Jan Lambregts
Lambregts & Robben is an accounting and consulting firm based in Turnhout and Oud-Turnhout. It primarily focuses on family-driven SMEs in the Kempen region, with a strong emphasis on trust and a personal approach. What began as a one-man office by Jan Lambregts has grown into a management team with Jan, Kelly Willemse, and Annick Swaans. Together with their fantastic team, they have transformed the accounting firm into a modern partner for entrepreneurs.
Jan, Lambregts & Robben has been established for 28 years. In your opinion, what are the biggest changes in running an accounting firm?
Since 1996, I find it important to stand beside the entrepreneur. However, the customer's expectations have evolved. At that time, customers mainly found it important that the accounting and tax matters were in order. Nowadays, customers expect us to be an expert advising them to achieve their goals. Thanks to recent technologies, where compliance and bookkeeping are more efficiently handled through automation, we can focus more on providing advice, allowing us to add more value to our customer relationships. These changing expectations have also led to a focus on efficiency and technology, enabling us to further streamline the operation of our office.
How has the recent focus on efficiency and technology affected office operations?
Recently, we said goodbye to 70 clients, which paradoxically led to a multiplier in revenue. This has enabled us to work more efficiently and focus on effective tools that assist us in this process. Our profession remains challenging, with numerous deadlines per year, but we see that technology helps us to tackle these challenges.
How have you adjusted the internal structure to deal with the current challenges?
We are now working with island coaches who manage their own cases and coach colleagues in their tasks. This ensures more ownership and engagement within the team. Additionally, we regularly organize workshops to share knowledge and introduce new tools and processes. When we have chosen a new tool, we always roll it out step by step, as there is always internal resistance, especially if it is imposed too strongly. It is a deliberate choice to proceed in phases and appoint a few frontrunners/pioneers internally for each tool.
And how does Bizzcontrol fit into your story?
Bizzcontrol plays a crucial role in our story. Through the report generator we can send our clients quality, clear reports on a monthly or quarterly basis in the entrepreneur's language. The platform also has triggers that allow us to work proactively, enabling us to better guide our clients. At the request of our staff, we organized our own Bizzgames, which was very positively received by the team. Colleagues were divided into different groups and had to present their own case. The format ensured that the more efficient execution of certain tasks and the added value we can offer to our clients thanks to Bizzcontrol became very clear quickly.
How do you experience the collaboration with Bizzcontrol and how does this contribute to your service delivery?
The collaboration with Bizzcontrol is fantastic. Bizzcontrol is an example when it comes to customer intimacy. Layla, our Customer Success Manager, consistently keeps us on track in a professional manner. She has mapped out a complete journey tailored to our office. As a result, we can, as we indicated, roll out Bizzcontrol step by step within the office. Earlier this year, we also attended the first Bizzcontrol Bootcamp, and it was a wonderful experience, where we could learn from like-minded individuals and exchange experiences. This has enriched our service offerings and enabled us to better respond to the needs of our customers.
What is your vision on the future of accountancy and the role of technology in it?
We see the job content changing, where compliance remains important, but advisory services will make the difference. Automation will play a crucial role, and e-invoicing will be a game-changer. Compliance remains necessary, but automation will make the documentation more efficient. We are certain that the accountant will increasingly become a sparring partner for the entrepreneur. Based on the figures and reports, we can help them make better decisions. Technology must be embraced and will only strengthen us in our role as advisors. Accountants of the future will consist of compliance profiles for preparing discussions and communication profiles who act as relationship managers. Technology enables us to be closer to our clients and add more value.
Conclusion
Lambregts & Robben has reinvented itself as a modern accounting firm that guides and supports entrepreneurs. The tools and collaborations have helped them work more efficiently and maintain a close relationship with their clients. This story is just the beginning of a promising journey for both Lambregts & Robben and their clients.
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