Keywords

Deloitte, DEI, diversity, equity, inclusion, accounting, recruitment, talent acquisition, corporate culture, meritocracy

Summary

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.

https://youtu.be/6uO6LdI1Ltk

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 Conversation

What’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 Action

If 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

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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

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

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.

Killer Quotes:

- "Forcing RTO won’t save your firm - it’ll juat drive top talent away."

- "The future of accounting isn’t about where you work - it’s about how you work."

- "RTO mandates aren’t about performance, they’re about power."

- "Hybrid firms are winning the talent war."

- "Leaders must rethink office culture—presence isn’t productivity."

- "Smart firms attract top talent by offering flexibility."

- "Your firm’s survival depends on adapting to the new world of work."

You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/2ppYuKYDJDo

Want 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.com

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: