Welcome to 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. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

On this episode of The Accounting Talent Podcast, host Rob Brown is joined by Jeff Phillips, CEO of Paget Business Services and founder of AccountingFly, to dive into the alarming talent shortage facing the accounting profession. Statistics reveal around 300,000 fewer accountants and auditors in the US over the past two years, a staggering 17% drop. The root cause? A weak value proposition from the profession, offering less attractive compensation, flexibility, and work-life balance compared to industries like tech. This perception is driving college students away from accounting towards seemingly greener pastures in investment banking, consulting, and tech firms.

Accounting firms face intense competition for talent, not just from each other but from aggressive employers in other sectors with enticing perks and career paths. However, there is hope. By rethinking their value propositions, exploring untapped talent pools like offshoring, remote work, freelancers, and developing innovative hiring/training approaches, firms can regain their appeal to the next generation of accountants. The profession's future hinges on its ability to revamp its employer branding and talent strategies.

"The accounting profession is not going to die, Rob. It's not going to wither on the vine. There is lots of talent out there and there are options and hope." - Jeff Phillips

Key Takeaways:

1. There is a shortage of accounting talent, with around 300,000 fewer accountants and auditors in the United States over the last two years, representing a 17% loss. [00:11:50]

2. The accounting profession is facing a brand and value proposition problem, as the compensation, flexibility, and work-life balance are perceived as weak compared to other industries like tech. [00:04:30]

3. College students are choosing alternative career paths like investment banking, consulting, and tech companies, which are seen as more attractive than "boring old accounting." [00:14:55]

4. Accounting firms are not just competing with each other for talent but also with more aggressive employers in other industries, offering better perks and career paths. [00:16:50]

5. There are solutions and untapped talent pools that accounting firms can explore, such as offshoring, remote work, freelancers, and non-traditional hiring and training approaches. [00:20:30]

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

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...

Welcome to 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. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

Rob Brown talks to Jen Surtees, former Director of People Experience at Xero, on some of the biggest challenges facing employers in the current recruitment landscape.

Jen shares her insights on how companies can differentiate themselves as employers to attract and retain talent in a highly competitive market. She also provides valuable tips on hiring for culture fit and identifying values that drive the organisation's culture.

The conversation then shifts to the "great resignation," where many employees are quitting their jobs in search of better opportunities or work-life balance. Jen discusses what companies can do to retain talent, including creating a culture that values employee well-being, development, and growth.

Finally, the discussion turns to remote and hybrid working, which has become increasingly popular after the pandemic. Jen shares her views on how companies can make this work with their culture and the benefits of providing employees with more flexible work arrangements.

Overall, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for employers navigating the challenges of recruitment and the work landscape. Jen's extensive experience in coaching and developing high-performing teams and cultures provides a unique perspective on how organisations can thrive in these challenges.

Key takeaways

➤ In today's challenging recruitment landscape, it's essential to differentiate yourself by being clear on your employer's brand and values and offering competitive benefits and career development opportunities.

➤ Hiring for culture fit is critical to building a cohesive and high-performing team. To do this, it's essential to define your company's values and behaviours, ask behavioural interview questions and involve multiple team members in the hiring process.

➤ The "Great Resignation" is a genuine concern for many businesses, and it's important to focus on employee retention. This can be achieved through several strategies, including offering flexible working arrangements, investing in employee development and training, and prioritising employee well-being and work-life balance.

➤ Remote and hybrid working is becoming increasingly popular, but some businesses must be convinced whether it can work with their company culture. To make remote or hybrid working successful, it's essential to communicate effectively, build trust, and offer the right tools and technology to support remote workers.

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/mh3VYv0TQds

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY....

Welcome to 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. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

Mark Fritz focuses on the vital topic of saying no and setting boundaries. Mark highlights the significance of being assertive and maintaining focus to say no to various demands and requests effectively. He emphasises the value of listening and understanding the perspective of others when communicating a refusal. Mark also discusses the challenges busy professionals face, particularly accountants, who often feel overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks and responsibilities they have to handle.

He shares his observations on the current era of information overload and the need for individuals to prioritise and do less to achieve more. Mark suggests learning from other sectors can provide valuable insights and strategies for managing workload and avoiding burnout. The episode further delves into the psychological factors behind saying no, such as fear of disappointing others, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the pressure to fit in or be seen as a team player.

Mark offers practical advice on overcoming these fears and setting personal boundaries. He advocates for open communication and understanding between colleagues and leaders and the importance of aligning personal and professional priorities. In addition, the episode explores the role of scripts or prepared responses in navigating difficult conversations and saying no clearly and concisely. Mark highlights the importance of staying true to one's boundaries and goals and avoiding over-commitment. Throughout the interview, Mark provides examples, personal anecdotes, and practical tips on developing the confidence and assertiveness needed to say no effectively.

Mark Fritz is an accomplished leader who focuses on driving change across diverse cultures and distances. With a rich international career spanning numerous countries, including Egypt, Netherlands, Italy, and Japan, Mark has successfully spearheaded enterprise-level change initiatives. His expertise lies in leading transformation and reengineering efforts, effectively managing virtual teams, and fostering the growth of diverse, resilient groups.

Mark has left an indelible mark on executives and organisations worldwide as a renowned leadership specialist. He has been instrumental in helping them reshape their leadership approaches, resulting in improved outcomes and lasting impact. Mark's influence extends to prestigious business schools like IE Business School and HEC, where he imparts his wisdom through enlightening courses on leadership and influence.

Within organisations, Mark crafts tailored leadership programs that fortify leaders and equip them with the tools necessary for growth and triumph. His journey has taken him around the globe, where he's lived in various countries and worked in over 50 nations. Currently residing in London with his Japanese wife, Mark enjoys playing golf and cherishes collaborating with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, recognising the invaluable lessons such experiences offer.

Mark Fritz is renowned for his commitment to empowering leaders to shift away from micromanagement and embrace a culture of ownership and achievement. His expertise lies in unlocking the full potential of teams. Through impactful keynotes and masterclasses, he delivers inspirational experiences brimming with practical advice and actionable steps.

With a steadfast dedication to...