Profit First: Beyond The Book

Even accountants struggle to pay their own tax — and it’s talked about far less than it should be.In this episode of Profit First: Beyond The Book, Tim Seymour is joined by Deb Halliday and Jason Withers for an honest conversation about why so many accountants and bookkeepers fall into reactive tax planning, despite knowing better.They explore how Profit First creates a simple, disciplined system for setting aside tax consistently, removing the stress and last-minute scrambling.If you’ve ever felt the pressure of an unexpected tax bill, this episode shows how changing the habit — not working harder — is the real solution.

In this episode, Tim Seymour is joined by Sandra Withers, Certified Profit First Professional and transformation coach, for a powerful conversation about what really drives sustainable business success.Together, they explore why many business owners feel stuck, overwhelmed or disconnected from their finances — especially in uncertain economic times — and how clarity is the first step to change. Sandra shares how aligning personal values, vision and energy with sound financial systems creates not just stronger profits, but more fulfilling businesses.You’ll hear how the Profit First methodology brings instant financial clarity, why unseen limiting beliefs quietly cap business growth and how entrepreneurs can break through those invisible ceilings to build businesses that feel aligned, profitable and energising.This episode is a must-listen for business owners who want profit without burnout — and success that actually feels good.Key TakeawaysWhy values, vision and energy must align for long-term business successHow Profit First creates clarity and confidence in your numbersThe hidden impact of limiting beliefs on growth and decision-makingWhat “invisible ceilings” are — and how to break through themHow operating in alignment leads to both profitability and fulfilment

In this episode of Profit First: Beyond The Book, Tim Seymour is joined by Deb Halliday and Jason Withers to talk openly about what happens when accountants and bookkeepers finally apply Profit First to their own practices.They share their personal journeys, the challenges of putting client work ahead of their own financial health, and the turning point that came from prioritising profit, tax and cash flow properly. The conversation highlights why Profit First isn’t just a client tool — it’s a non-negotiable foundation for running a sustainable, credible advisory firm.You’ll hear how ongoing support, accountability and community play a critical role in making Profit First stick, and why continuous refinement — not a one-off implementation — is key to long-term financial control and confidence.A must-listen for accountants and bookkeepers who want to lead by example and build practices that are profitable, resilient, and stress-free.Key TakeawaysWhy accountants and bookkeepers must apply Profit First to their own business firstHow Profit First creates clarity, control and predictable cash flowThe dangers of neglecting your own financial health for client workWhy implementation requires ongoing support and accountabilityHow Profit First reduces tax stress and financial pressure over time

In this episode, Deb Halliday shares her journey from becoming a retail manager at just 19 to building a successful bookkeeping and advisory business. Drawing on her early leadership experience, Deb explains how education, empowerment, and strong systems have shaped her approach to working with clients.Deb also reveals how discovering Profit First transformed her business model, moving her away from hourly, compliance-led bookkeeping into high-value advisory work. By focusing on financial clarity and client education, she’s helped business owners make better decisions while creating scalable training resources that benefit both clients and accountants.This conversation is packed with practical insights for bookkeepers, accountants and business owners who want to move beyond the numbers and deliver real financial impact.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Liz Szporn, his original Profit First Guide and a key leader within Profit First Professionals Global. Liz shares real success stories from current Profit First Professionals in the US, offering a powerful look at what truly happens when businesses commit to the system.She also gives practical, timely advice for UK business owners preparing for the changes announced in the recent UK Budget including what to start doing now to stay ahead.This conversation goes beyond the theory of Profit First. It’s an honest look at transformation, guidance, and the impact of having the right support and structure behind your business decisions.What you’ll learn:How Liz helped Tim find clarity during his early Profit First journeyInspiring success stories from Profit First Professionals in the USActionable steps UK business owners can take today in light of the new BudgetWhy community, mentorship, and shared experience make Profit First workHow simple financial shifts can create confidence, control and calm

Join Tim Seymour and Jason Withers as they dive into the “Diary of a PFP,” sharing insights from the Monday sessions of Profit First Professionals. In this episode, they explore how structured calls, community collaboration, and real-world client experiences help members sharpen their advisory skills and apply the Profit First methodology in practice.From strategic client selection using the 20/60/20 framework to leveraging special purpose accounts for smarter financial planning, Tim and Jason unpack practical strategies that can transform how you manage your clients and your business. Whether you’re a current or aspiring Profit First Professional, this episode offers actionable tips, real-life examples, and a glimpse into the supportive community that drives success in financial advisory.Key Takeaways:Structured Monday sessions help members deepen their Profit First knowledge.Sharing insights fosters stronger connections within the community.Special purpose accounts help plan for future expenses and seasonal events.The 20/60/20 client analysis framework identifies high-value clients.Buffers in financial planning provide stability for unexpected challenges.Proactive client engagement uncovers opportunities for growth and profitability.

In this episode, Tim Seymour sits down with Jason Withers to explore how an accounting graduate became one of the UK’s most recognised profitability coaches. Jason shares the real turning points that shaped his path — from navigating the challenges of a loss-making builders’ merchant to sharpening his financial skills in a design agency.He reveals how discovering the Profit First methodology transformed both his career and the results he delivers for clients, ultimately leading to him being named the UK Profit First Professional of the Year in 2024 and Business Profitability Coach of 2025.Listeners will hear practical insights on resilience, building advisory confidence, and using Profit First to create genuine financial clarity for business owners. This conversation is a powerful reminder that the journey to becoming a trusted advisor isn’t linear — but every experience can move you closer to doing your best work.

In this episode, we explore the real story behind the creation of Profit First. After selling his second multi–million-pound business, Mike Michalowicz appeared to be the picture of entrepreneurial success — until a single conversation with his accountant revealed he was completely broke. Years of impulsive spending, poor financial habits and mounting shame sent him into a spiral that many business owners quietly relate to.But hitting rock bottom became the turning point. Mike rebuilt his life by rethinking the traditional formula of business finance and creating what we now know as Profit First — a simple yet transformative system that ensures entrepreneurs prioritise profit instead of treating it as whatever’s “left over”.In this episode, you’ll hear how Mike’s hardest chapter became the foundation for a framework that has helped thousands of business owners escape financial chaos and build sustainable, profitable businesses.Key TakeawaysMike’s collapse from wealth to crisis shows how quickly success can crumble without financial discipline.Profit First was born from the realisation that profit must be protected first, not hoped for later.Emotions drive far more financial decisions than spreadsheets — and that’s why structure matters.Shifting profit from an afterthought to a habit is the cornerstone of long-term stability.Rock bottom can be the catalyst for life-changing innovation.Implementing Profit First helps business owners avoid the traps that led to Mike’s downfall.

In this episode, Tim Seymour shares why the first step to delivering powerful advisory work is implementing Profit First in your own business. He opens up about his early struggles as an accountant and how adopting a structured, profit-focused system transformed not only his business, but the results he helped clients achieve.Tim explains how truly living the methodology builds credibility, confidence, and the ability to offer high-impact guidance that business owners genuinely value. He also breaks down why the Profit Assessment and Rollout Plan matter, and how understanding your own financial habits equips you to create tailored, meaningful solutions for clients.Whether you're an accountant, bookkeeper or coach, this conversation is a reminder that mastering Profit First yourself is the foundation for delivering standout advisory services.Key Takeaways:Apply Profit First in your own business before advising othersUse the Profit Assessment and Rollout Plan to drive real improvementsFirst-hand experience builds credibility and high-impact advisory skillsGreat advisory starts with understanding each client’s unique challenges and goalsConsistent implementation helps you and your clients achieve stronger financial outcomes

In this episode, Tim Seymour sits down with Jason Withers and Deb Halliday to unpack the Profit First system — a simple yet powerful way to take control of your business finances. Together, they explore how flipping the traditional accounting formula on its head can transform profitability, sustainability and peace of mind.You’ll learn how allocating income into separate accounts for profit, owners pay, tax and operating expenses creates clarity, discipline and long-term financial health. Jason and Deb also share the real behavioural shifts needed to make Profit First work — and how partnering with a certified Profit First Professional can make implementation smoother and more effective.Key Takeaways:Profit First helps business owners prioritise profit from day one.Separating money into dedicated accounts brings clarity and control.Regular review and adjustment are essential to keep the system working.Implementing Profit First encourages smarter, less stressful financial decisions.

Tim Seymour sits down with Jason Withers and Deb Halliday to talk about how joining Profit First Professionals UK & Ireland transformed their businesses — and their sense of connection. They share how collaboration, personal guidance, and a proactive community have helped members grow in confidence and success.

In this episode, Tim Seymour chats with Steph Jones, Certified Profit First Professional and bookkeeper, about how Profit First completely changed the way she runs her business and her life.Steph opens up about the early mistakes she made around cash flow and pricing, and how discovering Profit First helped her finally make her business truly profitable. Together, Tim and Steph explore:Why starting small with Profit First creates lasting resultsThe mindset shifts that come when you finally take control of your moneyHow using multiple bank accounts can simplify cash flow and build confidenceThe difference between chasing revenue and creating real profitIf you’ve ever felt like your business is running you - not the other way around - this conversation will show you how Profit First can help you take back control and build a business that truly serves you.

In this episode, Tim Seymour chats with Hetty Verney — The Conscious Accountant — about how discovering Profit First in 2019 completely changed her business and her life. Hetty shares how implementing Profit First brought her clarity, peace of mind, and the confidence to finally reward herself for her hard work.Now a certified Profit First Professional, Hetty helps her clients achieve the same transformation — turning financial chaos into structure, profit, and calm. She also reveals how simple routines like her weekly “Finance Friday” create lasting accountability and sustainable growth.Tune in to discover how Profit First can shift your mindset, your money, and your business.

This episode explores how a family-run electrical business used the Profit First system to move from constant overdraft stress to complete financial control.Tim shares how David and Sarah implemented Profit First step by step, funding their VAT bills, paying themselves consistently, and creating clarity around every pound.Their story proves that even in challenging times, financial transformation is possible when you give your money purpose.Key takeaways:You don’t need to wait for perfect conditions to start Profit First.Small, consistent steps create lasting financial change.Clarity leads to confidence — and profit follows.

In this episode, Tim Seymour sits down with Deb Halliday and Jason Withers to unpack the highlights from ProfitConUK 25, held at the iconic Chartered Accountants Hall in London.From Mike Michalowicz’s inspiring Profit First keynote to Ron Baker’s game-changing take on the subscription business model, the event was bursting with fresh ideas and practical strategies for accountants, bookkeepers and coaches from Carl Richard, while Richard McCann reminded us of the resilience needed to thrive in business and life.Packed with takeaways and real-world insights, this conversation captures the energy, collaboration, and transformative potential of ProfitConUK. Whether you attended or not, you’ll walk away inspired to reimagine your practice and embrace the future of advisory.

In this episode, Tim Seymour chats with Deb Halliday, a Certified Profit First Professional, about the real value of joining the Profit First Professionals community in the UK and Ireland.Deb shares her journey of becoming certified, from the initial doubts she had to the transformation she experienced in her own business. She explains how implementing Profit First first-hand gave her the confidence and tools to create bigger results for her clients.Tim and Deb also discuss the power of community, regular calls, peer support, and shared learning that helps accountants, bookkeepers and coaches move beyond compliance into profitable advisory work.Key takeaways:Certification gives you a proven framework to improve your business and deliver more value to clients.Profit First starts with your own finances—so you can lead clients with confidence.The Profit First Professionals community offers support, collaboration, and a place to grow.

Tim Seymour talks with Roger Knecht of Universal Accounting about how the Profit First methodology transforms both accounting practices and their clients’ businesses. They explore why accountants and bookkeepers must prioritise profitability—not just for their clients, but within their own firms—to achieve lasting financial success.Roger shares practical strategies for shifting from compliance work to advisory services, articulating value to clients, and building a profitable, sustainable business model. This episode is packed with insights for accounting professionals ready to elevate their services and help eradicate entrepreneurial poverty.Takeaways:Profit First helps accounting professionals and their clients achieve sustainable profitability.Many accountants lack sales and marketing skills—critical for growing a practice.Universal Accounting trains accountants to create successful, profitable business models.Profit First Professionals teach clients to manage money and prioritise profit.Moving from compliance to advisory work increases value and profitability.Structured financial management benefits both accountants and their clients.

Tim Seymour sits down with entrepreneur and author Carl Reader to explore how fear and failure shape the journey to business success. From his start as a YTS hairdresser to becoming a leading voice in accountancy and business coaching, Carl shares how setbacks fuel growth, why fear of mistakes holds business owners back, and why accountants must evolve beyond compliance to deliver real impact. This conversation sets the stage for Carl’s ProfitConUK 25 keynote, offering practical insights on resilience, adaptability, and embracing simplicity in business.Key Takeaways:Failure is essential to growth - learn from it, don’t fear it.Fear of mistakes is one of the biggest barriers to innovation.Accountants can unlock more value by going beyond the numbers and focusing on client impact.Simplicity drives better decisions and faster progress.Lifelong learning and adaptability are critical in today’s business landscape.

Tim Seymour, Deb Halliday, and Jason Withers reflect on the success of the 5 Friday Profit First Challenge in The Profit First Pathway community. They share how the five-week format gave participants the time and structure to dig into Profit First principles, apply them in real life, and see measurable improvements in their businesses.From exploring the true meaning of real revenue to prioritising owner’s pay, the conversation highlights the power of accountability, structured learning, and quality clients in driving sustainable profitability. With strong feedback from attendees, this episode celebrates a challenge that turned insights into action.Takeaways:A five-week structured approach allowed participants to reflect and take meaningful action.Real-life tasks kept learning practical and directly applicable.Increased accountability led to clearer financial understanding and better decision-making.Owner’s pay is essential for long-term business health and personal profitability.Understanding real revenue (not just sales) is key to sustainable growth.Participant feedback praised both content and structure, with many eager to implement strategies immediately.

In this episode, Tim Seymour and Duncan Lloyd sit down with Ron Saharyan, co-founder and CEO of Profit First Professionals, to explore how the Profit First methodology is changing the way entrepreneurs manage money - for good.Ron shares the story behind the movement to eradicate entrepreneurial poverty and explains why Certified Profit First Professionals are essential in guiding business owners toward lasting financial success. Together, they unpack the common pitfalls in cash flow management and why outdated approaches are holding businesses back.This conversation is a powerful reminder that profitability isn’t just a financial goal - it’s a way to build stronger businesses, healthier communities, and a more meaningful entrepreneurial journey.Key TakeawaysWhy certification matters when implementing Profit FirstHow to build a sustainable cash flow system that actually worksThe ripple effect: how profitable businesses uplift communitiesThe global challenge of entrepreneurial poverty - and how to solve itPractical insights for embedding Profit First into your business operations