John Saade is a Client Director at Latitude Accountants, a firm renowned for its exceptional service and innovative approach to accounting. John’s journey, inspirations, and strategies offer valuable insights into his professional ethos and dedication to client success.
“My journey into accounting began with a clear goal: to help small businesses thrive. I pursued a degree in Business (Accounting) at Western Sydney University, which gave me a solid academic foundation. Early in my career, I worked with small businesses and quickly saw how effective financial management could transform operations and drive growth.
During my university years, I took on various opportunities that exposed me to different aspects of accounting and finance. One particular opportunity was instrumental in shaping my career. I had the chance to work closely with clients, helping them understand their financial statements and develop strategies to improve their financial health.
This hands-on experience confirmed that accounting was the right career path for me. By helping businesses manage their finances effectively, I realised I could contribute to their success and make a positive impact on their lives.
Then came Latitude Accountants, established in 2011 by myself and co-founder Toufic Haddad, which was created to fill a market gap by supporting small businesses that significantly contribute to our community and helping their owners achieve their goals.”
“I'm inspired by the impact that good accounting practices can have on businesses. Watching clients reach their goals and expand their operations because of sound taxation advice is incredibly rewarding. I thrive on seeing success, not only within my personal career or Latitude as a whole but also for our clients. With over 20 years of experience, I have developed a proven method of success.
At Latitude Accountants, our vision is clear: We believe the small business owner is the hero of our community, and our goal is to help 1,500 heroes make their dreams a reality. This vision is a huge part of what drives me every day.
Also, the recent success of Latitude at the Australian Accounting Awards, where we won several accolades including the prestigious Rising Star of the Year, the Accountants Daily Excellence Award for Client Manager Michael Saade, and Fast-Growing Firm of the Year, is an ongoing source of inspiration for me."
“Customer service for me is all about personalised attention and proactive communication. At Latitude Accountants, we prioritise maintaining that personal touch. I focus on understanding each client’s unique needs and providing clear, actionable advice. Clients often tell me that they've never had such straightforward and open communication with an accountant before. This feedback is something I’m really proud of. We build long-term relationships based on trust and transparency, which helps our clients feel secure and valued.
From the first meeting, I strive to establish a strong rapport with my clients. I take the time to listen to their concerns, understand their goals, and develop a tailored plan that addresses their specific needs. I believe that being approachable and responsive is key to building trust. Whether it’s a quick question or a complex issue, my clients know they can reach out to me anytime, and I’ll be there to help.
Our proactive approach to customer service also involves regular check-ins and updates. I don’t wait for clients to come to me with problems; I reach out to them to ensure everything is running smoothly and to identify potential issues before they become major problems. This proactive mindset helps us stay ahead of challenges and maintain strong, positive relationships with our clients.”
“Staying ahead in this industry means committing to continuous learning and embracing technology. I regularly keep up with industry articles, engage in peer discussions, and participate in professional development programs. Using the latest digital tools and accounting software helps me offer more efficient and forward-thinking solutions. By integrating these technologies into our processes, we ensure that we’re always providing the most accurate and insightful financial advice possible.
I’m always on the lookout for emerging trends and technologies that can benefit our clients. Whether it’s advancements in AI, new accounting standards, or changes in tax laws, I make it a point to stay informed and adapt our services accordingly. This commitment to innovation ensures that we can offer our clients the best possible advice and support.
Within the past year, Latitude has launched a podcast to educate the public and interview interesting business owners. I encourage everyone reading this to join us as we explore experiences, challenges, and the strategies used to overcome business and life obstacles. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business enthusiast, or just curious about the inner workings of a successful accounting firm, this podcast is packed with wisdom and inspiration.”
“One of the toughest challenges I've faced was following my motorbike accident in 2018. It was a stressful time for the team as I was hospitalised and out of action for 3 months. This meant I could not attend the firm or perform my work duties during the recovery and rehabilitation.
One of our core values at Latitude Accountants is being a team player. I had to lean on our team during this time as I was not able to be there for staff or clients for a prolonged period. It could have all fallen apart but it didn’t. The team held it together and we got through it!
The most touching part for me was the actions of my colleague and brother Michael Saade, who cancelled his preplanned annual leave at that time to stay at work and to take on my workload. It’s no wonder that he has finally received the recognition he deserves this year taking out the accountants daily accounting excellence award.
Whilst building up our team members, I am always encouraging staff to rely on one another in bad times. I try to be there for each one of my employees personally as well as professionally as an example. My team returned the favor to me during my recovery. It was encouraging to see that we had built a team that was able to operate the firm during my absence and this gave me peace of mind to focus on my recovery and return to work”.
To learn more, visit: https://latitudeaccountants.
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