Episode 95

Disrupters in Accounting with Emma Crawford-Falekaono

Episode 95. In today's interview, "Disrupters in Accounting with Emma Crawford-Falekaono"

Emma is the Head of EMEA at Ignition. She has over 15 years’ experience in Commercial, Accounting, Finance and Business Strategy environments across NZ, AU, US and UK. She started her career with a global accounting firm before taking time out to deploy with the British Military. Emma has spent the last decade on senior leadership teams of successful technology businesses including Xero, Tradify and Ignition. She founded Bastion Consulting Services in 2018, delivering consultative services to a range of international clients. She is passionate about seeing firms succeed with a focus on operational excellence, technology, team culture and delivery of strategic priorities.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

✿ how the accountancy profession has changed in recent years

✿ the argument for why accounting is an industry and not a profession

✿ why now is an exciting time for the accounting world and how firms use technology

✿ what has accelerated the adoption of technology in accounting practices

✿ who is responsible for driving change and tech adoption in accountancy firms

✿ the factors increasing the expectations of accounting firm clients

✿ how younger talent and new entrants to accounting are disrupting the profession

✿ what is driving the increased mergers and acquisition activity in accounting and fintech

✿ why a 'best in class' approach to fintech will win over 'one box, one stop shop in accounting

✿ the rise of M&A activity in accounting for both solo-owned firm and bigger ones

✿ behind the scenes insight into the rebrand from Practice Ignition to Ignition

✿ whether relationships in accounting can be automated or must remain personal

✿ how technology can make enhance client experience for accountants and CPAs

✿ women in accounting and fintech - the key issues and opportunities

✿ the reason why women tend to occupy the lower kudos, lower paid roles in accounting firms

✿ celebrating the Women in Accounting Awards and the stories behind nominations

✿ what is coming up for Ignition in coming months with events, content and campaigns

✿ what accounting practitioners might ask themselves to prompt a conversation with Ignition

✿ why accounting and fintech is at a tipping point with growth and improvement

When not at work, Emma enjoys playing and watching rugby with her husband, baby son and dog.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-cf/

https://twitter.com/emscrawfs

NOTE TO LISTENERS:

The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a CPE-accredited daily radio-style show with four segments coming out every Monday which are repeated on the other 4 weekdays as standalone episodes, plus a bonus 'from the client's perspective' episode on Saturdays. On Sundays, listeners get a short min trailer for the coming week's episodes.

Every Tuesday the show gives you a relevant news topic from the accounting and fintech world with a direct application to accountants, CPAs and bookkeepers. Great to stay informed and build your commercial acumen.

Every Wednesday and Friday, we feature an uncut interview with top authors, leaders, thinkers and performers in the accounting and fintech world.

Every Thursday the show gives you a practical 'here's what works' tips concerning a key challenge, need or strategy for accountants, CPAs and bookkeepers. Great to stay current and keep your skills topped up.

Finally, every Saturday gives listeners a bonus episode which focuses on the buyers of accounting services - the clients themselves. In particular how they feel, react to and experience their interactions with accountants. That includes why they buy or don't buy, why they move or stay and why they think how they think about you, your firm, your prices and your offerings.

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About the Podcast

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Accounting Voices
Accounting Voices is a senior conversation platform for accounting firm leaders navigating AI, private equity, consolidation, talent pressure and relevance.

About your host

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Rob Brown

Rob Brown is the founder and host of the Accounting Voices Podcast, the flagship solo show of the Accounting Voices Network. Each episode offers sharp analysis and commentary on the trends, ideas and people shaping the global accounting profession.

Through this Accounting Voices Podcast, Rob helps accounting firm leaders, decision makers and professionals stay relevant and make sense of disruption in areas like AI, automation, M&A, private equity and soft skills beyond the tech. His perspective blends clarity, insight and curiosity, making complex issues relevant and practical for professionals and decision makers across accounting and finance.

He also leads two monthly panel shows, Accounting M&A and Accounting AI, which bring together senior voices to explore consolidation, strategy and the impact of technology on firms and people.

Rob is the author of the bestselling book Build Your Reputation (Wiley) and a TEDx speaker whose talk The Personal Brand of You has more than 400,000 views. Over his career he has hosted and moderated more than 1,000 conversations with accounting and fintech leaders worldwide.

Based in Nottingham UK, Rob is a stroke survivor living with epilepsy, a black belt in kickboxing, a decent chess player and an average player of four musical instruments.