In this episode of The Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown dives into the world of private equity and its growing impact on accounting firms. With firms like Baker Tilly and Grant Thornton selling stakes to private equity, Rob explores what this means for firm growth, independence, and leadership. Should accounting firms embrace private equity or avoid it at all costs? Listen in for a deep dive into the opportunities and risks that private equity brings to the accounting profession.

Key Takeaways

• Private equity is increasingly targeting accounting firms, offering capital and growth opportunities.
• Firms like Baker Tilly and Grant Thornton have already sold stakes to private equity.
• Private equity helps firms attract top talent, invest in technology, and compete in mergers.
• The downside: more debt, outside control, and potential conflicts of interest with clients.
• Private equity-backed firms may face challenges in maintaining long-term client trust.
• SEC concerns about auditor independence could reshape how private equity is viewed in accounting.
• Leaders must decide whether private equity is a growth enabler or a risk to firm independence.

Killer Quotes

• "Would you sell half of your accounting firm to private equity for a billion dollars?"
• "Private equity could be the biggest opportunity—or the greatest threat—to your firm’s independence."
• "Accounting firms are at a crossroads: stay independent or accept private equity investment."
• "Private equity is reshaping accounting firms, but at what cost?"
• "The talent war is fierce, and private equity is the weapon many firms are choosing."
• "Could private equity undermine the long-term trust clients place in their accounting firms?"
• "The question isn’t whether private equity is coming—it’s already here."

Looking to promote your tech or software solutions to accountants worldwide? By sponsoring the Accounting Influencers Podcast, you can reach an engaged, international audience of accounting professionals. With our growing YouTube channel, your sponsorship will live on multiple platforms, maximizing your brand’s exposure. Contact us to learn more about this fantastic opportunity!

If you’re an influencer in the accounting world and want to elevate your reputation, we’ve got just the thing. Rob Brown offers a personalized service that takes the burden of content creation off your shoulders. We do video interviews and turn them into compelling blogs, articles, and social media clips, positioning you as an expert in your field. Reach out to see how we can help you stand out!

As accountants, your technical skills are only half the story. To truly gain influence, you need to connect with the wider ecosystem that surrounds accounting firms—technology providers, consultants, and other industry experts. That’s where the Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) can help. Head over to our LinkedIn page ‘Accounting Influencers’ to discover a space where accounting professionals can expand their network, get valuable insights, and connect with key players in the tech world. Check it out and start building those critical connections today!

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 this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown dives into the Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession 2024 report, revealing how accounting firms are being impacted by the rapid pace of technological change and disruption.

From the shrinking number of audit firms to the increasing role of AI and cloud accounting, Rob offers actionable insights for leaders, managers, and influencers looking to stay relevant and build influence. He also explores the growing importance of diversity and how firms can retain top talent in a highly competitive landscape. If you’re serious about staying ahead and building your personal brand inside and outside your firm, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

• Audit firms are shrinking, which intensifies competition for talent and clients.
• Embracing technology such as AI and cloud accounting is essential for staying competitive.
• Audit fee income is growing—firms that innovate are seeing results.
• The most successful firms invest in diverse talent to future-proof their businesses.
• Leaders need to position themselves as thought leaders to maintain influence.
• The growing percentage of female accounting students shows a shift in the profession’s demographics.
• Firms that fail to adapt risk losing their best talent and clients to more tech-savvy competitors.

Killer Quotes:

• "Audit firms are shrinking—what’s your next move?"
• "The future of accounting is here—are you ready?"
• "Leaders who fail to adapt will disappear."
• "The firms winning today are those that invest in diverse talent."
• "AI and cloud accounting aren’t buzzwords—they’re the future."
• "Audit fee income is up, but only for those firms who innovate."
• "Stay ahead, or get left behind in the disruption."

You can also view this on youtube:

Boost Your Thought Leadership Without the Heavy Lifting!

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.

Want to Get Your Brand in Front of Accountants?

Looking to promote your tech or software solutions to accountants worldwide? By sponsoring the Accounting Influencers Podcast, you can reach an engaged, international audience of accounting professionals. With our growing YouTube channel, your sponsorship will live on multiple platforms, maximizing your brand’s exposure. Contact us to learn more about this fantastic opportunity!

Expand Your Influence Beyond Accounting!

Want to take your influence beyond just accounting? Building relationships with the tech and consulting world that serve accountants is key to staying ahead. Our LinkedIn page, Accounting Influencers, is where you can start those connections. We’re sharing insights that help you navigate the accounting ecosystem, while opening doors to wider networks and opportunities. Don’t miss out—join the conversation on LinkedIn at Accounting Influencers and position yourself as a leader in the accounting space!

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...

Tech – A Force for Good or the Death of Accountants? In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown delves into the critical topic of technology’s impact on the accounting profession. With automation, AI, and machine learning reshaping how accountants work, the big question is: Is tech a savior or a job killer?

Rob breaks down what this technological revolution means for accountants today and in the future, exploring both the opportunities and the risks. For firms and professionals who embrace these tools, the future looks bright. But for those who resist? The outlook may not be so promising.

Key Takeaways:

AI & Automation’s Impact on the Profession: While some accounting tasks are being automated, the shift opens doors for higher-value, advisory roles that AI can’t replicate yet.

The Value of Soft Skills: As automation takes over manual tasks, accountants who focus on client relationships and strategic thinking will thrive.

The Need for Tech Adoption: Firms that invest in and adopt the right technology will remain competitive, while those that don’t risk being left behind.

Leadership’s Role in Guiding Tech Transformation: Leaders must set an example by embracing tech and fostering a learning culture within their firms.

If you’re serious about future-proofing your career and firm, now is the time to take action. Embrace the changes, invest in technology, and focus on developing the skills that will set you apart. Drop your thoughts in the comments or email us with your stories about how your firm is handling the tech revolution in accounting. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with your colleagues who need to hear this important conversation!

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. https://youtu.be/lsJS9hxhv5E

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

Conferences are back, but are you truly getting value from them? In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown dives into 10 powerful strategies to ensure your time, money, and energy at accounting and tech conferences translate into real returns. Whether you're a leader, manager, or influencer in an accounting firm, these tips will help you build your personal brand, strengthen your network, and find actionable insights to bring back to your team.

If you've ever left a conference wondering if it was worth it, this episode is for you. Rob shares practical advice on setting clear goals, networking with purpose, evaluating tech solutions, and ensuring your learnings translate into real business outcomes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why accounting professionals often fail to get ROI from conferences—and how you can avoid common mistakes.
• The importance of setting clear objectives before attending any event.
• How to research speakers and attendees to target meaningful connections.
• Why being strategic about networking and participation is key to standing out.
• How to leverage conference tech tools for scheduling, learning, and staying engaged.
• Actionable tips for sharing knowledge with your team to maximize firm-wide impact.
• The importance of evaluating conference success against your initial objectives.

Who Should Listen?

This episode is a must-listen for:

• Accounting leaders, managers, and influencers looking to maximize the value of conferences.
• HR and talent professionals seeking to enhance recruitment and retention strategies.
• Anyone in accounting interested in building their personal brand and strengthening their network.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “Are you wasting time and money at conferences? It’s time to change that.”
• “Networking isn’t about how many people you meet—it’s about who remembers you and why.”
• “Every conference is an opportunity to amplify your personal brand and influence.”

Call to Action:

Follow Accounting Influencers on LinkedIn for more of this content. And watch this episode on Youtube here:

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown discusses the recent layoffs in the accounting profession, particularly among the big four firms and software providers. He explores the reasons behind these layoffs, the evolving skill requirements for accountants, and the new opportunities that arise from these changes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and thought leadership in navigating the current landscape. Additionally, Rob addresses the implications for the talent pipeline and offers insights for leaders on how to manage their teams during this period of disruption.

Key Takeaways

• Layoffs in accounting are reshaping the profession.
• AI and automation are driving job changes in accounting.
• Accountants must develop technology and data analysis skills.
• The demand for advisory services is increasing.
• Continuous learning is essential for career longevity.
• Thought leadership is crucial for career advancement.
• Layoffs create mentorship gaps in firms.
• New career paths are emerging for laid-off accountants.
• The talent pipeline may be affected by perceptions of instability.
• Leaders must navigate change with empathy and transparency.

Watch this on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2BaxT8xZQqY

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 emphasizes the critical role of personal branding for accounting professionals. He discusses how a strong personal brand can differentiate individuals in a competitive field, enhance visibility, and open doors to new opportunities. The conversation covers the importance of creating content, engaging with audiences, and maintaining authenticity and consistency in branding efforts. Ultimately, Rob encourages accountants to leverage their influence to drive positive change within the industry.

Key Takeaways

• If you're relying solely on technical skills, you're falling behind.
• Building a standout personal brand can catapult you ahead.
• Influence is becoming as important as expertise in accounting.
• Your personal brand communicates your unique value and perspective.
• Trust is at an all-time low; influence is a precursor for trust.
• A strong personal brand accelerates career advancement.
• Consistency in content creation is key to maintaining influence.
• Engaging in conversations enriches your perspective and influence.
• Authenticity strengthens your influence and attracts people.
• Personal branding is about driving positive change and storytelling.

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 shifts occurring in the accounting profession, particularly the decline of the traditional partnership model. He emphasizes the need for firms to adapt to a corporate business model led by a CEO, driven by the growing influence of private equity. The conversation highlights the importance of technology, strategic leadership, and innovative hiring practices in shaping the future of accounting firms. Rob provides actionable strategies for aspiring leaders to enhance their influence and authority within their firms, advocating for modernization and collaboration.

Key Takeaways

• The partnership model is increasingly seen as outdated and ineffective.
• Firms must adapt to a corporate model to remain competitive.
• Private equity is playing a significant role in transforming accounting firms.
• Technology and automation are essential for future growth and efficiency.
• Leaders should focus on long-term firm success over individual gain.
• Understanding the impact of private equity is crucial for strategic positioning.
• Specializing in niche industries can enhance a leader's value.
• Collaboration across departments is vital for firm growth.
• Innovative hiring practices can shape the future of accounting firms.
• Leaders must anticipate industry shifts to drive change.

Watch on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/aQ6YzA87wMc

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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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You 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 the transformative power of public writing for accounting professionals. He emphasizes that writing in public can set individuals apart in their careers, enhance their reputation, and establish them as thought leaders in the industry. Rob addresses common fears associated with writing and encourages accountants to share their insights and experiences. He highlights the long-term benefits of consistent writing, not only for personal branding but also for the reputation of their firms. The episode concludes with practical tips for getting started with public writing.

Key Takeaways

• Public writing can transform your career and reputation.
• Most accounting professionals fear writing in public.
• Writing publicly helps establish thought leadership.
• Everyday insights from your work are valuable to share.
• Consistency in writing leads to increased visibility.
• You can start writing even when no one is watching.
• Fear of judgment should not hold you back from writing.
• Building a personal brand benefits both you and your firm.
• Public writing can attract new clients and opportunities.
• Engaging in public writing sets a tone for leadership in your firm.

Check out the show here on youtube: https://youtu.be/84xauQnfUjc

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If 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/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube