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?

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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

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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,...

Are you strategically hiring for your accounting firm's future? Or are you just filling gaps?

Discover how to transform your hiring process from reactive to proactive as Rob Brown talks more about the critical question of "who to hire" for accounting firms. He emphasizes that hiring isn't just about filling vacancies, but about strategically building teams for future growth and success. Brown challenges the common practice of replacing departing employees with carbon copies, instead advocating for a more thoughtful approach that considers the evolving needs of the firm.

The episode explores four key areas: rethinking roles after a vacancy, building teams for expansion, acquiring specialized talent, and balancing technical skills with cultural fit. Rob Brown also provides actionable insights and real-world examples to help accounting firms make more strategic hiring decisions that can lead to improved efficiency, competitive advantage, and long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Don't just replace, reimagine roles when vacancies occur

✓ Build teams strategically for expansion, considering unique expertise

✓ Acquire specialized talent to meet niche market demands

✓ Balance technical skills with cultural fit for long-term success

✓ Involve the whole team in identifying and assessing potential candidates

Quotes:

"Hiring isn't a checkbox task. It's a strategic move that shapes the future of your firm."

"Don't wait for your competitors to bag this specialized talent before you do. Seize the day."

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

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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.

The Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) runs regular international virtual speed networking events to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections network in the accounting, finance and tech world: Book your place at our next gathering here: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events

More Accounting Influencers content here:

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers for all of our podcast episodes

https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers for our events and posts

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 &...

Are you overlooking a critical aspect of leadership in accounting? Could your involvement in hiring be the key to elevating your influence and driving your firm's success?

Rob Brown challenges the common misconception that hiring is solely HR's responsibility. He argues that regardless of your position in an accounting firm, if you aspire to leadership, you should be actively involved in the hiring process. Brown emphasizes that bringing in new talent is as crucial as acquiring new clients, if not more so.

The episode is part of a three-part mini-series focusing on strategic hiring decisions. Brown explores the critical moments when hiring becomes necessary, such as filling sudden vacancies, addressing team overload, expanding services, or acquiring specialized expertise. He provides actionable insights on how to approach these situations strategically, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Hiring should be everyone's responsibility, not just HR's

✓ Strategic hiring can set you apart as a leader in your firm

✓ When filling a vacancy, take the opportunity to reevaluate staffing needs

✓ Overworked teams are less productive; recognize signs of overload

✓ Specialized expertise hiring is crucial for meeting evolving client demands

Quotes:

"The talent you bring in today will shape the success you'll see tomorrow."

"Firms offering advisory services see a 15 percent higher growth than those that don't."

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/LmU2RgHnBgw

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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.

The Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) runs regular international virtual speed networking events to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections network in the accounting, finance and tech world: Book your place at our next gathering here: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events

More Accounting Influencers content here:

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers for all of our podcast episodes

https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers for our events and posts

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...

Are you struggling to attract and retain top talent in your accounting firm? What if there was a way to create a workplace culture that people actually want to be part of?

Rob Brown interviews Sarah Hauge and Deepa Bhat from ASL, an accounting firm that's revolutionizing workplace culture in the industry. They discuss how ASL has become a great place to work, attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.

Deepa and Sarah share insights into ASL's innovative approaches, including their flexible work arrangements, comprehensive employee engagement strategies, and commitment to work-life balance. They delve into the firm's unique initiatives such as the ASL University, their mascot "Bumble," and their focus on mental health and wellness. The conversation also touches on the importance of diversity and inclusion, with ASL boasting impressive statistics on female leadership.

Key Takeaways:

✓ ASL offers flexible work arrangements, with 25% of their team fully remote and 24% remote in California.

✓ The firm implemented a "B team" (Building Employee Engagement team) and introduced a mascot named Bumble to boost employee morale.

✓ ASL provides extensive mental health support, including 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance.

✓ The firm focuses on competence rather than diversity quotas when hiring, resulting in naturally diverse leadership.

✓ ASL emphasizes accountability at all levels, including partners, fostering a culture of responsibility.

Quotes:

"We have evolved with the times and we have adapted to what our employees want." - Deepa Bhat

"We hire for competence. We don't hire based on what boxes someone checks." - Deepa Bhat

SHOW DETAILS HERE

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/S2kIulhxbNw

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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.

The Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) runs regular international virtual speed networking events to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections network in the accounting, finance and tech world: Book your place at our next gathering here: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events

More Accounting Influencers content here:

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers for all of our podcast episodes

https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers for our events and posts

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...

Are you struggling to attract and retain top accounting talent? Could your firm's inability to find and keep the right people be its biggest threat?

Rob Brown uncovers what makes certain accounting firms truly great places to work. With the accounting profession facing unprecedented challenges in talent acquisition and retention, Brown emphasizes the critical importance of standing out as an employer of choice in today's competitive market.

Brown outlines the key areas he'll be exploring with senior leaders from successful accounting firms across North America and the UK. These include company culture, employer branding, talent attraction strategies, employee engagement, retention success stories, mental health support, career development opportunities, and diversity and inclusion efforts. He invites firms with exceptional employer brands and talent strategies to participate in the series, offering a platform to share their success stories and best practices.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Talent shortage in accounting is unlike anything seen before, posing a significant threat to firms' survival and growth.

✓ Standard recruitment approaches are no longer sufficient; firms need innovative strategies to attract and retain top talent.

✓ Culture is crucial but challenging to get right, especially with remote and hybrid work models.

✓ Employee engagement and mental health support are essential for long-term retention

✓ Diversity and inclusion efforts are non-negotiable for attracting a wide range of talent

Quotes:

"Top performers at all levels of the career ladder, they have multiple options. And they won't hesitate to go elsewhere if your firm does not stand out."

"Culture is so tricky, isn't it? It's easy to talk about it, but it gets much harder to get it right."

SHOW DETAILS HERE

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

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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.

The Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) runs regular international virtual speed networking events to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections network in the accounting, finance and tech world: Book your place at our next gathering here: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events

More Accounting Influencers content here:

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers for all of our podcast episodes

https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers for our events and posts

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...

Are you prepared for the leadership void in your accounting firm? What if your firm's next leader isn't even on your radar?

In this eye-opening episode of the Accounting Talent Podcast, Rob Brown dives into the critical topic of external succession planning for accounting firms. Building on his previous episode about internal succession, Rob explores why looking outside your firm for future leaders isn't just an option—it's a necessity for staying relevant and competitive in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

Rob highlights the alarming statistics that less than 50% of accounting firms have a formal succession plan, yet 80% expect to face succession challenges in the next five years. He emphasizes the importance of starting early, thinking strategically, and considering both internal and external candidates for leadership roles. The episode provides valuable insights into best practices for external succession planning, including defining clear roles and expectations, ensuring cultural fit, and adopting a hybrid approach that combines fresh perspectives with institutional knowledge.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Start succession planning early, thinking 2-5 years ahead

✓ Define clear roles and expectations for external hires

✓ Ensure cultural fit is prioritized alongside technical competence

✓ Consider a hybrid approach, blending external and internal talent

✓ Ignoring external succession planning can lead to significant risks and lost opportunities

Quotes:

"What got you here won't get you there."

"Succession planning is not just keeping the lights on when someone leaves. It's about setting your firm up for long-term success."

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/7DsrcGyb7RY

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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.

The Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) runs regular international virtual speed networking events to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections network in the accounting, finance and tech world: Book your place at our next gathering here: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events

More Accounting Influencers content here:

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers for all of our podcast episodes

https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers for our events and posts

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...