Welcome to the Accounting Talent Podcast! The biggest asset in an accounting firm isn’t technology or processes—it’s people. Your team is the foundation of your success, and we’re here to help you build, manage, and lead a high-performing accounting team. Each week, we’ll bring you expert insights, proven strategies, and practical tools to help you attract, retain, and develop top talent. Whether you're looking to enhance leadership skills, improve team culture, or optimize performance, we've got you covered. Brought to you by TopFirm and TOA Global, Accounting Talent features industry leaders who have mastered the art of team-building in accounting. Learn how to create a thriving work environment where your team members become the best versions of themselves—because when they succeed, your firm does too. Subscribe now to level up your team and transform your accounting firm into a people-first powerhouse!
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May 8, 202543 min
Burnout-Proofing Your Firm: Lessons from Lynnette Oss
Burnout is not just exhaustion—it’s a breakdown of how we cope, perform, and lead. In this episode of the Accounting Talent Podcast, we sit down with Lynnette Oss of ReInspired, a former firm owner turned burnout strategist. After spending years pushing through work and family demands—only to crash hard when personal emergencies hit—Lynnette realized the problem wasn’t her grit. It was the system she had built around her. She shares her raw story of rebuilding her firm multiple times, what finally broke her, and why she walked away from the numbers to help others prevent the same path. We explore: 1️⃣ How burnout silently grows in even the “high performers” 2️⃣ The 3-part framework for managing stress before it’s too late 3️⃣ What firm owners can do to lead teams through busy seasons without sacrificing well-being How to spot the signs of burnout—in yourself and your team—and intervene early Whether you're feeling stretched or leading a team that is, this episode is a wake-up call—and a practical guide—to creating a healthier, more resilient firm. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to recognize the signs, start real conversations, and lead with intention.
April 9, 202543 min
$50K Sign-On Bonus? Why This CPA Firm is Doing It Differently
Talent acquisition is a draining endeavor for many accounting firm owners. Chris Johnson of CJ CPAs knows the pain of trying to hire the right people. The time wasted, the money lost, the endless cycle of hiring and rehiring. After coming up short again and again, he knew something had to change. So, he did something bold: he offered a $50,000 sign-on bonus to attract top-tier talent to his firm, CJ CPAs. No tricks. No clawbacks. Just a clear, upfront investment in the right person. But this strategy wasn’t about throwing money at a problem — it was about rethinking how firms approach talent altogether. Chris turned recruiting into a marketing funnel, refined his messaging, and doubled down on culture. And while the bonus got attention, it’s what happened next that really matters. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right people — people who align with your values and want to grow with your firm — this episode of the Accounting Talent podcast is for you.
April 7, 20250 min
Welcome to the Accounting Talent Podcast
Accounting firms succeed when their people thrive. Join us each month as we uncover the best strategies, tools, and insights for attracting, managing, and leading high-performing accounting teams. Subscribe now to build a stronger, more successful firm!
December 30, 202419 min
10 Lessons Learned from the Accounting Talent Podcast
In this final episode of the Accounting Talent podcast, Rob Brown reflects on the journey of the show, discussing the challenges and opportunities in recruitment, retention, and talent development within the accounting profession. He shares ten powerful takeaways that firms can implement to remain competitive and attract talent, emphasizing the importance of hybrid work, employer branding, onboarding, wellbeing, leadership development, upskilling, inclusion, succession planning, agile recruitment, and creating a talent stack. As the podcast concludes, Rob looks ahead to the future of talent in accounting and his ongoing mission to help firms differentiate themselves as employers of choice.Key TakeawaysMaster hybrid work to thrive in the new era.Build a strong employer brand to attract talent.Onboarding with excellence is crucial for retention.Prioritize wellbeing for a productive workforce.Develop leadership at all levels for better retention.Upskill your people to stay competitive.Inclusion is essential for a diverse workplace.Plan for succession to ensure continuity.Stay agile in recruitment to meet demands.Create a talent stack for holistic growth.You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/Bb5Y9sgYxd4This 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.Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accountingThanks 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 firm now and as you grow. Crush the talent crisis and outsmart your competitors by adding highly skilled accounting professionals to your firm faster. Permanently increase your firm’s capacity with a dedicated outsourced accounting team in weeks, not months. Access elite professionals and discover a hidden pool of elite accounting talent ready to enable your firm’s growth with additional capacity. Build a dedicated team of highly skilled outsourced accountants and bookkeepers for your firm today.https://toaglobal.com
December 25, 202422 min
Top Predictions for Accounting Firms & Talent in 2025
In this episode of the Accounting Talent podcast, Rob Brown and Jeff Phillips discuss the contrasting views on the accounting profession's performance in 2024 and make predictions for 2025. They explore the challenges of attracting talent, the impact of private equity, the return to office trends, and the role of AI in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for a stronger value proposition in accounting and the potential for entrepreneurial opportunities as younger generations enter the field.Takeaways2024 was a challenging year for the accounting profession, with mixed opinions on its impact.Predictions for 2025 include a focus on enhancing the value proposition for accounting careers.Private equity is becoming increasingly influential in the accounting sector, especially for small firms.The return to office trend may drive talent away from firms that enforce it too strictly.There is a continuing decline in the number of new professionals entering the accounting field.AI is expected to play a significant role in automating accounting tasks in the near future.Younger generations are likely to start their own accounting firms, creating new opportunities.Compensation and work-life balance are critical factors in attracting and retaining talent.The accounting profession must adapt to the changing expectations of the workforce.Collaboration among stakeholders is essential to strengthen the accounting brand and attract new talent.You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/fS_VWemRmDUSHOW DETAILS HERE________You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: [LINK]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.Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accountingThanks 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 firm now and as you grow. Crush the talent crisis and outsmart your competitors by adding highly skilled accounting professionals to your firm faster. Permanently increase your firm’s capacity with a dedicated outsourced accounting team in weeks, not months. Access elite professionals and discover a...
December 18, 202422 min
Return to Office - Are Accounting Firms Joining In?
Rob Brown is joined by Jeff Phillips to discuss the return-to-office mandates sweeping across the industry and how small firms can turn this moment into an opportunity. We explore hybrid working models, the talent stack, and the increasing demand for remote roles. They ask and answer the question: "can firms thrive with a fresh hiring strategy, or are they falling behind?"Highlights and questions:Why mandate a return to the office?How can small firms win with remote work?Are hybrid models reshaping accounting?What’s behind the return-to-office push?How can small firms attract remote talent?Why is hybrid staffing the future?Are remote jobs solving the talent gap?Is returning to the office a bad idea?How do hybrid models give firms an edge?What makes a winning hybrid workforce?_______You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/ztUL-apcBrgThis 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.Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accountingThanks 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 firm now and as you grow. Crush the talent crisis and outsmart your competitors by adding highly skilled accounting professionals to your firm faster. Permanently increase your firm’s capacity with a dedicated outsourced accounting team in weeks, not months. Access elite professionals and discover a hidden pool of elite accounting talent ready to enable your firm’s growth with additional capacity. Build a dedicated team of highly skilled outsourced accountants and bookkeepers for your firm today.https://toaglobal.com
December 11, 202423 min
PE's Talent Revolution: Why Your Best People Might Leave
What’s really causing top talent to leave traditional accounting firms? It’s not what you might think. In this episode, Rob Brown explores why 70% of top performers are ready to jump ship to private equity-backed firms. It’s not just about the money. It’s about opportunities and reimagined career paths. Rob also breaks down the strategies private equity firms use to attract and retain talent that traditional firms often overlook. From accelerated career growth to performance-based equity, you’ll discover why private equity is shaking up the profession.Key TakeawaysPE-backed firms have 40% lower turnover rates than traditional firmsThe traditional partnership model is no longer attractive to top talentPE firms are creating new roles and faster advancement opportunitiesCompensation isn't just about money - it's about impact and opportunityCareer ecosystems are replacing traditional career laddersPE firms invest 3-4 times more in talent developmentFlexibility and equity participation are critical for retentionKiller Quotes:"70% of top performers would jump to PE-backed competitors right now""The old model of recruiting is dead""PE firms understand what traditional firms have missed for decades""Young talent wants to be builders, not just maintainers""In six months, I've done more than in my previous six years""People aren't just quitting jobs - they're leaving career models""The talent war isn't about hiring - it's about reimagining careers"You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/4CYlP1bmPCkThis 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.Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accountingThanks 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 firm now and as you grow. Crush the talent crisis and outsmart your competitors by adding highly skilled accounting professionals to your firm faster. Permanently increase your firm’s capacity with a dedicated outsourced accounting team in weeks, not months. Access elite professionals and discover a hidden pool of elite accounting talent ready to enable your firm’s growth with...
December 4, 202419 min
How Great Onboarding Retains Top Accounting Talent Pt 2
In this episode of the Accounting Talent Podcast, Rob Brown and Jeff Phillips continue their deep dive into onboarding, focusing on the practical steps accounting firms can take to retain top talent. Building on Part 1, they address how to provide new hires with the resources they need, foster team engagement, and avoid the common pitfalls of onboarding. The discussion includes actionable strategies for creating a seamless onboarding process that increases job satisfaction and reduces turnover. With insights tailored for the modern hybrid workforce, this is essential listening for firm leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about improving employee experience in accounting.Key TakeawaysGreat onboarding reduces turnover and boosts productivity.Lack of clarity, insufficient resources, and loneliness drive new hires away.Structured check-ins ensure alignment and support for new hires.A buddy system helps new hires acclimate and feel supported.Proactive communication before day one builds emotional connections.Streamlined tech training prevents frustration with new tools or platforms.Creating a welcoming culture is a strategic investment in retention.Onboarding processes must adapt to workforce and tech trends.Killer Quotes"Retention starts with clarity, tools, and connection.""The war for talent is over—and the talent won.""Treat onboarding like signing a new client.""Loneliness is a job killer—build engagement early.""Momentum starts before their first day.""Don’t make them regret choosing you over the competition.""A Tiffany pen and a note from the CEO sealed my loyalty."Accounting Fly Onboarding Checklist:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ryANrDaLPUAXyv5mChhsoLNCx0fVXEPATiTkDYp3gps/edit?tab=t.0Expand Your Reach with the Accounting Talent PodcastWant to get your brand in front of the right audience? Sponsor the Accounting Talent Podcast and connect with tech-savvy accountants from across the globe. Our listeners tune in for insights and trends, making them the perfect audience for your message. Drop us a line today to find out how you can partner with us!Does Your Website Attract the Talent You Need?When potential hires visit your website, what’s their first impression? If you’re not sure, Rob Brown’s Employer Brand Audit can give you the insights you need. Rob will create a narrated video walkthrough of your site, highlighting what’s effective and what might be holding candidates back. Ready to attract top talent? Reach out to Rob on LinkedIn for a chat about optimizing your website.You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/kxDzocmX2ucThis 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.Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accountingThanks 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,
November 27, 202418 min
How Great Onboarding Retains Top Accounting Talent Pt 1
In this episode of the Accounting Talent Podcast, Rob Brown and Jeff Phillips tackle one of the biggest challenges for accounting firms: retaining talent. They dive into why onboarding often fails, explore best practices, and discuss actionable steps for creating a smooth and engaging onboarding process. From setting clear job expectations to connecting new hires emotionally with the team, this conversation is packed with insights for reducing turnover and increasing employee engagement.Key TakeawaysProper onboarding reduces turnover and builds engagement.New hires need clear job expectations from day one.Emotional connections foster trust and team cohesion.Structured check-ins improve communication and clarity.Onboarding should include introductions to key team members.A checklist can streamline the onboarding process.Leadership involvement is essential to a successful start.Killer Quotes"The first 90 days decide whether they stay or go.""Losing talent starts with poor onboarding.""Give them a vision they can believe in.""Clarity and connection keep employees engaged.""Day one sets the tone for their entire journey.""Without ownership, onboarding falls apart.""Retention isn’t luck; it’s a process."Accounting Fly Onboarding Checklist:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ryANrDaLPUAXyv5mChhsoLNCx0fVXEPATiTkDYp3gps/edit?tab=t.0Want to Connect with a Global Accounting Audience?Looking to promote your tech or software solutions to accountants worldwide? By sponsoring the Accounting Talent Podcast, you can reach an engaged, international audience of accounting professionals. With our growing YouTube channel, your sponsorship will live on multiple platforms, maximizing your brand’s exposure. Contact us to learn more about this fantastic opportunity!Is Your Website Attracting Top Talent?When potential talent lands on your website, what’s their first impression? If you’re not confident about your firm’s online presence, Rob Brown’s Employer Brand Audit could help. He’ll provide a narrated video showing what candidates are thinking when they visit your site, what’s engaging them, and what might be turning them off. If you’re serious about attracting the best, connect with Rob on LinkedIn to learn more.You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/OsmEcHvTNdIThis 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.Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accountingThanks 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...
November 20, 202430 min
Great Accounting Firms to Work For Pt2: Pinion
Christina Ricke discusses the evolving landscape of accounting careers, emphasizing the flexibility and opportunities available in the industry today. She highlights the unique culture at Pinion, where diverse talent is embraced, and the importance of leadership and employee engagement in creating a positive work environment. Christina also addresses the significance of mental wellness and the firm's commitment to supporting its employees. Looking ahead, she expresses excitement about the future of Pinion as it navigates global partnerships and the impact of technology on the accounting profession.Key TakeawaysThe accounting industry offers more flexibility than perceived.Finding the right fit in a firm is crucial for job satisfaction.Diversity in talent is essential for modern accounting firms.The role of Chief People Officer is becoming increasingly important.Employee engagement can be measured by referrals and satisfaction.Retention rates are a key indicator of employee happiness.Leadership development is integral to the firm's culture.Success skills are vital for professional growth in accounting.Mental wellness support is essential in today's workplace.As Pinion’s people strategy leader, Christina Ricke creates a legacy of talent. She champions change in the areas of recruiting, retention, employee relations, talent development, and human resource consulting.In Pinion’s brick and mortar and virtual offices from coast to coast, Christina fosters a firm culture of entrepreneurship, continual improvement, and creative destruction that breeds out-of-the-box ideas, innovation, and forward progress. Originally from an ag community in rural southwestern Kansas, she grew up family farming and custom harvesting. To this day, she lives with farmer’s values and loves her continuing involvement with the food and ag industry. Christina Ricke joined Pinion 20 years ago, and eventually led the firm’s community banking practice. She performed tax work, strategic planning, and business development building the firm’s bank-industry presence in the Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado markets.But devoted to people issues throughout her career, she became increasingly driven to transition to a role where she now creates career opportunities for the firm’s team members. As a member of the firm’s leadership team, she focuses on understanding the exclusive personality traits that enable each unique team member to flourish. And she continually builds and supports the kind of environment that makes it enjoyable for people to stay and grow as satisfied professionals who continually expand their talents.________You can watch this specific episode on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/4kOVCXwINfQThis 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.Check out the Accounting Talent page on LinkedIn for more relevant content on getting ahead in the hiring game:https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-in-accountingThanks 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...
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