Episode 67

Global Panel: Is Accounting Having an Identity Crisis?

This international panel discussion explores where the accounting profession is headed and what it needs to do to remain relevant. The all-star panel includes influencers Daniel Dronsfield, Amy Vetter, Jasen Stine and Andrew Harding.

The experts agree the profession is at an inflection point, with a divide between those embracing change and those resistant to it. Firms unwilling to adapt face potential irrelevance as the workforce ages and talent becomes scarce. Persistent myths like accountants being stuck in the past need debunking.

Successful future accountants will need skills beyond number-crunching, such as communication, strategic thinking, and an entrepreneurial mindset. The panelists urge learning from other industries' client-centric and innovative approaches.

Bold predictions include the rise of accounting for virtual economies, more cross-disciplinary education, the demise of the partnership model, and globalized services delivery.

If granted a magic wand, the panelists wish for raising financial literacy, closing the public's expectation gap on audit failures, and fostering a culture of technology integration.

While tumultuous times loom, the profession's future brims with opportunities for the adaptive. As Stein states: "It's the best and worst time" for accounting.

Key Takeaways:

  • The accounting profession is at an inflection point, with significant changes happening due to technology, changing workforce dynamics, and evolving client needs.
  • Firms and individuals who embrace change and upskill in areas like communication, strategic thinking, and advisory services will thrive, while those resistant to change may struggle.
  • The traditional partnership model and accounting qualifications may undergo significant transformations to adapt to the changing landscape.
  • Increasing financial literacy and understanding the true value of accountants beyond compliance work is crucial for the profession's future.

"If your business model is serving people in volume and you want the 100, 1040 or the 50 a month bookkeeping client, I mean, you're in for a rude awakening because frankly, nobody really does want that." - Jason Stine

"We'll see the emergence of cross-disciplinary accounting degrees, certifications that lend finance and technology with traditional accounting education. The accountants of tomorrow, they'll need to have a very broad knowledge base to navigate the complexities of modern business." - Daniel Dronsfield

Watch in video format on youtube here: https://youtu.be/NsYHJu8dRTo

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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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About the Podcast

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Accounting Voices Podcast
Accounting Voices helps people in the accounting world stay relevant visible and vocal. Host Rob Brown interprets trends reshaping the profession and gives listeners insight to build authority influence and a stronger voice in firms and markets.

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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.