In this episode, we explore what’s actually happening inside firms right now as artificial intelligence begins to change strategy, talent models, partnerships, operating structures, and decision-making at every level. While nearly 98% of accounting firms are already using AI in some form, only about 1 in 5 have a documented AI strategy. That gap is where the biggest risks and opportunities exist. This conversation kicks off a powerful leadership series built around five critical questions senior partners and executives must answer today if they want their firms to remain relevant in the next decade.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x7uvCiJ6VD8

Thank you to our Season Partners for making this series possible.

Fieldguide is the AI-native platform for audit and advisory enabling human and AI collaboration to scale capacity, improve quality and transform how firms operate. fieldguide.io

Karbon is the global leader in AI-powered practice management software for accounting firms. Their research into how technology is reshaping firm performance is essential reading for anyone leading a firm in 2026. karbonhq.com

Digits is the AI-powered financial intelligence platform helping accounting firms and their clients make faster, smarter decisions with their numbers. digits.com

Accounting Voices is a senior sense-making platform for firm owners, managing partners and senior operators navigating the forces reshaping accounting firms. Host Rob Brown convenes structured conversations with leaders across the profession to interpret what AI, private equity, consolidation and leadership pressure mean in practice.

This season, AI Reality Inside Firms, brings together senior accounting firm leaders answering the same five structured questions about how AI is actually landing inside firms, separating execution from narrative.

Find all episodes on your preferred podcast platform or on the Accounting Voices YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@accountingvoices

To find out more or to explore season partnership opportunities, connect with Rob on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

There’s a deeper tension shaping the future of accounting firms and most leaders aren’t talking about it openly.

In this episode of the Accounting Voices Podcast, Rob Brown dives into one of the most critical strategic questions facing firm leaders today:

👉 Are you building short-term partner income… or long-term enterprise value?

As AI, private equity, and industry consolidation reshape the profession, traditional partnership models are being challenged like never before. This episode explores the hidden forces behind these changes and what they mean for firm owners, leaders, and rising professionals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why the traditional partnership model is under pressure

How AI is compressing career paths and reshaping firm structures

The difference between lifestyle firms vs enterprise firms

Why leadership capability matters more than technical expertise

The real tension between short-term payouts and long-term value

How client ownership is shifting to client stewardship

What private equity means for accounting firm leadership

Whether you're a firm owner, partner, or aspiring leader, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, leadership, and the future of accounting.

Key takeaway:

The biggest decision isn’t about technology or talent. It’s about what kind of firm you’re actually building.

You can watch this on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/nd63ysaqIys

Come and join our Accounting Voices Collective on Linkedin to find out more about our shows and virtual networking events: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-voices

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The Accounting Voices Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. Host Rob Brown delivers insights to help professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Voices YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. https://www.youtube.com/@accountingvoices

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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.

There’s a deeper tension shaping the future of accounting firms and most leaders aren’t talking about it openly.

In this episode of the Accounting Voices Podcast, Rob Brown dives into one of the most critical strategic questions facing firm leaders today:

👉 Are you building short-term partner income… or long-term enterprise value?

As AI, private equity, and industry consolidation reshape the profession, traditional partnership models are being challenged like never before. This episode explores the hidden forces behind these changes and what they mean for firm owners, leaders, and rising professionals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why the traditional partnership model is under pressure

How AI is compressing career paths and reshaping firm structures

The difference between lifestyle firms vs enterprise firms

Why leadership capability matters more than technical expertise

The real tension between short-term payouts and long-term value

How client ownership is shifting to client stewardship

What private equity means for accounting firm leadership

Whether you're a firm owner, partner, or aspiring leader, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, leadership, and the future of accounting.

You can watch this on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/nd63ysaqIys

Come and join our Accounting Voices Collective on Linkedin to find out more about our shows and virtual networking events: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-voices

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The Accounting Voices Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. Host Rob Brown delivers insights to help professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Voices YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. https://www.youtube.com/@accountingvoices

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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.

This is Part 3 of the Leadership Under Pressure series on Accounting Voices.

For more than a decade the accounting profession has repeated the same message. Advisory services represent the future.

But AI and automation are now forcing a deeper question

Is advisory truly embedded in accounting firm operating models or is it still aspirational.

In this episode Rob explores:

1. Why advisory is not simply another service line

2. The metrics contradiction facing accounting firms

3. The identity shift required for advisory leadership

4. The forty million dollar firm advisory scenario

5. The PE backed advisory expansion challenge

If firms want advisory growth they must redesign pricing, incentives and leadership expectations.

You can watch this on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ACmxNM2mIp0

Come and join our Accounting Voices Collective on Linkedin to find out more about our shows and virtual networking events: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-voices

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The Accounting Voices Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. Host Rob Brown delivers insights to help professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Voices YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. https://www.youtube.com/@accountingvoices

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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.

AI transforming accounting firms… or quietly breaking their leadership pipeline?

In this first episode of a 5-part leadership series, Rob Brown explores a critical issue facing the profession:

AI is not just improving productivity in accounting firms. It is stress-testing leadership models.

If AI removes the grind, what replaces the apprenticeship? Drawing insights from conversations on the Inside Public Accounting podcast with Chelsea Summers, this episode goes beyond margin, leverage, and production capacity.

Instead, it asks a deeper question: 👉 If machines are drafting the work… who is doing the learning?

You can watch this on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/FncMCgB3jLI?si=pV1BkRgQ5F9oVYjc

Come and join our Accounting Voices Collective on Linkedin to find out more about our shows and virtual networking events: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-voices

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The Accounting Voices Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. Host Rob Brown delivers insights to help professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Voices YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. https://www.youtube.com/@accountingvoices

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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.

In this episode of Accounting Voices, Rob Brown discusses key predictions for the accounting profession in 2026 based on insights from 48 industry leaders. The conversation covers themes of automation, revenue shifts from compliance to advisory, the integration of AI in accounting practices, talent sustainability, and the ongoing trend of consolidation within the industry. The episode emphasizes the need for firms to adapt to rapid changes and prepare for future challenges, particularly during busy seasons.

Takeaways

The month-end close process will be automated by 2026.

Audits will be completed in under five hours.

Advisory revenue is set to surpass compliance revenue.

Firms will budget for AI as they do for headcount.

AI will become the first staff accountant in firms.

50% of firms will use AI assistance systematically.

Consolidation in the industry will intensify.

Busy seasons will continue to be challenging for firms.

Change is inevitable in the accounting profession.

Firms must stay relevant and adapt to new trends.

You can watch this on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/z-4VrkN3Ksc

Come and join our Accounting Voices Collective on Linkedin to find out more about our shows and virtual networking events: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-voices

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The Accounting Voices Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. Host Rob Brown delivers insights to help professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Voices YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. https://www.youtube.com/@accountingvoices

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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.

In this episode of Accounting Voices, Rob Brown discusses the evolving landscape of leadership in the accounting profession. He emphasizes that technical excellence is no longer sufficient for leaders, who must now embrace emotional literacy, adaptability, and strategic thinking to navigate the complexities of modern business. The conversation highlights the importance of trustworthiness, effective people management, and the need for leaders to develop AI skills to stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment.

Takeaways

Technical excellence is the price of entry for accountants.

Leaders must transition from technical experts to enterprise leaders.

Emotional literacy is crucial for effective leadership.

Change management differs from change leadership.

Delegation is essential to prevent burnout.

Trustworthiness cannot be automated and is vital for leadership.

Every firm member will need AI operator skills by 2026.

Strategic heresy involves letting go of outdated practices.

Leaders should view their firms as products requiring systems thinking.

Humanity and judgment are key attributes for future leaders.

You can watch this on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/gyfVzKISy78

Come and join our Accounting Voices Collective on Linkedin to find out more about our shows and virtual networking events: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-voices

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The Accounting Voices Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. Host Rob Brown delivers insights to help professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Voices YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. https://www.youtube.com/@accountingvoices

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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.

In this episode of Accounting Voices, we continue our Reflections 2025 series with a different kind of question:

What moment actually changed how leaders think about the accounting profession?

Across 48 conversations, a clear pattern emerged.

2025 became the year the profession was forced to look in the mirror — and many leaders didn’t like what they saw.

This episode explores the assumptions that quietly collapsed:

1. The idea that technical excellence alone is enough to survive
2. The belief that only accountants can run accounting firms
3. The illusion that private equity is a guaranteed exit
4. The comfort of reactive advisory instead of proactive leadership
5. And the dangerous gap between AI experimentation and governance

From the Deloitte Australia AI scandal, to the rise of non-accountant COOs, to push-button data migrations eliminating long-accepted friction, this conversation maps the strategic fault lines now defining the profession.

You’ll hear insights from leaders including:

1. Alice Grey Harrison on the irony of firms failing to give themselves strategic advice
2. Sagar Ahuja on the quiet death of partner consensus
3. Becky Livingston on governance failures masquerading as AI failures
4. Trow Trowbridge on the cost of being reactive
5. Ira Rosenbloom on the myths surrounding private equity
6. Ben Taylor on why long-held technology assumptions finally broke

At its core, this episode asks a confronting question:

If your firm were your own client, would you still be hired?

2025 wasn’t about better tools.

It was about better thinking.

And once the mirror is held up, you can’t unsee what’s reflected.

You can watch this on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/3NKN3q3dfsY

Come and join our Accounting Voices Collective on Linkedin to find out more about our shows and virtual networking events: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-voices

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The Accounting Voices Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. Host Rob Brown delivers insights to help professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Voices YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. https://www.youtube.com/@accountingvoices

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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...