The Future of Hybrid Work in Accounting: Key Insights from Industry Leaders John Fenton and John Whichmann - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 103

full
Published on:

21st Jan 2025

Hybrid Working Best Practices for Accounting Firms

Rob Brown interviews John Wichmann and John Fenton on the evolving landscape of hybrid work in the accounting industry. They explore the importance of intentionality, accountability, and the overall employee experience in creating a successful hybrid work environment. The discussion highlights the challenges firms face in adapting to new work models, the necessity of structured opportunities for collaboration, and the need for flexibility in workplace culture. They also touch on the lessons that can be learned from other industries and make predictions about the future of hybrid work in accounting.

Key Takeaways

  • Hybrid work doesn't have to be a broken model.
  • Flexibility is crucial for attracting and retaining talent.
  • The apprenticeship model is vital for professional growth.
  • Communication challenges arise in hybrid work settings.
  • Intentionality in hybrid work can enhance productivity.
  • Employee engagement is key to a successful hybrid model.
  • Diversity in the workplace benefits from hybrid work options.
  • Economic factors influence the viability of hybrid work.
  • Understanding employee preferences is essential for management.
  • The future of work requires a balance between remote and in-office presence. It's not about the amount of time spent in the office.
  • The office experience must justify the commute.
  • Intentionality is key to successful hybrid work.
  • Accountability fosters trust within teams.
  • Trust issues can arise during downturns.
  • Flexibility must be part of the firm's culture.
  • Firms need to differentiate themselves in the talent market.
  • Employee engagement is critical for retention.
  • Learning from other industries can provide valuable insights.
  • Intentionality will define the future of hybrid work.

Sound Bites

  • "We want people to be at the water cooler."
  • "Hybrid work adds a huge amount of value."
  • "It's not about the amount of time."
  • "How often has it been worth the commute?"
  • "You want to have opportunities structured."
  • "Accountability is critical."
  • "Trust issues bubble up in down times."
  • "You need to set your firm apart."
  • "Intentionality is the future."

You can watch this whole episode on youtube with graphics and images here:

https://youtu.be/fBBvlpRE75o

John Fenton is the founder of John J. Fenton Executive Coaching, where he empowers CPA firm leaders to achieve greater clarity and freedom. Previously a managing partner with BDO USA, John brings a wealth of experience to his coaching practice. He is the author of the best-selling book 5 Minute Mastery™ and an award-winning speaker on executive leadership excellence. A Certified Success Principles Trainer, John is also a current Vistage speaker and formerly served as a Vistage Coach. A double graduate of the University of Miami, John earned both his MBA and BBA degrees while showcasing his leadership skills as a member of the Miami Hurricanes Football team. Personally, he holds a black belt in the martial art of tai chi and has a profound perspective on success, shaped by his experience surviving a heart attack. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjfentonceocoach

John Wichmann is the Founder and CEO of Gather Sciences and the creator of Balanced Hybrid®, a platform that helps organizations develop sustainable hybrid work models. With expertise in data analytics, consulting, and executive leadership, John focuses on solutions that enhance productivity and employee development in the accounting profession.

Previously, John co-founded Maptician, a workplace management software company featured in Inc. Magazine for its innovative hybrid work solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. A frequent speaker on hybrid work strategies, John advocates for approaches that drive growth, employee well-being, and environmental benefits. Based in Atlanta, he actively supports the tech community and leads the Technology Executives Roundtable as President of the Board. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwichmann

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers.

Thanks to our sponsors:

ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

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

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Accounting Influencers Podcast

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

Profile picture for Rob Brown

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.