After 40 years in the accounting profession spanning board appointments, startups and public practices, Allan Mason CA knows a few things about tax and how to run an accounting practice. The Brisbane-based CA currently consults on elite tax and accounting work to a small number of clients who need hands-on assistance with complicated matters.

Mason has an ability to simplify complex information and find clever tax strategies for businesses.

“Accounting is about creating order. You start out with mess and establish order within a business to achieve your goals in a well-grounded and analytical way,” he says. “To me, it’s like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, performing a magic trick that many say is not possible.”

Mason recalls a pivotal early‑career moment when billionaire media tycoon Kerry Packer, his employer at the time, told him he should be worth twice what he was being paid.

“That’s been my mantra ever since: finding ways to use past data to improve the future. Finding smart tax solutions and always thinking, if this was my business, what would I do?”

Mason describes himself as a lifelong risk‑taker. He has been involved in a wide range of businesses, from a commercial piggery to pet‑boarding kennels, but he readily acknowledges that some ventures were not always smooth sailing.

“Failure and success are closely aligned. To win in any game you need to play the game. Life throws you curveballs and you need to deal with it. Business is no different, but I have always made it work.”

Simplifying tax for business owners

Mason has written numerous books on business and tax.

“There are many complex books on tax, but in truth, at a macro level, tax is quite simple,” he says. “The challenge is to explain it to business owners in a way they can understand.”

His latest release is an updated (2025–2026) fifth edition of Tax Secrets of the Rich, first released in 2021. In it, he outlines 11 key tax tips, business structures of lower tax rates and how to develop a millionaire mindset for wealth accumulation. Mason is a strong believer in manifesting success and abundance in all aspects of life through having the right mindset.

“It’s a simple road map on how to navigate the tax system and not become a victim of it,” he says.

“I wrote Tax Secrets as a tool to promote myself and build my practice. As an accountant your profile is important. Instead of a business card, I can give clients my book that explains my way of thinking.”

Two ears, one mouth

Mason says the first priority for any accountant is to understand the trade.

“That’s a given,” he says. “Make sure you really understand all aspects of the law. In my practice, the best way to achieve that is to have employee accountants run a training class on some aspect of tax.”

Then, he says, what really sets an accountant apart from the crowd, is the ability to listen.

“Accountants must be able to communicate clearly with their clients, take the time to understand who they are and how they think. But communication is a two‑way street – the accountant explains and the client confirms they’ve understood. It’s this second step that’s often overlooked.

“Listen closely to what your clients need,” he adds. “You have two ears and one mouth, and they should be used in that proportion.”

When asked what separates a good public practice from an outstanding one, Mason’s answer isn’t what you might expect.

“Yes, client focus is important, but the client is not always right,” he says.

It’s a striking reminder: clients will come and go but what must remain is the strength of your accounting practice and your team.

“Never let your ingrained need to serve your clients take over to the point that your business suffers. Instead, focus on your practice KPIs to create booming business.”

Mason says empowering your team through delegation is essential.

“Trusting your team enables you to be more client focused where it counts. Managing the business means managing the team, keeping control of debtors, the systems and the cash flow – and then productivity and profitability will follow.”

Above all, he says, set an example.

“Be a leader, step up to the plate, do what it takes to be successful. Be proactive in both marketing and in management.”

Mason also has words of advice for accountants who work within firms.

“If you are an employee in practice, have a can-do attitude. Take ownership of your work as though it is your business. Never have an employee attitude. This is what sets you apart from others. Give freely and you will receive in abundance.”