The Evolving Role of Accountants

Global accounting leaders call for mindset shifts, better storytelling, and a redefined brand.

Accounting Influencers
with Rob Brown

In this edition of Accounting Influencers, four of the profession’s most prominent voices gather for a candid discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the accounting world. From evolving business models to deep talent shortages, the conversation explores how firms must adapt—or risk irrelevance.

The panel includes Randy Johnston, co-founder of K2 Enterprises and a long-time tech strategist for CPAs; Trevor Greenway, CEO of Interval, a software firm helping accountants uncover real-time advisory opportunities; Harry Blum, managing partner at RSM Canada; and Jennifer O’Carroll, CEO of ERP vendor HansaWorld and former tax advisor.

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“The knowledge is there,” says Greenway. “The question is—do firms have the people and bandwidth to act on it?” He warns that while accountants understand the changes required—like the shift to advisory services and the adoption of AI—the labor shortage is the primary obstacle.

Blum agrees, calling today’s environment “an experiment in change management,” where firms have never had more opportunity but also never faced more complexity. “The mindset shift needed to transform is the biggest challenge,” he says.