Here’s what you’re looking for: Rob Brown

ACCOUNTING VOICES

Why P.E. Is Winning the Talent Wars | Accounting Influencers

PE-backed firms are luring top performers with faster promotions, equity stakes, and career paths that traditional firms rarely offer.

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Accounting Influencers
With Rob Brown

Private equity’s influence on the accounting profession is shaking up more than firm valuations — it is rewriting the rules for attracting and retaining talent. A staggering 70% of top performers at traditional firms say they would move to a PE-backed competitor right now if given the chance, according to new industry insights.

And it’s not just about bigger paychecks. Private equity firms have zeroed in on what motivates high performers — opportunity, impact, and accelerated growth — and are building career models to match.

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ACCOUNTING VOICES

Change=Hard. Obsolescence=Worse. | Accounting Influencers

Turn disruption into opportunity and lead with confidence.

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Accounting Influencers
With Rob Brown

As disruption reshapes the accounting profession, a harsh reality is emerging: the vast majority of firms are not keeping pace. In this episode of Accounting Influencers, host Rob Brown warns that more than 70% of accountants globally are unprepared for the seismic changes sweeping through the industry, from AI and automation to evolving client expectations and a volatile talent marketplace.

“Disruption isn’t coming. It’s already here,” Brown says. “Those who don’t make the shift in time are going to get left behind—plain and simple.”

The show explores how outdated processes, resistance to change, and lagging leadership development are putting firms at risk. Leaders can no longer afford to rely solely on technical skills. Today’s environment demands influence, adaptability, and a willingness to tackle uncomfortable change head-on.

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ACCOUNTING VOICES

In 3 Years, 1/2 of Accounting Leaders Will Be Irrelevant | Accounting Influencers

Private equity is redefining influence, and only agile, change-ready professionals will survive.


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Accounting Influencers
With Rob Brown

In the next 36 months or so, nearly half of accounting leaders could find themselves labeled as legacy problems. That’s the stark prediction in the latest episode of Accounting Influencers, where host Rob Brown unpacks how private equity is fundamentally reshaping the rules of leadership, authority, and influence in the profession.

MORE Accounting Influencers with Rob Brown

As private equity (PE) firms continue to invest heavily in accounting, they’re accelerating transformation—and not everyone is keeping up. “This is not just about writing big checks,” says Brown. “It’s a power shift that rewards adaptability, speed, and strategic boldness over patience and technical seniority.”

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ACCOUNTING VOICES

Stay Employable in the Age of AI | Accounting Influencers

Plus, get 20 key takeaways, including life after layoffs.

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Accounting Influencers
With Rob Brown

As technology transforms the accounting profession, jobs are being redefined—or eliminated altogether. In this episode of Accounting Influencers, host Rob Brown unpacks the wave of layoffs sweeping through the Big Four and leading software providers and what it means for the future of accounting careers.

Layoffs at PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG, and Intuit are a wake-up call. These aren’t just belt-tightening moves—they’re signs of a larger shift driven by AI and automation. PwC cut 1,500 jobs in May, EY let go of over 1,400 employees, and Deloitte laid off “an unspecified number.” Meanwhile, Intuit laid off 1,800 employees to invest more heavily in AI.

As Brown puts it: “This isn’t just about cutting costs. These firms are pivoting to hire people who can drive tech-enabled growth.” The message is clear: jobs are disappearing, but new ones are emerging—for those with the right skills.

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ACCOUNTING VOICES

Deal or No Deal? The P.E. Dilemma for CPAs | Accounting Influencers

Leaders must decide whether to follow the money—or protect their independence.
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Accounting Influencers
With Rob Brown

In a striking shift that’s redefining the accounting profession, private equity is no longer circling—it’s landed. On a recent episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown breaks down what might be the most transformative trend facing accounting firm leaders today: the rapid influx of private equity (PE) into the industry.

“Would you sell half of your accounting firm to a private equity firm for a billion dollars?” Brown asks. “Because some of the biggest names in our industry already have.”

And they’re not small names. Baker Tilly, the 10th largest U.S. accounting firm, recently sold more than 50% of its business to a private equity firm. Grant Thornton did the same. The motivations are clear: stay competitive, invest in technology, attract top-tier talent, and survive the pressures of a changing profession.

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