Accounting Influencers

Private equity is flooding into the accounting profession, transforming firm structures, governance models and leadership dynamics.In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown breaks down the seismic impact of PE investment and what it means for accounting leaders, partners and rising stars.Key TakeawaysOver $2 billion of PE has poured into US accounting inthree yearsTraditional partner models are being replaced by corporate governancePE firms demand efficiency, speed and profitability at scaleAudit independence is under regulatory threat with PE ownershipPE backed firms attract top talent with better pay and faster progression Cultural clashes are inevitable in the shift to PE style managementBy 2030, most top 100 firms could have external investmentYou can find this on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMLvDyi465c◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownThanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown exposes the biggest weakness in most accounting firm leaders - the inability to let go. He explores the five levels of leadership influence and explains why context, not content, is what truly drives performance, accountability and culture inside firms.If you're stuck in reviews, decisions, and approvals, this episode is a wake-up call. Rob gives practical scripts and real-world examples to help partners, managers and future leaders delegate more effectively, empower others and lead with clarity.Key Takeaways:The five levels of leadership influence inside accounting firmsWhy micromanagement kills scalability, culture and sanityWhat to say when delegating outcomes, not just tasksThe difference between content and context in firm leadershipHow to coach with questions instead of giving fixesHow to create “mile marker” visions your team can followWhy letting go is a sign of strength, not weaknessCheck out Mark Fritz here: https://www.markfritzonline.comYou can find this on youtube here: https://youtu.be/1pnI9QFzsbU◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownThanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown breaks down the different types of accounting podcasts and why they matter. From industry news and exam prep to tech trends and personal stories, podcasts now serve every level of the profession. Rob explains how to choose the right shows for your stage of career and how smart listening can sharpen your thinking and raise your influence. Whether you are a student, manager or firm partner, the podcasts you follow shape how you show up as a professional.Key Takeaways:The main types of accounting podcasts and who they serveWhy different shows suit different levels and roles in the professionHow to use podcast content to build your authority and presenceThe mistake most professionals make when choosing what to listen toWhat makes the Accounting Influencers Podcast different from other showsWhy podcasting is a leadership tool for smart professionals.You can find this on youtube here: https://youtu.be/BQf-np6LSaw◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownThanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

In this solo episode Rob Brown explores the major podcast trends shaping 2025 and why they matter for busy accounting professionals. With more shows, noise and content than ever, the winners are not just the loudest, they are the smartest. Rob breaks down what to listen for, why AIP leads the pack and how the right podcast can build your credibility and strategic value inside and outside your firm. This is your roadmap to smarter listening, sharper insight and more influence.Key TakeawaysPodcasts are more powerful than ever for building leadership and visibilityThe most successful shows in 2025 are short, sharp and community-drivenLeaders are choosing podcasts with more intention and strategyVideo is now critical for discoverability and impactAccounting professionals crave practical advice and relevant storiesListening habits are shifting toward shorter content and background consumptionAIP positions itself as a top-tier show for strategic accounting professionalsYou can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:https://youtu.be/r8S_aR7BnK4◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Grads aren't ready for the world of work. Schools aren't helping. And accounting firms are paying the price.In this solo episode, Rob Brown breaks down the skills crisis facing employers, especially accounting firms. Why are so many graduates, interns and junior hires entering the workforce unprepared? What's going wrong in the education system? And what can firm leaders do about it?Rob explores the mismatch between academic learning and real-world performance, and lays out concrete strategies for firms to build better talent pipelines from the inside out.Whether you're hiring your next intern or building your future partner team, this episode will make you rethink your assumptions and give you tools to build real talent.Key Takeaways: -Only 11% of leaders think grads are ready for work-Soft skills matter more than technical knowledge at junior levels-Schools prioritise exams, not workplace performance-Career guidance in schools is outdated and ineffective-Firms must stop assuming education will develop soft skills-Better onboarding, mentoring, and training is criticalThe Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Gen Z has entered the accounting profession — and they're calling time on toxic leadership. In this episode, Rob Brown outlines the five most damaging behaviours driving young talent away from firms. From micromanagement to presenteeism, he explains why these outdated habits are no longer tolerated, and what leaders must do to retain the future of the profession.Key Takeaways:-Toxic behaviours are a firm's biggest risk-Gen Z won't wait around for change — they'll leave-Culture must prioritise trust, feedback and transparency-Partners need leadership training, not just technical skillsThe Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode, Rob Brown discusses the impact of AI on the accounting profession, emphasizing the necessity for accounting professionals to embrace AI literacy and adapt to the evolving landscape. He highlights the importance of focusing on the human aspects of accounting that AI cannot replicate, such as emotional intelligence and complex problem-solving. The conversation also covers actionable strategies for accountants to remain relevant and valuable in a world increasingly influenced by AI.Key Takeaways:-AI literacy is now crucial for accounting professionals.-Automation is taking over routine accounting tasks rapidly.-Messy, unpredictable tasks in accounting are less at risk from AI.-Accountants need to evolve into strategic advisors.-Significant layoffs and restructuring in accounting are driven by AI and private equity.-Collaboration and complexity in work protect jobs from automation.-Leaders must embed AI deeply into strategic decision-making.Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode of the Accounting Influencer podcast, Rob Brown discusses the dual nature of artificial intelligence in accounting, emphasizing its potential to enhance content creation and personal branding while cautioning against losing authenticity. He advocates for leveraging AI as a tool to amplify one's voice and ideas rather than allowing it to replace them. The conversation highlights the importance of being visible and vocal in the accounting profession, using content to build authority and trust, and the need for professionals to maintain their unique perspectives in a landscape increasingly influenced by AI.TakeawaysArtificial intelligence is both a threat and an opportunity for accounting.Being an ambassador for your brand is crucial in leadership roles.Content creation is essential for visibility and authority.AI can simplify content creation but lacks authenticity.Authenticity is key to building trust and influence.Content should reflect personal experiences and insights.AI can help generate ideas but should not replace personal voice.Professionals must differentiate themselves in a crowded market.Playing it safe with content can lead to loss of visibility.Building a personal brand requires sharing unique stories and insights.TitlesAI's Role in the Future of AccountingSound Bites"AI is killing accounting.""AI doesn't have a soul.""Don't let AI dull your edge."The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode, Rob Brown discusses the complexities of job switching in the accounting profession, exploring the motivations behind leaving a job and the factors that contribute to job satisfaction. He highlights the importance of evaluating both red flags that may indicate it's time to move and green flags that suggest staying put. The concept of a 'forever firm' is introduced, emphasizing the significance of a supportive workplace culture and career growth opportunities. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their career priorities and make informed decisions about their professional paths.Takeaways:-Job switching can lead to better lifestyle and career growth.-Financial incentives for job switching have decreased recently.-Quality of life is becoming more important than salary.-Red flags for leaving include lack of growth and toxic environments.-Green flags for staying include a positive culture and investment in growth.-Flexibility in the workplace is now a critical expectation.-A 'forever firm' offers a supportive and growth-oriented environment.-Evaluate your motivations for wanting to switch jobs.-Temporary discomfort shouldn't drive your decision to leave.-Long-term fulfillment often outweighs short-term financial gains.The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown speaks with Gale Crosley, one of the world's foremost strategic growth advisors to accounting firms. Together they explore why many CPA firms struggle with sustainable growth, the rise of private equity in the profession, and how firms can position themselves for long-term success.Key TakeawaysStrategic growth means sustainable, profitable, and efficient growth—not luck or market dependency.Many accounting firms rely on opportunistic growth instead of a strategic plan.Private equity is accelerating the adoption of C-suite roles in accounting firms.Firms without a clear growth framework risk irrelevance or acquisition.Chief Growth Officers (CGOs) are becoming vital for future-proofing firms.Leadership alignment around growth strategies is crucial.Entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial mindsets are game changers for CPA firms.Killer Quotes"Strategic growth isn't about fishing; it's about building the right boat.""The firms thriving tomorrow are planting seeds today.""Private equity is here, and it's changing everything.""If you don't have a growth framework, someone else will buy you.""The future belongs to firms who think like entrepreneurs.""A Chief Growth Officer isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.""Leadership without strategy is just hope with a deadline."The Accounting Influencers Podcast (AIP) is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. To find out more, contact host Rob Brown on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown engages with industry experts Will Yap, Denise M. Meyer, and Robert Prusa to explore the significance of events in the accounting profession. They discuss the value of attending events, the importance of building relationships, and what makes a good event. The conversation also delves into how accountants choose which events to attend, the ROI considerations, and the evolving trends in event planning. The episode culminates in insights about the upcoming Right Now 2025 event, emphasizing community and professional growth.Key Takeaways:-Attending events is crucial for professional development.-Networking is a key reason for attending events.-A thriving community enhances the event experience.-Location plays a significant role in event selection.-ROI is measured by the value gained from the event.-Personalization in events is becoming increasingly important.-Engagement opportunities are essential for attendees.-The Right Now 2025 event focuses on community and collaboration.-Transitioning back to work after events is critical for implementing learnings.-CPE should be viewed as a bonus, not the main goal.-You can register for the right now event here:https://events.rightworks.com/WdoGRL?utm_source=robbrown&utm_campaign=rightnow2025&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=willrobertdeniseThanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtubeWatch the show with graphics and slides on youtube here: https://youtu.be/vm6TIuAMl8wThe Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers.

In this conversation, Rob Brown and Eric Gregg discuss the importance of understanding client needs in the accounting industry, emphasizing the significance of specialization, effective online presence, and the role of technology in enhancing client relationships. They explore the concept of the 'Day One Accounting Firm,' which highlights how firms can position themselves to be top of mind for potential clients. The discussion also covers pricing strategies, the importance of onboarding, and how firms can differentiate themselves through client experience and thought leadership.Key Takeaways:-Accountants often lack insight into what clients truly want.-Specialization is key to being on a client's day one list.-A strong online presence is crucial for attracting clients.-Differentiation in client experience is essential for success.-Value perception can significantly impact client relationships.-Effective communication can enhance client satisfaction and referability.-Cultural differences can influence client expectations and perceptions.-Technology, including AI, plays a vital role in client interactions.-Thought leadership can build trust and authority in the market.-Onboarding processes are critical for establishing strong client relationships.Watch the show with graphics and slides on youtube here: https://youtu.be/7wBDDOtPCngThe Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Are corporate layoffs and strict return-to-office mandates causing a talent crisis in accounting? Host Rob Brown explores how major changes at large firms like PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG are reshaping the landscape and what smaller accounting firms can do to capitalize on these shifts. Discover why leaders at all levels must rethink their strategies to attract and retain top talent.Key Takeaways:Transparency during layoffs builds trust.Strict RTO mandates can negatively impact morale.Smaller firms can attract talent leaving large firms.Flexibility remains crucial for employee retention.Clear, empathetic leadership boosts engagement.Proactively managing your employer brand is vital.Collaborative policy-making enhances team buy-in.Killer Quotes:"Layoffs create insecurity and lower morale.""Rigid office mandates often backfire dramatically.""Flexibility is now a competitive advantage.""Smaller firms must clearly communicate stability.""Employees value clarity, honesty, and vision.""Employer branding matters more than ever.""Leaders set the culture—make it count."The Accounting Influencers Podcast (AIP) is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers, and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence, and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. To find out more, contact host Rob Brown on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownThanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Why Are Accounting Firms Quietly Dropping DEI?Accounting firms are making drastic changes to their DEI programs, and not in the way you might think. KPMG has officially ended its "Accelerate 2025" program, following similar moves from Deloitte and others. Meanwhile, governing bodies like AICPA, CIMA, and ACCA are doubling down on DEI's importance. So, what's really happening? In this episode, Rob Brown breaks down:Key Takeaways:✅ Why KPMG, Deloitte, and others are scaling back DEI✅ The legal and political forces driving this shift✅ How these changes impact recruitment and retention✅ What firms risk by pulling back on DEI initiatives✅ The burnout crisis hitting DEI professionals in firms✅ What governing bodies like AICPA & ACCA say about DEI✅ How accounting leaders should navigate this challengeKiller Quotes:

In this episode of the Accounting Influencer podcast, Rob Brown discusses KPMG's groundbreaking move to become the first major accounting firm in the US to own a law firm, following new laws in Arizona that allow non-lawyers to own law firms. This shift is driven by client demand for integrated services, advancements in technology, and the lucrative nature of legal services. Brown emphasizes the implications for accounting professionals, including the need for multidisciplinary skills, tech literacy, and ethical considerations. He encourages listeners to stay informed, expand their expertise, and build their influence to remain relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.TakeawaysKPMG is pioneering a significant shift in the accounting profession by owning a law firm.The relaxation of laws in Arizona is a game changer for legal services.Client demand for integrated solutions is a major driver of this change.Technology and process expertise are essential for modern accounting firms.Legal services are lucrative, presenting a growth opportunity for accounting firms.Multidisciplinary teams are becoming the norm in professional services.Tech skills are crucial for accountants to stay competitive.Ethical scrutiny will increase with the blending of accounting and legal services.Staying informed about industry trends is vital for accounting professionals.Building influence and expanding expertise will help accountants navigate future changes.You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:https://youtu.be/vdufliwlx2o◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

KeywordsDeloitte, DEI, diversity, equity, inclusion, accounting, recruitment, talent acquisition, corporate culture, meritocracySummaryIn this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown discusses the significant shift in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Deloitte, where the US branch has decided to shut down its DEI program while the UK branch continues its commitment. This split reflects a broader trend among major corporations retreating from DEI commitments, influenced by political changes and government contracts. Brown emphasizes the implications for talent acquisition and retention in the accounting profession, which has historically struggled with diversity. He outlines three potential approaches for firms moving forward and provides actionable insights for accounting leaders to navigate this evolving landscape.Takeaways:-Deloitte has announced the shutdown of its DEI program.-The split between Deloitte US and UK highlights a significant corporate divide.-Political influences are driving major companies to retreat from DEI commitments.-Accounting firms face a recruitment crisis, exacerbated by a lack of diversity.-Meritocracy and diversity can coexist, but it's a complex balance.-Firms must assess their talent pipeline and recruitment strategies.-Global implications of DEI stances must be considered by international firms.-Client expectations regarding DEI can impact revenue.-Clear communication strategies are essential for any policy changes.-The DEI debate is evolving and will shape the future of accounting.https://youtu.be/6uO6LdI1Ltk

By 2025, Gen Z will make up 1 in 10 managers, bringing fresh perspectives, bold expectations, and digital fluency to the workplace. But for accounting firms, this generational shift presents both challenges and opportunities. In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown dives into the heart of the Gen Z revolution in accounting. Are they lazy, entitled, and impossible to manage? Or are they the key to solving the profession's talent and innovation crises?From their demand for clarity and purpose to their insistence on fairness and flexibility, this episode unpacks what Gen Z really wants—and what firms need to do to thrive in a multi-generational workforce. Whether you're a Baby Boomer, Gen Xer, Millennial, or Gen Z, this episode has insights, strategies, and actionable takeaways for everyone.What You'll Learn in This Episode

Return-to-office mandates are making waves in the accounting profession. Some firms are tightening policies, while others embrace hybrid work. What's the real reason behind these decisions? Are RTO mandates about productivity, or are firms using them for hidden cost-cutting measures? Rob Brown breaks it all down in this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast.Key Takeaways:- RTO mandates are often about cost-cutting, not collaboration.- Hybrid work models attract and retain top talent.- Firms with strict RTO policies risk losing their best employees.- Leadership needs to focus on results, not presence.- Junior staff benefit from mentorship, but forced RTO isn't the answer.- The best firms balance flexibility with structured in-office collaboration.- Talent wars are shifting—progressive firms will win.Killer Quotes:- "Forcing RTO won't save your firm - it'll juat drive top talent away."- "The future of accounting isn't about where you work - it's about how you work."- "RTO mandates aren't about performance, they're about power."- "Hybrid firms are winning the talent war."- "Leaders must rethink office culture—presence isn't productivity."- "Smart firms attract top talent by offering flexibility."- "Your firm's survival depends on adapting to the new world of work."You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:XXXXXWant to get your brand in front of the right audience? Sponsor the Accounting Influencers Podcast and connect with tech-savvy accountants from across the globe. Our listeners tune in for insights and trends, making them the perfect audience for your message. Drop us a line today to find out how you can partner with us!Are you an accounting professional looking to build your personal brand but struggling to find the time? Let Rob Brown help you accelerate your thought leadership with his bespoke interview service. In just 30 minutes, we'll capture your insights and turn them into articles, blogs, and video clips for your marketing team to use. It's the easiest way to establish yourself as a thought leader without doing all the heavy lifting! Contact us to learn more.The Accounting Influencers Podcast (AIP) is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel.◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

In this episode,, Rob Brown and Gary Shamis delve into the impact of private equity on the accounting industry, exploring its rise, implications for mergers and acquisitions, and the challenges faced by smaller firms. They discuss the role of leadership in navigating disruption and highlight the opportunities available in the current accounting landscape, particularly for middle-market firms.Key TakeawaysPrivate equity is reshaping the accounting industry globally.M&A and private equity offer different challenges and opportunities.Leadership and strategy are critical in navigating PE disruption.Middle-market firms present untapped opportunities for CPA practices.Firms must understand PE motivations: profitability and exit strategies.Small firms can leverage their unique value to compete effectively.Succession planning and partner alignment remain vital.Killer Quotes"Private equity is a force that can't be ignored.""Middle-market opportunities are better than ever.""Leadership is the backbone of firm resilience.""Succession planning ensures your firm's future.""M&A strategies differ greatly from PE approaches.""Small firms can thrive with the right strategy.""Private equity's goal is simple: maximize profits."You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode, Rob Brown invites Gary Shamis to discuss the challenges and strategies for accounting firms to maintain independence in a landscape dominated by mergers, acquisitions and private equity. Learn the importance of partner alignment, succession planning, leadership and a recalibrated partner buyout process as essential elements for firms to thrive independently. Plus winning strategies such as building advisory practices, fostering a strong culture and executing effective change management to navigate the evolving accounting industry.TakeawaysWhy it's impossible for an accounting firm to stay independent.Partner alignment is crucial for maintaining independence.Opportunistic greed can tempt firms to sell out.Firms need a succession plan to ensure continuity.Leadership development is essential for future success.Culture must be intentionally cultivated in firms.Firms should focus on creating value in client relationships.Growth is necessary to attract top talent.Change management is vital in a rapidly evolving industry.Firms need to think independently about their future.You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:https://youtu.be/bD94-lOpiXQ◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Rob Brown interviews John Wichmann and John Fenton on the evolving landscape of hybrid work in the accounting industry. They explore the importance of intentionality, accountability, and the overall employee experience in creating a successful hybrid work environment. The discussion highlights the challenges firms face in adapting to new work models, the necessity of structured opportunities for collaboration, and the need for flexibility in workplace culture. They also touch on the lessons that can be learned from other industries and make predictions about the future of hybrid work in accounting.Key TakeawaysHybrid work doesn't have to be a broken model.Flexibility is crucial for attracting and retaining talent.The apprenticeship model is vital for professional growth.Communication challenges arise in hybrid work settings.Intentionality in hybrid work can enhance productivity.Employee engagement is key to a successful hybrid model.Diversity in the workplace benefits from hybrid work options.Economic factors influence the viability of hybrid work.Understanding employee preferences is essential for management.The future of work requires a balance between remote and in-office presence. It's not about the amount of time spent in the office.The office experience must justify the commute.Intentionality is key to successful hybrid work.Accountability fosters trust within teams.Trust issues can arise during downturns.Flexibility must be part of the firm's culture.Firms need to differentiate themselves in the talent market.Employee engagement is critical for retention.Learning from other industries can provide valuable insights.Intentionality will define the future of hybrid work.Sound Bites"We want people to be at the water cooler.""Hybrid work adds a huge amount of value.""It's not about the amount of time.""How often has it been worth the commute?""You want to have opportunities structured.""Accountability is critical.""Trust issues bubble up in down times.""You need to set your firm apart.""Intentionality is the future."You can watch this whole episode on youtube with graphics and images here:https://youtu.be/fBBvlpRE75oJohn Fenton is the founder of John J. Fenton Executive Coaching, where he empowers CPA firm leaders to achieve greater clarity and freedom. Previously a managing partner with BDO USA, John brings a wealth of experience to his coaching practice. He is the author of the best-selling book 5 Minute Mastery™ and an award-winning speaker on executive leadership excellence. A Certified Success Principles Trainer, John is also a current Vistage speaker and formerly served as a Vistage Coach. A double graduate of the University of Miami, John earned both his MBA and BBA degrees while showcasing his leadership skills as a member of the Miami Hurricanes Football team. Personally, he holds a black belt in the martial art of tai chi and has a profound perspective on success, shaped by his experience surviving a heart attack. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjfentonceocoachJohn Wichmann is the Founder and CEO of Gather Sciences and the creator of Balanced Hybrid®, a platform that helps organizations develop sustainable hybrid work models. With expertise in data analytics, consulting, and executive leadership, John focuses on solutions that enhance productivity and employee development in the accounting profession.Previously, John co-founded Maptician, a workplace management software company...

In today's show, Rob Brown interviews Steve Cox to explore the current state of the accounting profession, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it faces. Key themes include the impact of technology, staffing shortages, and changing client expectations. The discussion emphasizes the need for accountants to adapt to these changes, particularly in terms of technology adoption and mindset shifts. The speakers provide insights into how firms can navigate these challenges and leverage technology for growth and efficiency.Key takeawaysThe accounting profession is at a crossroads with both opportunities and challenges.Client expectations have significantly increased post-COVID, demanding faster responses and more technology support.42% of accounting firms are turning away work due to staffing shortages.There is a growing demand for accountants as trusted business advisors.Technology is reshaping compliance and service delivery in accounting.A mindset shift is necessary for accountants to embrace technology effectively.Firms need to balance technology adoption with the right mindset for success.The future of accounting will heavily rely on digital transformation and technology integration.Accountants must focus on building a sustainable talent pipeline to address shortages.Strategic use of technology can drive growth, productivity, and enhance exit strategies for firms.Watch the show with graphics and slides on youtube here: https://youtu.be/B33jPdNqOEY◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Is technology the saviour or the grim reaper of accounting? In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown and Steve Cox delve into the transformative role of technology in the accounting profession. They discuss the historical evolution of accounting technology, the current state of AI, and its implications for the future. Steve shares insights from Gartner's technology trends report, highlighting the rapid adoption of AI and the importance of accountants evolving with these changes. The conversation emphasizes the need for accounting professionals to embrace technology to remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.Curious about how accountants can harness AI to boost efficiency?TakeawaysTechnology is a backup and driver of change for accounting firms.Excel was a major disruptor in accounting technology.Many firms are still reliant on outdated spreadsheet technology.Digital transformation is essential for accounting firms to thrive.AI is not replacing accountants, but those who don't use it will be left behind.Accountants have access to vast amounts of data, making them well-positioned for AI adoption.The hype around AI is beginning to settle as firms find their niche uses.AI can enhance communication and task automation in accounting practices.The accounting profession is ahead of many other industries in AI adoption.Future success in accounting will depend on embracing technology and innovation.Chapters00:00 The Role of Technology in Accounting07:09 The Evolution of AI in Accounting12:54 The Hype Cycle of AI22:24 Future Predictions for Accounting and AIView the video version with all visuals on Youtube; https://youtu.be/DaaqrXoIabU◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown discusses the alarming statistic that 65% of current accounting firm partners will be considered digitally obsolete within three years. He emphasizes the transformative impact of private equity on the accounting industry, highlighting the need for leaders to adapt to rapid changes in technology and client service models. Watch on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/UI_7IMuSG5sThe conversation explores the emergence of transformation leaders who bridge traditional accounting practices with digital innovation, the importance of reimagining technology and talent deployment, and the necessity of measuring success through new metrics. Brown outlines essential skills for future leaders and provides actionable steps for personal transformation to remain relevant in the evolving landscape of accounting.Key Takeaways• PE investors see 65% of current partners as digitally obsolete• PE-backed firms invest 5x more in technology per professional• Technology leadership is replacing technical excellence as a key skill• New hybrid teams combine accounting and digital expertise• Success metrics are shifting from billable hours to digital adoption• Innovation leadership is becoming a core requirement• Traditional partners are being rapidly replaced by digital leadersKiller Quotes• "65% of partners will be considered digitally obsolete within three years"• "PE isn't planning to retrain partners - they're planning to replace them"• "I realized I was becoming a dinosaur in real time"• "Traditional excellence won't protect you from digital extinction"• "The digital divide isn't coming - it's already here"• "Transform or become extinct - there is no middle ground"• "Yesterday's technical expert is tomorrow's obsolete partner"◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode, Rob Brown discusses the transformative impact of private equity on the accounting profession, particularly in terms of talent acquisition and retention. He highlights how private equity-backed firms are reshaping the traditional accounting model by offering new roles, competitive compensation structures, and accelerated career paths. Brown emphasizes the need for accounting leaders to adapt their strategies to attract and retain top talent in a rapidly changing landscape.Big takeaways70% of top performers at traditional firms would leave for private equity-backed firms.Private equity is a major disruptor in the accounting profession.The traditional model of recruiting and promoting talent is becoming obsolete.Private equity firms are reporting 40% lower turnover rates than traditional firms.New roles and career paths are emerging in private equity-backed firms.Today's professionals seek opportunities to create impact and lead projects.Compensation structures are being redesigned to include equity participation.Investing in non-technical skills is crucial for talent development.Career ecosystems are being built to support talent growth and retention.Accounting leaders must proactively adapt to the changing talent landscape.◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode, Rob Brown discusses the significant changes in the accounting profession driven by private equity investments. He highlights the urgent need for accounting leaders to adapt to new leadership dynamics, emphasizing the importance of transformational skills, agility, and a growth mindset. The conversation outlines actionable steps for leaders to remain relevant and influential in a rapidly evolving landscape.TakeawaysHalf of accounting leaders may become irrelevant in 36 months.Private equity is reshaping leadership in accounting firms.Traditional paths to power in accounting are disappearing.PE-backed firms promote leaders much faster than traditional firms.Adaptive leaders are prioritized over seniority in PE firms.New leadership roles are emerging in accounting firms.Leaders must balance innovation with client trust.Decision-making is shifting from consensus to data-driven.The timeline for impact in accounting is shortening.Leaders need to strengthen their people management skills.◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Every December, Accounting Today magazine selects 100 influential leaders in accounting. In this episode of the Accounting Influencer podcast, Rob Brown discusses the significance of influence in the accounting profession, highlighting how many leaders have built their authority from humble beginnings. He outlines eight distinct paths to building influence, emphasizing that individuals can choose the path that aligns with their strengths. The conversation concludes with actionable steps for listeners to start building their influence intentionally, ensuring they remain relevant and strategically important in their careers.TakeawaysMany influential leaders started from humble beginnings without elite advantages.Building influence is about curating authority and career capital, not just being on lists.The traditional path of technical expertise is waning in favor of new methods of influence.There are eight distinct paths to building influence in accounting.Successful leaders often align their influence strategies with their natural strengths. Small actions can lead to significant influence over time.Mentoring and developing others is a powerful way to build influence.Networking and community building are essential for fostering influence. Patience and persistence are key in the long-term game of building influence.The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode of The Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown dives into the world of private equity and its growing impact on accounting firms. With firms like Baker Tilly and Grant Thornton selling stakes to private equity, Rob explores what this means for firm growth, independence, and leadership. Should accounting firms embrace private equity or avoid it at all costs? Listen in for a deep dive into the opportunities and risks that private equity brings to the accounting profession.Key TakeawaysPrivate equity is increasingly targeting accounting firms, offering capital and growth opportunities.Firms like Baker Tilly and Grant Thornton have already sold stakes to private equity.Private equity helps firms attract top talent, invest in technology, and compete in mergers.The downside: more debt, outside control, and potential conflicts of interest with clients.Private equity-backed firms may face challenges in maintaining long-term client trust.SEC concerns about auditor independence could reshape how private equity is viewed in accounting.Leaders must decide whether private equity is a growth enabler or a risk to firm independence.Killer Quotes"Would you sell half of your accounting firm to private equity for a billion dollars?""Private equity could be the biggest opportunity—or the greatest threat—to your firm's independence.""Accounting firms are at a crossroads: stay independent or accept private equity investment.""Private equity is reshaping accounting firms, but at what cost?""The talent war is fierce, and private equity is the weapon many firms are choosing.""Could private equity undermine the long-term trust clients place in their accounting firms?""The question isn't whether private equity is coming—it's already here."Looking to promote your tech or software solutions to accountants worldwide? By sponsoring the Accounting Influencers Podcast, you can reach an engaged, international audience of accounting professionals. With our growing YouTube channel, your sponsorship will live on multiple platforms, maximizing your brand's exposure. Contact us to learn more about this fantastic opportunity!If you're an influencer in the accounting world and want to elevate your reputation, we've got just the thing. Rob Brown offers a personalized service that takes the burden of content creation off your shoulders. We do video interviews and turn them into compelling blogs, articles, and social media clips, positioning you as an expert in your field. Reach out to see how we can help you stand out!As accountants, your technical skills are only half the story. To truly gain influence, you need to connect with the wider ecosystem that surrounds accounting firms—technology providers, consultants, and other industry experts. That's where the Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) can help. Head over to our LinkedIn page ‘Accounting Influencers' to discover a space where accounting professionals can expand their network, get valuable insights, and connect with key players in the tech world. Check it out and start building those critical connections today! The Accounting Influencers Podcast (AIP) is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers, and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence, and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes...

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown dives into the Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession 2024 report, revealing how accounting firms are being impacted by the rapid pace of technological change and disruption. From the shrinking number of audit firms to the increasing role of AI and cloud accounting, Rob offers actionable insights for leaders, managers, and influencers looking to stay relevant and build influence. He also explores the growing importance of diversity and how firms can retain top talent in a highly competitive landscape. If you're serious about staying ahead and building your personal brand inside and outside your firm, this episode is a must-listen.Key Takeaways:Audit firms are shrinking, which intensifies competition for talent and clients.Embracing technology such as AI and cloud accounting is essential for staying competitive.Audit fee income is growing—firms that innovate are seeing results.The most successful firms invest in diverse talent to future-proof their businesses.Leaders need to position themselves as thought leaders to maintain influence.The growing percentage of female accounting students shows a shift in the profession's demographics.Firms that fail to adapt risk losing their best talent and clients to more tech-savvy competitors.Killer Quotes:"Audit firms are shrinking—what's your next move?""The future of accounting is here—are you ready?""Leaders who fail to adapt will disappear.""The firms winning today are those that invest in diverse talent.""AI and cloud accounting aren't buzzwords—they're the future.""Audit fee income is up, but only for those firms who innovate.""Stay ahead, or get left behind in the disruption."You can also view this on youtube: Boost Your Thought Leadership Without the Heavy Lifting!Are you an accounting professional looking to build your personal brand but struggling to find the time? Let Rob Brown help you accelerate your thought leadership with his bespoke interview service. In just 30 minutes, we'll capture your insights and turn them into articles, blogs, and video clips for your marketing team to use. It's the easiest way to establish yourself as a thought leader without doing all the heavy lifting! Contact us to learn more.Want to Get Your Brand in Front of Accountants?Looking to promote your tech or software solutions to accountants worldwide? By sponsoring the Accounting Influencers Podcast, you can reach an engaged, international audience of accounting professionals. With our growing YouTube channel, your sponsorship will live on multiple platforms, maximizing your brand's exposure. Contact us to learn more about this fantastic opportunity!Expand Your Influence Beyond Accounting!Want to take your influence beyond just accounting? Building relationships with the tech and consulting world that serve accountants is key to staying ahead. Our LinkedIn page, Accounting Influencers, is where you can start those connections. We're sharing insights that help you navigate the accounting ecosystem, while opening doors to wider networks and opportunities. Don't miss out—join the conversation on LinkedIn at Accounting Influencers and position yourself as a leader in the accounting space!The Accounting Influencers Podcast (AIP) is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers, and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence, and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as...

Tech – A Force for Good or the Death of Accountants? In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown delves into the critical topic of technology's impact on the accounting profession. With automation, AI, and machine learning reshaping how accountants work, the big question is: Is tech a savior or a job killer?Rob breaks down what this technological revolution means for accountants today and in the future, exploring both the opportunities and the risks. For firms and professionals who embrace these tools, the future looks bright. But for those who resist? The outlook may not be so promising.Key Takeaways:AI & Automation's Impact on the Profession: While some accounting tasks are being automated, the shift opens doors for higher-value, advisory roles that AI can't replicate yet.The Value of Soft Skills: As automation takes over manual tasks, accountants who focus on client relationships and strategic thinking will thrive.The Need for Tech Adoption: Firms that invest in and adopt the right technology will remain competitive, while those that don't risk being left behind.Leadership's Role in Guiding Tech Transformation: Leaders must set an example by embracing tech and fostering a learning culture within their firms.If you're serious about future-proofing your career and firm, now is the time to take action. Embrace the changes, invest in technology, and focus on developing the skills that will set you apart. Drop your thoughts in the comments or email us with your stories about how your firm is handling the tech revolution in accounting. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with your colleagues who need to hear this important conversation!The Accounting Influencers Podcast (AIP) is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. https://youtu.be/lsJS9hxhv5E◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

Conferences are back, but are you truly getting value from them? In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown dives into 10 powerful strategies to ensure your time, money, and energy at accounting and tech conferences translate into real returns. Whether you're a leader, manager, or influencer in an accounting firm, these tips will help you build your personal brand, strengthen your network, and find actionable insights to bring back to your team.If you've ever left a conference wondering if it was worth it, this episode is for you. Rob shares practical advice on setting clear goals, networking with purpose, evaluating tech solutions, and ensuring your learnings translate into real business outcomes.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why accounting professionals often fail to get ROI from conferences—and how you can avoid common mistakes.The importance of setting clear objectives before attending any event.How to research speakers and attendees to target meaningful connections.Why being strategic about networking and participation is key to standing out.How to leverage conference tech tools for scheduling, learning, and staying engaged.Actionable tips for sharing knowledge with your team to maximize firm-wide impact.The importance of evaluating conference success against your initial objectives.Who Should Listen?This episode is a must-listen for:Accounting leaders, managers, and influencers looking to maximize the value of conferences.HR and talent professionals seeking to enhance recruitment and retention strategies.Anyone in accounting interested in building their personal brand and strengthening their network.Quotes from the Episode:“Are you wasting time and money at conferences? It's time to change that.”“Networking isn't about how many people you meet—it's about who remembers you and why.”“Every conference is an opportunity to amplify your personal brand and influence.”Call to Action:Follow Accounting Influencers on LinkedIn for more of this content. And watch this episode on Youtube here: ◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown discusses the recent layoffs in the accounting profession, particularly among the big four firms and software providers. He explores the reasons behind these layoffs, the evolving skill requirements for accountants, and the new opportunities that arise from these changes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and thought leadership in navigating the current landscape. Additionally, Rob addresses the implications for the talent pipeline and offers insights for leaders on how to manage their teams during this period of disruption.Key TakeawaysLayoffs in accounting are reshaping the profession.AI and automation are driving job changes in accounting.Accountants must develop technology and data analysis skills.The demand for advisory services is increasing.Continuous learning is essential for career longevity.Thought leadership is crucial for career advancement.Layoffs create mentorship gaps in firms.New career paths are emerging for laid-off accountants.The talent pipeline may be affected by perceptions of instability.Leaders must navigate change with empathy and transparency.Watch this on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2BaxT8xZQqY◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown emphasizes the critical role of personal branding for accounting professionals. He discusses how a strong personal brand can differentiate individuals in a competitive field, enhance visibility, and open doors to new opportunities. The conversation covers the importance of creating content, engaging with audiences, and maintaining authenticity and consistency in branding efforts. Ultimately, Rob encourages accountants to leverage their influence to drive positive change within the industry.Key TakeawaysIf you're relying solely on technical skills, you're falling behind.Building a standout personal brand can catapult you ahead.Influence is becoming as important as expertise in accounting.Your personal brand communicates your unique value and perspective.Trust is at an all-time low; influence is a precursor for trust.A strong personal brand accelerates career advancement.Consistency in content creation is key to maintaining influence.Engaging in conversations enriches your perspective and influence.Authenticity strengthens your influence and attracts people.Personal branding is about driving positive change and storytelling.◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown discusses the significant shifts occurring in the accounting profession, particularly the decline of the traditional partnership model. He emphasizes the need for firms to adapt to a corporate business model led by a CEO, driven by the growing influence of private equity. The conversation highlights the importance of technology, strategic leadership, and innovative hiring practices in shaping the future of accounting firms. Rob provides actionable strategies for aspiring leaders to enhance their influence and authority within their firms, advocating for modernization and collaboration.Key TakeawaysThe partnership model is increasingly seen as outdated and ineffective.Firms must adapt to a corporate model to remain competitive.Private equity is playing a significant role in transforming accounting firms.Technology and automation are essential for future growth and efficiency.Leaders should focus on long-term firm success over individual gain.Understanding the impact of private equity is crucial for strategic positioning.Specializing in niche industries can enhance a leader's value.Collaboration across departments is vital for firm growth.Innovative hiring practices can shape the future of accounting firms.Leaders must anticipate industry shifts to drive change.Watch on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/aQ6YzA87wMc◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode of the Accounting Influencer podcast, Rob Brown discusses the transformative power of public writing for accounting professionals. He emphasizes that writing in public can set individuals apart in their careers, enhance their reputation, and establish them as thought leaders in the industry. Rob addresses common fears associated with writing and encourages accountants to share their insights and experiences. He highlights the long-term benefits of consistent writing, not only for personal branding but also for the reputation of their firms. The episode concludes with practical tips for getting started with public writing.Key TakeawaysPublic writing can transform your career and reputation.Most accounting professionals fear writing in public.Writing publicly helps establish thought leadership.Everyday insights from your work are valuable to share.Consistency in writing leads to increased visibility.You can start writing even when no one is watching.Fear of judgment should not hold you back from writing.Building a personal brand benefits both you and your firm.Public writing can attract new clients and opportunities.Engaging in public writing sets a tone for leadership in your firm.Check out the show here on youtube: https://youtu.be/84xauQnfUjc◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

How well-equipped is the accounting profession to handle rapid technological advancements and a changing workforce? Are firms ready to embrace the future or stuck in outdated models?Rob Brown hosts an expert panel featuring Todd Robinson, Angie Grissom, Itamar Jobani, and James Hickey to discuss the future of the accounting profession. The conversation explores critical challenges facing accountants today, such as adapting to technological changes, AI integration, talent retention, and shifting towards a more advisory-based role. The panel shares their unique insights on how firms must navigate cultural shifts, embrace leadership, and rethink their traditional business models to stay competitive.The discussion also highlights the necessity of upskilling accountants and the role of technology in shaping the future. The panel dives deep into the transformative impact of AI, the benefits of a corporate rather than partnership model, and how firms can move from good to great by telling better stories and offering more personalized advisory services. They also emphasize the importance of attracting and retaining talent in a profession undergoing rapid change.Key Takeaways:✓ The accounting profession faces a critical people problem with talent shortages, driven by long work hours and declining interest from younger generations.✓ Contrary to fears, AI will not replace accountants but will enhance their roles by automating mundane tasks and enabling them to focus on strategic advisory services.✓ Strong leadership and innovative culture are key to moving accounting firms from good to great. Firms must empower young talent and create a strategic approach to problem-solving.✓ Accountants need to stop fearing technology and start viewing it as an enabler that helps streamline operations and enhance client service.✓ The outdated partnership model should evolve toward a corporate structure, enabling firms to be more agile and strategic.Quotes:"Your top clients are your competitors' top prospects. Are you showing up as their trusted advisor?" – Angie Grissom"AI won't kill the accounting profession; it will free accountants to do the work that really matters." – Itamar Jobani"Firms need to stop doing what they've always done and rethink what it means to add value in today's market." – James Hickey"The biggest threat? Talent. The next generation doesn't see accounting as sexy, and we need to change that." – Todd RobinsonView this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/JLCm3FGilXk◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

Are accountants ready to tackle the future, or will technology leave them behind? What major shifts are disrupting the profession, and how can accountants stay relevant?Rob Brown leads a lively discussion with an international panel of accounting professionals: Dr. Anton Lewis, Kelly Mann, Sabby Gill, and Eriona Bajrakurtaj. Together, they discuss the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities facing the accounting profession today. The conversation goes through how technology, particularly AI, is reshaping the landscape and what firms must do to stay competitive. The panelists also discuss the generational divide in tech adoption, the shortage of accounting talent, and the evolving role of accountants from traditional number-crunchers to strategic business advisors.The debate highlights the need for accountants to embrace innovation, improve client communication, and network with peers for knowledge sharing. As the profession moves forward, the panelists emphasize the importance of staying agile, adapting to technological advancements, and rethinking the skill sets accountants need to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.Key Takeaways:✓ Firms that don't adopt technology will fall behind and face extinction in the rapidly evolving accounting landscape.✓ Younger generations are more adept with tech but lack real-world experience; older generations need to catch up to new tools.✓ Accountants must see AI as a partner to enhance efficiency and service, rather than something that will replace them.✓ Moving beyond compliance, accountants need to focus on strategic advice and deeper client relationships.✓ Breaking down the silos within the profession can foster collaboration and innovation, helping accountants provide better services.Quotes:“In adversity, there is advantage—accounting's crisis is your opportunity.” – Anton Lewis“Accountants need to stop being generalists and start specializing.” – Kelly Mann“Technology is here to complement, not replace us—let's use it to provide better services.” – Eriona Bajrakurtaj“If you don't adopt technology now, you'll become the laggard of the industry.” – Sabby Gill“The profession's future lies in moving from compliance to deep, proactive client engagement.” – Rob BrownView this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/I9hLkQMp2G4◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

Is private equity killing or saving public accounting? What does the future hold for the accounting profession in the age of PE and AI?Rob Brown sits down with Tim Brackney, CEO of a private equity-backed accounting and advisory platform, to discuss the impact of private equity on the accounting profession. With a background in professional services and a current role at the intersection of PE and accounting, Brackney offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.The conversation delves into the current state of the accounting profession, highlighting the critical talent shortage and the evolving expectations of the younger workforce. Brackney shares his thoughts on how private equity is reshaping the traditional partnership model, driving efficiencies, and potentially offering solutions to long-standing issues in the industry. The discussion also touches on the interplay between private equity and artificial intelligence, and how these forces might shape the future of accounting.Key Takeaways:✓ Private equity is not killing public accounting, but rather offering potential solutions to existing problems ✓ The accounting profession is facing a critical talent shortage, with fewer people entering and staying in the field ✓ Private equity is creating both turbulence and opportunities in the accounting industry ✓ The traditional partnership model in accounting firms is being challenged by new structures and expectations ✓ The combination of private equity and AI could drive efficiencies and change the focus of accounting professionals Quotes:"Private equity is not killing public accounting. Public accounting, I think, was killing public accounting.""Talent's looking for a different way to operate. They want more flexibility. They want more ownership."View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/_FML6KBXYt8◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Is the accounting profession ready for its biggest transformation yet? With AI, private equity, and a talent shortage, how can firms stay competitive?Rob Brown is joined by top accounting leaders—Anthony Pugliese, Mark Edmondson, Philip Whitman, and Randy Crabtree—to discuss the shifts happening within the accounting profession. From technological advancements like AI to the increasing focus on ESG reporting, the panel explores the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for accounting firms.The discussion covers critical issues such as the talent shortage, the evolution of accounting into advisory roles, and the pressure on firms to embrace digital transformation. Despite the challenges, the panelists are optimistic about the future, highlighting how firms can adapt by upskilling, embracing technology, and changing traditional mindsets around compliance and billing models.Key Takeaways:✓ The profession is moving rapidly toward automation and AI, but accountants need to adopt these technologies to stay relevant.✓ Private equity is increasingly involved in the accounting industry, driving efficiency and digital transformation across firms.✓ With 75% of accountants nearing retirement, firms face a significant talent shortage. The profession needs to become more attractive to younger generations.✓ The traditional hourly billing model is outdated. Firms must focus on value-based pricing to stay competitive and align with modern business practices.✓ To attract top talent, firms must prioritize culture, mental health, and work-life balance, especially in an era where burnout is prevalent.Quotes:"We have to stop selling time and start selling value. It's about outcomes, not hours." – Randy Crabtree"Private equity sees accounting firms as the next big thing. The potential for efficiency and profit is immense." – Philip Whitman"The future of accounting isn't just about compliance—it's about being partners in innovation and technology." – Anthony Pugliese"Accountants need to shift their mindset from risk-averse to proactive if they want to survive and thrive." – Mark EdmondsonView this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/p-yr1Htaqmc ◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Are you ready for the AI revolution in accounting? Can the profession attract young talent in the face of tech-driven disruption?In this thought-provoking episode, host Rob Brown brings together industry veterans Bobby Lane, Randy Wootton, Rick Richardson, and Tony Szczepaniak to dissect the evolving landscape of the accounting profession. The panel dives deep into the integration of AI, the looming talent crisis, and the shifting demands of modern clients.Despite acknowledging significant challenges, including waning interest from younger generations and the disruptive force of emerging technologies, the experts offer a beacon of hope. They provide valuable insights on how accounting firms can adapt to this new reality, leveraging AI to deliver high-value advisory services and capitalizing on the increasing complexity of client needs. This episode serves as an essential guide for accounting professionals looking to navigate the turbulent waters of change and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.Key Takeaways:✓ AI will automate routine tasks, but firms embracing it can provide higher-value advisory services ✓ The industry faces a critical shortage of young professionals due to competition from tech sectors ✓ Firms focusing on specialized services or niche markets will be more competitive ✓ Clients now expect strategic advice and insights beyond traditional compliance work ✓ The rise of entrepreneurship creates opportunities for comprehensive back-office solutions Quotes:"AI isn't going to replace accountants—but accountants who embrace AI will replace those who don't." – Bobby Lane"The firms that survive will be those that move from back-office number crunching to front-office business strategy." – Randy Wootton"Young people aren't avoiding accounting because it's boring—they're choosing careers where they can see the impact of their work faster." – Rick Richardson"We're not asking if change will happen anymore. The conversation now is about when and how." – Tony SzczepaniakView this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/I7NMqA9vZjg ◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

How are the most successful accountants navigating the rapid changes in technology, regulation, and talent shortages? What secrets are the top industry leaders using to stay ahead in this ever-evolving landscape?Rob Brown leads a dynamic panel discussion with industry leaders Randy Johnston, Harry Blum, Jennifer O'Carroll, and Trevor Greenway. They discuss the profound shifts happening in the accounting profession today, from the impact of private equity to the essential role of technology and the future of talent management. The conversation explores through the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, regulatory changes, and the evolving role of accountants as trusted advisors. The panelists provide actionable advice on how firms can embrace change, enhance their value propositions, and future-proof their businesses. They also discuss the critical importance of upskilling, the integration of technology, and the need for accountants to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. Whether you're a firm owner, a practicing accountant, or someone interested in the future of the profession, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.Key Takeaways:✓ AI is transforming how accountants operate by automating routine tasks and providing deeper insights through data analysis.✓ As technology continues to advance, accountants must develop new skills to keep pace. This includes learning to use advanced software tools, understanding data security, and becoming proficient in data analysis. ✓ The growing involvement of private equity in the accounting sector is changing traditional business models. Private equity firms bring significant capital and a focus on efficiency, which can lead to innovations but also challenges to established practices.✓ The accounting industry is experiencing a shift from compliance-based services to advisory roles. This change is driven by the decreasing profitability of compliance work due to automation and regulatory changes. Firms that want to thrive must pivot towards offering more value-added advisory services, where they can provide strategic insights and guidance to their clients, rather than just focusing on routine tasks.✓ A firm's culture and sense of purpose are key to attracting and retaining top talent. In an environment where competition for skilled accountants is fierce, organizations that clearly define their mission and foster a positive, inclusive culture will stand out. Quotes:"Different is not always better, but better is always different." - Harry Blum"Accountants aren't just number crunchers; they're the key to unlocking business success." - Rob Brown"The future of accounting isn't about compliance, it's about being a proactive, trusted advisor." - Trevor Greenway"If you're not leveraging AI, you're already behind the curve." - Randy JohnstonView this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/g0ewmI109bE◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world.

Are AI and ChatGPT revolutionizing business advisory services? How can accountants leverage these tools to deliver more value to their clients?Rob Brown and Mark Wickersham, an expert in value pricing and AI applications for accountants, tackles the world of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence, exploring how these technologies are transforming the accounting profession, particularly in the realm of business advisory services.Mark shares his insights on how AI can help accountants overcome time constraints and boost confidence in providing strategic advice. He discusses the potential of ChatGPT for ideation, research, and strategy development, emphasizing that while AI is a powerful tool, it won't replace human expertise. The conversation covers practical applications, best practices, and ethical considerations for integrating AI into accounting workflows.Key Takeaways:✓ ChatGPT excels at ideation, research, and strategy development for business advisory ✓ AI can help accountants overcome time constraints and confidence issues in providing advisory services ✓ Accountants need to adapt to AI to stay relevant and maintain a competitive edge ✓ ChatGPT can analyze financial data and provide insights for client meetings ✓ The value is in the conversation with clients, not just in AI-generated reports Quotes:"AI is not going to replace us. It's how our competitors are going to use AI that's going to replace us."View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/jFQfxfl1W7A◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Is accounting really a dying profession? Or is it on the cusp of an exciting revolution?Rob Brown brings together a panel of industry experts to debate the future of accounting. Despite current challenges, the panelists paint a picture of a profession ripe with opportunity for those willing to embrace change and innovation.The discussion covers critical issues facing the accounting world, including talent shortages, technological disruption, and the need to rebrand the profession to attract new generations. The panelists offer insightful perspectives on how firms can adapt their business models, leverage technology, and create more fulfilling career paths. While acknowledging the hurdles, there's a strong sense of optimism about accounting's vital role in helping businesses succeed and the diverse opportunities available to those entering the field.Key Takeaways:✓ The accounting profession needs to rebrand itself to attract new talent ✓ Firms should move away from the "minnow management" business model to improve profitability and work-life balance ✓ Technology vendors need to work more closely with accountants to develop truly useful solutions✓ Involving next-gen talent in technology decisions can help drive innovation in firms ✓ There's a need to make the profession more inclusive and representative of the community Quotable Moments: "Accountants are the superheroes of the economy." - Renee Moelders "The only thing that's consistent in our firm is change." - Andrew Berg "We need to celebrate the successes and focus on the good things about the profession." - Sona AkmakjianView this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/QjI8E_kI8Z4◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this insightful episode, Rob Brown delves into the world of accounting firm valuations and sales with Brannon Poe. They discuss the current trend of consolidation within the industry, driven by the influx of private equity money and the large number of accounting professionals nearing retirement age.Brannon shares his expertise on the key factors that make an accounting practice valuable and sellable, including profitability, owner hours, location, and specialization.The conversation explores the various types of buyers for accounting firms, such as individual buyers, private equity firms, and strategic acquisitions by other firms. Brannon emphasizes the importance of understanding a buyer's motivations and ensuring a good fit, as selling a firm involves more than just financial considerations – it's about preserving client relationships and taking care of staff.In addition, he also offers practical advice for firm owners looking to maximize their firm's value before a sale, including purging unprofitable clients, raising prices, and focusing on specific service lines. He encourages accountants with an entrepreneurial spirit to consider starting their own niche boutique firm, as it can provide greater control over building a sellable asset.Key Takeaways:Location, profitability, and owner hours are crucial factors in determining an accounting firm's value and saleability.Specialization and avoiding being a generalist firm increase efficiency and profitability, making a firm more attractive to buyers.Understanding the motivations and fit of potential buyers (individual, private equity, or strategic acquisition) is essential for a successful sale.Purging unprofitable clients, raising prices, and focusing on specific service lines can significantly increase a firm's value before a sale.Starting a niche boutique firm can be a viable option for entrepreneurial accountants, allowing them to build a sellable asset tailored to their vision.Quotes:"If you've got low owner hours and high profitability, you're going to command a more premium price for your firm, and it's probably going to sell faster." - Brannon Poe"If you're wired a certain way, you're going to do (DO WHAT?)it anyway. So just go ahead and do it sooner rather than later." - Brannon PoeView this episode in video on YouTube here:https://youtu.be/MZwyyxsbkUs◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, book your place at the next gathering. Great for building your personal brand and making valuable industry connections in return for a small donation to charity: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to...

Is the accounting profession facing extinction or evolution? What does the future hold for accountants in a world of AI and rapid technological change?Rob Brown engages in a lively discussion with industry experts David Osborne, Katie Thomas, and Tom Hood about the current state and future of the accounting profession. The panel share their thoughts about the challenges that accountants are facing today, including talent shortages, technological disruption, and changing client expectations.The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the impact of AI and cloud technology on accounting practices to the need for a cultural shift in how firms treat their employees. The experts share insights on attracting and retaining talent, the importance of embracing change, and why, despite challenges, this is an exciting time to be in the accounting profession. They also discuss the role of marketing, the evolution of accounting education, and the need to rebrand the profession to appeal to a new generation of professionals.Key Takeaways:✓ AI and technology are not threats but tools to enhance accounting practices ✓ The talent pipeline issue is complex, involving culture, pay, and industry perception ✓ Firms need to adapt their business models and culture to attract and retain talent✓ Marketing is essential for attracting better clients and staying relevant in a changing market ✓ The accounting profession is undergoing a transformative period, offering exciting opportunities for those who embrace change Quotes:"Human capital is an asset, not an expense." - Tom Hood"We're not tied to a physical location. We have tools and resources that allow us to work from wherever." - Katie ThomasView this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/dOQqmlHZsLI◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of AI in accounting and finance? How can Azure OpenAI revolutionize the way financial professionals work?In this special bonus episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown explores the world of artificial intelligence with Microsoft experts Jas Brar and Matt Quinn. The conversation explores how AI, particularly Azure OpenAI, is transforming the accounting and finance sector, offering new opportunities for efficiency, insight, and value creation.Jas and Matt discuss the evolution of AI from traditional rule-based systems to more sophisticated generative AI, emphasizing how these technologies can augment human capabilities rather than replace them. They address common concerns about data security and privacy, explaining how Azure OpenAI provides a secure environment for businesses to leverage AI while maintaining control over their sensitive information. The experts also offer practical advice on how accounting professionals can start incorporating AI into their work, from using productivity tools like Copilot to partnering with IT teams for more complex implementations.Key Takeaways:✓ AI is evolving from rule-based systems to more sophisticated, context-aware models ✓ Azure OpenAI offers secure, private AI capabilities for businesses ✓ AI can help accountants shift from data crunching to more strategic, value-added activities ✓ Starting with productivity tools like Copilot can help professionals become comfortable with AI ✓ Successful AI implementation requires considering technology, processes, and people Quotes: "I'd rather flip that on its head and that way, you know, I'm more confident in the decision we would want to make based on spending more time getting to the roots of different scenarios on the table." - Jas Brar "Always start with why, right? How do you think about what, why would I use this technology? It's not technology for technology's sake." - Matt Quinn◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Is your accounting firm struggling to keep up with technology? Are you curious about how tech adoption could impact your bottom line?Rob Brown sits down with Joel Hughes of RightWorks to discuss the findings of their 2024 Accounting Firm Technology Survey. They delve into the current state of technology adoption in accounting firms, exploring the challenges and opportunities that come with embracing cloud-based, connected, and collaborative technologies.Joel shares key insights from the survey, including the surprising statistic that firms on the technology-mature side of the spectrum reported 39% higher revenue per employee than average. The conversation covers topics such as the obstacles to tech adoption, the importance of cybersecurity, and the potential impact of AI on the accounting profession. Joel also emphasizes the need for firms to modernize their practices to gain a competitive advantage and improve client relationships.Key Takeaways:✓ Firms that are technology mature reported 39% higher revenue per employee than average✓ The biggest challenges to tech adoption are lack of expertise, resources, and budget ✓ Cloud adoption can address cybersecurity concerns by providing managed security services ✓ Only 22% of firms reported a high percentage (75%+) of their clients using cloud technologies ✓ Firms need to align their technology adoption with their evolving business models to stay relevant Quotes:"The shared vision of what you want your firm to be and how you want it to work needs to be enabled by technology." - Joel HughesView this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/opSSeLuwCZk ◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Is the accounting profession facing an identity crisis? Can it adapt to meet the demands of a rapidly changing business landscape?Rob Brown brings together a panel of industry experts to discuss the future of accounting. Jeff Phillips, Maureen Dillmore, Samantha Louis, and Sandra Wiley share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the profession.The panelists share their thoughts with various topics, including the talent shortage, the impact of technology, the changing business model, and the need for a rebrand of the accounting profession. They discuss the importance of work-life balance, the role of private equity, and the need for firms to adapt to survive in a competitive landscape. The conversation also touches on the potential of AI, the importance of strategic technology adoption, and the need for better compensation models to attract and retain talent.Key Takeaways:✓ The accounting profession needs to rebrand itself to attract new talent ✓ Firms need to adapt their business models and embrace change to survive ✓ Technology integration and strategic adoption are crucial for future success ✓ Work-life balance and flexible work arrangements are becoming increasingly important ✓ Private equity is reshaping the accounting firm landscape Quotes:"Remote work is a great thing for our profession." - Jeff Phillips"We need to get over the idea that you can't have a work-life balance if you work for an accounting firm." - Samantha LouisView this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ZHg0IIw-wyU◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Is AI reshaping the accounting world? How can accountants harness the power of ChatGPT through prompt engineering?Rob Brown sits down with Mark Wickersham, an expert in prompt engineering and AI applications for the accounting industry. They discussed the world of ChatGPT, exploring its potential to revolutionize accounting practices and the crucial skill of prompt engineering.Mark Wickersham shares his journey with ChatGPT, emphasizing the importance of asking better questions to get better answers. He introduces the concept of prompt engineering as a vital communication skill in the AI era. The discussion covers various aspects of crafting effective prompts, from specifying roles and formats to considering the intended audience. Wickersham also provides practical examples of how accountants can leverage ChatGPT for tasks ranging from financial analysis to content creation, highlighting the tool's potential to dramatically increase productivity and enhance client services.Key Takeaways:Prompt engineering is essentially communication with AI systems Good prompts include specifying roles, response formats, and audience considerations ChatGPT can be used for financial analysis, research, and business advisory in accounting firms Mastering prompt engineering can save hours of work and open new opportunities for accountants It's not AI that will replace accountants, but how competitors use AI that may make others irrelevantView this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/KTS58DjGvsg◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Is the accounting profession facing an existential crisis? How can accountants stay relevant in a rapidly changing world?Rob Brown brings together three industry experts to discuss the future of accounting and the challenges facing the profession. Laura Day-Henderson, Michael Hsu, and Alan Morgan share their insights on the threats to accounting, the resistance to change within the industry, and the need for a shift in focus from compliance to advisory services.The panel explores the role of technology, talent acquisition, and education in shaping the future of accounting. They discuss the importance of soft skills, the need for a more entrepreneurial mindset, and the potential for accountants to provide tremendous value to businesses. The conversation also touches on the role of professional bodies, the impact of AI, and the opportunities for specialization within the field.Key Takeaways:Relevancy is a major challenge for the accounting profession Resistance to change is holding accountants back from embracing new technologies and practices There's a need to shift focus from compliance to advisory services and providing value to business owners Education and training in technology, including AI and coding, will be crucial for accountants in the future The accounting profession offers diverse opportunities for specialization and passion-driven careers Quotes:"I think the biggest threat to us is ourselves. We have a resistance to change." - Laura Day-Henderson"We need to start seeing the application of accounting to achieve dreams, aspirations of businesses, or even personal lives." - Michael HsuYou can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channelhttps://youtu.be/piLILTD0rncJoin the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, book your place at the next gathering. Great for building your personal brand and making valuable industry connections in return for a small donation to charity: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can...

Is the accounting profession facing an existential crisis? Or is it on the brink of unprecedented opportunities?Rob Brown assembles a panel of industry experts to dissect the current state and future prospects of the accounting profession. Jean Caragher, Jeremy Clopton, Rick Telberg, and Tamera Loerzel bring their wealth of experience to the table, offering insights on everything from talent shortages to technological disruption.The conversation delves deep into the challenges facing accountants today, including the struggle to attract new talent, the need for a shift in business models, and the impact of remote work. However, it's not all doom and gloom. The panelists also highlight the immense opportunities available to those willing to embrace change and innovation. They discuss the importance of compassionate leadership, the need for better metrics beyond billable hours, and the potential for accountants to position themselves as true business advisors.Key Takeaways:The accounting profession needs to address the talent shortage by rethinking education requirements and work culture Remote work is here to stay, and firms need to adapt their policies to attract and retain talent The partnership model in accounting firms may be outdated and needs to be reevaluated Technology should be seen as an enabler for better processes, not just a solution to pain points The future of accounting lies in advisory services and helping businesses achieve their goalsQuotes: "Complacency is one of the threats that we often run into." - Tamera Loerzel"Every accountant is an entrepreneur." - Rick Telberg"Let's stop arguing about it and fighting it and just get to work." - Jeremy Clopton on remote work"We need to focus on results-based metrics and what are the deliverables." - Tamera Loerzel"The CPA brand is one of the best in the world." - Rick TelbergYou can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channelhttps://youtu.be/SUhzVy194H0Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, book your place at the next gathering. Great for building your personal brand and making valuable industry connections in return for a small donation to charity: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand...