Disrupting the Accounting Profession with Innovative Tech - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 20

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Published on:

17th Oct 2018

Disrupting the Accounting Profession with Innovative Tech

Neil Robertson has been disrupting the financial management industry his entire career. From his first sale of an accounting computer in 1979, through the PC revolution, multi-user systems, Windows accounting software, and now SaaS plug and play, Neil has been on the leading edge of financial automation for over 35 years, both in the UK and globally.

Neil invested in Compleat as CEO in 2008 (his 7th start up) with the aim to revolutionise the purchasing and accounts payable function with disruptive software. He worked as a purchase ledger clerk in his teens back in 1976 and for most businesses in the SME, very little has changed in the way organisations manage their purchasing processes, invoice capture and approval processes. Compleat is now delivering on that vision with highly disruptive applications that have redefined the entire purchasing process for the SME.

Here are the some shownotes of the interview with Neil – a great insight into what’s working and what’s coming up…

  • How the impact of Xero, Sage and QuickBooks and low-end automation has changed the accounting landscape completely.
  • Why large accounting firms tend to take a naturally conservative approach towards change
  • Accounting firms have access to a rapidly growing number of automated applications – the critical part is deciding which are relevant to their clients
  • To understand the value of an automation to a client, accountants need to communicate with them – obvious but overlooked
  • Growing firms recognise the importance of hiring millennials – they are enthusiastic towards change and understand technology
  • At least 75-80% of firms are using progressive accounting practices and are technically very strong
  • An accounting industry veteran shares his take on the big challenges for most accounting firms
  • The need for a differentiated value proposition to attract potential new clients away from their incumbent accountant
  • Do you have a compliance based proposition as opposed to a value-based proposition?
  • Some backward accounting firms have senior management who are reluctant to go paperless and to change 0 Neil shares a great example!
  • Relationship wisdom for accountants – every single engagement is an opportunity to learn something
  • MTD (Making Tax Digital) gives accounting firms the opportunity to offer clients fully automated accounting services
  • The bigger the accounting firm, the harder to drive change – smaller firms are much more dynamic in making decisions
  • The big frustration for large accounting firms is that there is never enough money, resource or time to implement all the changes needed

To contact Neil: +44 (0) 7738 724913 or on Twitter CompleatCEO or  Liked your Top 100 Club Podcast Interview with Rob Brown" target="_blank">email him directly>>

He can also be contacted at his LinkedIn page  linkedin.com/in/compleatceo

Neil is also a Liverpool FC fan – don’t hold it against him!

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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.