Episode description

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 like AI will augment the work of accountants, not replace them. Accountants will be freed up to focus on more strategic insights.
• Communication skills, especially listening, are critical for advisors. Asking thoughtful questions is key to understanding client needs.
• Advisors don't impose solutions. They collaborate with clients to develop custom strategies based on their goals.
• Accountants have invaluable financial knowledge but need to learn to convey it visually for clients.
• Firms need to help accountants find time for learning and collaboration to expand their advisory skills.

"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:

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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

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