Accounting Influencers Podcast

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:

Who Should Listen?

This episode is a must-listen for:

Quotes from the Episode:

Call to Action:

Follow Accounting Influencers on LinkedIn for more of this content. And watch this episode on Youtube here:

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 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 Takeaways

Watch this on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2BaxT8xZQqY

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 Takeaways

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 Takeaways

Watch on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/aQ6YzA87wMc

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 Takeaways

Check out the show here on youtube: https://youtu.be/84xauQnfUjc

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 Robinson

View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/JLCm3FGilXk

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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 Brown

View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/I9hLkQMp2G4

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 Edmondson

View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/p-yr1Htaqmc

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 Szczepaniak

View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/I7NMqA9vZjg

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 Johnston

View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/g0ewmI109bE

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 Akmakjian

View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/QjI8E_kI8Z4

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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:

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 Poe

View this episode in video on YouTube here:

https://youtu.be/MZwyyxsbkUs

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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 Thomas

View 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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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

View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/gPru_OoGQSY

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 Hughes

View 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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 Louis

View 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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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:

View 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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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:

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 Hsu

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://youtu.be/piLILTD0rnc

Join 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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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? 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:

Quotes: 

"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 Telberg

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://youtu.be/SUhzVy194H0

Join 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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Is artificial intelligence overhyped, or will it revolutionize the accounting profession? How can accountants prepare for the AI-driven future?

Rob Brown interviews Mark Wickersham, a veteran accountant and AI enthusiast, about the impending impact of artificial intelligence on the accounting profession. Wickersham predicts significant changes in the industry by 2030, including the automation of bookkeeping and tax return preparation. He highlights the rapid advancements in AI technology across various sectors and explains how these developments will inevitably transform accounting practices.

The discussion covers the current state of AI adoption in accounting firms, the potential of tools like ChatGPT, and the importance of embracing new technologies. Wickersham emphasizes the need for accountants to focus on creating value for clients beyond traditional compliance work and advocates for value-based pricing models. The conversation provides valuable insights into how accountants can prepare for and thrive in an AI-driven future.

Key Takeaways:

Quotes:

"Data's where the power is. Data's where the money is." [00:11:50]

"Productivity goes through the roof when we use it, when we use it properly." [00:14:30]

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://youtu.be/MnEXckAjVZU

Join 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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Host Rob Brown is joined by Sue Coffey, CEO of Public Accounting at the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), and Lexy Kessler, Partner at Aprio and Chair of the AICPA's National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG). They look into the alarming talent shortage facing the accounting profession and the potential solutions proposed by the NPAG.

Lexy and Sue discuss the overwhelming evidence pointing to a significant talent pipeline issue in accounting, including declining enrolment in accounting programs, fewer students pursuing the CPA credential, and challenges in retaining young professionals in their first five years of employment. But can the profession overcome this challenge? Rob, Sue, and Lexy explore the root causes, such as the profession's perceived image, the cost and time commitment of education, and the need for evolving business models at accounting firms.

The NPAG's findings underscore the urgency of addressing the talent pipeline issue collaboratively, involving stakeholders from academia, regulators, state societies, and the profession itself. Sue and Lexy share their optimism that by implementing the recommended solutions, the accounting profession can overcome this challenge and attract the talent required to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

"We are a profession that communities, businesses, and economies need, and we just need to address our talent shortages and adapt." - Sue Coffey

"It's not just Debits and credits to that point. It's really about the business person piece of it and the different scenarios and the strategy behind the numbers as well. So there's much more to it than, than processing or, or producing a product and that's it. It's much, much more than that." - Lexy Kessler

Key Takeaways:

The accounting profession is struggling with a talent pipeline shortage, but it's not "withering on the vine" as some suggest. - Sue Coffey

Improving storytelling and celebrating the profession's impact is crucial to attract younger generations. - Lexy Kessler

The cost and time commitment of education, especially for socioeconomically disadvantaged students, is a significant barrier to entry. - Sue Coffey

Firms need to evolve their business models to provide a better experience for young professionals in their first five years, addressing issues like excessive hours and meaningful work assignments. - Sue Coffey

Modernizing the CPA licensure process is a long-term goal to ensure the profession remains sustainable and relevant in the future. - Lexy Kessler

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://youtu.be/JaLe1nq9lk4

Join 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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Ever wondered how top accountants stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry?  

Rob Brown hosts a panel of influential voices in the accounting world to discuss the current state and future of the profession. The conversation delves into the threats and challenges faced by accountants, the need for rebranding and attracting new talent, the role of technology, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

The panelists, including Paul Surtees, Leslie Shiner, Denise Froemming, and Adam Lean, share their candid perspectives on the commoditization of accounting services, the importance of shifting from compliance-focused to advisory-focused roles, and the need for accountants to speak the language of business rather than accounting jargon.

They emphasize the necessity of embracing technological advancements like AI and automation to free up time for more meaningful work and the imperative of fostering financial literacy in society.

Key Takeaways:

Quotes:

View this episode in video on YouTube here:

https://youtu.be/aS_eaA5zVtg

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

This international panel discussion explores the current state and future trajectory of the accounting profession. The distinguished panel includes influential leaders and innovators in the field such as Arun Mehra, Chase Birky, Eric Gregg, and Jody Padar to share their diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

The conversation kicks off with an assessment of the profession's current shape. While the panelists acknowledge the existence of challenges, such as talent shortages and outdated business models, they also recognize the immense opportunities arising from technological advancements, changing client expectations, and the influx of capital from private equity and venture capital firms.

The discussion highlights the importance of embracing change, prioritizing culture and purpose, upskilling in areas like technology and advisory services, and positioning accountants as trusted business advisors rather than mere compliance providers.

As the dialogue progresses, the guests underscore the immense potential for accountants to thrive in the evolving business landscape by embracing innovation, redefining their value proposition, and becoming trusted advisors to their clients.

Key Takeaways:

Quotes:

"There are some real pioneers in this space who are doing things differently, who are trying things differently, sometimes not always working, but I think we should support them and encourage them because if we have those pioneers, other people will follow and ultimately do things differently and innovate." - Arun Mehra "The best accountants are going to be more technologists than classic accountants." - Chase Birky "We're going to self-serve a lot more of this relationship with a lot more visibility into the steps that are happening behind the scenes." - Eric Gregg "The technology that's here today, and the technology that's coming in the future, is going to allow us to be more human and help our clients better and faster, and still get to go home on time." - Jody Padar

View this episode in video on YouTube here:

https://youtu.be/PF0h65LzTAY

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Brannon Poe is the author of "The Unplugged Vacation," and founder of Poe Group Advisors and Accounting Practice Academy. Rob Brown and Brannon Poe delve into the often-overlooked challenges accountants face in managing their time and achieving work-life balance. Brannon, sheds light on the realities of the accounting profession, where the relentless demands of clients and the struggle to maintain boundaries can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction.

Brannon's book, "The Unplugged Vacation," serves as a guide for accountants to reclaim control over their time and learn the art of truly disconnecting from work during vacations. Through personal anecdotes and insights, he underscores the importance of setting boundaries, purging underperforming clients, and implementing value-based pricing to create a sustainable and fulfilling practice.

The conversation explores the challenges accountants face in saying "no" to clients, leading to unfocused and overextended practices. 

Brannon emphasizes the importance of firm culture, work-life balance, and the need for accountants to break free from the billable hour mindset, which can perpetuate the cycle of overwork and undervaluation.

Key Takeaways:

Quotes: 

"You don't like your practice, keep raising your prices until you do." - Brannon Poe

"If you're equating your time to money, well, there's probably one of the first problems you got to solve." - Brannon Poe

View this episode in video on YouTube here:

https://youtu.be/LIP3OXh_yEk

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

This international panel discussion explores the current state and future trajectory of the accounting profession. The distinguished panel includes influential leaders and innovators on the field such as Dianne Yetter, Sarah Dobek, Tom Barry and Jeff Seibert to share their diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

The conversation goes through with an assessment of the profession's current shape. While the panelists acknowledge the existence of challenges, such as talent shortages and outdated perceptions, they also recognize the immense opportunities arising from technological advancements and evolving client needs. 

The discussion highlights the importance of embracing change, upskilling in areas like communication and strategic thinking, and positioning accountants as trusted business advisors.

As the dialogue progresses, the guests share their visions for the future of accounting. Predictions range from the rise of accounting for virtual economies and cross-disciplinary education to the potential demise of the traditional partnership model and the globalization of services delivery. 

The panelists also emphasize the need to address persistent myths and raise financial literacy to foster a better understanding of the profession's true value.

Key Takeaways:

Quotes:

"We have to tell a better story. What made Anderson great is the way that they onboarded people, the way that they ingrained them into what was great about the profession." - Sarah Dobek

"It's the best of times and the worst of times for accounting." - Tom Barry (paraphrasing Charles Dickens)

Watch in video format on youtube here: https://youtu.be/SuOqR21SLB4

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

This international panel discussion explores where the accounting profession is headed and what it needs to do to remain relevant. The all-star panel includes influencers Daniel Dronsfield, Amy Vetter, Jasen Stine and Andrew Harding.

The experts agree the profession is at an inflection point, with a divide between those embracing change and those resistant to it. Firms unwilling to adapt face potential irrelevance as the workforce ages and talent becomes scarce. Persistent myths like accountants being stuck in the past need debunking.

Successful future accountants will need skills beyond number-crunching, such as communication, strategic thinking, and an entrepreneurial mindset. The panelists urge learning from other industries' client-centric and innovative approaches.

Bold predictions include the rise of accounting for virtual economies, more cross-disciplinary education, the demise of the partnership model, and globalized services delivery.

If granted a magic wand, the panelists wish for raising financial literacy, closing the public's expectation gap on audit failures, and fostering a culture of technology integration.

While tumultuous times loom, the profession's future brims with opportunities for the adaptive. As Stein states: "It's the best and worst time" for accounting.

Key Takeaways:

"If your business model is serving people in volume and you want the 100, 1040 or the 50 a month bookkeeping client, I mean, you're in for a rude awakening because frankly, nobody really does want that." - Jason Stine

"We'll see the emergence of cross-disciplinary accounting degrees, certifications that lend finance and technology with traditional accounting education. The accountants of tomorrow, they'll need to have a very broad knowledge base to navigate the complexities of modern business." - Daniel Dronsfield

Watch in video format on youtube here: https://youtu.be/NsYHJu8dRTo

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Jeremy Clopton is a governance and leadership expert who works extensively with accounting firms.

Jeremy and Rob delve into the critical topic of governance best practices for successful accounting firms. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of separating governance (strategic decision-making) from operations (day-to-day management). He shares insights on streamlining decision-making processes, delegating authority, and fostering effective communication within partner groups.

Clopton's insights shed light on the common challenges firms face as they grow, including the need for partners to relinquish autonomy and embrace a more structured, business-like approach to governance.

He stresses the importance of clearly defining decision-making authority at different levels within the firm and ensuring that partners understand and buy into the governance model.

Key Takeaways:

"You can either be running your firm like a business, or you can be running it as nine different firms that all sit under the same roof."

View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/QYUCukwNwQs

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

This episode features a panel discussion on the challenges and future of the accounting profession. Panelists include Ed Kless, Michael Turner (Validis), Steve Cox (IRIS), and Dan McMahon (Integrated Growth Advisors). They delve into issues like the billable hour model, talent shortages, resistance to change, the role of technology like AI, client advisory services, private equity's impact, and more. The conversation offers insightful perspectives on where accounting is stuck and what kind of transformation is needed.

Panelists:

- Ed Kless, Former Senior Director of Partner Development and Strategy at Sage

- Michael Turner, CEO of Validis

- Steve Cox, Business Intelligence Director at IRIS

- Dan McMahon, Management Consultant at Integrated Growth Advisors

Key Topics:

- The billable hour as the "cancer" holding back accounting

- Need to transition to selling knowledge/value instead of time

- Talent shortage and struggles to attract newcomers

- Importance of purpose, values, and accountability for great firms

- Role of change management to drive transformation

- Predictions on multidisciplinary teams, data-driven audits, advisory services

"Stuck. In a word, stuck...The cancer of the accounting profession is the billable hour and the timesheet." - Ed Kless

"Let's eliminate the annual performance review and instead institute after action reviews...that is the replacement for the timesheet." - Ed Kless

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Rob Brown discusses the future of accounting with special guests Davis Bell, Geni Whitehouse, Geoffrey Brown and Jason Blumer. The panel provides insights into the key challenges and opportunities facing accountants, from talent retention and technology adoption to redefining the role of the modern accountant.

The conversation delves into the accounting profession's image problem, with the panel highlighting the need to better communicate the diverse career paths and meaningful work available to aspiring accountants. They also explore the shifts in firm ownership models, the rise of entrepreneurial mindsets, and the importance of accountants embracing a more advisory and future-focused role.

The guests share their predictions for the profession, including the changing talent pool, the commoditization of certain services, and the critical need for firms to integrate technology and business analysis skills. Overall, the episode paints a picture of an industry in flux, but one that holds immense potential for those willing to adapt and lead the charge towards a more dynamic and impactful future for the accounting profession.

Key Takeaways:

1. The accounting profession is facing a talent pipeline challenge, with a need to better retain and attract the next generation of accountants.

2. Embracing a more advisory and insight-driven approach is crucial for accountants to remain relevant and add value to clients.

3. Firms must adapt their ownership models and business structures to meet the needs and expectations of the incoming generation of leaders.

4. Technology and automation will continue to disrupt the profession, presenting both threats and opportunities for accountants.

5. Accounting firms should actively seek to integrate business analysis and technology skills into their teams to stay ahead of the curve.

Quotes:

"We need to start talking about what it means to be a finance and accounting professional much earlier, high school, junior high even, because there's a lot of opportunity there."- Geoffrey Brown

"If we can convince some people to keep coming into the profession, I mean, we're going to kill it. We're going to kill it over the next 30 years, I think." - Jason Blumer

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Jeff Seibert is the co-founder and CEO of Digits, a modern accounting platform. Jeff and Rob delve into the impact of AI on the accounting profession, exploring its potential to revolutionize the industry while also addressing concerns and misconceptions surrounding this emerging technology.

Jeff explains the fundamental concepts of machine learning and artificial intelligence in layman's terms, emphasizing that AI is not aimed at replacing accountants but rather augmenting their capabilities and freeing them from tedious tasks. He discusses the two main branches of machine learning – generative models like ChatGPT and predictive models – and how Digits is leveraging the latter to automate bookkeeping with an 87% accuracy rate.

The conversation also touches on the importance of data security, collaborative finance, real-time accounting, and the need for accountants to embrace technology to stay relevant and competitive. Jeff's message is one of hope, encouraging accountants to experiment with AI and adopt these tools to enhance their practices and better serve their clients.

5 Key Takeaways:

"AI is not going to be the death of accounting. Just like the calculator wasn't the death of accounting, the computer wasn't the death of accounting." - Jeff Seibert

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

This engaging panel discussion explored the rapidly evolving landscape of the accounting profession, addressing the challenges, opportunities, and pivotal factors shaping its future. The panelists delved into topics such as technological disruption, changing workforce dynamics, the erosion of public trust, and the critical skills and mindsets required for accountants to stay relevant and indispensable in an era of unprecedented change.

The conversation highlighted the shared responsibility among various stakeholders, including individuals, firms, professional bodies, and technology providers, to drive the profession forward and maintain its ethical integrity. The panelists emphasized the importance of continuous learning, specialization, problem-solving, agility, and client-centricity as key competencies for accountants to cultivate in this transformative period.

Important Takeaways:

"Innovate or perish. Because honestly, at the end of the day, the reality is we're all consultants, and what's our mindset? How do we adapt to this changing world? We either innovate or we retire." - David Cieslak

"Time is going to become so much less relevant. The minute they offshored and outsourced and didn't put people's time into their time system for that work, pricing on time is ridiculous." - Jennifer Wilson

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

This is an insightful discussion on the future of the accounting profession, featuring an esteemed panel of accounting industry leaders and experts - Gary Boomer, Val Steed, Sarah Beale, and Bob Lewis.

They delve into the current state of accounting, the need for change, potential threats like AI and automation, the importance of rebranding and improving the profession's perception, the relevance of accounting qualifications, predictions for the profession's future, and more.

The panel acknowledges that while accounting has historically been stable, it's currently facing the most profound changes from all angles - economic shifts, regulatory uncertainties, technological disruptions like AI, and a severe talent shortage.

They emphasize that to remain relevant, the profession must adapt, innovate, improve processes, diversify talent, focus on advisory services, leverage technology intelligently, and most importantly, change its perception among the youth to attract the required talent.

Key Takeaways:

- The accounting profession is amid a transformative period driven by the accelerated pace of change, AI/automation, increased private equity investments, and changing workforce dynamics. Firms that fail to adapt will struggle to survive.

- The biggest threat is from entrepreneurs and firms that don't change their mindset from just providing compliance services to becoming strategic advisors understanding and solving clients' core business challenges.

- Rebranding the profession is crucial to attract diverse, younger talent by changing the perception that it's just number-crunching to showcasing it as an exciting, entrepreneurial career with varied opportunities.

- Accounting qualifications must continuously evolve with changing business needs, emphasizing skills like communication, ethics, sustainability, and digital proficiency along with technical expertise.

- Key predictions include greater advisory services adoption, private equity/consolidation, AI-driven automation of routine tasks, and the rise of accounting "big-box" firms offering integrated professional services.

- It's an opportune time in accounting, presenting transformative prospects for those willing to develop required skills, embrace technology, focus on advisory/consulting services, and be part of steering the profession's narrative.

"There is so much change out there, which means so much opportunity. And I think we've got the opportunity to carve out our profession in a really different way that adds massive value to business, economy, and society, if we get it right."- Sarah Beale 

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Rob Brown and Jeremy Clopton discuss work-life balance and productivity in the accounting profession.

Jeremy, a thought leader in the industry, shares his candid views on why traditional work-life balance is a flawed concept and offers a fresh perspective on prioritizing life over work. He emphasizes the importance of defining personal success, setting boundaries, and identifying the right work to focus on rather than falling into the hustle culture trap of merely doing more.

Jeremy's wisdom challenges the notion that more hours equate to greater productivity and encourages professionals to shift their mindset towards quality over quantity. He provides practical tips for leaders and individuals alike to recalibrate their priorities, acknowledge their contributions to the current situation, and make meaningful changes to improve their work-life harmony.

Key Takeaways:

"If you model a life that nobody else wants, then you can't figure out why people don't want to be a partner." Jeremy Clopton

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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

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this panel discussion, host Rob Brown brings together knowledgeable guests from the accounting industry to discuss the current state of the profession, the challenges and threats it faces, and make bold predictions about the future of accounting. The panelists include Jeff Gramlich (Managing Director, Validus), Pat Morrell (Co-Founder, iWin), Hitender Patil (Director, Datamatics Business Solutions), Doug Lewis (Director, The Visionary Group), and the host Rob Brown.

The conversation covers various topics, such as the impact of technology, artificial intelligence (AI), outsourcing, private equity investments, talent acquisition, and the evolving role of accountants. The panelists share their insights and expertise, offering diverse perspectives on the industry's transformation and the changes firms must embrace to remain competitive and future-ready.

Key Takeaways:

"Accountants are so very needed, but they just can't reach all the masses that they need to reach, right? So I think it's a great flux to be in." - Hitendra Patil

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

This engaging roundtable discussion explores the future of the accounting profession from multiple perspectives. Host Rob Brown is joined by Gary Shamis, Lexy Kessler, Roger Knecht and Calvin Harris to debate whether accountants need to change, examine threats and challenges facing the field, discuss making accounting an attractive career choice, and share bold predictions.

The panel acknowledges accounting is in flux, with technology, staffing shortages, and an increasingly transactional approach reshaping the profession. However, they see tremendous opportunity amid this disruption for those willing to adapt. Private equity investment, offshoring, and new firm models are expected, as well as a continued push to redefine accounting's relevance and enhance the pipeline of emerging talent.

Key Takeaways:

"The sky isn't falling, it's just we're having to act and move."

- Roger Knecht

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Discover how Bob Lewis shapes CPA firm futures with M&A, advisory services and growth tactics. Essential listening for accountants and CPAs

In this episode, host Rob Brown interviews Bob Lewis, CEO of The Vision Group, about major disruptions happening in the accounting industry.

They discuss the key inflection points causing disruption such as aging partners, workforce shortages, emerging technologies, and private equity investments. Bob explains the importance of recognizing these disruptions and taking proactive steps to get "disruption ready".

He shares insights on managing people, improving firm profitability, preparing for leadership transitions, and rethinking service offerings to meet evolving client needs.

Key Takeaways:

Quotable Quotes:

"The disruption is occurring all around them and they can't control it."

"CPA firms, accounting firms, they're becoming consultant agencies."

Jim Bourke is a thought leader in the accounting profession. Jim and host, Rob Brown, extensively discuss the impact of private equity investments and rapidly evolving technology on the accounting landscape.

Bourke emphasizes the substantial changes brought about by private equity, altering traditional norms of firm acquisitions and augmenting profitability. He also underscores how technology, particularly artificial intelligence and machine learning, is reshaping the profession.

He talks about the demographic shift witnessed in the field with younger, tech-savvy professionals driving change. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the challenges and opportunities faced by firms contemplating mergers and acquisitions.

Bourke offers valuable advice for both junior and senior professionals in the accounting industry to stay relevant and thrive in the face of these sweeping transformations.

Key Takeaways

➯Private equity has permanently changed the accounting profession, affecting acquisitions, firm structure, and revenue models.

➯Technology, such as generative AI, is transforming the way accountants work and offering opportunities for increased efficiency and specialization.

➯Young professionals should view mergers and acquisitions as opportunities for growth and differentiation within the evolving accounting landscape.

➯Successful deals require a period of engagement and cultural alignment, as deals that neglect these factors are more likely to fail.

➯To stay relevant, accountants must embrace change, invest in technology, and adapt to the evolving needs and expectations of clients.

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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

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Rob Brown interviews Katie Thomas, a podcasting expert, about the benefits of podcasting for accountants and finance professionals. Katie makes a compelling case for why podcasting is worth the investment of time and resources, even in a crowded space with over 5 million active podcasts.

Katie explains how podcasting helps build relationships and trust with both existing and prospective clients. It establishes you as an expert in your niche and gives you a platform to share valuable insights. Podcasting also generates content that can be repurposed across social media, your website, and other marketing channels.

Katie also offers practical tips for getting started, like batch recording episodes in advance for busy seasons and working with a professional agency so you only have to focus on the recording.

Key Takeaways:

➯ Podcasting builds trust and relationships with your audience.

➯ It establishes you as an expert in your niche.

➯ A podcast spearheads content that can be repurposed across channels.

➯ You don't need millions of listeners to benefit.

➯ Consider hiring an agency to handle production so you simply have to record.

"Podcasting is a way that you can build peri-social relationships. So you don’t have to go out 1 by 1 to all these people listening to your podcast or consuming your content that. your content that’s a byproduct of that podcast, but rather those people, they feel like they know you, they like you, they trust you, but you’re doing it on a mass scale."

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Rob Brown interviews Geni Whitehouse, an accountant turned speaker, author, and trainer who helps CPAs make the transition from compliance work to becoming trusted advisors for their clients.

They discuss why technology hasn't replaced accountants, the importance of communication skills for advisors, asking insightful questions, and overcoming the resistance many accountants have to expanding their services.

Geni emphasizes that the future of the accounting profession depends on building deeper relationships with clients by uncovering their goals and turning financial data into meaningful insights.

Key Takeaways:

"Technology, is going to be the final liberating force in our lives that allows us to do the stuff that we really want to do."

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, book your place at the next gathering: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections in return for a small donation to charity.

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this insightful conversation, Nicolas Boucher shares his perspective on how artificial intelligence (AI) and tools like ChatGPT are transforming the accounting and finance functions.

He emphasizes that AI will not make these roles obsolete but rather enable professionals to focus on more strategic and value-adding activities. Boucher highlights the importance of embracing technology, learning coding (e.g., Python), and developing communication skills to effectively translate financial insights to non-finance stakeholders.

Key Takeaways:

"The world is going to belong to people that are the best at communicating ideas, not going to belong to the people that have the best ideas." - Nicolas Boucher

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Marketing expert Jo Edwards brings 35 years of experience to the topic of personal branding for accountants and CPAs in creating industry rockstars in accounting.

Jo shares why building a strong personal brand is critical for standing out and attracting high-quality clients in a competitive marketplace.

Rob and Jo discuss how to build an authentic brand aligned with your interests, the power of microniche expertise, and how to measure your brand's progress.

Jo emphasizes being intentional about developing your brand and using tools like content creation and public speaking to raise your profile. She offers advice for overcoming introversion and making time for branding activities.

Jo argues that amplifying your personal brand is essential for commanding premium fees, generating referrals, fast-tracking your career, and achieving influence in your firm.

Key Takeaways:

"Any accountancy firm that isn't winning more than 80 percent of their new work from referrals is doing something wrong."

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, book your place at the next gathering: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections in return for a small donation to charity.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Steve Cox, Director of Business Intelligence @ IRIS Software Group, shares what works for accountants and CPAs during and post busy tax seasons.

Rob and Steve discuss the international prevalence of busy seasons, and the impact it has on accountants in terms of long hours, stress and mental health.

Steve provides advice for accountants on how to get through busy season and how to reflect afterwards on what went well and what could improve. He emphasizes the importance of long-term planning and strategy, reviewing your client list, and looking at processes and workflows.

Steve also discusses the role of software vendors in supporting accountants during busy season. He predicts that busy season will continue but technology and benchmarking can help smooth out the cycles.

Key Takeaways:

"Frazzled is a really good word to describe them because there isn’t much else you can say. It is all those long hours take their toll."

"Is life going to get easier for an accountant? No. Everyone seems to be thinking that AI is either going to come and replace their jobs or make their lives easier."

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, dropping every Monday to 40,000 accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

For today's show "Ken Schmitt, Founder of TurningPoint Executive Search and 'The Practical Optimist' author, discusses practical optimism tools for accountants in tough times."

In this inspiring episode, host Rob Brown interviews author and executive recruiter Ken Schmitt about cultivating practical optimism. They discuss how leaders can create engaged, empowered teams by trusting employees and giving them autonomy. 

Schmitt emphasizes taking "baby steps" to make changes sustainable, whether it's becoming more optimistic personally or reaching big goals professionally. He suggests limiting doomscrolling on social media and following more uplifting accounts instead. 

Schmitt also stresses the importance of transparency and open communication when mistakes inevitably happen, noting that optimism enables resilience and perseverance. With tips for improving mental health, nurturing relationships, and achieving work-life balance, this episode provides an optimistic roadmap to start the new year off right.  

Overall, Schmitt makes the case that optimism is an attainable mindset, not pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking. 

Key Takeaways:

- Optimism is a mindset and a frame of reference. It's about believing you can make a positive difference, even amidst uncertainty.

- Leaders who empower and trust their teams create more engagement and satisfaction. Micromanaging squashes innovation.

- Transparency about company culture and clear communication of expectations helps attract and retain the right talent.

- Limit doomscrolling on social media. Follow accounts that bring you joy and inspiration instead.

- Mental health challenges are surmountable. Seeking help is a sign of strength and agency, not weakness. 

"If you're too optimistic, you may take big risks that don't pay off. If you're too practical, you won't take many risks at all."

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

"CEO Richard Kopelman unveils Aprio's massive expansion, secret projects and shares invaluable CPA advice for global accounting success."

Richard Kopelman, CEO and Managing Partner of accounting firm Aprio, shares his personal philosophy of staying positive and never giving up, the importance of having a well-written strategic plan, and his vision to have truly global accounting firms.

Kopelman shares how staying positive and persistent has been key to leading Aprio's tremendous growth from $70 million to $450 million in revenue. 

He emphasizes the importance of having a well-defined strategic plan and sticking to it, even though growth is never a straight line. 

Kopelman also provides insight into transitioning accounting firms beyond traditional partnership structures into more corporate models in order to scale. His vision is to have truly global accounting firms without restrictions. 

Throughout the discussion, Kopelman's passion for the profession and commitment to seizing opportunities comes through clearly.

"My personal philosophy is to stay positive and never give up. I'm not very good at taking no for an answer."

Key Takeaways:

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

"Explore the success journey of Aprio, a Top 30 US Accounting Firm, with CEO Richard Kopelman. Gain insights from overseeing 25+ strategic mergers & acquisitions."

Richard Kopelman, CEO and Managing Partner of Aprio, discusses the exciting transformation and rebranding of HA&W into a global business advisory and accounting firm.

He explores the high demand for accounting services due to changes in business, regulatory requirements, and technology. A key challenge for accounting firms, according to Kopelman, often lies in mindset, with many professionals needing to shift from a risk-averse outlook to a more positive, entrepreneurial one.

He highlights the importance of an inclusive, growing, and nurturing work culture and leveraging technology for business operations, emphasizing the crucial role of data. He shares the hiring strategies of Aprio and discusses the future of the accounting sector, expressing a keen interest in the endless opportunities that constant change brings.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

If 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/therobbrown

Jennifer Warawa is a trailblazer in the accounting world. She's the North American president of a leading firm, a self-made entrepreneur, and even a foster parent. However, her standout achievement isn't just financial—it's a remarkable employee net promoter score (NPS) above 60. Her workplace thrives on purpose, passion, and even a few laughs, like the notorious beanbag chair mishap. Learn how to build a company culture where employees are genuinely happy and engaged.

Dive into the world of digital transformation in accounting firms. Jennifer reflects on a stagnant decade-long conversation. While some firms embrace tech, others lag, widening the gap. Discover why change is crucial for future success and explore the clash between fast-paced tech and the traditional accounting profession. Accountants must offer more value by focusing on higher-level tasks. Discover which firms will thrive and how to attract and retain talent.

Why resist change? Comfort with the status quo or thinking clients are content might be reasons. However, clients may not fully grasp an accountant's value until they experience it elsewhere.

Learn how automation can boost efficiency and allow accountants to focus on high-value tasks.

Jennifer Warawa is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the accounting field. She successfully operated her firm in Canada for half of her impressive career. In the other half, she took on various high-profile global executive leadership roles at Sage.

Jennifer currently holds the esteemed position of President at QuickFee North America, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. QuickFee specialises in cutting-edge financing, online payment, and e-invoicing solutions, primarily catering to professional service firms, particularly in the accounting and legal sectors.

Jennifer's outstanding accomplishments have garnered her a multitude of prestigious honours. She was consistently among the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Accounting according to the CPA Practice Advisor and the AICPA for an impressive seven-year period from 2013 to 2019. Accounting Today also celebrated her as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People for an impressive nine consecutive years from 2010 to 2018. Furthermore, she stood out as a remarkable talent by being honoured as a member of the "Top 40 Under 40" by CPA Practice Advisor for an impressive six years straight, from 2010 to 2015.

Beyond her illustrious career, Jennifer is renowned as a thought leader. As a keynote speaker, she has graced numerous industry events and business conferences, consistently earning top ratings for her insightful contributions.

On a personal note, Jennifer and her husband, Shane, have been a devoted foster parent since 2014. Their home has been a haven for 11 children, ranging in age from 6 to 18, exemplifying their deep commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections. ◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

The Art of Saying No & Other Productivity Strategies with Mark Fritz

Mark Fritz focuses on the vital topic of saying no and setting boundaries. Mark highlights the significance of being assertive and maintaining focus to say no to various demands and requests effectively. He emphasises the value of listening and understanding the perspective of others when communicating a refusal. Mark also discusses the challenges busy professionals face, particularly accountants, who often feel overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks and responsibilities they have to handle.

He shares his observations on the current era of information overload and the need for individuals to prioritise and do less to achieve more. Mark suggests learning from other sectors can provide valuable insights and strategies for managing workload and avoiding burnout. The episode further delves into the psychological factors behind saying no, such as fear of disappointing others, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the pressure to fit in or be seen as a team player.

Mark offers practical advice on overcoming these fears and setting personal boundaries. He advocates for open communication and understanding between colleagues and leaders and the importance of aligning personal and professional priorities. In addition, the episode explores the role of scripts or prepared responses in navigating difficult conversations and saying no clearly and concisely. Mark highlights the importance of staying true to one's boundaries and goals and avoiding over-commitment. Throughout the interview, Mark provides examples, personal anecdotes, and practical tips on developing the confidence and assertiveness needed to say no effectively.

Mark Fritz is an accomplished leader who focuses on driving change across diverse cultures and distances. With a rich international career spanning numerous countries, including Egypt, Netherlands, Italy, and Japan, Mark has successfully spearheaded enterprise-level change initiatives. His expertise lies in leading transformation and reengineering efforts, effectively managing virtual teams, and fostering the growth of diverse, resilient groups.

Mark has left an indelible mark on executives and organisations worldwide as a renowned leadership specialist. He has been instrumental in helping them reshape their leadership approaches, resulting in improved outcomes and lasting impact. Mark's influence extends to prestigious business schools like IE Business School and HEC, where he imparts his wisdom through enlightening courses on leadership and influence.

Within organisations, Mark crafts tailored leadership programs that fortify leaders and equip them with the tools necessary for growth and triumph. His journey has taken him around the globe, where he's lived in various countries and worked in over 50 nations. Currently residing in London with his Japanese wife, Mark enjoys playing golf and cherishes collaborating with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, recognising the invaluable lessons such experiences offer.

Mark Fritz is renowned for his commitment to empowering leaders to shift away from micromanagement and embrace a culture of ownership and achievement. His expertise lies in unlocking the full potential of teams. Through impactful keynotes and masterclasses, he delivers inspirational experiences brimming with practical advice and actionable steps.

With a steadfast dedication to enhancing performance, influencing others, and mentoring, Mark's thought-provoking sessions and ongoing support have become integral to organisations' growth journeys. His unique blend of inspiration and practicality leaves audiences with clear actions and a deep desire to become the leaders they aspire to be. Mark Fritz is the catalyst for transformation and excellence in leadership.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Rob Brown interviews Marina Koijmans, a talent and workplace expert, on the topic of talent management and upskilling in the accounting profession. Marina begins by explaining the challenges of talent management in today's rapidly changing world. She highlights the importance of reskilling and upskilling due to the ever-changing marketplace and the need for organizations to adapt and stay relevant. She mentions that technology-driven change and innovation are key drivers of this need for new skills.

The conversation then shifts to the perception of accountants as not traditionally being associated with innovation. Marina acknowledges this but emphasizes that the accounting profession is also evolving and recognizing the importance of upskilling and change. She explains that accountants need to acquire not only technical skills but also digital skills and advisory skills to meet the changing needs of customers.

Marina introduces the concept of a skill strategy and explains that organizations need to focus on skills rather than job descriptions. She mentions the importance of internal mobility and how it allows employees to develop new skills in different environments. She also highlights the benefits of international mobility, as it provides opportunities to learn from different cultures and enhance career growth.

The conversation then delves into the various skills and competencies that should be part of any skill strategy or framework. Marina outlines five skill groups: technical skills, digital skills, advisory skills, leadership skills, and human skills. She emphasizes the importance of leadership, storytelling, problem-solving, ethics, integrity, and effective communication in the accounting profession.

Rob and Marina discuss the challenges faced by accountants in upgrading their skills. Marina acknowledges that many accountants feel comfortable with their current knowledge and are hesitant to step out of their comfort zones, particularly when it comes to human skills. However, she highlights the importance of continuous learning and personal development to stay relevant in a changing landscape.

The conversation concludes with Marina discussing different learning approaches and methods. She mentions the use of blended learning, including classroom training, e-learning, and audio books. Marina emphasizes the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own learning and development.

Overall, this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast provides valuable insights into the challenges and importance of talent management and upskilling in the accounting profession. It highlights the need for accountants to adapt, develop new skills, and embrace continuous learning to succeed in a rapidly changing industry.

Marina Kooijman is the Chief People Officer at HLB, based at the Executive Office in London. In this pivotal role, Marina spearheads the development and execution of HLB's comprehensive people strategy, driving the organization towards innovation and inspiration. She is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant corporate culture rooted in HLB's core values and purpose.

Marina firmly believes that nurturing talent and cultivating a diverse, inclusive environment, where every individual feels secure, valued, and respected, is the key to achieving business success and sustainable growth.

Before joining HLB International, Marina garnered a wealth of experience working with renowned international firms such as Deloitte and PwC, both in the Netherlands and across borders. Her extensive background in talent management positions her as a seasoned professional in her field.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Rob interviews Jeff Gramlich from Validis. They discuss various topics related to the accounting profession and the role of technology in driving efficiency and quality. Jeff shares insights on the paradigm shift towards data-driven audits and the impact of technology on the industry. They also explore the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in the accounting profession. Jeff highlights the difference between good and great accounting firms and the importance of technology adoption in staying ahead. They also touch on the future of the profession and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and perspectives on the accounting profession and the role of technology in shaping its future.

Jeff is a seasoned CPA with over 40 years of experience in the accounting industry, having started his career at Arthur Young & Co. He holds a CITP certification and has made significant contributions to the US accounting sector. Notable highlights include his role as President & CEO of the Small Firm Services business unit at CCH and serving as President of AccountantsWorld. Jeff is deeply committed to enhancing the industry, from streamlining everyday workflows to elevating overall quality standards. In his current role at Validis, he is at the forefront of leveraging technology for audit processes and establishing key strategic partnerships to bring cutting-edge ideas and solutions to the market.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

Rob Brown interviews Chirag Shah, the founder and CEO of Nucleus Commercial Finance, a UK-focused lender.

Chirag discusses the challenges and opportunities in the financial space, particularly in lending and funding. He also talks about the importance of financial analysis and forecasting for businesses, emphasizing the need for businesses to understand their cash flow and plan effectively.

The interview highlights the role of accountants and advisors in helping businesses make sound financial decisions and navigate uncertain economic conditions.

Chirag Shah is the founder and CEO of Pulse, a visionary platform that empowers businesses, accountants, and business advisors with a tailored dashboard showcasing vital statistics and trends. With over two decades of experience in financial services, Chirag has consistently demonstrated his expertise. In 2011, he pioneered the establishment of Nucleus, a renowned alternative finance entity, offering flexible and personalized financial solutions for SMEs, regardless of their industry or growth stage.

Recognizing the pressing economic challenges UK SMEs face, Chirag introduced Pulse in October 2022, a groundbreaking platform harnessing the power of AI for in-depth financial analysis, benefitting both businesses and accountants. Chirag's mission extends beyond enhancing the UK's business landscape; he is dedicated to assisting SMEs in honing their data comprehension skills to chart a path to success. Chirag's expertise encompasses the significance of forecasting, the key elements that constitute effective forecasts, and the selection of the proper forecasting tools.

His vision for Pulse revolves around transforming it into a comprehensive forecasting tool, addressing the challenges SMEs encounter, elucidating Pulse's role, and exploring the far-reaching implications of AI in this context.

For more information about Nucleus, visit https://nucleuscommercialfinance.com/

To learn more about Pulse, https://mypulse.io/

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Understanding the Vendor-Accountant Relationship and the Future of Events in Accounting

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown conducts an in-depth interview with Seth Feinberg, author of the Feinberg Review. They discuss the evolving relationship between tech vendors and accountants, including the trust issues and the need for vendors to better understand accountants' needs. Seth highlights the role of events for vendors to directly communicate with their target market. The conversation covers how vendors can build more meaningful relationships with accountants, the future of accounting events, and how the profession can evolve with these changes.

Seth Fineberg is a seasoned accounting industry consultant and Content Strategist with an impressive track record spanning over 30 years. His extensive career has primarily revolved around shaping the evolution of the accounting profession. Seth's notable roles include serving as the Technology Editor at Accounting Today and leading AccountingWEB's US team.

In his current venture, Accountants Forward, Seth is dedicated to driving progress within the accounting profession by curating high-quality, practical, and valuable content. He takes on various roles in content creation and execution, including articles, podcasts, webinars, white papers, and live events.

For those seeking valuable insights and updates, Seth offers a Free Weekly newsletter on his website. He is also a recognized contributor to prominent publications such as CPA Trendlines, Karbon Magazine, Accounting Today, and The Woodard Report.

Seth's expertise lies in two key areas: (1) fostering strong vendor-accounting relationships and (2) orchestrating successful events, marketing strategies, media outreach, and garnering attention in the accounting industry.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

Rob Brown welcomes Stuart Pedley-Smith, Chief Learning Officer at Kaplan Financial, to discuss the evolving landscape of qualifications and their relevance in today's finance and accounting profession. Stuart, with over 25 years of experience in accountancy education, shares insights into the changing roles of finance professionals, emphasizing the need to adapt to technological advancements. The discussion explores the importance of maintaining core principles while incorporating new tools and technologies in qualifications. Stuart also highlights the role of technology in reshaping the profession and the potential for technology-based assessments. Overall, the episode delves into the challenges and opportunities facing finance professionals in a rapidly evolving industry.

Stuart Pedley-Smith, a certified accountant, has dedicated his career to professional education. As Kaplan's Head of Learning, he shapes the company's education strategy, advocates best practices, and fosters a culture of learning. With over two decades of teaching accountancy students, Stuart's insights culminated in his book on examinations. His expertise informs engaging talks, a monthly blog, and podcasts on exam success. Stay tuned for Season 4 of the Kaplan Learn Better Podcast, and explore his insightful blogs:

Kaplan Learn Better Podcast (Season 4 coming soon):

https://kaplan.co.uk/learn-better-podcast

Kaplan Learning Blog (General Kaplan Blog):

https://kaplan-learning.com/blog

Pedley-Smith Blog (Exploring evidence-based learning and exam success):

https://pedley-smith.uk/

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

Des O'Neil shares his insights on helping accountants and bookkeepers realize their full potential and make a real impact on their clients. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy and passion in one's business and highlights that it's never too late to change direction for better results. Des also discusses the difference between authentic influencers and those who may not provide genuine value. Simplifying business and life comes down to clarity and understanding what you want, setting boundaries, and consistently delivering value to clients.

Des O'Neil, an experienced accountant on a mission to help you rapidly boost your firm's profitability while reducing stress. With a unique blend of technical expertise and a passion for creating sustainable businesses, Des is not just an accountant; he's a transformational force.

In a world filled with constant deadlines and regulatory challenges, Des understands the struggles accountants face, from attracting and retaining the right staff to dealing with less-than-ideal clients. He's been there, and he has the solutions.

With over 15 years of experience and a proven track record, Des has worked with thousands of firms, developing ProfitPro and the Winning Firm Workshop. If you're ready to achieve a more profitable and rewarding accounting business, Des O'Neil is here to guide you.

Learn more at https://theprofitpro.com/ and discover the better way to run your accounting business with Des O'Neil.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

We have the honor of hosting Sarah Ghosh, the President of CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). Sarah provides insights into the dynamic world of management accounting and its relevance in today's business landscape.

With a diverse membership representing various roles and industries, CIMA is at the forefront of shaping the future of finance professionals. Sarah discusses the evolving responsibilities of accountants, from embracing technology and sustainability to promoting inclusion within the profession.

The conversation delves into how technology, including AI and machine learning, is transforming the way accountants work and make decisions. Sarah emphasizes the importance of agility and staying updated with technological advancements.

Sustainability is another key focus, with Sarah highlighting the role of accountants in addressing sustainability challenges and aligning with regulations and frameworks. She discusses the ethical considerations related to data and the profession's responsibility in promoting sustainable practices.

Inclusion is a topic close to Sarah's heart, and she shares her involvement in initiatives like CIMA Women in Leadership, aiming to create a more inclusive accounting profession.

The episode offers a comprehensive look at the evolving roles and responsibilities of accountants, providing valuable insights for both current and aspiring finance professionals. Join us for an engaging conversation on the future of the accounting profession with Sarah Ghosh.

Sarah Ghosh is an accomplished finance and IT professional with a keen interest in the transformative power of technology within the business landscape. With a particular fascination for AI and Quantum technologies, Sarah is dedicated to understanding how these innovations are reshaping industries and accelerating decision-making processes.

Throughout her career, Sarah has garnered extensive experience and expertise, allowing her to work effectively at the C-suite level across various sectors. Her unique blend of financial acumen and IT proficiency positions her as a valuable asset in the rapidly evolving business world.

Sarah's true value lies in her ability to provide insights and practical knowledge during board discussions. In an era marked by economic, geopolitical, and environmental challenges, she brings a wealth of experience to the table, enabling her to inform and influence strategic decisions effectively.

Passionate about the implications of technology on value creation, customer experiences, and social and environmental impacts, Sarah Ghosh is a forward-thinking professional dedicated to driving positive change and innovation in the corporate world.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

Rob Brown sits down with Calvin Harris, the CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs. Calvin discusses his role in leading the organization that represents CPAs in New York State and beyond. He shares his perspective on being a CPA and the importance of the credential.

Calvin talks about the challenges and opportunities facing the accounting profession today, emphasizing the need for CPAs to demonstrate their relevance in a changing landscape. He highlights the role of technology, communication, and storytelling in showcasing the value of the accounting profession to younger generations.

The conversation also touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the profession and the lessons learned from it. Calvin shares insights into the evolving role of CPAs and the importance of adaptability.

Tune in to gain valuable insights from Calvin Harris on the state of the accounting profession and the path forward for CPAs in a dynamic world.

Calvin Harris Jr., CPA (MD), is the CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs, the oldest state accounting association in the U.S. With 30+ years of executive experience, he's been a CFO, auditor, forensic accountant, consultant, and entrepreneur.

A Morehouse College graduate, Calvin previously served as the SVP & CFO of the National Urban League in NYC and CFO of Baltimore City Community College. He's held leadership roles at organizations like the United Nations Foundation, NeighborWorks America, Legal Services Corporation, and Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation. His career began as an auditor at Arthur Andersen.

Calvin, the 24th Chairman of the Board and National President of the National Association of Black Accountants, has a deep passion for the accounting profession, inspired by his mother, a high school bookkeeping teacher. A Maryland native, he now calls Brooklyn, New York, home.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

Rob Brown were joined by a true visionary in the world of finance and entrepreneurship, Adam Lean.

Adam Lean's journey from accountant to two-time entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable. He's built, scaled, and successfully sold two businesses, all while honing his expertise in financial management. Today, he's the driving force behind The CFO Project, a training company that equips financial professionals with the skills to provide outsourced CFO and business advisory services.

Join us as we dive deep into the world of accounting and entrepreneurship with Adam Lean. In this episode, we explore what clients genuinely seek from their accountants and strategies for growing your practice without increasing your workload. We delve into assessing your readiness to provide business advisory services and discuss how to attract new clients through these offerings. Additionally, Adam shares insights on maximizing value by upselling business advisory services to existing clients, effective pricing strategies for these invaluable services, and the critical transition from a time-for-money model to achieving true business ownership.

Adam Lean is a dynamic individual with a background as a former accountant turned successful entrepreneur, having built, scaled, and sold two businesses. However, his true passion lies in teaching and empowering other business owners. Recognizing the importance of financial success and peace-of-mind for entrepreneurs, Adam is dedicated to providing valuable tools and resources to help them make informed decisions, increase profitability, and achieve a sense of security in their endeavors. Through his expertise and experience, he strives to make a positive impact on the lives of business owners, guiding them towards greater prosperity and fulfillment.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

Rob Brown has the the privilege of hosting Richard Francis, the visionary Founder and CEO of Spotlight Reporting. As a global business intelligence software company dedicated to serving accounting firms and CFOs, Spotlight Reporting has been at the forefront of transforming the accounting profession. Richard takes us on a journey through his personal and professional evolution, from his early days in accounting to the pivotal moment when he saw the need for revolutionary reporting, forecasting, and consolidation tools.

Richard's passion for driving change in the accounting landscape shines through as he discusses Spotlight Reporting's mission: to empower accountants and CFOs to provide meaningful, value-added services. He emphasizes the importance of advisory services, a topic often overshadowed by compliance, and shares his vision of accountants as catalysts for profound change in their clients' lives.

The conversation delves into the recent survey conducted by Spotlight Reporting, revealing fascinating insights into accountants' readiness to embrace transformation and the shift towards more advisory-focused services. Richard's intellectually curious nature and commitment to innovation shine through as he explores the evolving role of technology, artificial intelligence, and the changing dynamics of hiring in the accounting profession.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of accounting and the incredible opportunities it offers in a rapidly changing world. Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery, uncovering the exciting prospects that lie ahead for accountants and CFOs alike.

Richard Francis is the visionary founder and CEO behind Spotlight Reporting, a global business intelligence software company catering to the needs of accounting firms and CFOs. Since its inception in 2011, Spotlight Reporting has grown to include over 50 dedicated professionals spread across Australia, the UK, Canada, the US, and New Zealand. Today, it proudly serves as the trusted tool for over 2,000 forward-thinking firms, impacting over 100,000 businesses each month. Notably, Spotlight Reporting has garnered numerous prestigious awards, solidifying its position as a multi-award winner in the industry.

Before his remarkable journey with Spotlight Reporting, Richard served as a General Manager at Xero from 2012 to 2014. His expertise in software development led to the successful acquisition of his own software business in 2012. Prior to venturing into the tech world, Richard began his career as a Chartered Accountant, honing his skills at a prominent firm. He later embarked on a transformative journey to the UK, where he spent four enriching years.

Upon returning to New Zealand in 2001, Richard and his wife, Julie, embarked on an entrepreneurial path, establishing a 'boutique' advisory practice. This endeavor focused on delivering Virtual CFO and strategic services, further enriching Richard's extensive and diversified background in the accounting and software industries.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

Martin Bissett featuring Gordon King from The World of Twist, the conversation delves into the intersection of creativity and accounting in the music industry. Gordon King shares insights into the rise and fall of The World of Twist, a band he co-founded, shedding light on the financial dynamics within the group. As creative professionals navigating the music scene, the band members initially had little business acumen and entrusted their manager with handling finances. Gordon reflects on the naivety and excitement that often accompany young musicians signing major record deals, highlighting the importance of understanding contracts and financial arrangements in the music business. The discussion provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenges faced by creative individuals when dealing with the business side of their careers.

World of Twist was an English indie pop band formed in Sheffield in 1985, experienced various lineup changes throughout history. The band's original lineup featured James Fry (vocals), Andrew Hobson (bass guitar), Gordon King (guitar), Tony Ogden (drums), Rory Conolly (saxophone), Nick Phillips (organ), and Andy Robbins (synthesizer). After disbanding, a new lineup emerged in Manchester in 1986.

While the band gained attention for their live shows and radio sessions, their debut album, "Quality Street" (1991), didn't receive significant critical or commercial success. Despite not touring North America, "Sons of the Stage" succeeded in Toronto and New York. Creative differences and Ogden's decision to stop singing contributed to the band's dissolution in 1992.

QUATERMASS III is the pilot recording of this exciting project that came from the minds behind World of Twist, Earl Brutus, and The Dials. Presented by The Ministry of Light Entertainment in collaboration with the British Experimental Rocket Group and Science Monthly, QUATERMASS III promises to be a unique and groundbreaking musical endeavour.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Join host Rob Brown on this captivating episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast as he dives deep into the entrepreneurial mindset with special guest Nathan Hirsch. Nathan, a lifelong entrepreneur, is renowned for his unique focus on the often overlooked but vital aspects of entrepreneurship: bookkeeping and hiring. As the mastermind behind EcomBalance/AccountsBalance and Outsource School, Nathan has a wealth of wisdom to share about his journey and insights.

Nathan's entrepreneurial journey began with co-founding FreeUp.net in 2015, starting with a modest $5,000 investment. Listen as he recounts how he transformed this venture into a remarkable success story, scaling it to an impressive $12 million in yearly revenue before it was acquired in 2019. As a true testament to his expertise, Nathan continues to lead EcomBalance/AccountsBalance, a monthly online bookkeeping service tailored for eCommerce and digital businesses, and Outsource School, a membership platform dedicated to teaching business owners the art of effective online hiring.

With over 700 podcast appearances under his belt, Nathan brings his wealth of experience and knowledge to this episode. Delve into discussions about entrepreneurship, his worst moments, and pivotal lessons learned along the way. Explore the fascinating dynamics of selling a business, the due diligence process, and the factors that led Nathan to make such a monumental decision.

Discover Nathan's valuable insights into team management, remote Virtual Assistants (VAs), and tips for comprehending your business financials better. Gain exclusive insights into the inception and growth of FreeUp, the keys to its remarkable success, and the nuances of selling a business. Nathan's expertise also extends to his insights on the importance of delegation, hiring strategies, and common hiring pitfalls that entrepreneurs should be aware of.

Nathan shares his motivation behind starting Outsource School and EcomBalance, providing valuable insights into hiring distinctions, preferred hiring sources, and the significance of financial knowledge for business owners. As Nathan emphasizes the importance of financials in both operating and selling a business, he also shares his vision for the future of EcomBalance.

Don't miss this enlightening episode as Nathan Hirsch and Rob Brown uncover the entrepreneurial mindset, valuable lessons, and strategies that shape the landscape of successful businesses. Tune in for an engaging conversation that offers actionable takeaways for both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

Follow Nathan Hirsch on LinkedIn for more insights and updates on his entrepreneurial journey.

Nathan Hirsch, a lifelong entrepreneur, focuses on vital yet often overlooked aspects of business like bookkeeping and hiring. He owns EcomBalance/AccountsBalance and Outsource School. Known for co-founding FreeUp.net with a $5,000 investment, scaling it to $12M in yearly revenue, and selling in 2019, Nathan now leads EcomBalance/AccountsBalance and Outsource School. He's a featured guest on 700+ podcasts and can be found on LinkedIn.Links and Other Info

Personal Social Media:

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathan.hirsch/

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realnatehirsch/

● Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhirsch/

Business Social Media Links:

EcomBalance

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecombalance/

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecombalance1/?hl=en

● Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecombalance/

Accounts Balance

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accountsbalance1

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecombalance1/?hl=en

● Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountsbalance

Outsource School

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outsourceschool1

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outsourceschool/

● Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outsourceschool/

Company Links:

● https://www.outsourceschool.com

● https://www.ecombalance.com

● https://accountsbalance.com

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

In this episode, we are joined by Paul Barnhurst, an experienced financial planning and analysis (FP&A) professional. Paul shares his expertise in differentiating accounting from FP&A, highlighting how FP&A brings a forward-looking finance lens to guide strategic decision-making. Discover the critical role FP&A plays in budgeting, forecasting, and partnering with business leaders. Paul also sheds light on the essential social skills that complement technical expertise and elevate FP&A professionals as valued partners within organizations.

Distinguished as "The FP&A Guy," Paul Barnhurst boasts an illustrious career spanning over a decade in the finance landscape. His remarkable journey includes pivotal roles at industry titans like American Express and Solera, culminating in his current role as the visionary force behind a thriving FP&A consulting firm.

An esteemed influencer within the FP&A community, Paul's passion lies in sharing his invaluable insights and extensive expertise. His active presence on LinkedIn sparks vibrant discussions, while his thought-provoking webinars and training sessions empower finance professionals globally.

Paul's commitment to knowledge dissemination extends to his engaging podcast initiatives. The "FP&A Today" podcast, available on Spotify, provides a platform for in-depth explorations of financial planning and analysis. Additionally, his "Financial Modeler’s Corner" podcast showcases his prowess in simplifying intricate financial modeling concepts.

As the founder of "The FP&A Guy," Paul not only embodies the fusion of passion and proficiency but also exemplifies his dedication to fostering growth and innovation within the finance domain. His contact details, readily available for those eager to connect, reflect his genuine enthusiasm for forging meaningful relationships and sharing his wealth of wisdom. Website: thefpandaguy.com

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

In this episode, Terrell Turner, an accounting professional, shares his career journey from technical accounting to launching his own firm. He highlights the evolving role of accountants, shifting from working in the background with numbers to taking the front line in driving business decisions and influencing organizations.

Terrell emphasizes the importance of accountants becoming entrepreneurs and business owners, engaging in conversations about overall business strategy to add maximum value to their clients. He discusses the power of building influence within the accounting industry, especially through content creation, to enhance career prospects and ease interactions with non-accountants. Terrell also delves into the importance of niche specialization for accounting firms, sharing his experience in finding the right fit by focusing on law firms, which aligns with their staff capabilities and offers stable clientele. Through strategic networking, Terrell's firm has become recognized in the American Bar Association, illustrating the value of a targeted approach to building a successful accounting practice.

Terrell Turner is a trailblazing figure in the accounting world, recognized as the CEO of a prestigious accounting firm and a 40 Under 40 Black CPA. As a double-time Top 20 global finance influencer, his impact is profound and far-reaching.

At the helm of a New York Times-acknowledged accounting firm, Terrell leads a team dedicated to offering meticulous bookkeeping and CFO services, with a specialized focus on serving law firms.

Terrell's influence extends beyond his firm. He hosts engaging podcasts that unravel the intricacies of finance for business owners, translating complexities into actionable insights. An accomplished speaker, he effortlessly simplifies accounting and finance, leaving a lasting impact on stages and screens alike.

Terrell Turner's commitment to demystifying finance is reshaping the industry, making him an inspiration to professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

Website: www.TLTurnerGroup.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/terrell.turner.7

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrellturner/

Instagram - https://twitter.com/Biztalklibrary

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@stuffyouraccountantisnttelling

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

In this episode, Jen Cryder, the CEO of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA), shares her journey from an English major to a successful career in accounting. Representing around 20,000 accounting and finance professionals in Pennsylvania, PICPA serves as a unique state society dedicated to empowering bookkeepers and CPAs alike. Jen emphasizes the importance of diversity within the profession, where PICPA's membership includes college and high school students exploring accounting careers, practitioners in public accounting firms, and educators in corporate finance. With a strong focus on shaping the future of the profession, Jen discusses the challenges and opportunities of staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of accounting, driven by technology, changing standards, and human capital needs. Collaboration among state societies and stakeholders becomes paramount as they work together to address common challenges and share innovative solutions.

Jen Cryder is a trailblazing leader serving as the CEO of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). As a CPA with practical experience, she brings a valuable perspective to her role, adeptly solving problems and creating opportunities to benefit PICPA's members. Jen's leadership is characterized by transparency, integrity, and a diverse skill set that spans Finance, Accounting, M&A, Operations, Business Development, Change Management, Stakeholder Relations, and Nonprofit Organization Management. With a keen understanding of the evolving landscape of technology and capital markets, Jen navigates as an agile and collaborative executive, addressing disruptions and prioritizing the growth of the organization. She places equal emphasis on empowering diverse teams, ensuring all individuals have access to professional development opportunities to achieve their goals. Committed to member value, Jen fosters strong connections and engagement to tailor PICPA's programs, products, and services accordingly. Notably, as the first female CEO in PICPA's 125-year history, Jen is dedicated to honoring the organization's legacy while strategically shaping the future of accounting and finance with an unwavering focus on member success.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

Steven Hoffman delves into the dynamic changes taking place in the accounting industry driven by cloud-based technology and advisory services.

He emphasizes the significance of controllership, providing real-time financial information, and becoming a business coach to clients through advisory roles. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of cloud-based solutions, transforming the way businesses operate and how accountants offer their services. Steven discusses the increasing importance of controllership, understanding economic realities, and translating them into actionable insights for clients. The debate over the necessity of credentials in accounting is also explored, with a focus on the value accountants bring through advisory expertise and modern tech tools. As the industry continues to evolve, accountants are moving towards value-based pricing and providing customized services that address the specific needs of businesses, ushering in a new era of financial consulting and forward-looking strategic planning.

Steven Hoffman is the entrepreneurial mind behind multiple successful ventures. From founding a non-profit at 15 to co-founding a software company in India, he has been driving innovation throughout his career.

As the COO of Woodard, Steven empowers accounting professionals nationwide to modernize and standardize their practices for business success. Additionally, he runs Mavergy, providing executive advisory services for growing businesses.

Passionate about leadership, Steven believes we need self-aware, empathetic, and courageous leaders now more than ever, unafraid of change. With expertise in various topics, including CAAS, he captivates audiences with his insights and inspiration.

Connect with Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinkstevethink/ and witness his impactful journey of leadership and innovation.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

Adam Lean delves into the challenges accountants encounter in their quest to increase their income and the struggle to break free from being perceived as mere commodities. He emphasizes the need for accountants to transition into trusted advisors for small and medium-sized businesses, guiding them towards success and growth. Traditionally, accountants have been focused on recording the past, but Adam argues that they hold the potential to become forward-focused advisors, helping their clients make informed decisions for a thriving future. He stresses the importance of building trust with clients, providing clear and actionable advice, and understanding the unique needs of each business owner. By doing so, accountants can elevate their value and shake off the shackles of being seen as interchangeable entities, paving the way for a more fulfilling and prosperous profession.

Adam Lean is a dynamic individual with a background as a former accountant turned successful entrepreneur, having built, scaled, and sold two businesses. However, his true passion lies in teaching and empowering other business owners. Recognizing the importance of financial success and peace-of-mind for entrepreneurs, Adam is dedicated to providing valuable tools and resources to help them make informed decisions, increase profitability, and achieve a sense of security in their endeavors. Through his expertise and experience, he strives to make a positive impact on the lives of business owners, guiding them towards greater prosperity and fulfillment.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlean

For more about the CFO Project: https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service?utm_source=accounting-influencers&utm_medium=3N9K7QJ

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube CTA

Okorie Ramsey discusses his role and responsibilities as part of the global board supporting approximately 700,000 members worldwide highlighting three priorities: driving innovation, instilling integrity in sustainability areas, and supporting the next generation of accountants and the importance of leveraging technology, such as AI, to advance the profession and attract top-tier talent. He also addresses challenges in the pipeline of accounting professionals, including birth rates, education costs, and unclear career paths. Ramsey advocates for diversity in the profession and building bigger tables to accommodate different perspectives.

Okorie Ramsey is a distinguished finance and accounting professional with a rich and impactful career. He has made significant contributions to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) through various volunteer roles, including serving on the AICPA Board of Directors and the Association Board of Directors. Currently, at Kaiser Permanente, Ramsey holds a crucial position overseeing SOX and Model Audit Rule compliance, ensuring effective internal controls over financial reporting for the integrated healthcare enterprise. With 14 years of experience at Kaiser Permanente, he has held diverse roles, including Vice President, Finance Compliance Officer, and Director of Sarbanes/Oxley and Financial Governance. Ramsey's passion for mentoring, demonstrated by his involvement with the National Association of Black Accountants and his role as an adjunct professor, reflects his commitment to fostering growth in others.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Randy Johnston shares insights from his experience at AICPA Engage. The event was abuzz with discussions around artificial intelligence (AI), with several major players in attendance. Randy highlights the significance of the event, including the 40 under 40 influencer meeting and the recognition of the most powerful women in accounting. He mentions engaging conversations with CEOs and CTOs, delving into product strategies and insights. Over the years, the focus of the event has shifted from low-level technology to management strategy, reflecting the fast-paced changes in the industry. Randy also addresses concerns about independence in the profession, undisclosed relationships, and the impact of private equity acquisitions on operations and support. He emphasizes the importance of independent advisors and the need for transparency in the industry.

Randy Johnson is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with an impressive 20 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in credit and collections spanning 10 years, Randy has honed his skills in effectively managing financial transactions and mitigating risks. For the past decade, Randy has focused on accounting, taking on diverse projects and assignments as a Salaried Professional consultant for Robert Half, Inc. Throughout this time, Randy has gained valuable expertise in various accounting areas, including sales and use tax, property tax, Sarbanes-Oxley auditing, and general ledger accounting. With a comprehensive understanding of financial processes and regulations, Randy brings a wealth of knowledge to his roles and consistently delivers accurate and reliable results.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Hannah Munro emphasizes the importance of seeing transformation as an ongoing journey in the finance industry. Hannah, as a consultant, works with fast-growing businesses to reorient their processes, people, and technology to create an automated finance team. She discusses the challenges of transformation projects and highlights the need for clear objectives and measurable success metrics. Hannah emphasizes the significance of technology, process adaptation, and accurate data management for successful transformations, urging businesses to embrace change to stay relevant in the dynamic finance landscape

Hannah Munro is the Managing Director of itas, a Financial Transformation consultancy specializing in Sage technologies. With a passion for helping finance teams and businesses, Hannah and her team provide personalized solutions to reduce month-end close time, implement real-time reporting, automate purchasing processes, and more. Hannah also hosts the CFO 4.0 podcast, offering actionable advice and inspiration for CFOs and finance leaders. To learn more about Hannah and itas, visit itassolutions.co.uk. Reach out for virtual coffee and discussions on financial transformation and technology.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Mentioned in this episode:

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Jim Bourke shares insights on growing accounting firms through advisory services. He emphasizes the ever-changing nature of the profession and the importance of embracing technology as the driving force behind advisory practices. Jim discusses the need to align technology infrastructure with advisory goals, highlighting the selection of best-of-breed technologies and the impact of legacy systems on transformation. He emphasizes the role of accountants as trusted advisors and explores various advisory verticals such as outsourced accounting, transaction advisory, and cybersecurity. Jim encourages firms to hire experts in specialized fields and create dedicated teams to drive growth in advisory services. He also challenges traditional partnership models, suggesting that non-accounting professionals should have pathways to partnership to support the evolving nature of the profession.

Jim joined DGA Group in April 2008, bringing with him extensive experience in the construction industry. With over 30 years of experience as a Quantity Surveyor and Operations Director, he has worked on a variety of projects in sectors such as industrial, retail, residential, hospitality, healthcare, and civil engineering. Jim has expertise in dispute resolution and interim commercial management, representing both clients and contractors. As the Group Managing Director, he oversees the coordination of the company's activities and explores new business ventures.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, guest Justin Grant discusses the image problem in the accounting profession, citing a decline in accounting degree enrollment and a shortage of skilled professionals. He suggests that leaders should prioritize creating a better work environment. Justin also emphasizes the importance of high-quality podcast production to attract and retain listeners. He shares his personal journey transitioning from law to podcasting and highlights the need for professionals to focus on their expertise while seeking support in podcast production. The episode concludes with a discussion on the need for inclusivity and support for mental health in the accounting profession.

Guest Bio

Justin Grant is a seasoned professional in the field of financial services with a career that began in 1997. Initially starting in the banking and fund management sector, Justin later qualified as a financial adviser in 2001 with a national firm. Joining Kudos IFS in 2005, which later became part of Mattioli Woods, Justin specializes in holistic wealth management and wealth preservation strategies, offering tailored advice in areas such as pension planning, investments, and inheritance tax planning. With a focus on helping clients achieve their desired outcomes for their families and businesses, Justin is dedicated to providing exceptional service.

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If you like the show, we'd truly appreciate a review on whatever platform you listen. We'd love to get to know you!

Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast 

For announcements of published shows, tagging guest so you can build your network and offer feedback on the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers 

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube 

https://www.instagram.com/accinfluencers 

https://twitter.com/accinfluencers 

https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers 

Thanks to our sponsors:

Accountex. Accountex will return to ExCeL London UK on the 10-11 May 2023. Bringing together 250+ top fintech companies and cutting-edge start-ups, visitors can browse new software and stay up to date with the latest technology, tools and ideas in accountancy and finance. Alongside the exhibition, attendees will take away actionable tips from the CPD-accredited seminar programme, led by 200+ thought leaders shaping the profession.

Accountex is Europe’s largest annual event for the accounting and finance profession. It attracts 8,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors. Attendees can get up to 16 CPD hours with 200+ free seminar sessions across 12 theatres.

https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/ 

Hannah Munro, the Managing Director of itas shares insights on driving change and transformation in accounting firms. Hannah explains that change goes beyond technology and emphasizes the importance of discussing all aspects surrounding technology that contribute to successful change and transformation. She highlights the value of speaking with respected individuals and experts in the field, providing inspiration and actionable advice.

The CFO 4.0 podcast, hosted by Hannah, focuses on the future of finance leadership and discusses what CFOs and aspiring finance leaders should consider. Hannah also emphasizes the role of accountants as valuable advisors, particularly for mid-market businesses that have outgrown basic bookkeeping and require strategic guidance. She stresses the broad skillset of accountants and their ability to bring certainty to uncertain situations.

Regarding change, Hannah explains that transformation is a positive movement from uncertainty and complexity to a streamlined and productive environment. She emphasizes the need for accountants to embrace the accelerating pace of change and adapt their roles accordingly. While transactional tasks may be automated, the interpretation of information, context-setting, and critical thinking will remain valuable skills.

In terms of change management, Hannah categorizes individuals into three profiles: those who embrace change, those who accept it but seek stability, and those who fear or resist change. Finding a balance within a change project is crucial, as all three profiles contribute different perspectives and roles. It's important to understand the reasons behind resistance to change and address any concerns.

Hannah Munro is the Managing Director of itas, a Financial Transformation consultancy specializing in Sage technologies. With a passion for helping finance teams and businesses, Hannah and her team provide personalized solutions to reduce month-end close time, implement real-time reporting, automate purchasing processes, and more. Hannah also hosts the CFO 4.0 podcast, offering actionable advice and inspiration for CFOs and finance leaders. To learn more about Hannah and itas, visit itassolutions.co.uk. Reach out for virtual coffee and discussions on financial transformation and technology.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join 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

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

If 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/therobbrown