In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown engages with industry experts Will Yap, Denise M. Meyer, and Robert Prusa to explore the significance of events in the accounting profession. They discuss the value of attending events, the importance of building relationships, and what makes a good event. The conversation also delves into how accountants choose which events to attend, the ROI considerations, and the evolving trends in event planning. The episode culminates in insights about the upcoming Right Now 2025 event, emphasizing community and professional growth.Key Takeaways:-Attending events is crucial for professional development.-Networking is a key reason for attending events.-A thriving community enhances the event experience.-Location plays a significant role in event selection.-ROI is measured by the value gained from the event.-Personalization in events is becoming increasingly important.-Engagement opportunities are essential for attendees.-The Right Now 2025 event focuses on community and collaboration.-Transitioning back to work after events is critical for implementing learnings.-CPE should be viewed as a bonus, not the main goal.-You can register for the right now event here:https://events.rightworks.com/WdoGRL?utm_source=robbrown&utm_campaign=rightnow2025&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=willrobertdeniseThanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtubeWatch the show with graphics and slides on youtube here: https://youtu.be/vm6TIuAMl8wThe Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers.

In this conversation, Rob Brown and Eric Gregg discuss the importance of understanding client needs in the accounting industry, emphasizing the significance of specialization, effective online presence, and the role of technology in enhancing client relationships. They explore the concept of the 'Day One Accounting Firm,' which highlights how firms can position themselves to be top of mind for potential clients. The discussion also covers pricing strategies, the importance of onboarding, and how firms can differentiate themselves through client experience and thought leadership.Key Takeaways:-Accountants often lack insight into what clients truly want.-Specialization is key to being on a client's day one list.-A strong online presence is crucial for attracting clients.-Differentiation in client experience is essential for success.-Value perception can significantly impact client relationships.-Effective communication can enhance client satisfaction and referability.-Cultural differences can influence client expectations and perceptions.-Technology, including AI, plays a vital role in client interactions.-Thought leadership can build trust and authority in the market.-Onboarding processes are critical for establishing strong client relationships.Watch the show with graphics and slides on youtube here: https://youtu.be/7wBDDOtPCngThe Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.ukIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Are corporate layoffs and strict return-to-office mandates causing a talent crisis in accounting? Host Rob Brown explores how major changes at large firms like PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG are reshaping the landscape and what smaller accounting firms can do to capitalize on these shifts. Discover why leaders at all levels must rethink their strategies to attract and retain top talent.Key Takeaways:-Transparency during layoffs builds trust.-Strict RTO mandates can negatively impact morale.-Smaller firms can attract talent leaving large firms.-Flexibility remains crucial for employee retention.-Clear, empathetic leadership boosts engagement.-Proactively managing your employer brand is vital.-Collaborative policy-making enhances team buy-in.The Accounting Influencers Podcast (AIP) is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers, and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence, and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. To find out more, contact host Rob Brown on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownThanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Why Are Accounting Firms Quietly Dropping DEI?Accounting firms are making drastic changes to their DEI programs, and not in the way you might think. KPMG has officially ended its "Accelerate 2025" program, following similar moves from Deloitte and others. Meanwhile, governing bodies like AICPA, CIMA, and ACCA are doubling down on DEI’s importance. So, what’s really happening? In this episode, Rob Brown breaks down:Key Takeaways:✅ Why KPMG, Deloitte, and others are scaling back DEI✅ The legal and political forces driving this shift✅ How these changes impact recruitment and retention✅ What firms risk by pulling back on DEI initiatives✅ The burnout crisis hitting DEI professionals in firms✅ What governing bodies like AICPA & ACCA say about DEI✅ How accounting leaders should navigate this challengeKiller Quotes:💬 "Accounting firms are ditching DEI – is it a smart move or a disaster?"💬 "Less than half of firms are even tracking DEI progress."💬 "DEI officers burn out fast—most last just 3 years!"💬 "The next generation of accountants cares about DEI—ignore it at your own risk."💬 "If firms aren’t diverse, how will they attract diverse clients and talent?"💬 "The legal landscape is shifting—but is pulling back the answer?"💬 "Talent is already scarce. Does ignoring DEI make firms even less attractive?"You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:https://youtu.be/ZMdh01NB_C0The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode of the Accounting Influencer podcast, Rob Brown discusses KPMG's groundbreaking move to become the first major accounting firm in the US to own a law firm, following new laws in Arizona that allow non-lawyers to own law firms. This shift is driven by client demand for integrated services, advancements in technology, and the lucrative nature of legal services. Brown emphasizes the implications for accounting professionals, including the need for multidisciplinary skills, tech literacy, and ethical considerations. He encourages listeners to stay informed, expand their expertise, and build their influence to remain relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.TakeawaysKPMG is pioneering a significant shift in the accounting profession by owning a law firm.The relaxation of laws in Arizona is a game changer for legal services.Client demand for integrated solutions is a major driver of this change.Technology and process expertise are essential for modern accounting firms.Legal services are lucrative, presenting a growth opportunity for accounting firms.Multidisciplinary teams are becoming the norm in professional services.Tech skills are crucial for accountants to stay competitive.Ethical scrutiny will increase with the blending of accounting and legal services.Staying informed about industry trends is vital for accounting professionals.Building influence and expanding expertise will help accountants navigate future changes.You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:https://youtu.be/vdufliwlx2o◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown discusses the significant shift in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Deloitte, where the US branch has decided to shut down its DEI program while the UK branch continues its commitment. This split reflects a broader trend among major corporations retreating from DEI commitments, influenced by political changes and government contracts. Brown emphasizes the implications for talent acquisition and retention in the accounting profession, which has historically struggled with diversity. He outlines three potential approaches for firms moving forward and provides actionable insights for accounting leaders to navigate this evolving landscape.Takeaways:-Deloitte has announced the shutdown of its DEI program.-The split between Deloitte US and UK highlights a significant corporate divide.-Political influences are driving major companies to retreat from DEI commitments.-Accounting firms face a recruitment crisis, exacerbated by a lack of diversity.-Meritocracy and diversity can coexist, but it's a complex balance.-Firms must assess their talent pipeline and recruitment strategies.-Global implications of DEI stances must be considered by international firms.-Client expectations regarding DEI can impact revenue.Clear communication strategies are essential for any policy changes.The DEI debate is evolving and will shape the future of accounting.You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:https://youtu.be/6uO6LdI1Ltk◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

By 2025, Gen Z will make up 1 in 10 managers, bringing fresh perspectives, bold expectations, and digital fluency to the workplace. But for accounting firms, this generational shift presents both challenges and opportunities. In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown dives into the heart of the Gen Z revolution in accounting. Are they lazy, entitled, and impossible to manage? Or are they the key to solving the profession’s talent and innovation crises?From their demand for clarity and purpose to their insistence on fairness and flexibility, this episode unpacks what Gen Z really wants—and what firms need to do to thrive in a multi-generational workforce. Whether you’re a Baby Boomer, Gen Xer, Millennial, or Gen Z, this episode has insights, strategies, and actionable takeaways for everyone.What You’ll Learn in This Episode👉 Why Gen Z’s digital fluency is a game-changer for accounting firms.👉 How to bridge the social and communication gap between Gen Z and older generations.👉 The non-negotiables Gen Z expects: clarity, fairness, flexibility, and purpose.👉 Leadership tips for Gen X and Boomers to connect with younger employees.👉 Success strategies for Gen Z to thrive as they step into leadership roles.Takeaways for Leaders (Gen X & Boomers):✅ Provide crystal-clear expectations and actionable feedback.✅ Create mentorship opportunities to bridge generational divides.✅ Embrace hybrid work models and progressive benefits.✅ Align work tasks with a clear, meaningful purpose.Memorable Quotes💬 “Gen Z isn’t lazy—they’re wired differently. The question is, are we ready to meet them where they are?”💬 “Flexibility isn’t a perk for Gen Z—it’s a baseline. Firms that don’t adapt will lose top talent.”💬 “This isn’t just about bridging gaps; it’s about thriving together in a multi-generational workplace.”Join the ConversationWhat’s your take on Gen Z in the workplace? Are they shaking things up for the better—or creating new challenges? Share your thoughts with Rob on LinkedIn or comment below the episode.Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Accounting Influencers Podcast! Stay tuned for more expert insights on the trends shaping the accounting profession.You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:https://youtu.be/1V53M9TF63Y◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Return-to-office mandates are making waves in the accounting profession. Some firms are tightening policies, while others embrace hybrid work. What’s the real reason behind these decisions? Are RTO mandates about productivity, or are firms using them for hidden cost-cutting measures? Rob Brown breaks it all down in this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast.Key Takeaways:- RTO mandates are often about cost-cutting, not collaboration.- Hybrid work models attract and retain top talent.- Firms with strict RTO policies risk losing their best employees.- Leadership needs to focus on results, not presence.- Junior staff benefit from mentorship, but forced RTO isn’t the answer.- The best firms balance flexibility with structured in-office collaboration.- Talent wars are shifting—progressive firms will win.You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:https://youtu.be/2ppYuKYDJDoWant to get your brand in front of the right audience? Sponsor the Accounting Influencers Podcast and connect with tech-savvy accountants from across the globe. Our listeners tune in for insights and trends, making them the perfect audience for your message. Drop us a line today to find out how you can partner with us!Are you an accounting professional looking to build your personal brand but struggling to find the time? Let Rob Brown help you accelerate your thought leadership with his bespoke interview service. In just 30 minutes, we’ll capture your insights and turn them into articles, blogs, and video clips for your marketing team to use. It’s the easiest way to establish yourself as a thought leader without doing all the heavy lifting! Contact us to learn more.The Accounting Influencers Podcast (AIP) is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel.◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode,, Rob Brown and Gary Shamis delve into the impact of private equity on the accounting industry, exploring its rise, implications for mergers and acquisitions, and the challenges faced by smaller firms. They discuss the role of leadership in navigating disruption and highlight the opportunities available in the current accounting landscape, particularly for middle-market firms.Key TakeawaysPrivate equity is reshaping the accounting industry globally.M&A and private equity offer different challenges and opportunities.Leadership and strategy are critical in navigating PE disruption.Middle-market firms present untapped opportunities for CPA practices.Firms must understand PE motivations: profitability and exit strategies.Small firms can leverage their unique value to compete effectively.Succession planning and partner alignment remain vital.Killer Quotes"Private equity is a force that can’t be ignored.""Middle-market opportunities are better than ever.""Leadership is the backbone of firm resilience.""Succession planning ensures your firm’s future.""M&A strategies differ greatly from PE approaches.""Small firms can thrive with the right strategy.""Private equity's goal is simple: maximize profits."You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:https://youtu.be/yc_a-jhG04sThe Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

In this episode, Rob Brown invites Gary Shamis to discuss the challenges and strategies for accounting firms to maintain independence in a landscape dominated by mergers, acquisitions and private equity. Learn the importance of partner alignment, succession planning, leadership and a recalibrated partner buyout process as essential elements for firms to thrive independently. Plus winning strategies such as building advisory practices, fostering a strong culture and executing effective change management to navigate the evolving accounting industry.Takeaways:Why it's impossible for an accounting firm to stay independent.Partner alignment is crucial for maintaining independence.Opportunistic greed can tempt firms to sell out.Firms need a succession plan to ensure continuity.Leadership development is essential for future success.Culture must be intentionally cultivated in firms.Firms should focus on creating value in client relationships.Growth is necessary to attract top talent.Change management is vital in a rapidly evolving industry.Firms need to think independently about their future.You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:https://youtu.be/bD94-lOpiXQ◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. Thanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownYou can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:https://bit.ly/AI-youtube