Grads aren’t ready for the world of work. Schools aren’t helping. And accounting firms are paying the price.

In this solo episode, Rob Brown breaks down the skills crisis facing employers, especially accounting firms. Why are so many graduates, interns and junior hires entering the workforce unprepared? What’s going wrong in the education system? And what can firm leaders do about it?

Rob explores the mismatch between academic learning and real-world performance, and lays out concrete strategies for firms to build better talent pipelines from the inside out.

Whether you're hiring your next intern or building your future partner team, this episode will make you rethink your assumptions and give you tools to build real talent.

Key Takeaways:

-Only 11% of leaders think grads are ready for work

-Soft skills matter more than technical knowledge at junior levels

-Schools prioritise exams, not workplace performance

-Career guidance in schools is outdated and ineffective

-Firms must stop assuming education will develop soft skills

-Better onboarding, mentoring, and training is critical

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

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

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

Gen Z has entered the accounting profession — and they’re calling time on toxic leadership. In this episode, Rob Brown outlines the five most damaging behaviours driving young talent away from firms. From micromanagement to presenteeism, he explains why these outdated habits are no longer tolerated, and what leaders must do to retain the future of the profession.

Key Takeaways:

-Toxic behaviours are a firm’s biggest risk

-Gen Z won’t wait around for change — they’ll leave

-Culture must prioritise trust, feedback and transparency

-Partners need leadership training, not just technical skills

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

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

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

In this episode, Rob Brown discusses the impact of AI on the accounting profession, emphasizing the necessity for accounting professionals to embrace AI literacy and adapt to the evolving landscape. He highlights the importance of focusing on the human aspects of accounting that AI cannot replicate, such as emotional intelligence and complex problem-solving. The conversation also covers actionable strategies for accountants to remain relevant and valuable in a world increasingly influenced by AI.

Key Takeaways:

AI literacy is now crucial for accounting professionals.

Automation is taking over routine accounting tasks rapidly.

Messy, unpredictable tasks in accounting are less at risk from AI.

Accountants need to evolve into strategic advisors.

Significant layoffs and restructuring in accounting are driven by AI and private equity.

Collaboration and complexity in work protect jobs from automation.

Leaders must embed AI deeply into strategic decision-making.

Killer Quotes:

The robots are coming for your job - they're already here.

AI literacy isn't optional anymore.

Accountants aren't losing their jobs to AI but to those leveraging AI better.

AI struggles with messy workflows.

Private equity amplifies workforce disruption in accounting.

AI isn't replacing accountants—it's redefining them.

How quickly will you lead the change?

AI literacy is essential for accounting professionals.

Treating AI as a future problem puts you behind.

AI is taking over repetitive tasks in accounting.

Accountants are losing jobs to those who leverage AI effectively.

Embrace the unpredictable aspects of accounting.

AI is redefining the role of accountants, not replacing them.

Focus on strategic analysis and client advisory services.

Invest in understanding AI tools and data analytics.

Collaboration and teamwork are key to job security.

Adapt quickly to the changes brought by AI.