For Sam Allert, success has never been about shortcuts. It’s been about showing up, every single day, with grit, purpose, and a belief that small efforts, done consistently, can create something extraordinary. Today, as CEO of Reckon Limited, Sam is proof that persistence and people-first leadership can drive real transformation.

Sam’s journey didn’t begin in a corner office, it started on the phones, working as an Office Manager. But even then, his focus was clear: add value, stay adaptable, and never settle. It’s this philosophy that shaped his rise through the ranks and continues to define his leadership at Reckon.

At the heart of Sam’s work is a deep commitment to small businesses, the engine of any economy. Under his guidance, Reckon has grown into a trusted name in accounting software, known for simplifying complex financial tasks and giving business owners back their time. But for Sam, Reckon isn’t just about tech, it’s about building solutions that are intuitive, human-centered, and genuinely helpful.

What sets Sam apart is his unshakable belief in going above and beyond. He leads by example, infusing every decision with empathy and a genuine desire to solve problems for others. Internally, that means cultivating a culture where every team member feels heard, supported, and motivated to do their best work. Externally, it means constantly listening to customers and adapting to serve their real-world needs.

Sam’s vision is as bold as it is grounded: take the complexity out of finance, so small businesses can focus on growing, creating, and thriving. With him at the helm, Reckon continues to innovate, quietly but powerfully reshaping how businesses handle accounting and payroll. Through it all, Sam remains a leader who doesn’t just talk about success, he lives it, one thoughtful effort at a time.

From Global Experiences to Leading Reckon

Sam Allert’s professional journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of leadership. Beginning his career in various roles while exploring international opportunities, he gained valuable exposure by working across different sectors. His time in London shaped his perspective, fostering a global outlook that he later brought back to Australia.

Upon his return, Allert joined APS, a budding software enterprise catering to accounting firms. In a close-knit team of six, he took on multifaceted responsibilities, quickly demonstrating his potential. The acquisition of APS by Reckon marked a turning point in his career. With the formation of Reckon’s Accountants Division, Sam progressed from National Sales Manager to Managing Director. By 2018, his consistent dedication and forward-thinking approach led him to the position of Group CEO.

As CEO, Sam Allert has been instrumental in refining Reckon’s strategy, emphasizing cloud-based solutions for small businesses. His leadership philosophy revolves around nurturing relationships — both with clients and within his team. He attributes much of his success to his ability to foster trust, adapt to change, and maintain a solution-oriented mindset. Allert’s career trajectory exemplifies the power of perseverance, seizing opportunities, and remaining committed to continuous learning.

A Pioneer in Business Technology

Headquartered in Sydney, Reckon has earned its reputation as a leading force in Australia’s business technology landscape. Boasting over 170 employees across the globe, the company has grown significantly since its inception more than three decades ago. Founded amidst the ever-changing financial sector, Reckon has consistently adapted to market needs, demonstrating resilience in the face of evolving regulations and technological advancements.

The company’s journey has seen it successfully navigate key milestones such as the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the shift towards cloud-based solutions. More recently, Reckon has aligned with advancements like Single Touch Payroll, SuperStream, and Open Banking, further strengthening its relevance in the financial software domain.

Unlike many competitors, Reckon remains the only Australian-owned accounting software company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). This distinction reflects its solid market presence and the trust it has built over the years. Through constant innovation and an unwavering commitment to simplifying financial management for small businesses, Reckon continues to lead the charge in providing accessible, reliable technology solutions.

Overcoming Challenges

Throughout his career, Sam Allert has faced numerous challenges that have shaped his leadership style. Early on, one of his biggest hurdles was navigating the dynamics of managing older, more experienced colleagues. As the youngest leader on his team, he quickly learned the importance of building credibility through consistent actions and respectful communication. By treating his peers fairly and acknowledging their expertise, Allert earned their trust and established himself as a capable leader.

Another formidable challenge came during the COVID-19 pandemic. With businesses grappling with uncertainty and employees working remotely, Allert focused on maintaining company culture and fostering strong team connections. Prioritizing transparent communication, he ensured that employees felt supported, informed, and empowered during trying times. His dedication to fostering a people-centric culture helped Reckon navigate the crisis with resilience.

Allert’s leadership philosophy is anchored in empathy, adaptability, and proactive problem-solving. He believes that strong leaders are those who listen attentively, learn from experiences, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. By cultivating a supportive and collaborative work environment, he has continued to lead Reckon with confidence and determination.

A People-First Leadership Approach

Sam Allert’s leadership extends beyond business objectives; he places significant emphasis on people. His fascination with human nature and his passion for helping others grow are central to his management style. He firmly believes that fostering a strong, collaborative culture enables both individual and organizational success.

Allert encourages employees to set clear personal and professional goals, believing that a well-defined vision serves as a roadmap to success. He values continuous learning and development, often motivating his team to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Through mentorship and open communication, he ensures that team members feel supported and valued.

His leadership philosophy is further reflected in Reckon’s workplace culture. Surveys reveal that 94% of employees consider Reckon a great place to work, with 90% expressing a deep connection to their roles. These impressive engagement rates are a testament to Allert’s belief in empowering employees, fostering innovation, and recognizing individual contributions.

By cultivating a workplace where creativity thrives and challenges are met with enthusiasm, Allert has established a resilient and motivated team. His people-first approach continues to drive Reckon’s success and cements its position as an industry leader.

A Vision for the Future

Under Sam Allert’s leadership, Reckon has embraced innovation to meet the ever-changing demands of the business landscape. Recognizing the growing reliance on mobile and cloud-based solutions, the company has invested heavily in developing intuitive, user-friendly software. From streamlined payroll management to advanced invoicing tools, Reckon’s products are designed to simplify complex financial tasks for small businesses.

Allert believes that technological advancements should empower businesses rather than overwhelm them. By offering solutions that enhance operational efficiency, Reckon ensures that entrepreneurs can focus on their core passions without being burdened by administrative challenges. The recent introduction of BillingQ, an automated billing and collections tool, is a prime example of Reckon’s commitment to simplifying financial management.

Furthermore, Reckon is expanding its presence within the legal sector through nQ Zebraworks, providing practice management solutions for law firms in the US and UK. With a clear focus on addressing the specific needs of legal professionals, the company is poised to strengthen its market presence and deliver impactful solutions.

Looking ahead, Sam Allert remains dedicated to driving innovation, empowering businesses, and positioning Reckon as a pioneer in business technology.

Supporting Small Businesses

At its heart, Reckon’s mission revolves around supporting small businesses — the backbone of the Australian economy. Sam Allert’s admiration for entrepreneurs is evident in the company’s dedication to simplifying business operations through effective financial software. From seamless payroll processing to real-time financial reporting, Reckon’s solutions provide small business owners with the tools they need to thrive.

Allert understands the passion that fuels small businesses. Entrepreneurs often pour their hearts into their ventures, facing numerous challenges along the way. Reckon aims to alleviate the administrative burdens they encounter, allowing them to focus on what they do best. Through strategic acquisitions like Cashflow Manager and okke software, the company has expanded its customer base and enhanced its suite of offerings.

This customer-centric approach is what sets Reckon apart. With a strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, Allert ensures that the company remains agile, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of small businesses. By championing the growth and success of small enterprises, Reckon continues to make a significant impact on the Australian economy.