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

Trisha Daho, the founder of Empowered, shares insights on culture, people strategy, and DEI strategy for accounting and law firms. Trisha explains that accounting firms are easier to work with than law firms as they are less hierarchical in decision-making. However, accounting firms' culture and people stuff is more complicated and essential as their people are the product.

Trisha also emphasises that trust is a crucial factor for service providers. Clients buy services not just because the work is done but also because they trust the service provider and want to work with them. Millennials and Gen Zs are more interested in culture and work-life balance, and clients now demand that firms focus more on these issues. Firms also need help acquiring and retaining talent due to a shortage of skilled people entering the accounting industry.

Trisha notes that the pandemic has taught firms to look more expansively for talent and that firms are making crossroads decisions about their path, with younger people coming in and wanting to own their own companies. The conversation around how accounting firms do their work and create career paths for people is changing, and firms that can differentiate themselves through employer branding will win the talent war.

Key Takeaways

➤ Culture and people strategy are crucial for accounting firms and their success. As people are the product, firms must ensure that their culture is correct and consistent with their brand.

➤ Trust is a significant factor for service providers, and clients buy services because they trust the service provider and want to work with them.

➤ Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Zs, are interested in work-life balance, culture, and DEI issues. Clients are also demanding firms have a greater focus on these issues.

➤ Accounting firms struggle with talent acquisition and retention due to a shortage of skilled people entering the industry. Firms are reimagining the skills they need and how they can expand the talent pool.

➤ Employer branding is crucial for accounting firms to win the talent war. Firms that can differentiate themselves through employer branding and innovative ways of engaging with clients and employees will succeed.

Guest Bio

Trisha Daho is a former Big 4 Accounting and Advisory partner turned into a culture, talent, and DEI expert. She founded Empowered, partnering with leadership teams to create sustainable and measurable people results. With laser-focused strategies, she built thriving practices in four regions and created growth businesses that have expanded exponentially. Trisha writes and speaks regularly on authenticity in leadership, creating growth cultures, diversity and inclusion, and more. She is also a kickboxing instructor, dog fosterer, and avid traveller.

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

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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/