In this episode of The Accountant’s Flight Plan, we are joined by Wayne Findlay—entrepreneur, founder of Findlay & Co., and CEO of The Back Room. Wayne shares his global perspective on how accounting firms can stay competitive in today’s talent-scarce landscape by leveraging offshoring, modern tech, and clear growth paths for team members. If you’re a firm owner thinking about scale, succession, or private equity, this episode is full of practical, real-world insight.

Get in touch with Wayne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynenz/

Episode Timestamps

01:12 – Introduction of Wayne Findlay and the founding of The Back Room

04:09 – Why offshoring is becoming more common in U.S. & Canadian firms

05:50 – Global talent shortage & the retention pressure from PE

09:09 – The win-win of delegation and internal growth

12:10 – How to use AI wisely and keep firm data secure

16:18 – His firm’s expansion into Colombia and why it’s strategic for U.S. work

19:00 – Preparing your firm for sale: what PE buyers want to see

22:45 – Funny story from an accounting conference

25:33 – Book rec: The Four Principles of Management

27:57 – Connect with Wayne and see him at upcoming conferences