Accounting Talent Podcast

Through expert interviews and high-level panels, Talent in Accounting explores talent, culture, recruitment, leadership, mental well-being, and more with expert interviews and high-level discussions.

Ethics & Qualifications in Accounting: Tom Clendon

In this captivating episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Tom Clendon, a seasoned expert with over three decades of experience in the accounting training space, takes us on a journey through the evolution of accounting education. From the days of chalkboards to today's digital world, Tom shares his unique perspective on how the profession has transformed.

Listen as he delves into his illustrious career, including his role as a director at Kaplan, a renowned training company. Tom's extensive international experience and close collaboration with the ACCA in developing training programs provide invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing accountants today.

Discover how the accounting qualification has shifted from rote memorization to a focus on professional judgment and real-world application. Tom discusses the impact of technology on exams, the rise of sustainability reporting, and the significance of ethics in the accounting profession.

Whether you're an accounting student, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the future of accounting, this episode is a must-listen.

Guest Bio

Tom Clendon is a highly regarded expert in accounting education with a remarkable 30-year track record. His journey includes serving as a director at Kaplan, a prominent training company, and collaborating closely with the ACCA to develop cutting-edge training programs.

Tom's global experience has allowed him to witness firsthand the changing landscape of accounting education. His passion for the profession and commitment to excellence have made him a sought-after figure in the industry.

Connect with Tom Clendon on LinkedIn to stay updated on his insights and contributions to the field: Tom Clendon LinkedIn Profile

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more. Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

Through expert interviews and high-level panels, Talent in Accounting explores talent, culture, recruitment, leadership, mental well-being, and more with expert interviews and high-level discussions.

What a People-First Culture Means for Today's Leaders: Jen Surtees discusses the importance of a people-led culture and how it aligns with the brand. She emphasises the need for intentionality in creating a culture where employees feel valued and can connect with the company's purpose and values. She encourages businesses to identify their unique selling points, define their purpose, and use values to guide policies and leadership decisions. Building a culture where people can thrive involves focusing on human connections, autonomy, and fair treatment, all contributing to a motivated and inspired workforce.

Guest Bio

Jen Surtees is the Director of People Experience (UK & EMEA) at Xero, with extensive experience in coaching and a passion for supporting individuals to be their best selves at work. Jen designs recruitment, development, and cultural programs for businesses that prioritize people at heart. She thoroughly researched the psychological conditions that foster high-performing teams and a sense of belonging, resulting in strong team cultures. Jen works at Xero, ensuring the company provides every employee with a world-class and inclusive experience. She creates an environment where employees can believe, belong and flourish. Under her leadership, Xero has been named the 5th Best Workplace in Tech and the 2nd Best Workplace for Women in the UK Large Business Category. Jen loves the great outdoors and recently moved with her husband and daughter to the coast, where they enjoy spending time outdoors and experiencing nature.

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more.

Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/
• Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

Get to know us better!

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on your preferred platform.

• Website: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Through expert interviews and high-level panels, Talent in Accounting explores talent, culture, recruitment, leadership, mental well-being, and more with expert interviews and high-level discussions.

Career Paths for a Finance Skillset: Chris Goulding

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown. In this captivating episode, we're joined by Chris Goulding, a seasoned professional who embarked on his remarkable career journey in finance at the tender age of 21. With a career spanning over 19 years, Chris brings a wealth of experience to the table.

Listen in as Chris shares his unique perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of the accountancy and finance sector. He takes us on a journey through his professional life, starting as a recruiter in the UK and progressing through various directorial roles, culminating in his current role as Managing Director at Wade Macdonald.

Chris delves into the shifting paradigms of finance careers. He discusses how skill sets have evolved in response to changing market dynamics, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Discover why technical skills are no longer the sole focus for aspiring finance leaders and how strategic thinking, business partnering, and analytical abilities are becoming paramount.

We also explore career trajectories in finance, including the path for those outside traditional practice. Chris provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the field, shedding light on the ever-important balance between technical expertise and commercial acumen.

Guest Bio

Chris Goulding is a seasoned professional with over 19 years of experience in the accountancy and finance. As the Managing Director at Wade Macdonald, he brings a wealth of insights into the industry's changing landscape.

www.wademacdonald.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wade-macdonald

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more. Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

Through expert interviews and high-level panels, Talent in Accounting explores talent, culture, recruitment, leadership, mental well-being, and more with expert interviews and high-level discussions.

Talent Recognition: Top 50 Women in Accounting Award: Ami Copeland is the CEO of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). ICB is a unique governing body dedicated to bookkeepers, offering an alternative career path in accounting. With 78% of its members being women, ICB has created a warm and supportive community. Ami discusses the empowerment of bookkeepers and their importance in businesses. As a visionary leader, she focuses on raising ICB's profile, providing ongoing support to members, and empowering them to offer valuable advisory services to clients. Ami shares her journey as CEO, overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing her authentic leadership style.

Guest Bio

Ami Copeland is a passionate advocate empowering individuals to pursue their passions and achieve their ambitions. As part of her role at ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers), she is dedicated to upskilling people, helping them secure fulfilling employment or establish their successful businesses to contribute to the growth of the UK's and the world's SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises).

Recognising the transformative power of bookkeeping, Ami takes immense pride in the fact that 78% of ICB's members are women. Their collective efforts play a crucial role in boosting British businesses and facilitating mothers' re-entry into the workforce, positively impacting lives, businesses, and entire economies. Ami's commitment to supporting and enabling others reflects her strong belief in the potential of individuals to make a meaningful difference in the professional world.

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more.

Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/
• Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

Get to know us better!

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on your preferred platform.

• Website: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Through expert interviews and high-level panels, Talent in Accounting explores talent, culture, recruitment, leadership, mental well-being, and more with expert interviews and high-level discussions.

Culture that Lures Accounting Talent: Richard Roberts is a seasoned professional specialising in employee engagement and cultivating positive workplace cultures. Drawing from his extensive 35-year career in HR, Richard takes us on a journey into the intricacies of building high-performing teams and fostering an environment where employees feel motivated and engaged. He emphasises the significance of trust, shared purpose, and a sense of belonging as the fundamental pillars that underpin a successful and thriving organisational culture.

Richard shares valuable insights and practical strategies, reflecting on his experiences at Virgin and a renewable energy startup, where he witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a well-crafted culture. As we explore the challenges presented by hybrid working and the changing dynamics of the modern workplace, Richard's expertise shines through, leaving us with a profound understanding of how to create workplaces that inspire and drive individual and business success.

Guest Bio

Richard Roberts, also known as Rich Roberts, is a highly experienced employee engagement and culture specialist passionate about creating highly motivated and productive teams within start-ups and larger organisations. Previously, he was the People Director at Pure Planet, a sustainable energy provider. Richard is currently engaged in a part-time Interim HRD role for Community Fibre and undertakes freelance assignments under his own brand, enRich. He is a sought-after speaker at UK and international conferences, where he shares his insights on employee engagement and culture, drawing from his diverse experiences at companies like Virgin Mobile and Pure Planet. Richard's expertise has earned him recognition as a Top 100 Global Employee Engagement Influencer and a finalist in the HR Excellence Awards 2021 for HR Director of the Year. His commitment to fostering positive work environments and nurturing successful teams has made him a respected HR and organisational development figure.

• https://www.enrich-hr.co.uk/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardrobertsengagement/

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more.

Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/
• Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

Get to know us better!

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on your preferred platform.

• Website: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Through expert interviews and high-level panels, Talent in Accounting explores talent, culture, recruitment, leadership, mental well-being, and more with expert interviews and high-level discussions.

Talent Pipelines & Outdated Business Models in Accountancy: Jen Cryder discusses the challenges facing the accounting profession as it undergoes a transformative phase. With over 15 years of experience as a CPA, she delves into the changing landscape of the profession and the need to redefine its core elements based on trust and public protection. Jen sheds light on the impact of human capital challenges, evolving business models, and technological advancements on accounting firms. She emphasises the importance of sharing personal experiences to reshape the public perception of the profession and advocates for strategic investments in technology and talent to secure the profession's future.

Guest Bio

Jen Cryder is a trailblazing leader serving as the CEO of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). As a CPA with practical experience, she brings a valuable perspective to her role, adeptly solving problems and creating opportunities to benefit PICPA's members. Jen's leadership is characterised by transparency, integrity, and a diverse skill set that spans Finance, Accounting, M&A, Operations, Business Development, Change Management, Stakeholder Relations, and Nonprofit Organization Management.

With a keen understanding of the evolving landscape of technology and capital markets, Jen navigates as an agile and collaborative executive, addressing disruptions and prioritising the organisation's growth. She emphasises empowering diverse teams, ensuring all individuals have access to professional development opportunities to achieve their goals. Committed to member value, Jen fosters solid connections and engagement to tailor PICPA's programs, products, and services accordingly.

As the first female CEO in PICPA's 125-year history, Jen is dedicated to honouring the organization's legacy while strategically shaping the future of accounting and finance with an unwavering focus on member success.

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more.

Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/
• Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

Get to know us better!

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on your preferred platform.

• Website: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Through expert interviews and high-level panels, Talent in Accounting explores talent, culture, recruitment, leadership, mental well-being, and more with expert interviews and high-level discussions.

How Accounting Firms Should Use Recruitment Firms: Adrian O'Connor represents a global headhunting search recruitment and staffing firm for mid to senior accounting and finance positions and shares valuable insights for accountants looking to grow their firms. O'Connor discusses the changing landscape of the accounting profession, acknowledging both innovation and resistance to change due to new technologies and automation. He highlights the challenges public accounting firms face, including an image problem, difficulty in differentiation, and the desire of many candidates to move away from audit roles after qualification.

Aidan discusses the importance of employer branding for accounting firms to attract top talent, noting that more companies need to consider this critical aspect and explores the evolving recruitment ecosystem, the challenges faced by internal recruiters, and the debate between offshoring and on-shoring and critiques the traditional recruitment model, suggesting a more candidate-driven approach to recruiting.

Guest Bio

Adrian O'Connor is a highly experienced finance and accounting recruitment professional boasting over two decades of expertise. With a strong belief that recruitment can be transformed into a force for good, he has made it his mission to challenge and change the broken aspects of the industry. Adrian has diligently built teams of recruiters with specialised knowledge and focuses on providing exceptional consulting, valuable advice, and innovative solutions for clients and candidates.

Adrian offers a refreshing approach for disillusioned finance and accounting professionals seeking a more meaningful and personalised recruitment experience, ensuring each interaction is tailored to meet their unique needs and aspirations.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aocglobalnetworks/

https://www.globalaccountingnetwork.net/

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more. Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on your preferred platform. Get to know us better!

Main show website: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

LinkedIn for announcements and networking: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

YouTube for podcast interviews and bonus content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Social Media:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accinfluencers
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers

Through expert interviews and high-level panels, Talent in Accounting explores talent, culture, recruitment, leadership, mental well-being, and more with expert interviews and high-level discussions.

How Talented Accounting Leaders go from Good to Great: Terry Snyder is a seasoned expert in accounting firm growth. Terry emphasises the significance of cultivating a growth mindset in accounting and shares practical strategies for expanding your accounting firm. He delves into branding and provides tips on creating a solid brand, including defining your unique value proposition, identifying your ideal client, and creating a consistent visual and verbal identity.

Terry sheds light on the future of accounting and how firms can brace themselves for the technological changes ahead. He predicts that automation and AI will continue to play a significant role in the industry. He also highlights the importance of maintaining a personal touch and building strong client relationships.

Guest Bio

Terry Snyder, a growth, strategy, and culture consultant, formerly served as the Head of Allinial Global, one of the largest accounting alliances in the world. He advises BOKS International, large accounting firms, and software vendors on their growth strategies. He started his career in 1970 – interning with (Deloitte) Haskins & Sells before joining Arthur Andersen. In 2006, he stepped out of the profession and became the president of a bank for 2 years before joining Allinial Global as the CEO and President. He spent 12 years with AG, overseeing growth from $600 million (NA-focused) to over $4.3 billion (globally focused). Now retired, Terry lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and consults with BOKS International on growth and strategy as well as individual firms.

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more. Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

Through expert interviews and high-level panels, Talent in Accounting explores talent, culture, recruitment, leadership, mental well-being, and more with expert interviews and high-level discussions.

High-Performing Hybrid Work Cultures in Accounting: Luke Fisher discusses the shift in power from employers to employees and its impact on talent competition. He highlights the importance of organisational culture and employee experience as key differentiators. Luke emphasises the challenge of transforming middle managers into culture champions and the significance of leadership capability. He also discusses the role of the brand in attracting and retaining talent, focusing on intrinsic motivators and creating a great workplace. This episode provides valuable insights for accountants looking to grow their firms by understanding the changing dynamics of talent competition and the importance of culture and employee experience.

Guest Bio

Luke Fisher is the CEO of Mo, an innovative employee engagement platform designed to enhance collaboration, boost morale, reduce employee turnover, and drive organisational change. With Mo's cutting-edge platform, leaders can cultivate a vibrant team culture by fostering positive habits, encouraging celebrating achievements, recognising outstanding performance, and promoting colleague appreciation. Mo provides a comprehensive toolkit for connecting and motivating employees in the evolving work landscape, whether for any team or specifically for distributed teams. With backing from venture capital, Mo is utilised in 45 countries and supports 12 languages, proudly assisting renowned global brands in creating meaningful employee engagement and enabling them to achieve more collectively.

Mo Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/moworkhq

Mo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moworkhq/

Luke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lsfisher/

Website: https://mo.work/

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more. Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, guest Justin Grant discusses the image problem in the accounting profession, citing a decline in accounting degree enrollment and a shortage of skilled professionals. He suggests that leaders should prioritize creating a better work environment. Justin also emphasizes the importance of high-quality podcast production to attract and retain listeners. He shares his personal journey transitioning from law to podcasting and highlights the need for professionals to focus on their expertise while seeking support in podcast production. The episode concludes with a discussion on the need for inclusivity and support for mental health in the accounting profession.

Guest Bio

Justin Grant is a seasoned professional in the field of financial services with a career that began in 1997. Initially starting in the banking and fund management sector, Justin later qualified as a financial adviser in 2001 with a national firm. Joining Kudos IFS in 2005, which later became part of Mattioli Woods, Justin specializes in holistic wealth management and wealth preservation strategies, offering tailored advice in areas such as pension planning, investments, and inheritance tax planning. With a focus on helping clients achieve their desired outcomes for their families and businesses, Justin is dedicated to providing exceptional service.

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If you like the show, we'd truly appreciate a review on whatever platform you listen. We'd love to get to know you!

Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast 

For announcements of published shows, tagging guest so you can build your network and offer feedback on the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers 

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube 

https://www.instagram.com/accinfluencers 

https://twitter.com/accinfluencers 

https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers 

Thanks to our sponsors:

Accountex. Accountex will return to ExCeL London UK on the 10-11 May 2023. Bringing together 250+ top fintech companies and cutting-edge start-ups, visitors can browse new software and stay up to date with the latest technology, tools and ideas in accountancy and finance. Alongside the exhibition, attendees will take away actionable tips from the CPD-accredited seminar programme, led by 200+ thought leaders shaping the profession.

Accountex is Europe’s largest annual event for the accounting and finance profession. It attracts 8,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors. Attendees can get up to 16 CPD hours with 200+ free seminar sessions across 12 theatres.

https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/