Accounting Talent Podcast Rob Brown (Accounting Influencers Roundtable - AIR)

Is your firm's technology driving away top talent? Are you leveraging modern tech to attract the best accountants?
Rob Brown sits down with Jeff Phillips to discuss the crucial role technology plays in recruiting and retaining accounting talent. They explore how a firm's tech stack can be a major factor in attracting or repelling potential hires, especially among younger generations who have grown up with advanced technology.
Jeff emphasizes that modern firms using up-to-date technology are more likely to attract the best talent. They discuss the importance of cloud-based solutions, remote work capabilities, and the integration of AI in accounting practices. The conversation also touches on the need for firms to embrace change and stay current with technological advancements to remain competitive in the talent market.
Key Takeaways:
✓ Technology is a major factor in attracting accounting talent
✓ Remote work capabilities are crucial for accessing a wider talent pool
✓ A firm's technology stack includes both accounting-specific and work-specific tools
✓ Cloud-based solutions are essential for modern accounting practices
✓ Embracing AI and new technologies signals a forward-thinking firm culture
Quotes:
"Modern firms attract talent, and to be a modern firm, you've got to embrace modern technology." - Jeff Phillips
You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/RPGR_LBKDgA
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This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.
The Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) runs regular international virtual speed networking events to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections network in the accounting, finance and tech world: Book your place at our next gathering here: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events
More Accounting Influencers content here:
https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers for all of our podcast episodes
https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers for our events and posts
Thanks to our sponsors:
ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.
TOA GLOBAL. TOA helps you hire elite talent for your accounting firm. Join thousands of leading firms empowering their teams with job-ready outsourced accountants & bookkeepers. They work to unlock your firm’s potential with strategic accounting outsourcing services. The "TOA Global Difference" is simple - build a flexible, scalable...

Is your accounting firm struggling to find talent? Could freelancers be the solution you've been overlooking?
Rob Brown interviews Jeff Phillips, CEO of AccountingFly, about the critical role freelancers play in winning the war for talent in the accounting world. Jeff reveals that a staggering 30% of the labor force now identifies as freelance, and this trend is rapidly reshaping the landscape of knowledge work, including accounting.
Jeff introduces the concept of the "talent stack," a new approach to building modern accounting firms. This strategy involves compressing the traditional organizational pyramid and supplementing core full-time staff with offshore talent and freelancers. 
Jeff also discusses three types of freelance arrangements: interim, fractional, and project-based, each serving different needs within accounting firms. Throughout the conversation, Jeff addresses common concerns about hiring freelancers, such as maintaining brand consistency and data security, while offering practical solutions to mitigate these risks.
Key Takeaways:
✓ 30% of the labor force identifies as freelance
✓ The "talent stack" concept for modern accounting firms
✓ Three types of freelance arrangements: interim, fractional, and project-based
✓ Mitigating risks when hiring freelancers through clear expectations and SOPs
✓ Freelancers as business owners seeking to build their brand and deliver excellent work 
Quotes:
"You can't win the race for talent without hiring freelancers." - Jeff Phillips
"Your new talent stack is a combination of central full-time people who might be in the office or might be remote, supported by project-based freelance interim staff." - Jeff Phillips
SHOW DETAILS HERE
You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/8q_TRj7-k6Q
___________
This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.
The Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) runs regular international virtual speed networking events to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections network in the accounting, finance and tech world: Book your place at our next gathering here: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events
More Accounting Influencers content here:
https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers for all of our podcast episodes
https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers for our events and posts
Thanks to our sponsors:
ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of...

Is the traditional office becoming obsolete for accounting firms? Are we witnessing the death of remote work, or is the push to return to the office shortsighted?
Rob Brown digs deep into the contentious issue of returning to the office in the accounting industry. He explores the rationale behind companies pushing for a return to in-person work, examining the belief that physical presence enhances collaboration, creativity, and company culture. Rob challenges these notions, highlighting the importance of flexibility and employee preferences in today's evolving workplace.
This episode offers valuable insights for both accounting firm leaders and professionals facing pressure to return to the office. Rob provides practical advice on how to navigate this transition, emphasizing the need for open dialogue, compromise, and a focus on outcomes rather than physical presence. He also discusses the importance of investing in remote work technology and support, as well as the need for accounting professionals to communicate their value and propose solutions that benefit both themselves and their firms.
Key Takeaways:
Companies are pushing for a return to the office, citing benefits like improved collaboration and cultureOpen dialogue with employees is crucial before implementing return-to-office mandates Flexibility is key - consider hybrid models and staggered schedules Focus on outcomes and results rather than physical presence Accounting professionals should communicate their value and propose solutions when facing pressure to return 
Quotes:
"Without your physical or mental health, nothing else in life has much flavor."
"Invest in your skills, keep them updated... regardless of where you work, your skills keep you relevant."
You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/RJ1hWo3lKJ4
___________
This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.
The Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) runs regular international virtual speed networking events to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections network in the accounting, finance and tech world: Book your place at our next gathering here: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events
More Accounting Influencers content here:
https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers for all of our podcast episodes
https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers for our events and posts
Thanks to our sponsors:
ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability...

Are you struggling to find top accounting talent? Could remote hiring be the solution you've been overlooking?
Rob Brown sits down with Jeff Phillips, to discuss how hiring remote accountants could be the key to solving recruitment challenges in the accounting industry. Jeff, co-founder of AccountingFly, shares his expertise on tapping into a vast pool of domestic remote talent, highlighting the benefits and addressing common concerns associated with remote hiring.
The conversation goes into the shifting landscape of talent acquisition in accounting, introducing the concept of the "new talent stack" - an innovative approach to building a diverse and skilled workforce. 
Jeff provides compelling insights into why top performers are increasingly choosing remote work options and how firms can adapt to this new reality. He also offers practical advice on implementing remote hiring strategies, from onboarding to maintaining company culture in a virtual environment.
Key Takeaways:
Domestic remote hiring expands the talent pool from local to national Remote positions can be filled in about 40 days compared to year-long vacancies By 2030, there will be 50 million more knowledge jobs than workers to fill them globally Training and maintaining company culture is possible with remote workers through technology and hybrid modelsData-driven project management tools can effectively measure remote worker productivity
Quotes:
"The race for talent is over and the talent won. Let's accept that reality and use it to our advantage."
"This is a mindset flip from 'I must see you to trust you' to 'I want to see data to trust you.'"
You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/5oF2uE3A7ZQ
___________
This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.
The Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) runs regular international virtual speed networking events to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections network in the accounting, finance and tech world: Book your place at our next gathering here: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events
More Accounting Influencers content here:
https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers for all of our podcast episodes
https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers for our events and posts
Thanks to our sponsors:
ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job...

Is trust the missing element in your organization? How can you close the trust gap between leaders and employees?
In this compelling episode of the Accounting Talent Podcast, host Rob Brown sits down with Cory Sheer, the author of "Closing the Trust Gap," to explore the critical issue of trust within accounting firms. With a deep dive into the multiple trust gaps identified by Cory's research, this conversation uncovers the staggering reality that leaders often overestimate their trustworthiness compared to frontline employees.
From dissecting the organizational trust gap to understanding the epidemic of distrust affecting productivity, retention, and profitability, Cory and Rob shed light on why trust is the ultimate currency in today's business landscape. They discuss the impact of collective trauma, technological evolution, and economic conditions on trust, and why trustworthy policies and practices are as crucial as trustworthy people.
Tune in to discover practical strategies for fostering trust, enhancing organizational policies, and aligning them with the evolving needs of employees and clients. Whether you're struggling with talent attraction, retention, or simply aiming to build a more cohesive and loyal team, this episode is packed with insights to help your firm thrive in a trust-deficient world.
Key Takeaways:
- There is on average a 31% gap in trust between leaders and frontline employees across industries
- 51% of employees do not have a high level of trust for their leaders
- Trust must be built through both people and policies/practices in an organization
- The three building blocks of trust are competency, problem-solving, and care for others
- Regular evaluation and iteration of policies is crucial for maintaining trust

Quotes:
"Trust is a vital currency that we need to grow in our companies."
"Trust is something that Stephen Baradel calls an actionable asset. It is an actionable asset that you can take action on in order to strengthen and improve."
You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here:
https://youtu.be/Vj0wWi9bAqw
___________
This is the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.
The Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) runs regular international virtual speed networking events to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections network in the accounting, finance and tech world: Book your place at our next gathering here: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events
More Accounting Influencers content here:
https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers for all of our podcast episodes
https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers for our events and posts
Thanks to our sponsors:
ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of...

Are you and your employees caught in the overtime epidemic? Is overwork silently killing productivity and driving away top talent?
Rob Brown delves into the alarming issue of overwork and excessive overtime that is plaguing workplaces across the UK and the US. Drawing from compelling research, he reveals the severe toll it's taking on businesses and employees alike.
Excessive workloads, unrealistic expectations from managers, and an ingrained culture of overwork are undermining employee motivation, productivity, retention, and overall business performance. The statistics are staggering: one in five employees wants to quit within six months to escape overwork, and half put in up to four days of unpaid overtime each month – amounting to millions of uncompensated work days. This vicious cycle is burning people out, harming well-being, and driving away top talent.
Key Takeaways:
"An embedded culture of overwork and overtime is taking a severe toll on business and workers across the UK workforce."Half of employees put in between a day and four days per month of unpaid overtime, equating to 19 million days of uncompensated work.One in five employees want to leave their current job in the next six months to escape overwork.33% of employees are more likely to work additional unpaid hours if working remotely/hybrid.28% report being unable to get their job done in the working day and having to work additional hours.
Quotes:
"Unpaid work and missed holidays are not a sign of dedication. They are symptoms of a system which has to work better.""It's only by creating a culture that respects employee time, prioritizes workload management, encourages healthy work-life balance, that businesses can reap the benefits of a happier, more productive workforce."
You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/w7PlFJZLiJE
___________
This is the the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.
The Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) runs regular international virtual speed networking events to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections network in the accounting, finance and tech world: Book your place at our next gathering here: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events
More Accounting Influencers content here:
https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers for all of our podcast episodes
https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers for our events and posts
Thanks to our sponsors:
ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and...