In this episode of the Accounting Talent Podcast, Rob Brown and Jeff Phillips continue their deep dive into onboarding, focusing on the practical steps accounting firms can take to retain top talent. Building on Part 1, they address how to provide new hires with the resources they need, foster team engagement, and avoid the common pitfalls of onboarding. The discussion includes actionable strategies for creating a seamless onboarding process that increases job satisfaction and reduces turnover. With insights tailored for the modern hybrid workforce, this is essential listening for firm leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about improving employee experience in accounting.

Key Takeaways

• Great onboarding reduces turnover and boosts productivity.
• Lack of clarity, insufficient resources, and loneliness drive new hires away.
• Structured check-ins ensure alignment and support for new hires.
• A buddy system helps new hires acclimate and feel supported.
• Proactive communication before day one builds emotional connections.
• Streamlined tech training prevents frustration with new tools or platforms.
• Creating a welcoming culture is a strategic investment in retention.
• Onboarding processes must adapt to workforce and tech trends.

Killer Quotes

1. "Retention starts with clarity, tools, and connection."
2. "The war for talent is over—and the talent won."
3. "Treat onboarding like signing a new client."
4. "Loneliness is a job killer—build engagement early."
5. "Momentum starts before their first day."
6. "Don’t make them regret choosing you over the competition."
7. "A Tiffany pen and a note from the CEO sealed my loyalty."

Accounting Fly Onboarding Checklist:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ryANrDaLPUAXyv5mChhsoLNCx0fVXEPATiTkDYp3gps/edit?tab=t.0

Expand Your Reach with the Accounting Talent Podcast

Want to get your brand in front of the right audience? Sponsor the Accounting Talent 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!

Does Your Website Attract the Talent You Need?

When potential hires visit your website, what’s their first impression? If you’re not sure, Rob Brown’s Employer Brand Audit can give you the insights you need. Rob will create a narrated video walkthrough of your site, highlighting what’s effective and what might be holding candidates back. Ready to attract top talent? Reach out to Rob on LinkedIn for a chat about optimizing your website.

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/kxDzocmX2uc

This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. 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.

Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accounting

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment,

In this episode of the Accounting Talent Podcast, Rob Brown and Jeff Phillips tackle one of the biggest challenges for accounting firms: retaining talent. They dive into why onboarding often fails, explore best practices, and discuss actionable steps for creating a smooth and engaging onboarding process. From setting clear job expectations to connecting new hires emotionally with the team, this conversation is packed with insights for reducing turnover and increasing employee engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Proper onboarding reduces turnover and builds engagement.
• New hires need clear job expectations from day one.
• Emotional connections foster trust and team cohesion.
• Structured check-ins improve communication and clarity.
• Onboarding should include introductions to key team members.
• A checklist can streamline the onboarding process.
• Leadership involvement is essential to a successful start.

Killer Quotes

1. "The first 90 days decide whether they stay or go."
2. "Losing talent starts with poor onboarding."
3. "Give them a vision they can believe in."
4. "Clarity and connection keep employees engaged."
5. "Day one sets the tone for their entire journey."
6. "Without ownership, onboarding falls apart."
7. "Retention isn’t luck; it’s a process."

Accounting Fly Onboarding Checklist:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ryANrDaLPUAXyv5mChhsoLNCx0fVXEPATiTkDYp3gps/edit?tab=t.0

Want to Connect with a Global Accounting Audience?

Looking to promote your tech or software solutions to accountants worldwide? By sponsoring the Accounting Talent 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!

Is Your Website Attracting Top Talent?

When potential talent lands on your website, what’s their first impression? If you’re not confident about your firm’s online presence, Rob Brown’s Employer Brand Audit could help. He’ll provide a narrated video showing what candidates are thinking when they visit your site, what’s engaging them, and what might be turning them off. If you’re serious about attracting the best, connect with Rob on LinkedIn to learn more.

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/OsmEcHvTNdI

This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. 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.

Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accounting

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with...

Christina Ricke discusses the evolving landscape of accounting careers, emphasizing the flexibility and opportunities available in the industry today. She highlights the unique culture at Pinion, where diverse talent is embraced, and the importance of leadership and employee engagement in creating a positive work environment. Christina also addresses the significance of mental wellness and the firm's commitment to supporting its employees. Looking ahead, she expresses excitement about the future of Pinion as it navigates global partnerships and the impact of technology on the accounting profession.

Key Takeaways

• The accounting industry offers more flexibility than perceived.
• Finding the right fit in a firm is crucial for job satisfaction.
• Diversity in talent is essential for modern accounting firms.
• The role of Chief People Officer is becoming increasingly important.
• Employee engagement can be measured by referrals and satisfaction.
• Retention rates are a key indicator of employee happiness.
• Leadership development is integral to the firm's culture.
• Success skills are vital for professional growth in accounting.
• Mental wellness support is essential in today's workplace.

As Pinion’s people strategy leader, Christina Ricke creates a legacy of talent. She champions change in the areas of recruiting, retention, employee relations, talent development, and human resource consulting.

In Pinion’s brick and mortar and virtual offices from coast to coast, Christina fosters a firm culture of entrepreneurship, continual improvement, and creative destruction that breeds out-of-the-box ideas, innovation, and forward progress. Originally from an ag community in rural southwestern Kansas, she grew up family farming and custom harvesting. To this day, she lives with farmer’s values and loves her continuing involvement with the food and ag industry. Christina Ricke joined Pinion 20 years ago, and eventually led the firm’s community banking practice. She performed tax work, strategic planning, and business development building the firm’s bank-industry presence in the Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado markets.

But devoted to people issues throughout her career, she became increasingly driven to transition to a role where she now creates career opportunities for the firm’s team members. As a member of the firm’s leadership team, she focuses on understanding the exclusive personality traits that enable each unique team member to flourish. And she continually builds and supports the kind of environment that makes it enjoyable for people to stay and grow as satisfied professionals who continually expand their talents.

________

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/4kOVCXwINfQ

This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. 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.

Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accounting

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right...

In this episode of the Accounting Talent Podcast, Rob Brown talks to Nick Sinclair of TOA Global about what makes a great leader in accounting firms, focusing specifically on emerging leaders. Gain insights into the unique challenges that accounting firms face, including compliance, talent shortages, and evolving client expectations. Also discover how adaptability and coaching are critical skills for any accounting professional looking to take their leadership to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

• Emerging leaders are future partners and culture drivers in firms.
• Leadership in accounting isn't about titles—it’s about influence and vision.
• Adaptability is a must for leaders dealing with onshore and offshore teams.
• Coaching isn’t optional—it’s essential for developing team skills and confidence.
• Effective leadership directly impacts productivity and team engagement.
• Empowered leaders drive sustainable success and firm transformation.
• Long-term leadership investments lead to higher engagement and better firm culture.

Killer Quotes:

1. "Leadership isn’t about being the most technically capable—it’s about influence and vision."
2. "Adaptability in leadership is non-negotiable in the accounting industry."
3. "Coaching isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game changer for accounting leaders."
4. "When your team feels supported, productivity doesn’t just happen—it soars."
5. "Empowering emerging leaders is what drives firms from profit to sustainable success."
6. "A pipeline of effective leaders is a long-term strategic advantage for any firm."
7. "Leadership growth isn’t about moving up alone—it’s about bringing others with you."

________

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/eXnUQMgMJzc

This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. 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.

Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accounting

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

TOA GLOBAL. TOA helps you hire elite talent for your accounting firm. Join thousands of leading firms empowering their teams with job-ready outsourced accountants & bookkeepers. They work to unlock your firm’s potential with strategic accounting outsourcing services. The "TOA Global Difference" is simple - build a flexible, scalable outsourced accounting team to align with your firm now and as you grow. Crush the talent crisis and outsmart your competitors by adding highly skilled accounting professionals to your firm faster. Permanently increase your firm’s capacity with a dedicated outsourced...

In this episode of the Accounting Talent podcast, Rob Brown discusses the critical importance of value creation in accounting firms, emphasizing that true value comes from people rather than just appearances. He highlights the need for firms to differentiate themselves by focusing on genuine narratives, individualized career paths, work-life balance, mental health support, community involvement, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By showcasing real, tangible actions and evidence of their values, firms can attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.

Key Takeaways

• Leaders in accounting firms prioritize value creation.
• Many firms mistakenly focus on appearances rather than substance.
• Today's talent seeks authenticity and a compelling narrative.
• Individualized career paths can set firms apart.
• Work-life balance is crucial for attracting top talent.
• Mental health support is a key differentiator for firms.
• Community involvement resonates with younger generations.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion must be actively demonstrated.
• Continuous learning enhances the employee experience.
• Differentiated value creates a competitive advantage in talent retention.

Soundbites

• "It's about the people, isn't it?"
• "Top talent wants to know they've got a future."
• "Do you have mental health first aiders?"

________

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/0boUWZ0iwd4

This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. 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.

Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accounting

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

TOA GLOBAL. TOA helps you hire elite talent for your accounting firm. Join thousands of leading firms empowering their teams with job-ready outsourced accountants & bookkeepers. They work to unlock your firm’s potential with strategic accounting outsourcing services. The "TOA Global Difference" is simple - build a flexible, scalable outsourced accounting team to align with your firm now and as you grow. Crush the talent crisis and outsmart your competitors by adding highly skilled accounting professionals to your firm faster. Permanently increase your firm’s capacity with a dedicated outsourced accounting team in weeks, not months. Access elite professionals and discover a hidden pool of elite accounting talent ready to enable your firm’s growth with additional capacity. Build a dedicated team of highly skilled outsourced accountants and bookkeepers for your

Think talent management is just another HR buzzword? Think again!

In this new podcast episode, I’m joined by Ginger Craig—an executive coach with over 20 years in the field—who recently led a transformative leadership program for BRC, a North Carolina-based firm known for putting people first.

Together, we explore why a true investment in talent is key to retention, productivity, and making your firm a place where people want to stay. Ready for real-world strategies to develop your team?

In this episode of the Accounting Talent Podcast, Rob Brown talks with executive coach Ginger Craig about why leadership development is the cornerstone of employee retention in accounting firms. Using the successful case of BRC, they explore how leadership investment can transform firm culture and engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is more than technical skills; it requires fostering trust and clarity.
• Firms that don’t invest in leadership face higher turnover and hidden costs.
• BRC’s commitment to developing leaders resulted in actionable, specific feedback.
• Sustainable learning requires practical, real-world practice and peer accountability.
• Strong leadership fosters a feedback-rich culture that retains top talent.
• Starting small and staying consistent makes leadership changes stick.
• Firms need senior leadership buy-in for development programs to succeed.

Killer Quotes:

• "Firms that ignore leadership training are losing talent."
• "Technical expertise alone won't keep your best people."
• "Strong leadership isn't optional; it’s survival."
• "Leadership training must go beyond theory."
• "Feedback culture is key to retention."
• "Small, consistent learning builds sustainable leadership."
• "Effective leaders inspire and retain talent."

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: [LINK]

This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. 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.

Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accounting

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

TOA GLOBAL. TOA helps you hire elite talent for your accounting firm. Join thousands of leading firms empowering their teams with job-ready outsourced accountants & bookkeepers. They work to unlock your firm’s potential with strategic accounting outsourcing services. The "TOA Global Difference" is simple - build a flexible, scalable outsourced accounting team to align with your firm now and as you grow. Crush the talent crisis and outsmart your competitors by adding highly skilled accounting professionals to your firm faster. Permanently...

AI: biggest threat or greatest opportunity for accountants?

In this podcast episode, Rob Brown chats with Nick Sinclair to explore how emerging tech, like AI, is reshaping the accounting world. We dive into what’s happening with the evolving roles of accountants, the end of Excel (maybe!) and how firms that embrace AI and automation are setting themselves up for success. Takeaways:

• Firms today face significant challenges that require adaptability.
• Service models are evolving, with an emphasis on flexibility.
• Client expectations are changing, pushing firms to innovate.
• Firms must adapt to increased competition by differentiating their offerings.
• Strong leadership is crucial for driving meaningful change within firms.
• Technology plays a key role in the evolution of accounting firms.
• Balancing traditional practices with innovative approaches is essential for growth.
• Remote work culture has had major impacts on how firms operate.
• Talent acquisition needs a strategic approach to find the right fit.
• Investing in employee development is key to long-term success.
• Maintaining a competitive edge requires constant adaptation and foresight.
• Trends shaping the future of accounting include increased automation and client-focused services.
• Success in a changing landscape requires new metrics and continuous improvement.
• Innovative setups are proving effective for managing remote talent.
• Balancing employee needs with client service is critical for sustained success.
• Firms that remain complacent risk becoming irrelevant in a fast-changing market.

Are you ready to adapt or risk falling behind?

________

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/zOD9VJyHhUc

This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. 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.

Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accounting

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

TOA GLOBAL. TOA helps you hire elite talent for your accounting firm. Join thousands of leading firms empowering their teams with job-ready outsourced accountants & bookkeepers. They work to unlock your firm’s potential with strategic accounting outsourcing services. The "TOA Global Difference" is simple - build a flexible, scalable outsourced accounting team to align with your firm now and as you grow. Crush the talent crisis and outsmart your competitors by adding highly skilled accounting professionals to your firm faster. Permanently increase your firm’s capacity with a dedicated outsourced accounting

🎯 How to Hire: Attracting Top Talent 🎯

Knowing when to hire and who to hire is critical, but the real challenge often lies in the how. How do you actually attract top talent to your accounting firm? In an increasingly competitive market, it’s not enough to post a job ad and hope for the best. You need a strategic approach to stand out and bring in the best candidates.

🎙 In the final episode of our Accounting Talent Podcast mini-series, we focus on how to hire. We cover practical, actionable steps to craft a recruitment process that gets the attention of top-tier candidates and ensures you hire people who will contribute to your firm’s success.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

📝 Crafting Job Descriptions: Your job description is often the first impression a candidate will have of your firm. We talk about how to make these descriptions compelling, focusing on outcomes, growth opportunities, and the impact candidates will have on your firm. These aren’t just listings—they’re your chance to inspire talent.

🤝 Leveraging Your Network: Did you know that most hires come through personal referrals and networking, not job boards? We explore how to leverage your existing professional network to find high-caliber talent that may not be actively looking for a new role.

💬 Optimizing Interviews: A great candidate can be lost during the interview process if it’s not done right. We discuss how to create an interview process that doesn’t just evaluate technical skills, but also assesses cultural fit and long-term potential.

🚀 Onboarding and Development: Attracting talent is only half the battle. We cover the importance of strong onboarding programs and continuous development opportunities, ensuring your new hires stay engaged and committed for the long haul.

Hiring is more than just filling roles. It’s about building a team that will shape the future of your firm. 🎧 Listen to this episode and learn how to take your hiring process to the next level.

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/iAjVQ7pT01M

___________

This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. 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.

Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accounting

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

TOA GLOBAL. TOA helps you hire elite talent for your accounting firm. Join thousands of leading firms empowering their teams with job-ready outsourced accountants & bookkeepers. They work to unlock your firm’s potential with strategic accounting outsourcing services. The "TOA Global Difference" is simple - build a flexible,...