In this episode, Rob Brown discusses the transformative impact of private equity on the accounting profession, particularly in terms of talent acquisition and retention. He highlights how private equity-backed firms are reshaping the traditional accounting model by offering new roles, competitive compensation structures, and accelerated career paths. Brown emphasizes the need for accounting leaders to adapt their strategies to attract and retain top talent in a rapidly changing landscape. Big ta...
Dec 24, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Rob Brown discusses the significant changes in the accounting profession driven by private equity investments. He highlights the urgent need for accounting leaders to adapt to new leadership dynamics, emphasizing the importance of transformational skills, agility, and a growth mindset. The conversation outlines actionable steps for leaders to remain relevant and influential in a rapidly evolving landscape. Takeaways Half of accounting leaders may become irrelevant in 36 months. ...
Dec 17, 2024•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Every December, Accounting Today magazine selects 100 influential leaders in accounting. In this episode of the Accounting Influencer podcast, Rob Brown discusses the significance of influence in the accounting profession, highlighting how many leaders have built their authority from humble beginnings. He outlines eight distinct paths to building influence, emphasizing that individuals can choose the path that aligns with their strengths. The conversation concludes with actionable steps for list...
Dec 10, 2024•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown dives into the world of private equity and its growing impact on accounting firms. With firms like Baker Tilly and Grant Thornton selling stakes to private equity, Rob explores what this means for firm growth, independence, and leadership. Should accounting firms embrace private equity or avoid it at all costs? Listen in for a deep dive into the opportunities and risks that private equity brings to the accounting profession. K...
Dec 03, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown dives into the Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession 2024 report, revealing how accounting firms are being impacted by the rapid pace of technological change and disruption. From the shrinking number of audit firms to the increasing role of AI and cloud accounting, Rob offers actionable insights for leaders, managers, and influencers looking to stay relevant and build influence. He also explores the growing importance ...
Nov 26, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tech – A Force for Good or the Death of Accountants? In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown delves into the critical topic of technology’s impact on the accounting profession. With automation, AI, and machine learning reshaping how accountants work, the big question is: Is tech a savior or a job killer? Rob breaks down what this technological revolution means for accountants today and in the future, exploring both the opportunities and the risks. For firms and prof...
Nov 19, 2024•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Nov 12, 2024•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 add...
Nov 05, 2024•13 min•Ep 92•Transcript available on Metacast 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 t...
Oct 29, 2024•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 pro...
Oct 22, 2024•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 15, 2024•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 08, 2024•53 min•Ep 88•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast 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 in...
Sep 24, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 firm...
Sep 16, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 cha...
Sep 09, 2024•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr•Ep 83•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Aug 26, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ne...
Aug 19, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 explor...
Aug 12, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Aug 05, 2024•49 min•Ep 79•Transcript available on Metacast 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 crea...
Jul 31, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jul 29, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 bu...
Jul 22, 2024•54 min•Ep 77•Transcript available on Metacast 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 a...
Jul 15, 2024•21 min•Ep 76•Transcript available on Metacast 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 t...
Jul 08, 2024•39 min•Ep 75•Transcript available on Metacast 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 accountan...
Jul 01, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Jun 24, 2024•25 min•Ep 73•Transcript available on Metacast 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, ...
Jun 17, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 t...
Jun 10, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
