Rob Brown (Accounting Influencers Roundtable - AIR)
The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is a must-listen for accounting professionals looking to strengthen their leadership presence, stay inf...
PE Disruption in Accounting: What Leaders Need to Know
In this episode,, Rob Brown and Gary Shamis delve into the impact of private equity on the accounting industry, exploring its rise, implications for mergers and acquisitions, and the challenges faced by smaller firms. They discuss the role of leadership in navigating disruption and highlight the opportunities available in the current accounting landscape, particularly for middle-market firms.Key TakeawaysPrivate equity is reshaping the accounting industry globally.M&A and private equity offer different challenges and opportunities.Leadership and strategy are critical in navigating PE disruption.Middle-market firms present untapped opportunities for CPA practices.Firms must understand PE motivations: profitability and exit strategies.Small firms can leverage their unique value to compete effectively.Succession planning and partner alignment remain vital.Killer Quotes"Private equity is a force that can’t be ignored.""Middle-market opportunities are better than ever.""Leadership is the backbone of firm resilience.""Succession planning ensures your firm’s future.""M&A strategies differ greatly from PE approaches.""Small firms can thrive with the right strategy.""Private equity's goal is simple: maximize profits."You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube
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27:25
Accounting Firms - Is Staying Independent an Option?
In this episode, Rob Brown invites Gary Shamis to discuss the challenges and strategies for accounting firms to maintain independence in a landscape dominated by mergers, acquisitions and private equity. Learn the importance of partner alignment, succession planning, leadership and a recalibrated partner buyout process as essential elements for firms to thrive independently. Plus winning strategies such as building advisory practices, fostering a strong culture and executing effective change management to navigate the evolving accounting industry.TakeawaysWhy it's impossible for an accounting firm to stay independent.Partner alignment is crucial for maintaining independence.Opportunistic greed can tempt firms to sell out.Firms need a succession plan to ensure continuity.Leadership development is essential for future success.Culture must be intentionally cultivated in firms.Firms should focus on creating value in client relationships.Growth is necessary to attract top talent.Change management is vital in a rapidly evolving industry.Firms need to think independently about their future.You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:https://youtu.be/bD94-lOpiXQ◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube
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29:44
Hybrid Working Best Practices for Accounting Firms
Rob Brown interviews John Wichmann and John Fenton on the evolving landscape of hybrid work in the accounting industry. They explore the importance of intentionality, accountability, and the overall employee experience in creating a successful hybrid work environment. The discussion highlights the challenges firms face in adapting to new work models, the necessity of structured opportunities for collaboration, and the need for flexibility in workplace culture. They also touch on the lessons that can be learned from other industries and make predictions about the future of hybrid work in accounting.Key TakeawaysHybrid work doesn't have to be a broken model.Flexibility is crucial for attracting and retaining talent.The apprenticeship model is vital for professional growth.Communication challenges arise in hybrid work settings.Intentionality in hybrid work can enhance productivity.Employee engagement is key to a successful hybrid model.Diversity in the workplace benefits from hybrid work options.Economic factors influence the viability of hybrid work.Understanding employee preferences is essential for management.The future of work requires a balance between remote and in-office presence. It's not about the amount of time spent in the office.The office experience must justify the commute.Intentionality is key to successful hybrid work.Accountability fosters trust within teams.Trust issues can arise during downturns.Flexibility must be part of the firm's culture.Firms need to differentiate themselves in the talent market.Employee engagement is critical for retention.Learning from other industries can provide valuable insights.Intentionality will define the future of hybrid work.Sound Bites"We want people to be at the water cooler.""Hybrid work adds a huge amount of value.""It's not about the amount of time.""How often has it been worth the commute?""You want to have opportunities structured.""Accountability is critical.""Trust issues bubble up in down times.""You need to set your firm apart.""Intentionality is the future."You can watch this whole episode on youtube with graphics and images here:https://youtu.be/fBBvlpRE75oJohn Fenton is the founder of John J. Fenton Executive Coaching, where he empowers CPA firm leaders to achieve greater clarity and freedom. Previously a managing partner with BDO USA, John brings a wealth of experience to his coaching practice. He is the author of the best-selling book 5 Minute Mastery™ and an award-winning speaker on executive leadership excellence. A Certified Success Principles Trainer, John is also a current Vistage speaker and formerly served as a Vistage Coach. A double graduate of the University of Miami, John earned both his MBA and BBA degrees while showcasing his leadership skills as a member of the Miami Hurricanes Football team. Personally, he holds a black belt in the martial art of tai chi and has a profound perspective on success, shaped by his experience surviving a heart attack. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjfentonceocoachJohn Wichmann is the Founder and CEO of Gather Sciences and the creator of Balanced Hybrid®, a platform that helps organizations develop sustainable hybrid work models. With expertise in data analytics, consulting, and executive leadership, John focuses on solutions that enhance productivity and employee development in the accounting profession.Previously, John co-founded Maptician, a workplace management software company...
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41:00
Need to Know Technology Trends in 2025 for Accountants
In today's show, Rob Brown interviews Steve Cox to explore the current state of the accounting profession, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it faces. Key themes include the impact of technology, staffing shortages, and changing client expectations. The discussion emphasizes the need for accountants to adapt to these changes, particularly in terms of technology adoption and mindset shifts. The speakers provide insights into how firms can navigate these challenges and leverage technology for growth and efficiency.Key takeawaysThe accounting profession is at a crossroads with both opportunities and challenges.Client expectations have significantly increased post-COVID, demanding faster responses and more technology support.42% of accounting firms are turning away work due to staffing shortages.There is a growing demand for accountants as trusted business advisors.Technology is reshaping compliance and service delivery in accounting.A mindset shift is necessary for accountants to embrace technology effectively.Firms need to balance technology adoption with the right mindset for success.The future of accounting will heavily rely on digital transformation and technology integration.Accountants must focus on building a sustainable talent pipeline to address shortages.Strategic use of technology can drive growth, productivity, and enhance exit strategies for firms.Watch the show with graphics and slides on youtube here: https://youtu.be/B33jPdNqOEY◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube
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26:56
The Four Biggest Challenges Facing Accounting Firms
Is technology the saviour or the grim reaper of accounting? In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown and Steve Cox delve into the transformative role of technology in the accounting profession. They discuss the historical evolution of accounting technology, the current state of AI, and its implications for the future. Steve shares insights from Gartner's technology trends report, highlighting the rapid adoption of AI and the importance of accountants evolving with these changes. The conversation emphasizes the need for accounting professionals to embrace technology to remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.Curious about how accountants can harness AI to boost efficiency?TakeawaysTechnology is a backup and driver of change for accounting firms.Excel was a major disruptor in accounting technology.Many firms are still reliant on outdated spreadsheet technology.Digital transformation is essential for accounting firms to thrive.AI is not replacing accountants, but those who don't use it will be left behind.Accountants have access to vast amounts of data, making them well-positioned for AI adoption.The hype around AI is beginning to settle as firms find their niche uses.AI can enhance communication and task automation in accounting practices.The accounting profession is ahead of many other industries in AI adoption.Future success in accounting will depend on embracing technology and innovation.Chapters00:00 The Role of Technology in Accounting07:09 The Evolution of AI in Accounting12:54 The Hype Cycle of AI22:24 Future Predictions for Accounting and AIView the video version with all visuals on Youtube; https://youtu.be/DaaqrXoIabU◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube
The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is a must-listen for accounting professionals looking to strengthen their leadership presence, stay informed on disruptive forces in accounting and build credibility within their firms. Geared toward firm leaders, managers, partners and influencers, the show covers key topics like career development, influence, personal branding and interpreting the evolving trends impacting the accounting world. Rob brings his expertise to each episode, offering insights and guidance on how to grow your personal brand and stay strategically important in a rapidly changing profession. Whether you're aiming to influence within your firm or expand your reputation outside of it, this international podcast offers practical advice and forward-thinking insights that will keep you informed and prepared for the future.
Accounting leadership
Executive presence for accountants
Building influence in accounting
Accounting industry trends
Personal branding for accountants
Accounting firm strategy
Accounting business models
Leadership in accounting firms
Talent management in accounting
Authority in accounting profession
Career development for accountants
Accounting firm growth strategies
Influencers in accounting
Accounting firm management
Disruptive forces in accounting
Accounting leadership strategies
Accounting career success
Accounting firm decision-makers
Accounting business trends
Building credibility in accounting
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