The Critical Role of Technology in Accounting's Evolution Panel - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 85

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Published on:

16th Sep 2024

Panel: Tech’s Role in the Evolution of Accounting

Is the accounting profession ready for its biggest transformation yet? With AI, private equity, and a talent shortage, how can firms stay competitive?

Rob Brown is joined by top accounting leaders—Anthony Pugliese, Mark Edmondson, Philip Whitman, and Randy Crabtree—to discuss the shifts happening within the accounting profession. From technological advancements like AI to the increasing focus on ESG reporting, the panel explores the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for accounting firms.

The discussion covers critical issues such as the talent shortage, the evolution of accounting into advisory roles, and the pressure on firms to embrace digital transformation. Despite the challenges, the panelists are optimistic about the future, highlighting how firms can adapt by upskilling, embracing technology, and changing traditional mindsets around compliance and billing models.

Key Takeaways:

✓ The profession is moving rapidly toward automation and AI, but accountants need to adopt these technologies to stay relevant.

✓ Private equity is increasingly involved in the accounting industry, driving efficiency and digital transformation across firms.

✓ With 75% of accountants nearing retirement, firms face a significant talent shortage. The profession needs to become more attractive to younger generations.

✓ The traditional hourly billing model is outdated. Firms must focus on value-based pricing to stay competitive and align with modern business practices.

✓ To attract top talent, firms must prioritize culture, mental health, and work-life balance, especially in an era where burnout is prevalent.

Quotes:

"We have to stop selling time and start selling value. It’s about outcomes, not hours." – Randy Crabtree

"Private equity sees accounting firms as the next big thing. The potential for efficiency and profit is immense." – Philip Whitman

"The future of accounting isn’t just about compliance—it’s about being partners in innovation and technology." – Anthony Pugliese

"Accountants need to shift their mindset from risk-averse to proactive if they want to survive and thrive." – Mark Edmondson

View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/p-yr1Htaqmc

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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.

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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

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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.