ACCOUNTING VOICES

Meet Your New Boss: Gen Z | Accounting Influencers

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Zoomers expect clarity, equity, and purpose—and they’re not afraid to walk if firms don’t deliver.

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Not Your Headcount

Accounting Influencers
With Rob Brown

By 2025, one in 10 managers will be from Generation Z. That’s right—the so-called “lazy, entitled” group born between 1997 and 2012 is already leading teams in accounting firms. But instead of wrecking the workplace, Gen Z might be exactly what the profession needs to survive its crossroads.

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On Accounting Influencers, host Rob Brown explores the rise of Gen Z and what their entry into the accounting workforce means for leaders, firms, and the profession at large.

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The Truth Behind Accounting’s RTO Push | Accounting Influencers

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Firms blame culture and training, yet AI, real estate, and talent pressures tell a different tale.

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Accounting Influencers
With Rob Brown

The push to bring accountants back to the office is gaining momentum, echoing trends at corporate giants like JPMorgan, Amazon, and Meta. While firms frame return-to-office (RTO) policies as a way to boost collaboration, mentorship, and culture, industry observers question whether the real motivations include cost control, talent reshaping, and even quiet workforce reductions.

In the latest episode of Accounting Influencers, host Rob Brown examines the drivers behind RTO in accounting, from Big Four mandates to real estate obligations, and explores whether being in the office truly advances careers or simply serves firm agendas.

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

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

This is a preview. The complete video episode, with commentary and transcript, is first available exclusively to PRO Members | Go PRO here
Sponsored by “It’s NOT Just the Numbers: How to Move Beyond the Numbers and Deliver REAL Value for Your Clients.”
by Penny Breslin and Damien Greathead. See Today’s Special Offer

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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Change=Hard. Obsolescence=Worse. | Accounting Influencers

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

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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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