Rob Brown Shows How PE Investment is Creating the Great Digital Divide in Accounting Leadership - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 100

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Published on:

31st Dec 2024

PE's New Digital Divide in Accounting Firm Leadership

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown discusses the alarming statistic that 65% of current accounting firm partners will be considered digitally obsolete within three years. He emphasizes the transformative impact of private equity on the accounting industry, highlighting the need for leaders to adapt to rapid changes in technology and client service models. Watch on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/UI_7IMuSG5s

The conversation explores the emergence of transformation leaders who bridge traditional accounting practices with digital innovation, the importance of reimagining technology and talent deployment, and the necessity of measuring success through new metrics. Brown outlines essential skills for future leaders and provides actionable steps for personal transformation to remain relevant in the evolving landscape of accounting.

Key Takeaways

• PE investors see 65% of current partners as digitally obsolete

• PE-backed firms invest 5x more in technology per professional

• Technology leadership is replacing technical excellence as a key skill

• New hybrid teams combine accounting and digital expertise

• Success metrics are shifting from billable hours to digital adoption

• Innovation leadership is becoming a core requirement

• Traditional partners are being rapidly replaced by digital leaders

Killer Quotes

• "65% of partners will be considered digitally obsolete within three years"

• "PE isn't planning to retrain partners - they're planning to replace them"

• "I realized I was becoming a dinosaur in real time"

• "Traditional excellence won't protect you from digital extinction"

• "The digital divide isn't coming - it's already here"

• "Transform or become extinct - there is no middle ground"

• "Yesterday's technical expert is tomorrow's obsolete partner"

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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:

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:

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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.