Accounting Influencers Podcast

Grads aren’t ready for the world of work. Schools aren’t helping. And accounting firms are paying the price. In this solo episode, Rob Brown breaks down the skills crisis facing employers, especially accounting firms. Why are so many graduates, interns and junior hires entering the workforce unprepared? What’s going wrong in the education system? And what can firm leaders do about it? Rob explores the mismatch between academic learning and real-world performance, and lays out concrete strategies for firms to build better talent pipelines from the inside out. Whether you're hiring your next intern or building your future partner team, this episode will make you rethink your assumptions and give you tools to build real talent. Key Takeaways: -Only 11% of leaders think grads are ready for work -Soft skills matter more than technical knowledge at junior levels -Schools prioritise exams, not workplace performance -Career guidance in schools is outdated and ineffective -Firms must stop assuming education will develop soft skills -Better onboarding, mentoring, and training is critical The Accounting Influencers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 [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 [https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown] You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube [https://bit.ly/AI-youtube]

Gen Z has entered the accounting profession — and they’re calling time on toxic leadership. In this episode, Rob Brown outlines the five most damaging behaviours driving young talent away from firms. From micromanagement to presenteeism, he explains why these outdated habits are no longer tolerated, and what leaders must do to retain the future of the profession. Key Takeaways: -Toxic behaviours are a firm’s biggest risk -Gen Z won’t wait around for change — they’ll leave -Culture must prioritise trust, feedback and transparency -Partners need leadership training, not just technical skills 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 [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 [https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown] You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube [https://bit.ly/AI-youtube]

In this episode, Rob Brown discusses the impact of AI on the accounting profession, emphasizing the necessity for accounting professionals to embrace AI literacy and adapt to the evolving landscape. He highlights the importance of focusing on the human aspects of accounting that AI cannot replicate, such as emotional intelligence and complex problem-solving. The conversation also covers actionable strategies for accountants to remain relevant and valuable in a world increasingly influenced by AI. Key Takeaways: -AI literacy is now crucial for accounting professionals. -Automation is taking over routine accounting tasks rapidly. -Messy, unpredictable tasks in accounting are less at risk from AI. -Accountants need to evolve into strategic advisors. -Significant layoffs and restructuring in accounting are driven by AI and private equity. -Collaboration and complexity in work protect jobs from automation. -Leaders must embed AI deeply into strategic decision-making. 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 [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 [https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown] You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube [https://bit.ly/AI-youtube]

In this episode of the Accounting Influencer podcast, Rob Brown discusses the dual nature of artificial intelligence in accounting, emphasizing its potential to enhance content creation and personal branding while cautioning against losing authenticity. He advocates for leveraging AI as a tool to amplify one's voice and ideas rather than allowing it to replace them. The conversation highlights the importance of being visible and vocal in the accounting profession, using content to build authority and trust, and the need for professionals to maintain their unique perspectives in a landscape increasingly influenced by AI. Takeaways -Artificial intelligence is both a threat and an opportunity for accounting. -Being an ambassador for your brand is crucial in leadership roles. -Content creation is essential for visibility and authority. -AI can simplify content creation but lacks authenticity. -Authenticity is key to building trust and influence. -Content should reflect personal experiences and insights. -AI can help generate ideas but should not replace personal voice. -Professionals must differentiate themselves in a crowded market. -Playing it safe with content can lead to loss of visibility. -Building a personal brand requires sharing unique stories and insights. 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 [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 [https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown] You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube [https://bit.ly/AI-youtube]

In this episode, Rob Brown discusses the complexities of job switching in the accounting profession, exploring the motivations behind leaving a job and the factors that contribute to job satisfaction. He highlights the importance of evaluating both red flags that may indicate it's time to move and green flags that suggest staying put. The concept of a 'forever firm' is introduced, emphasizing the significance of a supportive workplace culture and career growth opportunities. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their career priorities and make informed decisions about their professional paths. Takeaways: -Job switching can lead to better lifestyle and career growth. -Financial incentives for job switching have decreased recently. -Quality of life is becoming more important than salary. -Red flags for leaving include lack of growth and toxic environments. -Green flags for staying include a positive culture and investment in growth. -Flexibility in the workplace is now a critical expectation. -A 'forever firm' offers a supportive and growth-oriented environment. -Evaluate your motivations for wanting to switch jobs. -Temporary discomfort shouldn't drive your decision to leave. -Long-term fulfillment often outweighs short-term financial gains. 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 [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 [https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown] You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube [https://bit.ly/AI-youtube]