LEON LAM - Building a new generation of people first and future-ready accounting practice

How did you start down this career path?

My path into accounting began with a genuine curiosity about how businesses work - not only the numbers, but also the people, decisions and pressures behind them.

Early in my career, I worked with mentors who showed me that great accountants do more than prepare financial statements. They give business owners clarity, confidence and peace of mind.

Joining WNP allowed me to build on that foundation in a firm that values both technical excellence and genuine client care. Becoming a partner was never the goal on its own. It came from consistently taking responsibility, supporting clients and contributing to the team.

What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?

The people inspire me most.

Behind every set of accounts is a family, a livelihood or a business someone has worked hard to build. Being trusted with that responsibility is a privilege.

I am also excited by how quickly accounting is evolving. The profession is moving beyond compliance towards deeper advisory relationships, and I want to help shape what a modern accounting firm can become.

At WNP, I have seen how the energy, ambition and sincerity of a young team can create meaningful value for clients. Trust is not built through age or title. It is built through competence, consistency and care.

What's your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?

We treat each client’s business with the same care we would expect for our own.

That means being proactive, explaining complex matters in plain language and understanding each client’s goals beyond the current financial year. I also believe responsiveness is a form of respect. Clients should never feel like a file number..

As the practice grows, we are continuing to strengthen our capacity, communicate realistic timeframes and improve our systems. We do not want growth for its own sake. We want sustainable growth that allows us to deliver on what we promise, without compromising quality or timeliness.

How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?

Our mindset is “Innovation. Always.”

Innovation does not always come from one major change. More often, it comes from consistent improvements to processes, technical quality, efficiency and the client experience.

We invest in professional development and use technology to improve how we work, including cloud accounting platforms, digital onboarding and streamlined workflows.

We also recognise the growing role of artificial intelligence. At WNP, AI is treated as a workflow tool rather than a replacement for professional judgement. Our team is trained to use it carefully, responsibly and with appropriate review.

Innovation is ultimately a mindset. We continue to ask whether there is a clearer, more accurate or more valuable way to support our clients.

What is the toughest challenge you've faced in your role? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge has been balancing leadership, team development and hands-on client work while the firm continues to grow.

I have learned the importance of being transparent with clients and setting realistic expectations. Honest communication builds stronger relationships than overpromising ever could.

Internally, I have learned to place greater trust in the people around me. That means delegating responsibility, listening carefully to feedback and giving team members the opportunity to take ownership of their work. Together with WNP’s management team, we have strengthened our systems and processes so we can deliver more consistently. I have also learned that asking for guidance is not a weakness. The support of my colleagues and mentors has made an enormous difference.

What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?

Our focus is growth with purpose.

We want to expand WNP’s advisory capabilities so we can support clients through every stage of their business journey, from startup and growth through to succession.

An important part of this is the continued development of the WNP Ecosystem, an integrated model that connects accounting and compliance with business health checks, strategy, system improvement and technology implementation.

I am also passionate about developing the next generation of accountants. We want to build professionals who are technically excellent and innovative, but who also genuinely care about the people they serve.

More broadly, I want to demonstrate that a modern accounting practice can achieve high performance without compromising its people, integrity or client care.

About WNP Accounting

WNP Accounting (William Nguyen & Partners) is an accounting and advisory firm committed to professional integrity, innovation, high performance and genuine client care.

From accounting, taxation and compliance to business advisory and system improvement, the WNP team works with clients to help them make confident, informed decisions at every stage of their journey.

Learn more at www.wnpaccounting.com.au.