Why Are Accounting Firms Quietly Dropping DEI?

Accounting firms are making drastic changes to their DEI programs, and not in the way you might think. KPMG has officially ended its "Accelerate 2025" program, following similar moves from Deloitte and others. Meanwhile, governing bodies like AICPA, CIMA, and ACCA are doubling down on DEI’s importance. So, what’s really happening? In this episode, Rob Brown breaks down:

✅ Why KPMG, Deloitte, and others are scaling back DEI

✅ The legal and political forces driving this shift

✅ How these changes impact recruitment and retention

✅ What firms risk by pulling back on DEI initiatives

✅ The burnout crisis hitting DEI professionals in firms

✅ What governing bodies like AICPA & ACCA say about DEI

✅ How accounting leaders should navigate this challenge

💬 "Accounting firms are ditching DEI – is it a smart move or a disaster?"

💬 "Less than half of firms are even tracking DEI progress."

💬 "DEI officers burn out fast—most last just 3 years!"

💬 "The next generation of accountants cares about DEI—ignore it at your own risk."

💬 "If firms aren’t diverse, how will they attract diverse clients and talent?"

💬 "The legal landscape is shifting—but is pulling back the answer?"

💬 "Talent is already scarce. Does ignoring DEI make firms even less attractive?"

You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/ZMdh01NB_C0

The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers.

Thanks to our sponsors:

ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.com

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.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube