Accounting Influencers

Episode 107. "Checklist - 10 Practice Priorities for Accountants"***APOLOGIES FOR THE AUDIO ON THIS EPISODE***It's always interesting to hear the main challenges, opportunities, issues and priorities for accountants from different perspectives. Here is a checklist via software vendor SmartvaultKey takeaways from this episode include:➜ the importance for accountants of simply picking up the phone and talking to clients➜ the role of networking and maintaining relationships for accounting professionals➜ what is wrong with accountants sending documents and especially proposals via email➜ the increasingly critical role of cybersecurity for accounting firmsSource: 10 Accountants Practice Priorities (Infographic)https://www.smartvault.com/resource/practice-priorities-infographic/NOTE TO LISTENERS:The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a CPE-accredited daily radio-style show with four segments coming out every Monday which are repeated on the other 4 weekdays as standalone episodes, plus a bonus 'from the client's per

Episode 106. On this week’s Accounting Influencers Podcast:➜ News - Martin & Rob discuss "Checklist - 10 Practice Priorities for Accountants." ➜ Special Guest Interview: "DEI, Racism & Prejudice in Accounting: Anton Lewis."➜ Here's What Works: "Getting Started With Your Employer Brand."➜ Expert Interview: "Not For Profit Clients in Accounting: Jeremy van Groll."For full shownotes on these segments, check out the stand-alone episodes coming out this week and outlined on the days below.******************************If you have a business development, sales or growth angle to your role, and are expected to bring in new business, here's a great resource for you:Are you a busy accountant struggling to create more revenue and career opportunities?As an accounting professional, you likely have a business development strategy, selling or work winning dimension to your role and the ability to generate new revenues is what makes you wealthier, more promotable and more valuable to your employers. Many

BONUS: a short bonus episode in a new series to help accountants price better and win more business - "The Price Is Right Part 9 - Not All Business is Good." ***APOLOGIES FOR THE AUDIO ON THIS BONUS EPISODE***In these bonus episodes, we focus on upskilling the accountants, bookkeepers, CPAs and commercially focused fintech vendors to better handle key challenges in their professional role like client service, closing deals, negotiating, pricing, hiring, reputation and differentiation.Key takeaways from this episode include:★ asking whether all new business is good business for accountants★ what a scarcity mentality and fear looks like for today's accountants and CPAs★ why accountants cannot often control the quality of clients or business they look after★ the downsides for accountants of taking on all clients who do not fit your firm★ the reasons accountants feel forced to take on all clients who are referred to them★ positioning tips for accountants who do not want to win new business on price alone★ how say

Episode 105. In today's interview, "Accounting Firm Leadership Priorities with Gary Shamis."Gary Shamis is a former top 40 US accounting firm managing partner who sold to BDO in 2015. He is now CEO of Winding River Consulting, a high-level strategy consulting for the Restaurant, CPA, and professional services industries. Amongst many other accounting accolades, Gary won EY Entrepreneur of the Year and is a Top Ten Managing Partner Elite (Accounting Today) where he was called the “very model of the modern managing partner. he was awarded Most Admired Peer (INSIDE Public Accounting) and has more than a dozen appearances on the Most Influential list (Accounting Today). He has served within the ranks of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is co-author of How to Manage Your Accounting Practice: Taking Your Firm from Chaos to Consensus.Key takeaways from this episode include:◆ how the accounting firm managing partner role has not changed as it should over the years◆ what managing partners sho

Episode 104. In today's practical episode, "Three Signs of Executive Presence in Accountants." In these segments, we pick out key trends and events in accounting and fintech media and analyse/interpret them for accountants in practice.Key takeaways from this episode include:➤ how do people react when you walk into a room or show up on a video call?➤ what executive presence gives accountants and leaders in professional environments➤ the importance of avoiding non-words that dilute the communication impact of accountants➤ what executive presence means for trusted advisor status with clients of accountants➤ what style means in professionals like accountants who have executive presence➤ the relationship between character, personal brand and reputation for accountants➤ the role of substance in accounting executive presence, especially in thinking strategically➤ the importance of strong character and inner values in developing accounting executive presenceNOTE TO LISTENERS:The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a CP

Episode 103. In today's interview, "Accountants - Make Good Clients Great: Susan Bryant."Susan Bryant is a CPA with a vision to help business owners achieve their dreams. She has been voted Top 50 Women in Accounting and works with the MB Group leading lead the Accounting Services team. Her favourite roles are being the architect of accounting processes, an M&A advisor and a tax strategist. Susan’s passion is transforming the lives of business owners by bringing order to the finance function and alleviating stress around taxes through proper and timely planning.★ how accountants can transform companies by professionalising the finance function★ a formula that accountants can follow to increase value for their business clients★ how most business owners have a poor grasp of accounting and actually do not want to get involved in the numbers★ what happens when business owners and entrepreneurs neglect solid accounting and financial advice★ why tax planning as a core service is so vital for accountants and why

Episode 102. In today's news episode, we discuss "How Accountants Can Inspire the Next Generation."Key takeaways from this episode include:➨ questions accountants are asking themselves in looking for meaningful work➨ the merits for accountants of giving something back to the profession to increase job fulfilment➨ what candidates for accounting firm vacancies ask themselves about employer brand➨ acknowledging the skills and talent shortage in accountancy that is driven by the 'great resignation'➨ asking how attractive accountancy is as a career for new people and younger generations with options➨ what elements of an accounting job are making it less desirable as a a career than other sectors➨ what 'passing one's knowledge on' means for accountants and CPAs to inspire the next generation of professionals➨ what teaching a new breed of accountants might look like on the resumes of active accounting professionals➨ how some cities are better than others at offering courses and skills programs in accounting➨ why som

Episode 101. On this week’s Accounting Influencers Podcast:➜ News - "How Accountants Can Inspire the Next Generation." ➜ Special Guest Interview: "Accountants - Make Good Clients Great: Susan Bryant."➜ Rob shares practical advice and tips on "Three Signs of Executive Presence in Accountants."➜ Expert Interview: "Accounting Firm Leadership Priorities: Gary Shamis."For full shownotes on these segments, check out the stand-alone episodes coming out this week and outlined on the days below.******************************If you have a business development, sales or growth angle to your role, and are expected to bring in new business, here's a great resource for you:Are you a busy accountant struggling to create more revenue and career opportunities?As an accounting professional, you likely have a business development strategy, selling or work winning dimension to your role and the ability to generate new revenues is what makes you wealthier, more promotable and more valuable to your employers. Many accoun

BONUS: a short bonus episode in a new series to help accountants price better and win more business - "The Price Is Right Part 8 - Reliance on Referrals." ***APOLOGIES FOR THE SOUND QUALITY ON THIS RECORDING***In these bonus episodes, we focus on upskilling the accountants, bookkeepers, CPAs and commercially focused fintech vendors to better handle key challenges in their professional role like client service, closing deals, negotiating, pricing, hiring, reputation and differentiation.Key takeaways from this episode include:》 the complacency that exists in accounting given it is a service mandated by law so business just comes to most firms》 the advantage lawyers and other service professionals have over accountants in developing the skills to create new work opportunities》 the problems for accountants who lack the confidence to negotiate, price and ask for new business》 the downsides of referrals for accounting professionals, particularly when they rely on them too much》 the dangers for accounting firms of e

Episode 100. In today's interview, "The 3 Kinds of Modern Day CFO with Kevin Appleby."Kevin Appleby is COO at GrowCFO. He hosts the GrowCFO show, a weekly podcast dedicated to finance leaders. He is also the co-host of the long-running business show The Next 100 Days Podcast. He qualified with BDO, worked as European Business Accountant for ICI’s Plastics Business, and as a management consultant with PwC and BearingPoint. Key takeaways from this episode include:⍟ how exams teach someone how to be an accountant but not a CFO⍟ what is changing about most CFOs coming from accountancy backgrounds⍟ the three types of CFOs and their relative strengths/skillsets⍟ the different routes accountants and other professionals take to CFO roles⍟ the role of fractional CFOs who hold roles in several companies⍟ how the CFO role has changed and expanded over the last 10 years and why it's so much more than running the finance⍟ what separates the good CFOs and the great CFOs in becoming the external face of finance⍟ the differe

Episode 99. In today's practical episode, "What Works for Accountants with Presence & Gravitas." In these segments, we pick out key trends and events in accounting and fintech media and analyse/interpret them for accountants in practice.Key takeaways from this episode include:★ how accountants and CPAs can be more impactful by cutting out 'non-words' in their verbal communications★ how clarity of message helps technical professionals like accountants develop gravitas in their role★ the definition of executive presence that accountancy professionals should aspire to, particularly for leaders and future leaders★ understanding gravitas and the way accountants act to build up executive presence★ the menace of 'imposter syndrome for super smart accountants who sometimes lack confidence★ proximity bias and why it undermines the professional expertise and advice of accounting professionals★ the qualities of individuals and accounting leaders who possess gravitas and presence★ why charisma matters but does not ne

Episode 98. In today's interview, "Data & Finance Analytics Services with Chris Argent."Chris Argent is Managing Director and Founder of Generation CFO. Frustrated by poor systems, poor reporting and lack of time to work within the finance industry, in 2009, Chris Argent set up a LinkedIn group looking for technology-minded accountants and finance professionals to help him out. After moving from SME CFO to Enterprise Finance Transformation Lead, Chris experienced advanced technology being used first-hand and saw massive potential.The demand for digital transformation and strategic finance business partnering continued to grow, with pressure on CFOs to create a more data-rich, digital finance function. Chris started to add content posted on his LinkedIn group onto his blog, Generation CFO. The aim was to bring digital native innovators in accounting together with the senior finance leadership change makers. He saw the need for a unifying framework that could bring together traditional accounting and financ

Episode 97. In today's news episode, "Social Media Trends & Tik Tok's Place in Accounting."Key takeaways from this episode include:➨ insights from Sony about where accounting firms should be when it comes to 'online' and social media➨ what happens to accounting firms who are not part of the social media conversation with potential clients and talent➨ which social media platforms have seen gains and which have lost users throughout covid➨ stats for active users on the main social media sites/apps, and where accounting firms should perhaps focus their efforts➨ the blurred lines between social (personal) and business (professional) on platforms like LinkedIn➨ the rise of TikTok as the fastest growing social media platform and whether accountants are actually on there➨ why employer brand for accountancy firms is dependent on social media to reach younger talent➨ the difference in age between the average accounting partner and the average business owner➨ why it doesn't matter what YOU as an accountant think ab

Episode 96. On this week’s Accounting Influencers Podcast:➜ News - Rob looks at "Social Media Trends & Tik Tok's Place in Accounting." ➜ Special Guest Interview: "Data & Finance Analytics Services with Chris Argent."➜ Rob shares practical advice and tips for accounting practitioners on "What Works for Accountants with Presence & Gravitas."➜ Expert Interview: "The 3 Kinds of Modern Day CFO with Kevin Appleby."For full shownotes on these segments, check out the stand-alone episodes coming out this week and outlined on the days below.◤━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◥Need CPE/CPD? Continuing professional education for accountants on the move...Get points for Continuing Professional Education /Development by listening to the Accounting Influencers Podcast. Earmark CPE is the exclusive CPE/CPD partner for the podcast. The partnership is NASBA-approved meaning accreditation and certification counts in most countries. NASBA stands for National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. Download the Earmark CPE

BONUS: a short bonus episode in a new series to help accountants price better and win more business - "The Price Is Right Part 7." In these bonus episodes, we focus on upskilling the accountants, bookkeepers, CPAs and commercially focused fintech vendors to better handle key challenges in their professional role like client service, closing deals, negotiating, pricing, hiring, reputation and differentiation.Key takeaways from this episode include:✓ why accountants have done a poor job over the years of educating clients on the full level of services they offer✓ how too many leaders and partners in accountancy firms do not know exactly what and how many services their practice offers✓ the key reasons why business clients stereotype accountants and their services✓ why business owners struggle to make good commercial and financial business decisions✓ the problems accountants and accounting firms cause themselves in trying to differentiate✓ what creates market expectations for 'uneducated business prospects' in o

Episode 95. In today's interview, "Disrupters in Accounting with Emma Crawford-Falekaono"Emma is the Head of EMEA at Ignition. She has over 15 years’ experience in Commercial, Accounting, Finance and Business Strategy environments across NZ, AU, US and UK. She started her career with a global accounting firm before taking time out to deploy with the British Military. Emma has spent the last decade on senior leadership teams of successful technology businesses including Xero, Tradify and Ignition. She founded Bastion Consulting Services in 2018, delivering consultative services to a range of international clients. She is passionate about seeing firms succeed with a focus on operational excellence, technology, team culture and delivery of strategic priorities.Key takeaways from this episode include:✿ how the accountancy profession has changed in recent years✿ the argument for why accounting is an industry and not a profession✿ why now is an exciting time for the accounting world and how firms use technology✿ wh

Episode 94. In today's practical episode, "Three SIgns of Executive Presence in Accountants." In these segments, we pick out key trends and events in accounting and fintech media and analyse/interpret them for accountants in practice. Key takeaways from this episode include:⍟ the importance for accountants of building their reputation to create career capital ⍟ defining executive presence for technical professionals like accountants ⍟ the benefits of corporate executive presence for accountants and CPAs ⍟ how executive presence and gravitas are coachavlr traits if accountants really want them⍟ how 'non words' like you know, kind of, sort of and erm dilute the impact of a message⍟ why weak communicators use non words which loses them credibility ⍟ the problem with the phrase 'I think' for people who want more presence⍟ the importance for accountants of being clear and concise with their messages⍟ tips for accountants to develop a stronger message when they communicate ⍟ how even the most introverted profession

Episode 93. In today's interview, "ESG Opportunities in Accounting with Ian Thomson."Ian Thomson is Professor of Accounting and Sustainability at Birmingham Business School, Convenor of the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting and Director of the Lloyds Banking Group Centre for Responsible Business. He has researched the many connections between responsible, sustainable business and accounting for 30 years. He co-authored Urgent Business and was a judge for UK Responsible Business of the Year. Key takeaways from this episode include:➯ how businesses can future proof and preserve value in tough times➯ the importance of resilience for businesses in dealing with uncertain change➯ the urgency and 'burning platform' of environmental change in the modern world➯ why companies and accounting firms are further down the sustainability road than they think ➯ why sustainability issues and environmental concerns are natural priorities for businesses➯ how the recent global environmental summit in Glasgow COP 26 i

Episode 92. In today's news episode, we discuss "Digital Transformation for Businesses Is Slowing Down."Key takeaways from this episode include:▶ how accountants 'stand in the gap' between business and government, between clients and economic forces▶ how the pace of digital transformation is slowing down, at least as measured by amount of business transacted online▶ explaining the drop in businesses adopting a 'fail fast' experimental mentality with less risk taking▶ the shift to steady and sustainable change versus exponential growth in business▶ how legacy constraints embedded in accounting firms and their clients are slowing down automation and change▶ the biggest reason why digital transformation has slowed in business▶ highlighting the trend that skills are becoming obsolete in 12-18 months and how this effects employer brand"Digital transformation slowing down, say businesses" by Chris Gaetanohttps://www.accountingtoday.com/news/digital-transformation-slowing-down-in-business-expectations-tempered◤━━━━━

Episode 91. On this week’s Accounting Influencers Podcast:➜ News - Martin & Rob discuss "Digital Transformation for Businesses Is Slowing Down." ➜ Special Guest Interview: "ESG Opportunities in Accounting with Ian Thomson." ➜ Rob & Martin offer up practical advice and tips for accounting practitioners on "What Works with Executive Presence for Accountants." ➜ Expert Interview: "Disrupters in Accounting with Emma Crawford-Falekaono."For full shownotes on these segments, check out the stand-alone episodes coming out this week and outlined on the days below. ◤━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◥Need CPE/CPD? Continuing professional education for accountants on the move...Get points for Continuing Professional Education /Development by listening to the Accounting Influencers Podcast. Earmark CPE is the exclusive CPE/CPD partner for the podcast. The partnership is NASBA-approved meaning accreditation and certification counts in most countries. NASBA stands for National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. Dow