Stronger Together: The Power of Professional Community for Accountants

Any accountant knows that technical expertise and a strong work ethic are essential to success in the profession, but the value of a professional community is often overlooked.

Building meaningful connections with peers is a vital component that drives our professional growth, develops our problem-solving skills, and helps us navigate the seemingly never-ending changes that are inherent in our industry. 

As we move into a new year, it’s a great time to refocus efforts to strengthen your professional network, to help bolster your success.

We’ll highlight the benefits of building community, and how it provides strategies for engagement and offers actionable insights to make networking a purposeful part of your professional development. 

The role of community in professional growth 

No accountant operates in isolation. Clients, colleagues and collaborators form a network that supports your day-to-day work. Beyond these immediate relationships, a broader professional community offers opportunities to learn, innovate, and grow. 

No accountant operates in isolation. Clients, colleagues and other professional collaborators form a network that supports your day-to-day work. But building a broader professional community beyond these immediate relationships offers even more valuable opportunities to learn, innovate and grow.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of expanding your professional community. 

Benefits of a professional community 

• Shared knowledge: Insights from peers can help you address complex problems, adopt best practices, and stay ahead of industry trends. 

• Support during change: Whether it’s a tax law update or new technology, having a network of colleagues to discuss challenges can ease transitions and help you avoid pitfalls. 

• Collaborative opportunities: Partnerships with peers can lead to expanded services, co-marketing, or specialization in new niches. 

• Career resilience: In times of uncertainty, your network can act as a safety net, providing job leads, advice, or mentorship. 

Lana Hill, owner and founder at Hill Bookkeeping & Consulting in Cockeysville, Md., explains that entrepreneurship can be lonely,

"If you have established yourself as the go-to person for business advice, it can also feel disingenuous to then seek support from other local networking groups," she said. "Joining a community of my peers has allowed me to connect with other like-minded accountants who are experiencing similar successes and hurdles.

"The feedback I’ve gotten in just the 4 short months I’ve been a part of the Woodard community has been nothing short of life-changing.”  

Strategies to build and strengthen your community 

Cultivating a professional network isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about forging meaningful relationships. Here are some practical approaches:

Participate in professional events

Events and conferences provide valuable opportunities to engage with others in your field. While the educational sessions are important, the chance to exchange ideas and perspectives with peers can be equally impactful. 

• Action tip: Attend at least one in-person or virtual event in 2025. Make a goal to connect with a specific number of new people and follow up after the event. 

Leverage online communities

In an increasingly digital world, online platforms offer easy ways to engage with peers from around the globe. These forums allow you to participate in discussions, ask questions, and share advice—all from the comfort of your office or home. 

• Action tip: Join one new professional group on LinkedIn, Facebook or a specialized platform. Engage consistently by commenting, sharing resources, or initiating discussions. 

Engage locally

While global connections are valuable, local relationships offer practical benefits, such as the potential for referrals or collaboration. Look for opportunities to engage with accountants in your region. 

• Action tip: Identify one local group or association and attend an upcoming event. Offer to share your expertise or help organize activities to deepen your involvement.

Seek out mentors and mentees

Mentorship is a powerful way to build meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships. Whether you’re the one seeking guidance or offering it, mentorship fosters growth and strengthens community ties. 

• Action tip: Reflect on your professional journey. Seek a mentor who can help you navigate your next challenge or consider mentoring someone just starting in their career. 

Diane Danna, owner of Devine Order in the Austin metro area, insists that Woodard coaching has changed her life and business. 

“When you own and operate a business of your own, it’s easy to slip into a mindset that you know everything you need to know on your own, especially when you’ve been successful,” she said. “But when life happens and circumstances shift beyond your control, it can be hard to see clearly beyond the fog.” 

She now has clarity on how to move on from the toxic clients she once believed she needed to survive, and how to properly value the services she provides to the ones she has kept. 

“I found the courage to charge clients the rates my work and skills are worth, the rate I thought was fair based on my defeated mindset and mentality.”  

How to build connections that last 

While it’s easy to meet new people at events or online, turning those interactions into lasting relationships takes effort. Here’s how: 

• Follow up thoughtfully: After meeting someone, send a brief email or message referencing your conversation. Suggest a follow-up chat. 
• Be genuine: Authenticity builds trust. Focus on listening and offering support rather than solely promoting your services.
• Provide value: Share knowledge, tools or connections that can help your peers. Reciprocity strengthens bonds.

Looking ahead to 2025 

Building a professional community isn’t just a task to check off a list—it’s an ongoing process that evolves with your career. As you focus on growth and innovation in 2025, strengthening your network can optimize your results. 

By investing time in these relationships, you’ll not only find support and collaboration but also play an active role in advancing the profession as a whole. Take the time to engage thoughtfully and watch as your community becomes one of your most valuable resources for success.