When Paul Gardner moved from the UK to Hong Kong in 2014, he didn’t have a grand plan to build a multinational accounting firm. In fact, Fresh Accounting began as an interim solution while he looked for a full-time role. Fast forward to today, Fresh Accounting has grown into a thriving practice with 25 team members across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kathmandu, with plans to double its headcount in the next year.

In a recent conversation, Paul reflected on his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons that shaped Fresh Accounting into what it is today.

Taking the Leap to Asia

Paul’s story starts with a risk. Inspired by his parents’ careers abroad, he was drawn to the opportunities of working overseas. But arriving in Hong Kong wasn’t easy. He recalls meeting with eight recruitment agencies and receiving advice from two that ultimately changed the course of his career: take the risk, stay in the city, and opportunities will follow.

Instead of waiting for the perfect job, Paul began offering accounting support to clients on a temporary basis. That decision became the seed for Fresh Accounting.

Growing Organically

What began as a one-person operation quickly grew to four people in the first year. Paul emphasises that the key was building strong relationships, with both clients and team members. Word-of-mouth referrals helped establish Fresh Accounting’s reputation, and Paul focused on building people’s careers as much as he built the firm itself.

A Modern Advisory Firm

Fresh Accounting has evolved far beyond traditional accounting services. Today, the firm delivers advisory support powered by tools like Xero and Spotlight Reporting, helping clients gain deeper financial insights and control.

Investing in technology and people has allowed the firm to deliver more value while creating opportunities for staff to grow their careers.

Expanding Horizons

Fresh Accounting’s growth isn’t limited to Hong Kong. With other offices across the globe  in the United Kingdom (est. 2013), Singapore (est. 2016), Nepal (est. 2021), and Australia (est. 2024)  , Paul sees international expansion as both a challenge and an opportunity. The decision to set up in Nepal, for instance, was driven by access to talented professionals and support from clients.

The firm’s next milestone? Scaling the team from 25 to 50 in the next 12 months while continuing to focus on culture, client service, and innovation.

Lessons Learnt

Looking back, Paul says the biggest advice he’d give his younger self is simple:

• Be brave and take risks. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone.
  
  
• Invest in relationships. Clients and team members are the foundation of long-term success.
  
  
• Balance work and life. Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint.
  
  
• Keep adapting. From digital transformation to AI, the accounting industry is constantly changing.
  
  

Above all, Paul emphasises gratitude to his team, clients, and partners for helping Fresh Accounting grow from a small startup into a regional advisory firm.

Paul’s journey is a reminder that success in accounting isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people, resilience, and vision. By combining strong client relationships, team development, and smart use of technology, Fresh Accounting is proving what’s possible when you take a leap and back yourself.