Osprey Approach has released the latest episode of its Empowering Law Firm Leaders podcast, now available to watch and listen to on YouTube, Spotify, and Amazon Music. The episode features practical advice for law firms considering a move to new accounting or billing software, helping leaders avoid common pitfalls that can impact profitability, compliance, and operational efficiency.
In episode 33, Amy Bruce, marketing director at Osprey Approach, speaks with Claire Ellis, certified chartered accountant and founder of JJ&H Accounting Services, about the financial, operational, and compliance challenges firms can face during system migrations.
Drawing on her experience supporting law firms through accounting and software transitions, Claire highlights the most common financial and compliance pitfalls firms encounter during system migrations and how to avoid them; the practical steps required to clean and validate data; and how robust financial controls can underpin profitability and long term success.
This latest episode explores:
- The most important question firms should answer before changing systems
- Common signs that an accounting platform is no longer meeting a firm’s needs
- How to prepare and validate financial data before migration
- The financial controls that support stronger cash flow and profitability
- Emerging trends that will define well-run law firms over the next five years
Claire stresses that firms should be clear about the reason for making a change before embarking on a migration project. “It could be that you’re moving because prices are high in your current system and you actually just want to have it scalable for the firm. Or it could be that you’re actually having struggles with reporting or processes in the system, and it’s not really fit for what you’re doing now.”
She also warns against being distracted by new technology without fully understanding the investment involved. “Especially lately…there’s a lot of shiny new [tech] – it can be very enticing to just jump. But actually, the cost of that, not only in money but in time… the amount of time it takes to migrate is always underestimated.”
The conversation also covers how firms can strengthen profitability through better financial controls, including improved reporting, active credit control, and a greater focus on cash collection alongside billing performance.
Future episodes of the Empowering Law Firm Leaders podcast series will feature a range of industry experts including Graham Archbold, founder of Chorus Insight, and author of The Client Feedback Playbook; Matt Kelly, chief experience officer at DCM Insights; and Neil Heaney, former professional footballer turned founder of Judicare Law International.
Watch the full interview with Claire Ellis now to hear her advice on managing accounting system migrations, improving financial visibility, and building stronger financial foundations for long term growth. You’ll also hear Claire’s exclusive insights on supplier selection, managing the human side of change, and the financial controls that are making the biggest difference to firms.
