling Client Challenges Head-On
One of Nicole’s biggest hurdles has been getting busy small business owners to share their financial documents such as receipts, invoices, and bills.
“In the early days, I used shared email inboxes with each client,” Nicole recalls. “But over time, I realised it wasn’t scalable.”
By adopting accountancy service automation tools, Nicole streamlined the process, reducing manual effort and ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. These tools have not only saved time but also improved accuracy and client satisfaction.
The Tools That Changed the Game
For Nicole, embracing technology has been essential. One standout tool in her arsenal is Engager.app, which has transformed how she operates her practice.
“I love the integrations, particularly with Xama, and how easily I can put together proposals,” she explains. “It’s made it feasible to market my services to a wider audience instead of just relying on referrals.”
This ability to quickly create professional proposals has allowed Nicole to grow her business without compromising on the personalised service her clients value.
Building a Smarter Workday
Nicole’s typical day revolves around technology and strategy. By relying on automation tools, she frees herself to focus on high-value activities like risk management, cashflow forecasting, and contract optimisation. Areas where her clients truly feel the impact of her expertise.
“Integration is key,” she emphasises. “When you have multiple sources of data and information, chaos can quickly take over. Streamlining everything keeps me organised and efficient.”
Her practical approach to organisation, combined with her deep understanding of client needs, has become the backbone of her business success.
Advice for Aspiring Accountants
When it comes to guiding others in the industry, Nicole’s advice is both simple and powerful:
“Be proactive rather than reactive. Your services will be valued more, and your client relationships will be more fulfilling.”
This forward-thinking mindset has not only earned Nicole the trust of her clients but also positioned her as a true business partner, rather than just a transactional service provider.
Creating Balance and Staying Focused
Balancing a thriving business with personal life isn’t always easy, but Nicole has found strategies that work.
“I work on a remote-first basis with all my clients,” she shares. “It minimises commuting and distractions, enabling deep focus.”
One of her most effective boundary-setting moves was separating her business and personal mobile phones. “At the end of the day, I leave my work phone in the office. It helps me switch off and fully relax.”
The Future of Accounting
Nicole sees the accounting industry evolving into something far more collaborative.
“I’d like to see a shift away from the year-end accountant,” she says. “Financial management should be treated as a partnership, not just a transactional relationship.”
With advances in automation and AI, Nicole predicts even greater opportunities for accountants to provide specialised tax planning and strategic guidance. However, she warns of the risks of over-reliance on technology. “The danger is that we lose the ability to think critically for ourselves.”
Partnering for Growth
Nicole Reilly’s approach to accounting is a testament to the power of proactivity, technology, and client relationships built on trust. By focusing on strategic value, she’s redefined what it means to be an partner for small businesses.
To learn more about Nicole’s practice and how she can help your business thrive, visit Growth Through Knowledge.
Key Takeaway: Accounting isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about building partnerships that drive meaningful results.
What’s your vision for the future of accounting?
