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:

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 Takeaways

• Private 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-jhG04s

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

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

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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

Rob Brown interviews John Wichmann and John Fenton on the evolving landscape of hybrid work in the accounting industry. They explore the importance of intentionality, accountability, and the overall employee experience in creating a successful hybrid work environment. The discussion highlights the challenges firms face in adapting to new work models, the necessity of structured opportunities for collaboration, and the need for flexibility in workplace culture. They also touch on the lessons that can be learned from other industries and make predictions about the future of hybrid work in accounting.

Key Takeaways

• Hybrid work doesn't have to be a broken model.
• Flexibility is crucial for attracting and retaining talent.
• The apprenticeship model is vital for professional growth.
• Communication challenges arise in hybrid work settings.
• Intentionality in hybrid work can enhance productivity.
• Employee engagement is key to a successful hybrid model.
• Diversity in the workplace benefits from hybrid work options.
• Economic factors influence the viability of hybrid work.
• Understanding employee preferences is essential for management.
• The future of work requires a balance between remote and in-office presence. It's not about the amount of time spent in the office.
• The office experience must justify the commute.
• Intentionality is key to successful hybrid work.
• Accountability fosters trust within teams.
• Trust issues can arise during downturns.
• Flexibility must be part of the firm's culture.
• Firms need to differentiate themselves in the talent market.
• Employee engagement is critical for retention.
• Learning from other industries can provide valuable insights.
• Intentionality will define the future of hybrid work.

Sound Bites

• "We want people to be at the water cooler."
• "Hybrid work adds a huge amount of value."
• "It's not about the amount of time."
• "How often has it been worth the commute?"
• "You want to have opportunities structured."
• "Accountability is critical."
• "Trust issues bubble up in down times."
• "You need to set your firm apart."
• "Intentionality is the future."

You can watch this whole episode on youtube with graphics and images here:

https://youtu.be/fBBvlpRE75o

John Fenton is the founder of John J. Fenton Executive Coaching, where he empowers CPA firm leaders to achieve greater clarity and freedom. Previously a managing partner with BDO USA, John brings a wealth of experience to his coaching practice. He is the author of the best-selling book 5 Minute Mastery™ and an award-winning speaker on executive leadership excellence. A Certified Success Principles Trainer, John is also a current Vistage speaker and formerly served as a Vistage Coach. A double graduate of the University of Miami, John earned both his MBA and BBA degrees while showcasing his leadership skills as a member of the Miami Hurricanes Football team. Personally, he holds a black belt in the martial art of tai chi and has a profound perspective on success, shaped by his experience surviving a heart attack. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjfentonceocoach

John Wichmann is the Founder and CEO of Gather Sciences and the creator of Balanced Hybrid®, a platform that helps organizations develop sustainable hybrid work models. With expertise in data analytics, consulting, and executive leadership, John focuses on solutions that enhance productivity and employee development in the accounting profession.

Previously, John co-founded Maptician, a workplace management software company...

In today's show, Rob Brown interviews Steve Cox to explore the current state of the accounting profession, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it faces. Key themes include the impact of technology, staffing shortages, and changing client expectations. The discussion emphasizes the need for accountants to adapt to these changes, particularly in terms of technology adoption and mindset shifts. The speakers provide insights into how firms can navigate these challenges and leverage technology for growth and efficiency.

Key takeaways

• The accounting profession is at a crossroads with both opportunities and challenges.
• Client expectations have significantly increased post-COVID, demanding faster responses and more technology support.
• 42% of accounting firms are turning away work due to staffing shortages.
• There is a growing demand for accountants as trusted business advisors.
• Technology is reshaping compliance and service delivery in accounting.
• A mindset shift is necessary for accountants to embrace technology effectively.
• Firms need to balance technology adoption with the right mindset for success.
• The future of accounting will heavily rely on digital transformation and technology integration.
• Accountants must focus on building a sustainable talent pipeline to address shortages.
• Strategic use of technology can drive growth, productivity, and enhance exit strategies for firms.

Watch the show with graphics and slides on youtube here: https://youtu.be/B33jPdNqOEY

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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

Is technology the saviour or the grim reaper of accounting?

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown and Steve Cox delve into the transformative role of technology in the accounting profession. They discuss the historical evolution of accounting technology, the current state of AI, and its implications for the future. Steve shares insights from Gartner's technology trends report, highlighting the rapid adoption of AI and the importance of accountants evolving with these changes. The conversation emphasizes the need for accounting professionals to embrace technology to remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Curious about how accountants can harness AI to boost efficiency?

Takeaways

• Technology is a backup and driver of change for accounting firms.
• Excel was a major disruptor in accounting technology.
• Many firms are still reliant on outdated spreadsheet technology.
• Digital transformation is essential for accounting firms to thrive.
• AI is not replacing accountants, but those who don't use it will be left behind.
• Accountants have access to vast amounts of data, making them well-positioned for AI adoption.
• The hype around AI is beginning to settle as firms find their niche uses.
• AI can enhance communication and task automation in accounting practices.
• The accounting profession is ahead of many other industries in AI adoption.
• Future success in accounting will depend on embracing technology and innovation.

Chapters

00:00 The Role of Technology in Accounting

07:09 The Evolution of AI in Accounting

12:54 The Hype Cycle of AI

22:24 Future Predictions for Accounting and AI

View the video version with all visuals on Youtube; https://youtu.be/DaaqrXoIabU

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

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