Accounting Influencers

Jim Bourke shares insights on growing accounting firms through advisory services. He emphasizes the ever-changing nature of the profession and the importance of embracing technology as the driving force behind advisory practices. Jim discusses the need to align technology infrastructure with advisory goals, highlighting the selection of best-of-breed technologies and the impact of legacy systems on transformation. He emphasizes the role of accountants as trusted advisors and explores various advisory verticals such as outsourced accounting, transaction advisory, and cybersecurity. Jim encourages firms to hire experts in specialized fields and create dedicated teams to drive growth in advisory services. He also challenges traditional partnership models, suggesting that non-accounting professionals should have pathways to partnership to support the evolving nature of the profession.Jim joined DGA Group in April 2008, bringing with him extensive experience in the construction industry. With over 30 years of expe

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, guest Justin Grant discusses the image problem in the accounting profession, citing a decline in accounting degree enrollment and a shortage of skilled professionals. He suggests that leaders should prioritize creating a better work environment. Justin also emphasizes the importance of high-quality podcast production to attract and retain listeners. He shares his personal journey transitioning from law to podcasting and highlights the need for professionals to focus on their expertise while seeking support in podcast production. The episode concludes with a discussion on the need for inclusivity and support for mental health in the accounting profession.Guest BioJustin Grant is a seasoned professional in the field of financial services with a career th

Hannah Munro, the Managing Director of itas shares insights on driving change and transformation in accounting firms. Hannah explains that change goes beyond technology and emphasizes the importance of discussing all aspects surrounding technology that contribute to successful change and transformation. She highlights the value of speaking with respected individuals and experts in the field, providing inspiration and actionable advice.The CFO 4.0 podcast, hosted by Hannah, focuses on the future of finance leadership and discusses what CFOs and aspiring finance leaders should consider. Hannah also emphasizes the role of accountants as valuable advisors, particularly for mid-market businesses that have outgrown basic bookkeeping and require strategic guidance. She stresses the broad skillset of accountants and their ability to bring certainty to uncertain situations.Regarding change, Hannah explains that transformation is a positive movement from uncertainty and complexity to a streamlined and productive enviro

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.In this episode, Rebecca Milhalic discusses the importance of recognizing women who are making a difference in their communities and the accounting profession. The focus is on women who have taken action and actively contributed to improving lives. The conversation highlights the need for representation, diversity in leadership, and future plans to invest in women year-round.Guest BioRebecca is a highly experienced professional in the field of taxation, accounting, business, and tech advisory services, with over 15 years of expertise in serving enterprises of all sizes across Australia. Throughout her career, she has focused on working with clients in diverse industries such as Building & Construction, Education, Hospitality, Recruitment, and Health Services. Rebecca's strong belief in the significance

Jim Bourke discusses the excitement surrounding AI and technology in the accounting profession. He highlights the impact of AI and technologies like chat GPT on the industry, emphasizing the need for accountants to embrace innovation. Jim also addresses the challenges faced by accountants, including regulatory constraints and the slow adoption of new technologies by legacy vendors. He encourages accountants to consider best-of-breed solutions and emphasizes the importance of open APIs for seamless integration between different software applications. Jim concludes by discussing the positive changes happening in the profession and the increased collaboration between legacy vendors and new technology providers.Jim is a Partner and the Managing Director of Withum’s Advisory Services practice, which includes professional consultants in the areas of management consulting, cyber and information security, business advisory, transaction/M&A advisory, risk advisory and SOC services.Jim, and many of the group’s memb

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.John Garrett, the guest on this episode, emphasizes the importance of recognizing accountants as whole individuals beyond their job titles. He encourages firms to celebrate and shine a light on the hobbies, passions, and other dimensions of their employees, acknowledging that people are more than just their work. Creating a workplace that values the worker as much as the work is key to attracting and retaining talent. John emphasizes the need to focus on the human side of individuals and build deeper relationships based on their unique interests and qualities. By embracing their individuality, accounting firms can differentiate themselves and create a more fulfilling work experience for their employees.Guest BioJohn Garrett is a thought provoker, author, and CPA who champions the human side of professional

Lucy Cohen discusses the unintentional journey of becoming an influencer in the accounting profession. She emphasizes the importance of substance and expertise when sharing insights. Lucy also highlights the impact of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, on accountants. She encourages professionals to prioritize their mental health, seek support, and take preventive action against burnout. Lucy shares her own experiences and encourages open discussions about mental health to reduce stigma within the industry. Overall, the episode promotes self-awareness and well-being among accountants.Lucy, the co-founder of Mazuma, is a passionate innovator and disruptor in the accounting industry. With over 20 years of experience, she leads Mazuma forward through innovation, marketing, and business development. Her inspiration for creating Mazuma came from her childhood experiences witnessing the challenges self-employed creatives face with tax and accounting. Lucy's expertise and contributions have been r

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, guest John Garrett shares his journey from being a CPA and stand-up comedian to becoming a keynote speaker and organizational culture catalyst. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the human side of professionals and valuing their multifaceted lives outside of work. John's research reveals that 92% of professionals have other dimensions to their identity beyond their job title. He encourages accountants to embrace their hobbies and passions, as these aspects not only enhance their well-being but also make them more relatable and valuable in their roles. By celebrating the unique qualities of individuals, organizations can create better workplaces and foster deeper connections with clients.Guest BioJohn Garrett is a thought provoker, author, an

In today's episode, Randy Johnston discusses key issues and trends in the accounting industry. The focus is on technology, talent recruitment and retention, risk management, advisory services, and pricing strategies. Randy emphasizes the need for firms to have a single portal for interacting with clients, the importance of creating a better technology experience for team members, and the growing significance of advisory services. He also explores the impact of private equity investments on software vendors and the challenges faced by firms in maintaining service levels and fostering innovation. This episode provides valuable insights for accountants looking to grow their firms in a rapidly evolving landscape.Randy Johnston is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 40 years experience in Strategic Technology Planning, Systems and Network Integration, Accounting Software Selection, Business Development and◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channe

Rob Brown engages in a one-sided conversation with guest Robyn Clark, focusing on strategies for accountants looking to grow their firms. The discussion centers around creating a great employee value proposition and understanding the importance of employee needs in driving engagement and retention. They highlight the significance of aligning organizational goals with individual aspirations and leveraging personal growth and career achievement as key drivers for success. The conversation emphasizes the role of confidence, both in oneself and how others perceive them, and the need for self-awareness, feedback acceptance, and personal change in driving career development. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for accountants seeking to foster growth within their firms.Robyn Clark is the Founder and President of WinningWise, Inc., a company dedicated to developing leadership and driving sustainable change and growth. With over 30 years of experience in talent management, transformatio

In this special bonus episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown is joined by Vipul Sheth, Paul Shrimpling, Aynsley Damery, and Dermot Hamblin to discuss their recent event focused on the future of accounting firms. The event aimed to provide ideas and insights to keep accounting firms at the forefront of the industry. The speakers covered diverse topics, and the event attracted a diverse audience from the larger accounting firms in the UK. Discussions revolved around creating sustainable and prosperous firms, addressing talent shortage challenges, and effectively managing technology adoption.Key takeaways from the event included the importance of challenging the status quo and embracing change, engaging and sharing best practices among industry professionals, and the need to articulate the value of services to clients beyond pricing conversations. Attendees were receptive and eager to explore new ideas and strategies for their firms' future success. The event fostered meaningful conversati

"The Future of Accounting Qualifications: Brian Hock." Host Rob Brown welcomes guest Brian Hock, a seasoned accounting professional with expertise in training and certifications. Brian shares his journey from auditing to establishing his own successful training company. He discusses how accounting certifications have changed over the years, driven by evolving standards and the significant influence of technology.Brian emphasises the role of technology in transforming the accountant's role, particularly in data utilisation, auditing, and management decision-making. He highlights the need for certifications to adapt to these changes and equip aspiring professionals with the necessary skills to navigate and leverage technology effectively. Brian also reflects on his experience working with talented students preparing for the CPA exam.The conversation briefly touches on the geopolitical situation between Russia and Ukraine, with Brian expressing concerns about the misrepresentation of the Russian government and t

"Developing Talent in Accounting Firms", Jeremy Hyman shares valuable insights for accountants looking to grow their firms. He emphasizes the changing recruitment landscape due to technology's increasing influence. While recruitment may not be their area of expertise, Hyman believes that the resource needs of accounting firms will change as more technologies become mainstream.He highlights that the pressure points for firms lie in delivery rather than sales or winning clients. To address this, firms need to provide more enablement at lower levels within the organization or automate lower-level tasks. By doing so, they can unlock growth potential, reduce costs, and improve profitability. Hyman also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on firms, including increased demand for assistance and a backlog of work.The conversation delves into the role of automation in removing drudge work and improving efficiency. By automating tasks like data transformation or pushing certain work back to clients through cloud accountin

Nick Huber shares valuable insights on thought leadership and content marketing for accounting firms aiming to grow their businesses. Nick, an experienced journalist and content consultant, emphasizes the importance of thought leadership as a powerful marketing tool for promoting brand authority and generating sales leads.Nick discusses his background as a journalist, including his early experiences reporting on the accountancy sector. He highlights the transition of accounting firms from traditional audit-focused services to positioning themselves as management consultancies. He notes the media profile of top accounting firms and their adeptness in media relations and content creation.The conversation delves into the trends that have shaped the content landscape in recent years, such as the rise of cloud computing, analytics, blockchain, and AI. Nick emphasizes the growing influence of big tech companies and the increasing integration of technology in our lives. He highlights the significance of smartphones

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.You can also watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/bkcp0JFm_IwIn this Talent Special bonus, "Understanding the Needs of Your Talent", host Rob Brown welcomes Robyn Clark, the founder of WinningWise, an HR/Talent Management company, to share her expertise and insights on talent management and organisational success.With over 30 years of experience working with renowned companies such as L'Oreal and the Federal Reserve Bank, Robyn brings a wealth of knowledge in designing and delivering solutions in talent management.In this episode, Robyn will delve into various topics essential for organizations and individuals.From an organisational perspective, Robyn will discuss the importance of succession planning and how to grow a strong bench of talented individuals within a company. She will shed light o

Randy Johnston takes listeners through the history of artificial intelligence (AI) and its relevance to accountants. He shares insights on the development of computer vision, voice recognition, and neural networks over the years. Randy highlights key milestones such as Microsoft's AI-based operating system in 1995 and the emergence of generative AI with OpenAI's ChatGPT models. He explains how these models utilize large language models to produce accurate answers by analyzing vast internet content. Randy emphasizes the importance of accountants researching and using AI while acknowledging the risks associated with privacy and confidentiality. He discusses the concerns and debates surrounding AI regulations and encourages listeners to stay updated on the rapidly evolving landscape of AI.Randy Johnston is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 40 years experience in Strategic Technology Planning, Systems and Network Integration, Accounting Software Selection, Business Development and

Mark Fritz shares valuable insights on effective leadership and driving change within accounting firms. Drawing from his extensive international experience, Mark discusses the importance of adaptability in leadership and the need to embrace evolving leadership roles.Mark highlights how the pandemic has intensified the demand for effective leadership, particularly in leading across different generations. He emphasizes the role of leaders as role models and the significance of being forward-thinking to engage and empower teams. The conversation also explores the challenges of remote work and the importance of fostering informal connections within organizations.Furthermore, Mark delves into the psychology behind micromanagement and the need for leaders to trust their teams and let go of control. He provides practical strategies for gaining trust and fostering a culture of accountability through asking the right questions and focusing on progress.This episode offers valuable insights for accountants looking to en

Mark Fritz shares valuable insights on effective leadership and driving change within accounting firms. Drawing from his extensive international experience, Mark discusses the importance of adaptability in leadership and the need to embrace evolving leadership roles.Mark highlights how the pandemic has intensified the demand for effective leadership, particularly in leading across different generations. He emphasizes the role of leaders as role models and the significance of being forward-thinking to engage and empower teams. The conversation also explores the challenges of remote work and the importance of fostering informal connections within organizations.Furthermore, Mark delves into the psychology behind micromanagement and the need for leaders to trust their teams and let go of control. He provides practical strategies for gaining trust and fostering a culture of accountability through asking the right questions and focusing on progress.This episode offers valuable insights for accountants looking to en

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday and Thursday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, guest John Fenton shares valuable insights on how accountants can attract and retain top talent to grow their firms. John emphasizes the importance of measuring success based on the quality of relationships with customers, employees, and vendors. He advises accountants to create white space on their calendars to reflect on their firm's direction, clients, and ongoing projects.The conversation delves into the challenges faced by accounting firms in the current talent landscape. John discusses the battle for talent and the push and pull dynamics related to remote work and the return to office dilemma. He acknowledges the changing expectations and desires of the workforce, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and well-being.

"Firing Grade D Accounting Clients: Jean Caragher."In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown interviews Jean Caragher, the founder of Capstone Marketing, as she shares insights on growing accounting firms. Jean discusses her experience as an outsourced or fractional chief marketing officer for firms and highlights the range of services Capstone Marketing offers, including marketing plans, branding, content marketing, pricing, programs, and client satisfaction. She emphasizes the evolving landscape of accounting firm marketing and the opportunities for internal marketers to play a strategic role within their firms.Jean reflects on the progress made in the accounting industry in terms of recognizing the importance of marketing. She mentions the increased average tenure of marketing directors in CPA firms, with some marketers achieving partner or CEO status. While marketing principles remain the same, Jean emphasizes the expanded range of tools and techniques available today, such as