Success in Accounting Podcast | Working Mother to CPA Managing Partner: Lory Kelley - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 14

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Published on:

3rd Oct 2022

Working Mother to CPA Managing Partner: Lory Kelley

In this episode 14 of the Success in Accounting podcast, a live interview from North Carolina USA with Lory Kelley. Lory became Bernard Robinson & Company’s Managing Partner in 2021 and has over 20 years of experience in public accounting serving clients and in firm leadership roles. She represents the shift to the third generation of leadership within the firm’s 75-year history. Her focus is on sustainable firm growth by attracting top talent through BRC’s unique culture and employee experience, being the leading accounting and consulting firm in serving the middle-market, family business sector, and being entrepreneurial in spirit as new opportunities arise.

➨ why being a top 200 accounting firm or in any ranking can be important for a professional brand and status

➨ the journey to becoming managing partner and accounting firm leader from working mum

➨ the importance of role models for aspiring young professionals in accounting, particularly for women

➨ the dangers for accounting firms who do not offer flexibility in working practices to their staff

➨ the many benefits of having women in leadership positions for an accounting practice

➨ what a post-pandemic 'new-normal' working schedule looks like in a progressive accounting firm

➨ how not judging partners on their book of business impacts the culture and employer brand for an accountancy firm

➨ the challenges for accounting leaders to drive culture with hybrid working and multiple offices

➨ practical tips for intentional team building for accounting firms with remote and dispersed staff

➨ the importance of human connectivity and treating accounting firm employees like people

➨ how a top 200 firm creates a compelling employee value proposition while not paying top wages

➨ steps to defining, attracting and recruiting the right kind of employee that fits the culture of your accounting firm

➨ what warning signs an employee 'dedicated to their work' with few outside interests might present to an accounting practice

➨ how expectations and trust play a vital part in setting professional firm culture

➨ whether all of your firm's staff would or should be expected to give the same answer to 'why do you like working here?'

➨ what happens when an accountancy practice does not give their people targets for chargeable hours or billing time

➨ what makes a successful leadership style as a large accounting firm managing partner or leader

➨ the value of a coach or mentor for senior leaders in professional practices

➨ the skills and attributes required by accountants and CPAs to stay relevant and competitive

➨ how some accounting professionals have been able to pivot and acquire new skills in challenging times

➨ why serving clients exceptionally well is the number one priority for accountants

➨ the importance of growth for accounting firms who want to attract talent and avoid becoming stagnant

➨ shout out to DFK and what membership brings to senior and emerging leaders in exchanging knowledge and expertise

➨ the challenges in staying independent as an accounting practice to preserve culture and avoid being merged

➨ best career advice from 20+ years in the accounting profession

➨ words of inspiration and encouragement to younger members of the accounting world

Outside the office, Lory, her husband, Mike, and son, Brennen are an active, outdoor family. It is not unusual for a weekend road trip to the beaches of Charleston, going out to the barn to work with their horses, or playing tennis and doing some yard work. Her idea of a perfect evening is curling up in a comfortable chair with a good book and a hot cup of Earl Grey tea.

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A reminder of 5 great shows in the Accounting Influencers Broadcast Network:

❶ Success in Accounting - MONDAYS. Our flagship main show featuring panels, highlights, combinations, panels, topics, live interviews and best ofs.

❷ Insights in Accounting - TUESDAYS. The best news, analysis, commercial awareness, news under microscope, podcast mentions and recommendations.

❸ Influencers in Accounting - WEDNESDAYS. Deep dive 1-1 interviews with leaders, experts, influencers from around the world.

❹ Best Practice in Accounting - THURSDAYS. Practice development, growth, management, consulting, examples, stories and practical here's what works stuff for accountants, bookkeepers and the fintech/software people who serve them.

❺ UK Matters in Accounting - FRIDAYS. A UK focused show featuring UK related topics, news items, events and interviews.

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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.