Strategies for CPA Firm Growth, Disrupting Accounting & Rebranding Big CPA Firms with Aprio - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 49

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Published on:

8th Jan 2024

Transforming Accounting: Aprio CEO Richard Kopelman

"CEO Richard Kopelman unveils Aprio's massive expansion, secret projects and shares invaluable CPA advice for global accounting success."

Richard Kopelman, CEO and Managing Partner of accounting firm Aprio, shares his personal philosophy of staying positive and never giving up, the importance of having a well-written strategic plan, and his vision to have truly global accounting firms.

Kopelman shares how staying positive and persistent has been key to leading Aprio's tremendous growth from $70 million to $450 million in revenue. 

He emphasizes the importance of having a well-defined strategic plan and sticking to it, even though growth is never a straight line. 

Kopelman also provides insight into transitioning accounting firms beyond traditional partnership structures into more corporate models in order to scale. His vision is to have truly global accounting firms without restrictions. 

Throughout the discussion, Kopelman's passion for the profession and commitment to seizing opportunities comes through clearly.

"My personal philosophy is to stay positive and never give up. I'm not very good at taking no for an answer."

Key Takeaways:

  • Staying positive and never giving up has been Kopelman's key to success in leading Aprio from $70M to $450M in revenue.
  • Having a well-defined strategic plan is crucial - you need a North Star even though growth is never a straight line.
  • Firms need to move beyond traditional partnership structures and embrace more corporate approaches to scale.
  • Hiring great people and getting out of their way is his leadership philosophy.

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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.