"Pro-active" Accountancy

After 17 years in accountancy circles, the most common word I have heard from clients about what they want their accountant to be is "pro-active". But when you get to the heart of it what does this really mean from the aspect of the business owner?
Does it mean that their accountant needs to be ringing their clients every day? No. Like most people even your best friends can be annoying if they wanted to know your every move every day.
Does it mean that the accountant needs to know all the legislative developments that occur before they happen and be the first to tell their clients about any tax or other changes before they hear it on the news? No. Again, nice in concept, but again some announcements from Parliament occur out of the blue and accountants as everyone else don't have time to react and consider all the news that occurs from Canberra. Just look at the employee share schemes debacle. No-one saw it coming and now the Government is trying to renegotiate its position after this poorly considered budget announcement.
"Pro-active" to me means regular contact. Pure and simple. Not just when things happen externally or when a problem arises. Just regular. Whether it be monthly, quarterly or even every 6 months, you have to be talking to your clients at set times locked into the calendar. This stops the urgent non-important matters getting in the way of scheduled meetings happening.
Pro active also means bringing something to the discussion. Whether it be a different view, idea or point that is relevant to the client. It's a sign that the adviser has thought about the business and is working with the client.
That is what pro-active means to me. Just setting regular time aside to talk through business issues with the client.
If you are seeking a different type of relationship with your accountant, one that is pro-active, I suggest getting in touch.