Taking the Pulse: Insights & Strategies for Today's Accounting Profession - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 88

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Published on:

8th Oct 2024

Panel: Taking the Pulse of the Accounting Profession

How well-equipped is the accounting profession to handle rapid technological advancements and a changing workforce? Are firms ready to embrace the future or stuck in outdated models?

Rob Brown hosts an expert panel featuring Todd Robinson, Angie Grissom, Itamar Jobani, and James Hickey to discuss the future of the accounting profession. The conversation explores critical challenges facing accountants today, such as adapting to technological changes, AI integration, talent retention, and shifting towards a more advisory-based role. The panel shares their unique insights on how firms must navigate cultural shifts, embrace leadership, and rethink their traditional business models to stay competitive.

The discussion also highlights the necessity of upskilling accountants and the role of technology in shaping the future. The panel dives deep into the transformative impact of AI, the benefits of a corporate rather than partnership model, and how firms can move from good to great by telling better stories and offering more personalized advisory services. They also emphasize the importance of attracting and retaining talent in a profession undergoing rapid change.

Key Takeaways:

✓ The accounting profession faces a critical people problem with talent shortages, driven by long work hours and declining interest from younger generations.

✓ Contrary to fears, AI will not replace accountants but will enhance their roles by automating mundane tasks and enabling them to focus on strategic advisory services.

✓ Strong leadership and innovative culture are key to moving accounting firms from good to great. Firms must empower young talent and create a strategic approach to problem-solving.

✓ Accountants need to stop fearing technology and start viewing it as an enabler that helps streamline operations and enhance client service.

✓ The outdated partnership model should evolve toward a corporate structure, enabling firms to be more agile and strategic.

Quotes:

"Your top clients are your competitors' top prospects. Are you showing up as their trusted advisor?" – Angie Grissom

"AI won't kill the accounting profession; it will free accountants to do the work that really matters." – Itamar Jobani

"Firms need to stop doing what they've always done and rethink what it means to add value in today's market." – James Hickey

"The biggest threat? Talent. The next generation doesn't see accounting as sexy, and we need to change that." – Todd Robinson

View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/JLCm3FGilXk

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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.

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

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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

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.