Kevin McCallum of Fathom tells Accounting Influencers podcast host Rob Brown how fintech and software vendors are evolving in accountancy and CPA world - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 55

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Published on:

18th Mar 2022

The Evolution of Accounting Software with Kevin McCallum

Episode 55. In today's interview, "The Evolution of Accounting Software with Kevin McCallum."

Kevin McCallum spent 11 years at FreeAgent before recently becoming Accountancy Manager's team CEO. He is responsible for the day-to-day running of AM and implementing the strategy to grow the business. He brings significant experience to the role, having spent 20 years working in the accounting software industry.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

➨ the key 'externalities' that have come into the accounting fintech and software industry that haven't been present before

➨ how open banking and open finance are changing the accounting world

➨ what the younger generations are bringing to the accounting and fintech world that are pushing boundaries of progress and innovation

➨ challenging the traditional view that accountants and CPAs are not particularly agile and comfortable with change

➨ what accounting clients really want from their professional advisors and how software vendors undermine it

➨ explaining plays by some software vendors to bypass accountants and why it's a risky strategy

➨ how tech vendors try to collaborate with accountants to develop software and the difficulties in doing that

➨ the challenges for software vendors of engaging with and selling to busy accountants

➨ explaining how accounting software vendors spend marketing dollars to reach to and through accountants

➨ how the smaller more agile fintech software vendors in accounting outsmart the bigger players

➨ how software vendors and fintech suppliers can help accounting firm leaders make decisions on investing in the right tech

➨ the arguments for a modular 'best in class' approach to software for accounting firm tech decision makers

➨ the vision for Accountancy Manager in the accounting practice management software space, particularly in automation and workflow

➨ advise for accountants who are new to practice management software from spreadsheet/pen and paper methods

➨ what's coming up for the accounting software industry in the areas of collaboration and integration

➨ the requirements of accounting software vendors to provide insights for accountants and their clients

Outside the office, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family (when the kids are home from university), riding horses and challenging himself with a bit of DIY. Connect with him here:

https://twitter.com/accountancymgr

https://www.facebook.com/AccountancyManager

https://www.instagram.com/accountancymanager

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGiRdrz-eyeqvUCJyaFzKg

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjmccallum

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NOTE TO LISTENERS:

The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a CPE-accredited daily radio-style show with four segments coming out every Monday which are repeated on the other 4 weekdays as standalone episodes, plus a bonus 'from the client's perspective' episode on Saturdays. On Sundays, listeners get a short min trailer for the coming week's episodes.

Every Tuesday the show gives you a relevant news topic from the accounting and fintech world with a direct application to accountants, CPAs and bookkeepers. Great to stay informed and build your commercial acumen.

Every Wednesday and Friday, we feature an uncut interview with top authors, leaders, thinkers and performers in the accounting and fintech world.

Every Thursday the show gives you a practical 'here's what works' tips concerning a key challenge, need or strategy for accountants, CPAs and bookkeepers. Great to stay current and keep your skills topped up.

Finally, every Saturday gives listeners a bonus episode which focuses on the buyers of accounting services - the clients themselves. In particular how they feel, react to and experience their interactions with accountants. That includes why they buy or don't buy, why they move or stay and why they think how they think about you, your firm, your prices and your offerings.

Martin and Rob love to hear from the show's 22,000 unique listeners in 150 countries around the world. If you like the show and listen to multiple episodes, we'd really appreciate your appreciation with a review or rating. As most of our listeners tune in via Apple podcasts...

How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts

① Open the Podcasts app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

② Navigate to the page of the Accounting Influencers Podcast.

③ Scroll down to find the subhead titled "Ratings & Reviews."

④ Under one of the highlighted reviews, select "Write a Review."

Anything about the style of the show, the frequency, the content, the CPE/CPD, the hosts Martin and Rob, the guests, the different segments or something in particular that's made a difference. Listeners can rate the show on a scale of one to five stars and can also add a written review. 

Please also recommend the show to people in your network because we'd love to reach a wider audience. Thank you from Rob, Martin and the whole Accounting Influencers Podcast team.

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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.