The Future of Accounting and Why Firms Need to Change - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 19

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Published on:

10th Oct 2018

The Future of Accounting and Why Firms Need to Change

Chris Hooper

Chris Hooper is an Accounting Futurist and is the Founder and CEO of Accodex, a global cloud accounting network with a mission of democratizing business intelligence.

His company has been named the most innovative firm in Australia, beating Big 4 firms to get there. He is a regular commentator in business and accounting media. He is also a prolific speaker in the accounting profession with appearances including TEDx, XeroCon, CountX, QBConnect and Accountex.

Chris Hooper’s career started in the fitness industry of all places. It was here he learned the ins and outs of small-business. After struggling to get his head around the idea of bookkeeping, GST and tax, he concluded numbers side of business needed some improvement. His journey is fascinating, and Chris is now one of the world’s most respected experts on the future of and challenges within the accounting industry. Here are some of the highlights and soundbites from the interview with Chris – this guys knows his stuff!

  • How the greatest accountants a very keen sense of intuition when it comes to numbers and financials.
  • Great accounting firms are well positioned, tech-savvy, have a fresh brand, a strong marketing presence and a few more things…
  • Democracy is a fallacy in many in large accounting firms, yet strong leadership and direction from the top is essential.
  • The biggest challenge for large accounting firms is the pace at which they move – it’s very difficult to elicit change in big firms.
  • Big firms that survive and thrive will be able to master the fast moving technological landscape.
  • Technology is driving the the imperative for change, and every change management plan is cultural.
  • Tip to get people acclimatize to big change – make small changes constantly so staff are comfortable with the uncomfortable.
  • Disappointment with audit – there should have been more innovation and time-centric software over recent years.
  • The common denominator in successful firms is brand advocacy – everyone in the firm should be proactive about business development.
  • Changing accountant happens much more readily these days because the switching costs and time delays are much lower.
  • ‘The end is nigh’ mantra has been overplayed in the accounting world. Disruption, yes, but not demise!
  • Accounting firms that do not manage change will struggle with recruiting talent and succession.
  • Top 100 accounting firms should ask themselves: ‘what are we doing to entice the young employees to stay here?’ 
  • Hiring good people is always a battle. You hire for attitude, you train for skills.
  • The importance of training cannot be underplayed – it’s one of the main things millennial accountants are looking or in their career.
  • Accounting firms that have adopted cloud and are 100 per cent paperless have a huge advantage in the marketplace.
  • Best advice to further your accounting career – get a mentor as soon as possible.
  • and much much more…

Chris Hooper is in the business of predicting the future of the accounting profession, and it’s his mission in life to change the accounting game forever. Some of the ways he is working toward his mission are:

• Leading by example with my company Accodex, a support platform for freelance accountants.

• Creating the next generation of leaders at Future Accountants Network, an online academy teaching soft skills and technical skills.

• Teaching and mentoring accounting and business students that are going to change the world.

• Writing and speaking about accounting industry trends.

 

To contact Chris: 0870717232 (Australia)  Liked your Top 100 Club Podcast Interview with Rob Brown" target="_blank">email him directly>>

Accodex Website or http://linkedin.com/in/christopherhooper

Twitter:  ChrisHooper87

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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.