Accounting Voices

Discover how Bob Lewis shapes CPA firm futures with M&A, advisory services and growth tactics. Essential listening for accountants and CPAs In this episode, host Rob Brown interviews Bob Lewis, CEO of The Vision Group, about major disruptions happening in the accounting industry. They discuss the key inflection points causing disruption such as aging partners, workforce shortages, emerging tec...

Jim Bourke is a thought leader in the accounting profession. Jim and host, Rob Brown, extensively discuss the impact of private equity investments and rapidly evolving technology on the accounting landscape. Bourke emphasizes the substantial changes brought about by private equity, altering traditional norms of firm acquisitions and augmenting profitability. He also underscores how technology, par...

Rob Brown interviews Katie Thomas, a podcasting expert, about the benefits of podcasting for accountants and finance professionals. Katie makes a compelling case for why podcasting is worth the investment of time and resources, even in a crowded space with over 5 million active podcasts. Katie explains how podcasting helps build relationships and trust with both existing and prospective clients. I...

Rob Brown interviews Geni Whitehouse, an accountant turned speaker, author, and trainer who helps CPAs make the transition from compliance work to becoming trusted advisors for their clients. They discuss why technology hasn't replaced accountants, the importance of communication skills for advisors, asking insightful questions, and overcoming the resistance many accountants have to expanding thei...

In this insightful conversation, Nicolas Boucher shares his perspective on how artificial intelligence (AI) and tools like ChatGPT are transforming the accounting and finance functions. He emphasizes that AI will not make these roles obsolete but rather enable professionals to focus on more strategic and value-adding activities. Boucher highlights the importance of embracing technology, learning c...

Marketing expert Jo Edwards brings 35 years of experience to the topic of personal branding for accountants and CPAs in creating industry rockstars in accounting. Jo shares why building a strong personal brand is critical for standing out and attracting high-quality clients in a competitive marketplace. Rob and Jo discuss how to build an authentic brand aligned with your interests, the power of mi...

Steve Cox, Director of Business Intelligence @ IRIS Software Group, shares what works for accountants and CPAs during and post busy tax seasons. Rob and Steve discuss the international prevalence of busy seasons, and the impact it has on accountants in terms of long hours, stress and mental health. Steve provides advice for accountants on how to get through busy season and how to reflect afterward...

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast , dropping every Monday to 40,000 accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book yo...

"CEO Richard Kopelman unveils Aprio's massive expansion, secret projects and shares invaluable CPA advice for global accounting success." Richard Kopelman, CEO and Managing Partner of accounting firm Aprio, shares his personal philosophy of staying positive and never giving up, the importance of having a well-written strategic plan, and his vision to have truly global accounting firms. Kopelman sh...

"Explore the success journey of Aprio, a Top 30 US Accounting Firm, with CEO Richard Kopelman. Gain insights from overseeing 25+ strategic mergers & acquisitions." Richard Kopelman, CEO and Managing Partner of Aprio, discusses the exciting transformation and rebranding of HA&W into a global business advisory and accounting firm. He explores the high demand for accounting services due to ch...

Jennifer Warawa is a trailblazer in the accounting world. She's the North American president of a leading firm, a self-made entrepreneur, and even a foster parent. However, her standout achievement isn't just financial—it's a remarkable employee net promoter score (NPS) above 60. Her workplace thrives on purpose, passion, and even a few laughs, like the notorious beanbag chair mishap. Learn how to...

The Art of Saying No & Other Productivity Strategies with Mark Fritz Mark Fritz focuses on the vital topic of saying no and setting boundaries. Mark highlights the significance of being assertive and maintaining focus to say no to various demands and requests effectively. He emphasises the value of listening and understanding the perspective of others when communicating a refusal. Mark also di...

Rob Brown interviews Marina Koijmans, a talent and workplace expert, on the topic of talent management and upskilling in the accounting profession. Marina begins by explaining the challenges of talent management in today's rapidly changing world. She highlights the importance of reskilling and upskilling due to the ever-changing marketplace and the need for organizations to adapt and stay relevant...

Rob interviews Jeff Gramlich from Validis. They discuss various topics related to the accounting profession and the role of technology in driving efficiency and quality. Jeff shares insights on the paradigm shift towards data-driven audits and the impact of technology on the industry. They also explore the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in the accounting profession. Jeff highlights...

Rob Brown interviews Chirag Shah, the founder and CEO of Nucleus Commercial Finance, a UK-focused lender. Chirag discusses the challenges and opportunities in the financial space, particularly in lending and funding. He also talks about the importance of financial analysis and forecasting for businesses, emphasizing the need for businesses to understand their cash flow and plan effectively. The in...

Understanding the Vendor-Accountant Relationship and the Future of Events in Accounting In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown conducts an in-depth interview with Seth Feinberg, author of the Feinberg Review. They discuss the evolving relationship between tech vendors and accountants, including the trust issues and the need for vendors to better understand accountant...

Rob Brown welcomes Stuart Pedley-Smith, Chief Learning Officer at Kaplan Financial, to discuss the evolving landscape of qualifications and their relevance in today's finance and accounting profession. Stuart, with over 25 years of experience in accountancy education, shares insights into the changing roles of finance professionals, emphasizing the need to adapt to technological advancements. The...

Des O'Neil shares his insights on helping accountants and bookkeepers realize their full potential and make a real impact on their clients. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy and passion in one's business and highlights that it's never too late to change direction for better results. Des also discusses the difference between authentic influencers and those who may not provide genuine valu...

We have the honor of hosting Sarah Ghosh, the President of CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). Sarah provides insights into the dynamic world of management accounting and its relevance in today's business landscape. With a diverse membership representing various roles and industries, CIMA is at the forefront of shaping the future of finance professionals. Sarah discusses the evol...

Rob Brown sits down with Calvin Harris, the CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs. Calvin discusses his role in leading the organization that represents CPAs in New York State and beyond. He shares his perspective on being a CPA and the importance of the credential. Calvin talks about the challenges and opportunities facing the accounting profession today, emphasizing the need for CPAs to demo...

Rob Brown were joined by a true visionary in the world of finance and entrepreneurship, Adam Lean. Adam Lean's journey from accountant to two-time entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable. He's built, scaled, and successfully sold two businesses, all while honing his expertise in financial management. Today, he's the driving force behind The CFO Project, a training company that equips financial...

Rob Brown has the the privilege of hosting Richard Francis, the visionary Founder and CEO of Spotlight Reporting. As a global business intelligence software company dedicated to serving accounting firms and CFOs, Spotlight Reporting has been at the forefront of transforming the accounting profession. Richard takes us on a journey through his personal and professional evolution, from his early days...

Martin Bissett featuring Gordon King from The World of Twist, the conversation delves into the intersection of creativity and accounting in the music industry. Gordon King shares insights into the rise and fall of The World of Twist, a band he co-founded, shedding light on the financial dynamics within the group. As creative professionals navigating the music scene, the band members initially had...

Join host Rob Brown on this captivating episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast as he dives deep into the entrepreneurial mindset with special guest Nathan Hirsch. Nathan, a lifelong entrepreneur, is renowned for his unique focus on the often overlooked but vital aspects of entrepreneurship: bookkeeping and hiring. As the mastermind behind EcomBalance/AccountsBalance and Outsource School, Na...

In this episode, we are joined by Paul Barnhurst, an experienced financial planning and analysis (FP&A) professional. Paul shares his expertise in differentiating accounting from FP&A, highlighting how FP&A brings a forward-looking finance lens to guide strategic decision-making. Discover the critical role FP&A plays in budgeting, forecasting, and partnering with business leaders....