Accounting Influencers

Rob Brown interviews Marina Koijmans, a talent and workplace expert, on the topic of talent management and upskilling in the accounting profession. Marina begins by explaining the challenges of talent management in today's rapidly changing world. She highlights the importance of reskilling and upskilling due to the ever-changing marketplace and the need for organizations to adapt and stay relevant. She mentions that technology-driven change and innovation are key drivers of this need for new skills.The conversation then shifts to the perception of accountants as not traditionally being associated with innovation. Marina acknowledges this but emphasizes that the accounting profession is also evolving and recognizing the importance of upskilling and change. She explains that accountants need to acquire not only technical skills but also digital skills and advisory skills to meet the changing needs of customers.Marina introduces the concept of a skill strategy and explains that organizations need to focus on ski

Rob interviews Jeff Gramlich from Validis. They discuss various topics related to the accounting profession and the role of technology in driving efficiency and quality. Jeff shares insights on the paradigm shift towards data-driven audits and the impact of technology on the industry. They also explore the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in the accounting profession. Jeff highlights the difference between good and great accounting firms and the importance of technology adoption in staying ahead. They also touch on the future of the profession and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and perspectives on the accounting profession and the role of technology in shaping its future.Jeff is a seasoned CPA with over 40 years of experience in the accounting industry, having started his career at Arthur Young & Co. He holds a CITP certification and has made significant contributions to the US accounting sector. Notable highlights include his role

Rob Brown interviews Chirag Shah, the founder and CEO of Nucleus Commercial Finance, a UK-focused lender.Chirag discusses the challenges and opportunities in the financial space, particularly in lending and funding. He also talks about the importance of financial analysis and forecasting for businesses, emphasizing the need for businesses to understand their cash flow and plan effectively.The interview highlights the role of accountants and advisors in helping businesses make sound financial decisions and navigate uncertain economic conditions.Chirag Shah is the founder and CEO of Pulse, a visionary platform that empowers businesses, accountants, and business advisors with a tailored dashboard showcasing vital statistics and trends. With over two decades of experience in financial services, Chirag has consistently demonstrated his expertise. In 2011, he pioneered the establishment of Nucleus, a renowned alternative finance entity, offering flexible and personalized financial solutions for SMEs, regardless of

Understanding the Vendor-Accountant Relationship and the Future of Events in AccountingIn this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown conducts an in-depth interview with Seth Feinberg, author of the Feinberg Review. They discuss the evolving relationship between tech vendors and accountants, including the trust issues and the need for vendors to better understand accountants' needs. Seth highlights the role of events for vendors to directly communicate with their target market. The conversation covers how vendors can build more meaningful relationships with accountants, the future of accounting events, and how the profession can evolve with these changes.Seth Fineberg is a seasoned accounting industry consultant and Content Strategist with an impressive track record spanning over 30 years. His extensive career has primarily revolved around shaping the evolution of the accounting profession. Seth's notable roles include serving as the Technology Editor at Accounting Today and leading Acc

Rob Brown welcomes Stuart Pedley-Smith, Chief Learning Officer at Kaplan Financial, to discuss the evolving landscape of qualifications and their relevance in today's finance and accounting profession. Stuart, with over 25 years of experience in accountancy education, shares insights into the changing roles of finance professionals, emphasizing the need to adapt to technological advancements. The discussion explores the importance of maintaining core principles while incorporating new tools and technologies in qualifications. Stuart also highlights the role of technology in reshaping the profession and the potential for technology-based assessments. Overall, the episode delves into the challenges and opportunities facing finance professionals in a rapidly evolving industry.Stuart Pedley-Smith, a certified accountant, has dedicated his career to professional education. As Kaplan's Head of Learning, he shapes the company's education strategy, advocates best practices, and fosters a culture of learning. With ove

Des O'Neil shares his insights on helping accountants and bookkeepers realize their full potential and make a real impact on their clients. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy and passion in one's business and highlights that it's never too late to change direction for better results. Des also discusses the difference between authentic influencers and those who may not provide genuine value. Simplifying business and life comes down to clarity and understanding what you want, setting boundaries, and consistently delivering value to clients.Des O'Neil, an experienced accountant on a mission to help you rapidly boost your firm's profitability while reducing stress. With a unique blend of technical expertise and a passion for creating sustainable businesses, Des is not just an accountant; he's a transformational force.In a world filled with constant deadlines and regulatory challenges, Des understands the struggles accountants face, from attracting and retaining the right staff to dealing with less-than-i

We have the honor of hosting Sarah Ghosh, the President of CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). Sarah provides insights into the dynamic world of management accounting and its relevance in today's business landscape.With a diverse membership representing various roles and industries, CIMA is at the forefront of shaping the future of finance professionals. Sarah discusses the evolving responsibilities of accountants, from embracing technology and sustainability to promoting inclusion within the profession.The conversation delves into how technology, including AI and machine learning, is transforming the way accountants work and make decisions. Sarah emphasizes the importance of agility and staying updated with technological advancements.Sustainability is another key focus, with Sarah highlighting the role of accountants in addressing sustainability challenges and aligning with regulations and frameworks. She discusses the ethical considerations related to data and the profession's responsibili

Rob Brown sits down with Calvin Harris, the CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs. Calvin discusses his role in leading the organization that represents CPAs in New York State and beyond. He shares his perspective on being a CPA and the importance of the credential.Calvin talks about the challenges and opportunities facing the accounting profession today, emphasizing the need for CPAs to demonstrate their relevance in a changing landscape. He highlights the role of technology, communication, and storytelling in showcasing the value of the accounting profession to younger generations.The conversation also touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the profession and the lessons learned from it. Calvin shares insights into the evolving role of CPAs and the importance of adaptability.Tune in to gain valuable insights from Calvin Harris on the state of the accounting profession and the path forward for CPAs in a dynamic world.Calvin Harris Jr., CPA (MD), is the CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs

Rob Brown were joined by a true visionary in the world of finance and entrepreneurship, Adam Lean.Adam Lean's journey from accountant to two-time entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable. He's built, scaled, and successfully sold two businesses, all while honing his expertise in financial management. Today, he's the driving force behind The CFO Project, a training company that equips financial professionals with the skills to provide outsourced CFO and business advisory services.Join us as we dive deep into the world of accounting and entrepreneurship with Adam Lean. In this episode, we explore what clients genuinely seek from their accountants and strategies for growing your practice without increasing your workload. We delve into assessing your readiness to provide business advisory services and discuss how to attract new clients through these offerings. Additionally, Adam shares insights on maximizing value by upselling business advisory services to existing clients, effective pricing strategies for the

Rob Brown has the the privilege of hosting Richard Francis, the visionary Founder and CEO of Spotlight Reporting. As a global business intelligence software company dedicated to serving accounting firms and CFOs, Spotlight Reporting has been at the forefront of transforming the accounting profession. Richard takes us on a journey through his personal and professional evolution, from his early days in accounting to the pivotal moment when he saw the need for revolutionary reporting, forecasting, and consolidation tools.Richard's passion for driving change in the accounting landscape shines through as he discusses Spotlight Reporting's mission: to empower accountants and CFOs to provide meaningful, value-added services. He emphasizes the importance of advisory services, a topic often overshadowed by compliance, and shares his vision of accountants as catalysts for profound change in their clients' lives.The conversation delves into the recent survey conducted by Spotlight Reporting, revealing fascinating insigh

Martin Bissett featuring Gordon King from The World of Twist, the conversation delves into the intersection of creativity and accounting in the music industry. Gordon King shares insights into the rise and fall of The World of Twist, a band he co-founded, shedding light on the financial dynamics within the group. As creative professionals navigating the music scene, the band members initially had little business acumen and entrusted their manager with handling finances. Gordon reflects on the naivety and excitement that often accompany young musicians signing major record deals, highlighting the importance of understanding contracts and financial arrangements in the music business. The discussion provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenges faced by creative individuals when dealing with the business side of their careers.World of Twist was an English indie pop band formed in Sheffield in 1985, experienced various lineup changes throughout history. The band's original lineup featured James Fry (vocals),

Join host Rob Brown on this captivating episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast as he dives deep into the entrepreneurial mindset with special guest Nathan Hirsch. Nathan, a lifelong entrepreneur, is renowned for his unique focus on the often overlooked but vital aspects of entrepreneurship: bookkeeping and hiring. As the mastermind behind EcomBalance/AccountsBalance and Outsource School, Nathan has a wealth of wisdom to share about his journey and insights.Nathan's entrepreneurial journey began with co-founding FreeUp.net in 2015, starting with a modest $5,000 investment. Listen as he recounts how he transformed this venture into a remarkable success story, scaling it to an impressive $12 million in yearly revenue before it was acquired in 2019. As a true testament to his expertise, Nathan continues to lead EcomBalance/AccountsBalance, a monthly online bookkeeping service tailored for eCommerce and digital businesses, and Outsource School, a membership platform dedicated to teaching business owners the

In this episode, we are joined by Paul Barnhurst, an experienced financial planning and analysis (FP&A) professional. Paul shares his expertise in differentiating accounting from FP&A, highlighting how FP&A brings a forward-looking finance lens to guide strategic decision-making. Discover the critical role FP&A plays in budgeting, forecasting, and partnering with business leaders. Paul also sheds light on the essential social skills that complement technical expertise and elevate FP&A professionals as valued partners within organizations.Distinguished as "The FP&A Guy," Paul Barnhurst boasts an illustrious career spanning over a decade in the finance landscape. His remarkable journey includes pivotal roles at industry titans like American Express and Solera, culminating in his current role as the visionary force behind a thriving FP&A consulting firm.An esteemed influencer within the FP&A community, Paul's passion lies in sharing his invaluable insights and extensive expertise.

In this episode, Terrell Turner, an accounting professional, shares his career journey from technical accounting to launching his own firm. He highlights the evolving role of accountants, shifting from working in the background with numbers to taking the front line in driving business decisions and influencing organizations. Terrell emphasizes the importance of accountants becoming entrepreneurs and business owners, engaging in conversations about overall business strategy to add maximum value to their clients. He discusses the power of building influence within the accounting industry, especially through content creation, to enhance career prospects and ease interactions with non-accountants. Terrell also delves into the importance of niche specialization for accounting firms, sharing his experience in finding the right fit by focusing on law firms, which aligns with their staff capabilities and offers stable clientele. Through strategic networking, Terrell's firm has become recognized in the American Bar As

In this episode, Jen Cryder, the CEO of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA), shares her journey from an English major to a successful career in accounting. Representing around 20,000 accounting and finance professionals in Pennsylvania, PICPA serves as a unique state society dedicated to empowering bookkeepers and CPAs alike. Jen emphasizes the importance of diversity within the profession, where PICPA's membership includes college and high school students exploring accounting careers, practitioners in public accounting firms, and educators in corporate finance. With a strong focus on shaping the future of the profession, Jen discusses the challenges and opportunities of staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of accounting, driven by technology, changing standards, and human capital needs. Collaboration among state societies and stakeholders becomes paramount as they work together to address common challenges and share innovative solutions.Jen Cryder is a trailblazing leader serving as the CEO of

Steven Hoffman delves into the dynamic changes taking place in the accounting industry driven by cloud-based technology and advisory services. He emphasizes the significance of controllership, providing real-time financial information, and becoming a business coach to clients through advisory roles. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of cloud-based solutions, transforming the way businesses operate and how accountants offer their services. Steven discusses the increasing importance of controllership, understanding economic realities, and translating them into actionable insights for clients. The debate over the necessity of credentials in accounting is also explored, with a focus on the value accountants bring through advisory expertise and modern tech tools. As the industry continues to evolve, accountants are moving towards value-based pricing and providing customized services that address the specific needs of businesses, ushering in a new era of financial consulting and forward-looking strategic pl

Adam Lean delves into the challenges accountants encounter in their quest to increase their income and the struggle to break free from being perceived as mere commodities. He emphasizes the need for accountants to transition into trusted advisors for small and medium-sized businesses, guiding them towards success and growth. Traditionally, accountants have been focused on recording the past, but Adam argues that they hold the potential to become forward-focused advisors, helping their clients make informed decisions for a thriving future. He stresses the importance of building trust with clients, providing clear and actionable advice, and understanding the unique needs of each business owner. By doing so, accountants can elevate their value and shake off the shackles of being seen as interchangeable entities, paving the way for a more fulfilling and prosperous profession.Adam Lean is a dynamic individual with a background as a former accountant turned successful entrepreneur, having built, scaled, and sold tw

Okorie Ramsey discusses his role and responsibilities as part of the global board supporting approximately 700,000 members worldwide highlighting three priorities: driving innovation, instilling integrity in sustainability areas, and supporting the next generation of accountants and the importance of leveraging technology, such as AI, to advance the profession and attract top-tier talent. He also addresses challenges in the pipeline of accounting professionals, including birth rates, education costs, and unclear career paths. Ramsey advocates for diversity in the profession and building bigger tables to accommodate different perspectives.Okorie Ramsey is a distinguished finance and accounting professional with a rich and impactful career. He has made significant contributions to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) through various volunteer roles, including serving on the AICPA Board of Directors and the Association Board of Directors. Currently, at Kaiser Permanente, Ramsey holds a

Randy Johnston shares insights from his experience at AICPA Engage. The event was abuzz with discussions around artificial intelligence (AI), with several major players in attendance. Randy highlights the significance of the event, including the 40 under 40 influencer meeting and the recognition of the most powerful women in accounting. He mentions engaging conversations with CEOs and CTOs, delving into product strategies and insights. Over the years, the focus of the event has shifted from low-level technology to management strategy, reflecting the fast-paced changes in the industry. Randy also addresses concerns about independence in the profession, undisclosed relationships, and the impact of private equity acquisitions on operations and support. He emphasizes the importance of independent advisors and the need for transparency in the industry.Randy Johnson is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with an impressive 20 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in credit and collec

Hannah Munro emphasizes the importance of seeing transformation as an ongoing journey in the finance industry. Hannah, as a consultant, works with fast-growing businesses to reorient their processes, people, and technology to create an automated finance team. She discusses the challenges of transformation projects and highlights the need for clear objectives and measurable success metrics. Hannah emphasizes the significance of technology, process adaptation, and accurate data management for successful transformations, urging businesses to embrace change to stay relevant in the dynamic finance landscapeHannah Munro is the Managing Director of itas, a Financial Transformation consultancy specializing in Sage technologies. With a passion for helping finance teams and businesses, Hannah and her team provide personalized solutions to reduce month-end close time, implement real-time reporting, automate purchasing processes, and more. Hannah also hosts the CFO 4.0 podcast, offering actionable advice and inspiration