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

___________

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...

Is your accounting firm gambling with its future? Are you one retirement away from a complete meltdown?

Rob Brown tackles the critical but often overlooked topic of succession planning in accounting firms. With 75% of accountants in the UK and US at or near retirement age, Brown warns that many firms are sleepwalking into a succession crisis. He emphasizes the urgency of having a solid plan in place, not just for senior partners looking to retire, but for all levels of the firm.

Brown delves into the importance of internal succession planning, highlighting it as the most sustainable way to secure a firm's future. He discusses the value of nurturing existing talent, creating a culture of continuous development, and the role of mentorship in grooming future leaders. The episode also touches on the challenges firms face in implementing succession plans, including overcoming biases and avoiding complacency. Brown shares insights from successful firms that have implemented innovative approaches to succession planning, from rotational programs to dedicated succession planning committees.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Less than 50% of accounting firms have a formal succession plan in place

✓ Internal succession planning preserves firm culture and values

✓ Mentorship and professional development are crucial for grooming future leaders

✓ Succession planning should be integrated into overall strategic planning

✓ Firms need to maintain a rigorous, merit-based approach to promotions

Quotes:

"The best firms out there are deliberately shaping their future leaders long before they step into these roles."

"Succession planning is not just about ensuring continuity, it's about setting your firm up for continued success.

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/y4GLAgGsiTM

___________

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...

Have you ever lost a key team member and felt unprepared? What if you could turn hiring crises into manageable puzzles?

Rob Brown and Jeff Phillips share the strategic hiring practices for accounting firms. They discuss how to move beyond reactive hiring and develop a proactive, long-term approach to talent acquisition and retention.

Jeff emphasizes the importance of learning from past hiring experiences and creating systems to make future hiring easier. He outlines steps to develop a strategic hiring plan, including analyzing organizational needs, embracing remote work options, and building a pipeline of potential candidates. The conversation also touches on the value of investing in administrative support and technology to free up time for strategic work.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Conduct exit interviews to learn from departing employees

✓ Create a three-year staffing plan based on growth projections

✓ Invest in an executive assistant to free up time for strategic work

✓ Embrace remote hiring options and set up necessary technology

✓ Develop inbound candidate flow through various sources

Quotes:

"Every organizational chart is divided into three lanes: goes and gets work, completes work, gets paid to do the work."

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/U8oyDfj3MKk

___________

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 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

Did you just lose a key staff member during busy season? What should you do in the next 30 days to fill that critical position?

Rob Brown and Jeff Phillips tackle the pressing issue of sudden staff departures in accounting firms. They provide a step-by-step guide on how to handle this crisis situation, from the immediate aftermath to finding a suitable replacement quickly.

Jeff Phillips, drawing from his extensive experience in the job board and staffing industry, offers invaluable insights on turning this setback into an opportunity. The discussion covers everything from conducting exit interviews and reassessing organizational structures to crafting compelling job postings and leveraging various channels to attract top talent. Rob and Jeff emphasize the importance of acting fast while still thinking strategically, providing listeners with a comprehensive action plan to navigate this challenging situation.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Conduct an exit interview to gain valuable insights

✓ Reassess your organizational chart and consider "top grading" the position

✓ Craft a compelling job description that sells your firm and outlines clear expectations

✓ Leverage multiple channels to promote the job opening, including employee referrals

✓ Consider remote work options to expand your talent pool

Quotes:

"Speed is essential." - Jeff Phillips

"If you're set up for remote today, filling this job will be easier." - Jeff Phillips

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/Qqhz-PvH9zU

___________

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 &...

Is money the solution to the accounting profession's talent crisis? How are major firms investing billions to attract the next generation of CPAs?

Rob Brown shares the transformative trends reshaping the accounting industry. He explores how leading firms like Ernst & Young, PwC, and KPMG are making massive investments in technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to attract top talent and revolutionize their services.

Rob Brown discusses the billion-dollar commitments made by these firms to integrate AI, increase starting salaries, and create dynamic work environments that appeal to tech-savvy younger generations. He emphasizes that this shift isn't just about staying current - it's about leading the way in client service and empowering teams with cutting-edge tools. The episode also touches on the broader implications for the accounting profession, including the need for upskilling, the evolution of accountants' roles, and the importance of work-life balance in attracting new talent.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Ernst & Young is investing $1 billion over three years to attract the next generation of accountants

✓ PwC has committed $1 billion to generative AI and became the largest customer of OpenAI's ChatGPT Enterprise

✓ AI integration is seen as a solution to automate routine tasks, improve audit accuracy, and provide deeper data insights

✓ The accounting profession faces declining numbers of graduates and high turnover, making AI adoption crucial for talent attraction

✓ As AI takes over routine tasks, accountants are pivoting towards roles requiring more analytical thinking and advisory skills

Quotes:

"Our investment in AI is not just about staying current. It's about leading the way in how we serve our clients and empower our teams."

"This is not a static profession. This is not an old fuddy duddy profession. This is alive. This is fluid. This is rapidly changing. This is engaging. This is exciting."

SHOW DETAILS HERE

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/pyWB7GCELrI

___________

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...

Rob Brown sits down with Jeff Phillips to discuss the challenges and opportunities of remote and hybrid work environments in the accounting industry. Jeff, drawing from his experience as a CEO managing remote teams, shares valuable insights on how firms can not only maintain but increase productivity with remote staff.

The discussion explores into the shift from traditional office-based work to hybrid and remote models, addressing common concerns about productivity, trust, and company culture. Jeff emphasizes the importance of adopting the right mindset and implementing effective systems to ensure work gets accomplished, regardless of physical location. He introduces concepts like asynchronous communication and project management tools that can revolutionize how accounting firms operate in a digital age.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Remote work can lead to increased productivity when structured correctly

✓ Shifting from a "see you to trust you" mentality to a results-oriented approach is crucial

✓ Asynchronous communication can enhance efficiency in accounting tasks

✓ Project management tools are essential for tracking productivity in remote teams

✓ Regular "office hours" and personal check-ins can maintain company culture in remote settings

Quotes:

"Don't even look at the technology until you've defined your philosophy about how we're going to communicate."

"Running a hybrid team is challenging. Yet, if work is structured correctly, it frees your team to be more productive than they are today."

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/-HWA_QBJP5Y

___________

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...

Rob Brown talks about the challenges facing the accounting profession in attracting and retaining new talent. He explores the declining interest in accounting as a career choice, the perception problems plaguing the industry, and the barriers to entry that discourage potential candidates.

Rob Brown also discusses how the outdated image of accountants as boring number-crunchers persists, despite the evolving nature of the profession. He highlights the need for a more realistic portrayal of modern accountants as strategic decision-makers and leaders in finance. The episode also touches on the financial burdens, work-life balance issues, and job satisfaction concerns that make accounting less attractive compared to other fields like finance and technology.

Key Takeaways:

✓ The number of students graduating with accounting degrees is declining globally

✓ There's a debate about the relevance of traditional degrees in today's rapidly changing job market

✓ The accounting profession suffers from an image problem, often portrayed as boring and unexciting

✓ Modern accountants play vital roles in strategic decision-making and leveraging new technologies

✓ Work-life balance and job satisfaction are major concerns for potential accounting candidates

Quotes:

"We must do a better job of marketing ourselves. We need to showcase the value that accountants bring to businesses and society at large."

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/404LmV-ZL68

___________

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 unlock your firm’s potential with strategic accounting outsourcing services. The "TOA Global...

Is your firm's technology driving away top talent? Are you leveraging modern tech to attract the best accountants?

Rob Brown sits down with Jeff Phillips to discuss the crucial role technology plays in recruiting and retaining accounting talent. They explore how a firm's tech stack can be a major factor in attracting or repelling potential hires, especially among younger generations who have grown up with advanced technology.

Jeff emphasizes that modern firms using up-to-date technology are more likely to attract the best talent. They discuss the importance of cloud-based solutions, remote work capabilities, and the integration of AI in accounting practices. The conversation also touches on the need for firms to embrace change and stay current with technological advancements to remain competitive in the talent market.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Technology is a major factor in attracting accounting talent

✓ Remote work capabilities are crucial for accessing a wider talent pool

✓ A firm's technology stack includes both accounting-specific and work-specific tools

✓ Cloud-based solutions are essential for modern accounting practices

✓ Embracing AI and new technologies signals a forward-thinking firm culture

Quotes:

"Modern firms attract talent, and to be a modern firm, you've got to embrace modern technology." - Jeff Phillips

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

___________

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 unlock your firm’s potential with strategic accounting outsourcing services. The "TOA Global Difference" is simple - build a flexible, scalable...