Guided Growth: How Coaching Can Transform Your Practice in 2025

For accounting professionals, running a successful practice requires more than technical expertise. From managing client relationships to refining service offerings and ensuring profitability, the challenges of practice management can feel overwhelming.

While self-reliance is a hallmark of the profession, the right guidance can accelerate growth and help practitioners navigate complexities with confidence. 

The problem is we typically tackle these endeavors alone.  This is where coaching becomes invaluable. A skilled coach listens, provides objective insights, personalized strategies, and the accountability needed to help practitioners achieve their goals.

I believe in life 2025, coaching is not just an option, it’s a powerful tool that can be used to get ahead, thrive, and tap into your potential from another perspective.  In your practice it will assist you in building a thriving, resilient practice. 

What is coaching in the accounting profession? 

Coaching is a collaborative process where a seasoned advisor works alongside you to identify opportunities, address challenges and implement strategies for growth.

Unlike consulting, which often focuses on solving specific problems, coaching is ongoing and tailored to your unique goals. 

Key benefits of coaching 

• Clarity and focus: Coaches help you define clear objectives and create actionable plans to achieve them.
• Accountability: Regular check-ins keep you on track and ensure consistent progress. 
• Expertise and perspective: Coaches bring industry insights and an outside perspective that can reveal blind spots.
• Confidence: With a coach’s support, you’ll feel empowered to make decisions and tackle challenges head-on. 

When to consider coaching 

Every accounting professional can benefit from coaching at some point in their career, but certain scenarios make it particularly valuable. 

Signs coaching could help your practice 

• You’re stuck in routine challenges: If operational inefficiencies, client acquisition struggles, or profitability concerns are recurring issues, a coach can help you address the root causes.  You want change, you are just unsure of that first or next step. 
• You’re navigating change: Whether adopting new technology, expanding services, or transitioning into advisory work, coaching provides guidance through periods of growth or transformation.  You need “to talk it out” with someone who understands. 
• You need strategic direction: If you’re unsure how to scale your practice or enter a new market, a coach can help develop and execute a strategy. You need someone to question where you want to go. 
• You want to stay ahead: Coaching isn’t just for overcoming problems—it’s also a proactive way to refine your practice and ensure long-term success.  You want confirmation you are where you think you are. 

Derek Peterson, founder of Atteign LLC in Texas, said his Woodard membership has helped him face tough realities, namely identifying pain points and finding solutions.

"The education, resources and coaching have all given me a way to move forward in confidence to define and realize my goals for the firm," he said. 

How coaching drives results 

The success of coaching lies in its structure. Coaches work with you to set measurable goals, assess progress, and make adjustments as needed. Here’s how coaching typically unfolds:

1. Goal Setting and Discovery

Coaching begins with understanding you and your practice’s current state and identifying areas for improvement toward the goals you have in mind. Together, you and your coach will define specific, achievable goals. 

• Example goal areas: Increasing client retention, diversifying service offerings or improving team performance

2. Actionable strategies

Your coach will help you develop a step-by-step plan tailored to your objectives. This might include refining workflows, implementing technology, or identifying your ideal client characteristics

• Example strategies: Streamlining client onboarding or using automation to reduce administrative tasks

"It was when I upgraded to Premium membership and began working with my dedicated coach, Heather (Satterley), that I truly started to see significant improvements," said Vicki Henry, owner of Vicki D Henry CPA. "She helped me rebuild my pricing model, documented my processes, and identified which clients were holding me back. In just 2 years, my gross profit has nearly tripled!"

3. Regular check-ins

Coaching involves regular meetings to review progress, address roadblocks, and refine your approach. These sessions ensure accountability and provide ongoing motivation. 

4. Sustained improvement

Over time, the skills and strategies gained through coaching become part of your practice’s foundation. The results are not just immediate but also sustainable. 

Selecting the right coach 

Choosing a coach is a critical step in the process. Look for someone with experience in the accounting profession who understands the unique challenges practitioners face. 

Questions to ask when selecting a coach 

• What is their background? Ensure they have expertise in areas relevant to your goals, such as practice management or advisory services. 
• What is their approach? Find a coach whose style aligns with your learning preferences and personality. 
• What results have they delivered? Ask for examples of success stories from previous clients. 

Making coaching part of your 2025 plan 

Integrating coaching into your professional development plan for 2025 is an investment in yourself and your practice’s growth and resilience. 

Steps to get started

• Assess your needs: Reflect on the areas where you’d like guidance or improvement.
• Research coaching programs: Look for reputable programs, such as Woodard’s coaching offerings, that cater to accounting professionals. 
• Commit to the process: Coaching requires active participation. Be ready to engage fully and implement what you learn.
• Set clear goals: Work with your coach to define objectives that align with your broader vision for 2025. 

Mahlon Fisher, a CAS consultant with Computer Bookkeeping Solutions, lauded the resources, networking opportunities and insights Woodard provides.  

"They have been invaluable, propelling us to new heights of success," he said. "I wholeheartedly recommend Woodard to anyone seeking to elevate their skills and business in the realm of accounting and technology."

Coaching: A catalyst for growth 

In a profession that demands adaptability, efficiency and strategic thinking, coaching can be the key to unlocking your potential. provides the tools and guidance to excel.

By investing in coaching, you gain more than just advice—you gain a partner in your journey to success who can help establish some guard rails on your journey to more success. 

As you plan for 2025, consider how a different perspective coaching can help you reach your goals faster and with greater confidence. Whether you’re looking to solve immediate challenges or position your practice for long-term growth, the right coach can make all the difference. 

Your practice’s potential is limitless. With coaching, 2025 can be the year you realize that potential and turn your aspirations into accomplishments.