On behalf of the Accounting Influencers Broadcast Network, this is the "Best Practice in Accounting" show, going live every Thursday. For our regular listeners, the original name Accounting Influencers has now moved from 'one show with 6 episodes a week' to 'five shows a week, 1 episode a day'. In this show, we focus on upskilling the accountants, bookkeepers, CPAs and commercially focused fintech vendors to better handle key challenges in their professional role like client service, closing deals, negotiating, pricing, hiring, reputation and differentiation. It's all about developing yourself and your practice with real life examples, stories and case studies of what really works.

Episode 2. In today's interview, "Scholarships - a Talent Attraction Secret Weapon."

Key takeaways from this episode include:

✻ a case study of how a scholarship in an accounting firm created a world class leader from the entry ranks

✻ how investing in people benefits an accounting firms individuals and the wider firm at all levels

✻ first steps - getting started with a scholarship program for the rising stars at your accounting firm

✻ the role of staff development and scholarships in boosting the employer brand of an accounting practice

✻ what potential employees are looking for in an accounting career and what they need to hear from prospective employers

✻ a discussion on women in accounting and a comment on the rarity of female managing partners in a predominantly male world

✻ the starting point of identifying the talent that will thrive and benefit from investment

Action - Go beyond just developing people at your firm and consider a scholarship or bursary program to boost your employer brand

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In this show we cover topics like leadership, trust, performance, differentiation, employer brand, values, vision, strategy, talent, skills development, industry trends, growth, marketing, communication, succession, recruitment, retention, culture, MandA, business models, pricing, digitisation, winning clients, advisory, career development, gen z/millennials, ESG, DEI, CSR, CPE/CPD, professionalism and future proofing.

It's important that you stay ahead of the game by knowing the drivers of change and disruption in accounting, the behaviours/demands of businesses requiring pivots/services from accountants, the strategies of tech/software vendors in serving CPAs and accountants, the directives, thoughts and influence of regulatory bodies, professional associations and accounting institutes, and the themes, agendas and topics being talked about at accounting and fintech events all over the world.

Two caveats for listeners:

First, what we're giving you in this podcast are suggestions, hints, tips and strategies. Not necessarily recommendations, not legally binding, not mandated by regulatory bodies. just the thoughts, opinions and interpretations of a couple of guys with a collective 45 years of experience working with, speaking to and and training many accounting practices, vendors, networks, associations, alliances and event audiences.

Second, we're not getting too technical or technological with these best practice tips. We're not qualified accountants and there are plenty of sources for technical knowledge. We're also not geeky, nerdy or product focused with the bewildering array of apps, platforms and technological solutions. We're more soft skills, personal development, general business awareness, developing entrepreneurial thinking, boosting leadership and management capability.

Let's not forget what a complex, fast moving and rapidly changing world we live in. Best practice is hard to put your finger on. What worked last week, last year may not work now. Advisors and accounting professionals must constantly reinvent themselves as experts and trusted guides to individuals and business owners in a complex world. We're here to help you.

Ultimately, it's just insight...