International Insights: Analyzing the Present & Future of Accounting - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 71

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Published on:

10th Jun 2024

International Panel: The Present & Future of Accounting

Ever wondered how top accountants stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry?  

Rob Brown hosts a panel of influential voices in the accounting world to discuss the current state and future of the profession. The conversation delves into the threats and challenges faced by accountants, the need for rebranding and attracting new talent, the role of technology, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

The panelists, including Paul Surtees, Leslie Shiner, Denise Froemming, and Adam Lean, share their candid perspectives on the commoditization of accounting services, the importance of shifting from compliance-focused to advisory-focused roles, and the need for accountants to speak the language of business rather than accounting jargon.

They emphasize the necessity of embracing technological advancements like AI and automation to free up time for more meaningful work and the imperative of fostering financial literacy in society.

Key Takeaways:

  • Accountants must move beyond compliance and embrace advisory roles to stay relevant.
  • The profession faces a talent shortage and needs to rebrand itself to attract and retain the next generation.
  • Firms should focus on helping clients be profitable and speak a language they understand.
  • Financial literacy should be prioritized from a young age to foster a deeper understanding of numbers.
  • Embracing AI and technology can free up accountants to provide more purposeful and impactful work.

Quotes:

  • "They should be listening to their clients. They should be asking for and being proactive in helping their clients instead of retroactive." - Leslie Shiner
  • "You cannot talk like an accountant. You got to talk like to a human, because your customer is a human, not an accountant." - Adam Lean
  • "I would love to see financial literacy, like, in every high school, community college, so we could start from a, and it's in about 25 different states, but we're working on it." - Denise Froemming
  • "You can't go and speak to accountants to tell them how to do their day job because we're not accountants." - Paul Surtees
  • "Accounting is the language of business. And I think this is a great time for accountants to remember that and realize that their job is to be an interpreter of accounting in a way that makes sense." - Adam Lean

View this episode in video on YouTube here:

https://youtu.be/aS_eaA5zVtg

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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. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, book your place at the next gathering. Great for building your personal brand and making valuable industry connections in return for a small donation to charity: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events

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Thanks to our sponsors:

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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

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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

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.