Accounting Influencers Podcast | Accounting Trends in AI & Advisory: Richard Francis - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 36

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Published on:

9th Oct 2023

Accounting Trends in AI & Advisory: Richard Francis

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:

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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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About the Podcast

Accounting Influencers Podcast
Host Rob Brown shows accounting professionals and leaders how to be more influential, grow their personal brand and be more authoritative, relevant and high profile in their roles..
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

About your host

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Rob Brown

Rob Brown hosts the multiple accounting podcast and chair conferences, panels and events globally for the accounting and fintech profession. He is co-founder of Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) which helps vendors, experts and influencers serve the accounting and finance world. He is a dynamic speaker and accomplished expert on trust, reputation, employer brand, talent, career development, succession, gen z/generations, employee advocacy and executive presence. Rob is author of the bestselling book Build Your Reputation (Wiley) and his TEDx talk ‘The Personal Brand of You’ has been viewed 400,000 times on YouTube. He is a stroke survivor, has epilepsy, is a committed Christian and has a black belt in kickboxing. He is based in Nottingham UK, home of Robin Hood, plays chess and backgammon, loves orange chocolate and is allergic to grapefruit.