The connection of communities to the “accounting world” (Developer 4) is seen as part
of the overall value of a resident accountant and firm. Fly-in-fly-out providers are not
seen as having a “connection” (Developer 4) to the community which brings the same
value. Accountants become involved in local sporting and recreational associations,
imparting their knowledge on both a formal and informal level (Developers 5-7). This is
“incredibly valuable to the community” (Developer 4): they volunteer their time as
members and as accountants. It could be something as simple as helping such
organisations with their accounts at no or low cost. When an accountant resides in
town “they’re part of the community” (Developer 2): they provide their services to local
residents and business owners, their children attend the local schools and sports, and
their spouses may be a part of a community group and/or employed locally. Other local
residents “like to see community involvement” (Developer 2). The anonymity provided
by major cities does not exist for smaller towns and credibility is not afforded merely
by their status as a professional. However, “there is a reasonable amount of credibility
attached to someone participating in a community environment” (Developer 2). There
is also an element of reciprocity involved in being a business owner in rural or remote
town: