Are you prepared for the leadership void in your accounting firm? What if your firm's next leader isn't even on your radar?

In this eye-opening episode of the Accounting Talent Podcast, Rob Brown dives into the critical topic of external succession planning for accounting firms. Building on his previous episode about internal succession, Rob explores why looking outside your firm for future leaders isn't just an option—it's a necessity for staying relevant and competitive in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

Rob highlights the alarming statistics that less than 50% of accounting firms have a formal succession plan, yet 80% expect to face succession challenges in the next five years. He emphasizes the importance of starting early, thinking strategically, and considering both internal and external candidates for leadership roles. The episode provides valuable insights into best practices for external succession planning, including defining clear roles and expectations, ensuring cultural fit, and adopting a hybrid approach that combines fresh perspectives with institutional knowledge.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Start succession planning early, thinking 2-5 years ahead

✓ Define clear roles and expectations for external hires

✓ Ensure cultural fit is prioritized alongside technical competence

✓ Consider a hybrid approach, blending external and internal talent

✓ Ignoring external succession planning can lead to significant risks and lost opportunities

Quotes:

"What got you here won't get you there."

"Succession planning is not just keeping the lights on when someone leaves. It's about setting your firm up for long-term success."

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/7DsrcGyb7RY

___________

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...

Is your accounting firm gambling with its future? Are you one retirement away from a complete meltdown?

Rob Brown tackles the critical but often overlooked topic of succession planning in accounting firms. With 75% of accountants in the UK and US at or near retirement age, Brown warns that many firms are sleepwalking into a succession crisis. He emphasizes the urgency of having a solid plan in place, not just for senior partners looking to retire, but for all levels of the firm.

Brown delves into the importance of internal succession planning, highlighting it as the most sustainable way to secure a firm's future. He discusses the value of nurturing existing talent, creating a culture of continuous development, and the role of mentorship in grooming future leaders. The episode also touches on the challenges firms face in implementing succession plans, including overcoming biases and avoiding complacency. Brown shares insights from successful firms that have implemented innovative approaches to succession planning, from rotational programs to dedicated succession planning committees.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Less than 50% of accounting firms have a formal succession plan in place

✓ Internal succession planning preserves firm culture and values

✓ Mentorship and professional development are crucial for grooming future leaders

✓ Succession planning should be integrated into overall strategic planning

✓ Firms need to maintain a rigorous, merit-based approach to promotions

Quotes:

"The best firms out there are deliberately shaping their future leaders long before they step into these roles."

"Succession planning is not just about ensuring continuity, it's about setting your firm up for continued success.

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/y4GLAgGsiTM

___________

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...

Have you ever lost a key team member and felt unprepared? What if you could turn hiring crises into manageable puzzles?

Rob Brown and Jeff Phillips share the strategic hiring practices for accounting firms. They discuss how to move beyond reactive hiring and develop a proactive, long-term approach to talent acquisition and retention.

Jeff emphasizes the importance of learning from past hiring experiences and creating systems to make future hiring easier. He outlines steps to develop a strategic hiring plan, including analyzing organizational needs, embracing remote work options, and building a pipeline of potential candidates. The conversation also touches on the value of investing in administrative support and technology to free up time for strategic work.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Conduct exit interviews to learn from departing employees

✓ Create a three-year staffing plan based on growth projections

✓ Invest in an executive assistant to free up time for strategic work

✓ Embrace remote hiring options and set up necessary technology

✓ Develop inbound candidate flow through various sources

Quotes:

"Every organizational chart is divided into three lanes: goes and gets work, completes work, gets paid to do the work."

You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/U8oyDfj3MKk

___________

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 outsourced accounting team to align with your