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 t...
Jun 03, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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," serve...
May 27, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, suc...
May 20, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
May 13, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
May 06, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 tr...
Apr 29, 2024•55 min•Ep 65•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Apr 22, 2024•56 min•Ep 64•Transcript available on Metacast 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 an...
Apr 15, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Apr 08, 2024•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 acknowled...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 61•Transcript available on Metacast 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 cha...
Mar 25, 2024•23 min•Ep 60•Transcript available on Metacast 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 va...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 approa...
Mar 11, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 disrupti...
Mar 04, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Feb 26, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Po...
Feb 19, 2024•33 min•Ep 55•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Feb 12, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 insight...
Feb 05, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Jan 29, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 s...
Jan 22, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 connec...
Jan 15, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast "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 ...
Jan 08, 2024•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast "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, ac...
Jan 01, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 dig...
Dec 25, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 18, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ski...
Dec 11, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Dec 04, 2023•22 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast 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 d...
Nov 27, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 m...
Nov 20, 2023•41 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Nov 13, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
