Accounting Voices

Episode 125. In today's interview, "The Drivers of Change in Accounting with Gary Shamis."Gary Shamis is a former top 40 US accounting firm managing partner who sold to BDO in 2015. He is now CEO of Winding River Consulting, a high-level strategy consulting for the Restaurant, CPA, and professional services industries. Amongst many other accounting accolades, Gary won EY Entrepreneur of the Year and is a Top Ten Managing Partner Elite (Accounting Today) where he was called the “very model of the modern managing partner. He was awarded Most Admired Peer (INSIDE Public Accounting) and has more than a dozen appearances on the Most Influential list (Accounting Today). He has served within the ranks of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is co-author of How to Manage Your Accounting Practice: Taking Your Firm from Chaos to Consensus.Key takeaways from this episode include:◆ what have been the biggest changes in the accounting profession over recent years◆ why many accounting firms should be proud at how quickly they managed to adapt to the pandemic - almost overnight◆ the challenges for accounting practices in dealing with the culture of remote working and the pace of technology◆ how the private equity money and appetite for mergers and acquisitions is changing the accounting landscape◆ the lessons accounting leaders can learn from history with private equity and the changing priorities of big companies◆ how the majority accounting firms are now 'boomer owned and millennial compromised' in their make up◆ how generation shifts in accountancy practices are driving consolidation and changes in business models◆ explaining the difference in mentality with baby boomers and younger generations with live first, work second◆ a warning to equity partners in accounting firms on how they must set up their firm so millennials will pay for their exit◆ an example of how succession plans in accounting firms can collapse overnight◆ the problems coming up for many accountancy firms with their business model and succession planning◆ the number one thing that attracts private equity money in the accounting sector◆ the potential phasing out of managing partners and the evolution of the c-suite in accounting firms◆ the concept of non-accountants and non-CPAs running large accounting practices◆ the increasing importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in accounting, and how many firms are getting it wrong◆ where professional accounting associations and institutes are falling short in pushing for a stronger DEI agenda◆ examples of what accounting firms must do with DEI to attract more and better talent◆ how the pace of M&A activity and PE interest is only going to increase in accounting◆ the kind of accounting firms that will do really well in the futureYou can connect with Gary here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-shamis-wrchttps://windingriverconsulting.comCheck out this related interview: "Accounting Firm Leadership Priorities: Gary Shamis"https://bit.ly/3lyBIgWNOTE TO LISTENERS:The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a 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 26,000 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 Podcasts① 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.

Episode 124. In today's practical episode, "Employer Branding & Mental Wellbeing in Accounting." In these segments, we pick out key trends and events in accounting and fintech media and analyse/interpret them for accountants in practice.Key takeaways from this episode include: what employer brand means for accounting firms and why it is important with today's war for talent where an accounting firm's employer brand shows itself publicly the problems for accountants in trying to shape culture, sell and communicate 'at distance' the reasons why CPA and accountancy practices must prioritise employee wellbeing and mental health comments on the ICAEW report saying workplace wellbeing is an area the accounting profession is failing on comparisons of the accounting world to competitive sports in the welfare and care of athletes and employees quoting mind.org on how employees are much more likely to recommend their employer if they support mental wellbeing why accounting practice employer brand is so much more than initiatives and rhetoric how greater staff retention affects future recruitment for accounting firms the need for different approaches to different people when supporting staff in your accounting firm considering what 'going the extra mile' looks like for people who work in accountancy firms wellness strategies for accounting firms and the benefits of putting mental health first for productivity and profits why nobody has life all sorted, so thinking everyone in your accounting firm is okay is a mistake the need for metrics and measurement to keep a handle on accounting firm employees mental health and wellbeing why investing in training for leaders, managers and bosses helps retention of talent in accounting why diagnosis and aware of the stress triggers and signals are a feature of good wellbeing support in accountancy the importance of self-care and self-recognition of stress, overload and mental pressure for accounting leaders and managers◤━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◥Follow Accounting Influencers on Linkedin - we'd love to keep you informed on latest interviews, episodes and behind the scenes goodies from the Accounting Influencers Podcast and events. Just go here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢NOTE TO LISTENERS:The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a 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 26,000 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 Podcasts① 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.

Episode 123. In today's interview, "CFO Consulting Services in Accounting with Kevin Appleby."Kevin Appleby is COO at GrowCFO. He hosts the GrowCFO show, a weekly podcast dedicated to finance leaders. He is also co-host of long running business show The Next 100 Days Podcast. He qualified with BDO, worked as European Business Accountant for ICI’s Plastics Business, and as a management consultant with PwC and BearingPoint. Key takeaways from this episode include:⍟ the evolving role of a CFO in a company, particularly with a more external focus⍟ the two key areas accountants are expected to speak into with today's business clients⍟ defining the portfolio or fractional CFO from an accounting perspective⍟ how accountants can take natural steps from compliance to more project and consulting based services⍟ key questions finance professionals are asking themselves and their peers to stay current for today's business owners⍟ examples of the topics finance and accounting professionals need to gain knowledge of to be better advisors⍟ the extent to which CFOs and accountants need to be tech experts, geeks and nerds in advising clients⍟ how accountants can do so much more for their clients, and in doing so, hit all of their growth or new business targets⍟ the VITAL vz FUNCTIONAL framework of GenCFO of accountants and CFOs⍟ the confidence and authority that accountants can gain from claiming expert status and living up to it⍟ final words of advice and encouragement for accountants wanting to more confidently and effectively deliver CFO advisory servicesHere is Kevin's VITAL framework mentioned in the show - being VITAL instead of functional. The functional becomes a commodity and can be automated out of existence (MTD, cloud accounting, automation)VISION. Taking a role in strategic planning, helping with financial models of the business etc. KPI reporting. This is a core skill - the financials are like driving a car through a rear view mirror.INSIGHT. Understanding the economic engine of the business and not just the P&L. Activity-based costing is a core skill.TEAM. Supporting the business owner and their management team, answering the questions that keep them awake at night.AGILITY. Driving change, implementing finance systems, automation, bringing technical expertise, project management and change management.LEARNING. Everything is changing so CFOs and accountants must constantly reinvent themselves as subject matter experts and trusted advisors.Outside work, Kevin is passionate about Newcastle United Football Club in the UK and can often be found in his railway room playing trains. Contact @jkevinappleby on Twitter and here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-appleby-295417ahttps://www.growcfo.nethttps://www.kevinappleby.com━━━━━━━━━▼━━━━━━━━━We'd love to get to know you!Join, follow, subscribe, like, share and engage with the Accounting Influencers Communities on any of these platforms:➺ Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.captivate.fm➺ LinkedIn. For announcements of published shows, tagging guest so you can build your network and offer feedback on the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers➺ Youtube. For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3AwPLSr2rCqTylGj0s7TJQ➺ Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers➺ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers━━━━━━━━━▲━━━━━━━━━NOTE TO LISTENERS:The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a 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 26,000 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 Podcasts① 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.

Episode 122. In today's news episode, we discuss "10X Growth Strategies for CPA & Accounting Firms."Key takeaways from this episode include:＞ the proportion of tasks performed by accounting professionals that can be automated by technology＞the importance of innovation and agility for accounting firms who want to grow and stay competitive＞the role of 'snooping' and competitor analysis for accountants to open up opportunities with profitable new verticals＞the difference between the accounting industry and the accounting profession＞what the best accounting firms are doing when it comes to managing, informing and upskilling their workforce＞the growth and profit benefits for accounting firms of keeping their staff fully engaged＞why a knowledge of pipelines, digital marketing and business development is vital for growth-oriented accounting professionals＞the intelligence to be gleaned from accounting firm clients who leave for a competitor or other reasons＞shoutout to the new show coming up "Insights in Accounting" under the Accounting Influencers Broadcast NetworkOriginal article source: Next Year 10X Growth Strategies for CPA & Accounting Firmshttps://www.infinity-globus.com/next-year-10x-growth-strategies-for-cpa-accounting-firms/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 Podcasts① 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.NOTE TO LISTENERS:The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a 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 26,000 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 Podcasts① 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.

Episode 121. On this week’s Accounting Influencers Podcast:➜ News - Martin & Rob discuss "10X Growth Strategies for CPA & Accounting Firms." ➜ Special Guest Interview: "CFO Consulting Services in Accounting with Kevin Appleby."➜ Practical advice and tips for accounting practitioners on " Employer Branding & Mental Wellbeing in Accounting."➜ Expert Interview: "Key Drivers of Change in Accounting with Gary Shamis."For full shownotes on these segments, check out the stand-alone episodes coming out this week and outlined on the days below.******************************If you have a business development, sales or growth angle to your role, and are expected to bring in new business, here's a great resource for you:Are you a busy accountant struggling to create more revenue and career opportunities?As an accounting professional, you likely have a business development strategy, selling or work winning dimension to your role and the ability to generate new revenues is what makes you wealthier, more promotable and more valuable to your employers. Many accountants struggle to bring in the kind of work that gets them noticed or makes them promotable. If you’re a partner, you’re under pressure to show you’re worth a seat at the table. If you’re below partner level, you know that beyond technical competence, the passport to partnership is the ability to drive growth.This unique guide is designed for accounting professionals in practice with 5 simple but effective things to do every day to create significant new career opportunities, greater influence, a better network and new business conversations. What you will learn:✓ What is a 'reachout' and how to create your target list✓ How to keep in touch with your contacts and how to approach follow up✓ How to make an introduction and extend your network by being helpful✓ How to start a conversation with someone you don't already know✓ How to make a new business offer without being salesyIf you follow and implement this guide, you will create significant new career options and new business opportunities in the next 30 days. Start today by taking control and toning up your business development skills with a tried and tested 5 step system you can apply with ease every single day. DOWNLOAD LINK: https://accountinginfluencers.com/growth-opportunities-accountants/NOTE TO LISTENERS:The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a 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 26,000 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 Podcasts① 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.

BONUS: a short bonus episode in a new series to help accountants price better and win more business - "The Price Is Right Part 12 - Gaining External Validation." In these bonus episodes, we focus on upskilling the accountants, bookkeepers, CPAs and commercially focused fintech vendors to better handle key challenges in their professional role like client service, closing deals, negotiating, pricing, hiring, reputation and differentiation.Key takeaways from this episode include:✓ the importance for accountants of consulting your team when putting together a proposal for prospects✓ how accountants can know if they price they have quoted a prospect or existing client is right and fair✓ a reminder that accountants should never leave a client or prospect meeting without scheduling the next one ✓ questions an accountancy professional should ask their colleagues and team to price more confidently to prospects✓ effective language accountants and CPAs can use to validate and justify their team's involvement in pricing✓ the benefits for accounting professionals and CPAs of being fully prepared for the pricing conversation with prospects and clients✓ why accountants who actually take some action and implement advice are better than 95% of their competition 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 Podcasts① 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.NOTE TO LISTENERS:The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a 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 26,000 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 Podcasts① 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.

Episode 120. In today's interview, "How Clients Can Educate Accountants: Susan Bryant"Susan Bryant is a CPA with a vision to help business owners achieve their dreams. She has been voted Top 50 Women in Accounting and works with the MB Group leading lead the Accounting Services team. Her favorite roles are being the architect of accounting processes, an M&A advisor and tax strategist. Susan’s passion is transforming the lives of business owners by bringing order to the finance function and alleviating stress around taxes through proper and timely planning.Key takeaways from this episode include:》shout out to Susan's previous interview on what makes a good accounting client https://bit.ly/38F7rdn》what accountants should do to ensure their clients step up to be better clients》top tips for accountants to manage the expectations of their client》what makes the good accountants great in terms of going beyond compliance for their clients》what turns a good accounting client into a great one - the dynamics of a great client-accountant relationship》the importance of accounting clients treating their advisors as partners rather than mere suppliers of a service》when accounting advice becomes more emotional and and relationship based for clients》how very few business owners have a good knowledge of what their accountant actually does》examples of questions accountants can ask their clients to improve their relationship and service》the questions and topics business owners should be bringing up with their accounting advisors》whether clients can and even should focus on making their accountants better advisors》the options for accounting firm clients who are not happy with what their professional advisors are doing》how coachable accountants and CPAs are as a breed and why few are interested in developing》the importance for business owners to be clear on what they want from their accountant and vice versa》the key elements of the discovery call for accountants and prospective clients》what business owners should be asking a potential new accounting advisor before hiring them》the kind of things that make business owners switch CPA firms or accounting advisors (and what doesn't)》the biggest thing accountants and the accounting profession needs to work on to improve the sector's image》what it means for accountants to actively help their clients to fulfil their dreams》the need for accountants and CPAs to have their own dreams and visions so they transform themselves》the difference between incremental change and significant transformation for accountants and their clientsOutside work, you'll find Susan whipping up new dishes in the kitchen, shopping at the mall with her teenage daughters, planning (in excruciating accountant-like detail) her next vacation and, if it's Christmas-time, glued to the Hallmark Channel. https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbryantcpahttps://twitter.com/MBGroupSusanBhttps://www.mbgcpa.comCheck out Susan's previous interview on the show:Accountants - Make Good Clients Great: Susan Bryanthttps://bit.ly/38F7rdnNOTE TO LISTENERS:The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a 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 26,000 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 Podcasts① 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.

Episode 119. In today's practical episode, "Employer Brand in Accounting - Developing Existing Talent."Key takeaways from this episode include:⍟ where young accounting talent often goes if they choose not to enter private practice⍟ why advancing and developing your people makes great sense for accounting firms⍟ advice for accountants to put their hands on the steering wheel of their own career.⍟ the critical question leaders and employers in accounting firms must answer when hiring or promoting talent⍟ the role that 'best' technology plays for accounting firms in showing your talent that you care and you want to develop them⍟ how technical skills are just the baseline or foundation for training and development of talent in accountancy practices⍟ the kind of training that is required for accounting firms to develop the soft skills and leadership qualities of their people⍟ what role coachability plays for accounting firm leaders trying to decide which people to invest most in⍟ the need for accounting firms to proactively show their talent what is possible with their career⍟ examples of the different training and development channels, formats and approaches in accountancy⍟ the core elements of talent management for accounting practices⍟ why accounting professionals are more likely to leave a bad manager than a bad firmNOTE TO LISTENERS:The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a 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 26,000 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 Podcasts① 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.

Episode 118. In today's interview, "Route to the Top for Black Accountants: Herschel Frierson."Herschel Frierson is the Strategic Networks Leader and a Principal at Crowe LLP with over 26 years of experience. He is responsible for expanding the firm’s influence with network partners, including associations and creating new opportunities and deepening existing relationships. He also serves on the firm’s leadership team with the Inclusion Excellence Council which focuses on Diversity and Inclusion for the Firm. Herschel is the 27th Chairman of the Board of Directors with the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and is a lifetime member. In 2020, he was named by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting. Key takeaways from this episode include:➜ why there are many opportunities for the accounting profession at this point in time➜ the mistakes accountancy has made as a profession over the years with diversity, recruitment and retention➜ what helping black accountants and other minority groups advance in accounting actually looks like➜ why diversity and social injustice have become so such critical issues in recent years (driving DEI - diversity, equity and inclusion - agendas)➜ what a lack of role models does for under-represented groups in accounting➜ whether racism and general marginalisation of minorities is a problem in the accounting profession➜ initial steps for accounting firms wanting to embrace a more diverse culture and push DEI➜ questions accounting leaders can ask to drive a better DEI culture in their firms➜ the message for under-represented professionals in accounting to get involved and be a voice for change➜ the importance for black accountants and other minority groups in accounting to reach out and get support➜ shout out to Professor Anton Lewis and his work on black accountants, critical race theory and DEI in accountancy (episode links below)➜ the differences and similarities in challenges for minority groups like women, blacks, LGBTQ+, lower classes and others in accounting➜ how Crowe as a professional accounting firm has championed DEI, even though there is always more to be done➜ what separates the good leaders from the great ones in accounting firms and how it starts with 'self'➜ the importance for accountants of role models, mentors, coaches and advocates, plus people who push back against you➜ the need to re-ignite the fire of young professionals in accounting and make the profession sexy➜ what makes accounting the language of business and thus the gateway for opportunity in young professionalsHerschel loves to explore and use the latest gadgets and technology. He is a big movie buff and loves to travel meeting new people.https://www.linkedin.com/in/herschel-frierson/Other useful episodes on this topic:Critical Race Theory & Black Accountants with Anton Lewishttps://bit.ly/3Ny3RBBDEI, Racism & Prejudice in Accounting: Anton Lewishttps://bit.ly/3wV8cZ9NOTE 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 Podcasts① 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.

Episode 117. In today's news episode, we discuss "Flexible Work Patterns in Accountancy Firms."Key takeaways from this episode include:✓ shout out to Barry Ross, partner at Crossland Employment Solicitors for the original article✓ why there is no return to how things used to be pre-pandemic in the business world✓ what the new normal is now with a hybrid workplace✓ what hybrid working allows accounting firms to do with their recruitment strategies✓ the challenges that arise for accountancy firms with hybrid working and remote workplaces✓ how accounting staff recruited in the pandemic have only ever known remote working✓ the importance of employment contracts for new accounting hires✓ whether accounting firm employees can actually demand flexible working with location of work and hours of work✓ answering the question 'how far can accounting firm employees actually live from their office?'✓ the key issues that arise for accountancy practices with the new world of work post-pandemic✓ the need for compromise between staff and employers if accounting firms are to stay competitive, service clients and drive growth✓ how flexible work patterns can help accounting firms differentiate and attract talentSource:https://accountinginfluencers.captivate.fm/episode/flexible-work-patterns-in-accountancy-firmsNOTE 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 Podcasts① 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.