The Importance of L&D for Clients of Accounting Firms - Accounting Voices Podcast

Episode 86

The Importance of L&D for Clients of Accounting Firms

Published on: 23rd January, 2020

Steve Walker is a leading expert in the development of disruptor based technology in the learning, training and education markets. He works for Peritus, a group of companies focuses on developing Ed-Tech products for niche areas of the learning, training and education market.

Steve has 20 years of experience in the marketplace working with over 2000 organisations, including accounting firms. He therefore has a great understanding of what is required and draws on this experience to identify gaps where disruptor technology can be used to challenge the norm. He has a vast experience of the SME market, working with many owners and boards to develop their people. Shownotes:

  • Much face to face (F2F) training has now shifted online and on demand - younger people don't want to wait for training
  • There are few learning platforms that cater for the SME market
  • It's hard for companies to find the training they need - the L&D space is complex
  • Why people development is vital for businesses to grow and compete
  • The role accountants should play in encouraging their clients to develop their people and their skills
  • Training is vital to keep on top of regulation like GDPR, data security and cyber crime
  • Only 20% of businesses provide training for their people to avoid risks like GDPR, data security and other legal issues
  • Few SMEs have the skills and knowledge internally to manage an array of HR related issues
  • The implications for recruitment and retention of talent with respect to training, learning and development of people
  • The difference between merely attending a training session and taking action to change behaviours
  • A lack of training and development has been shown to stifle growth of any organisation
  • Many companies invest in training but it doesn't always align with the business plan and company objectives
  • The benefits of an aligned training and development strategy for companies
  • The difference between and L&D agenda driven from top down and from bottom up by employees themselves
  • Companies who don't or won't invest in the development of their people will inevitably reach a glass ceiling on growth
  • Accountants can advise their SME and business owner clients better by talking about people and skills development
  • The questions accountants should ask their clients about the development and training of their people
  • The differences between training and development - one is the bare minimum and one shows true concern and investment in your people
  • The role investing in the development of your people plays in future proofing your business
  • Why it's difficult to prove ROI on training, but there are things you can do
  • Accountants who are business advisors have a role to play in signposting their clients to good advisors, providers and suppliers
  • People engage better with an animated character than a real face sometime
  • Accountants who are courageous enough to have a conversation with their clients about L&D can create real value for them.

Steve Walker on the Accounting Influencers podcast with BD Academy founder Rob Brown

Peritus’ mission is to ‘disruptively build futures’ therefore, supporting our customers and partners by providing high quality, low cost online learning products that have a positive impact on people, businesses and the wider economy.

Steve is an adviser on SME people development requirements to some of the UK's leading business support providers, membership organisations, emerging networks and was recently appointed as Ambassador for Skills and learning technology for Institute of Directors. He played semi professional football when he was younger, and is almost at black belt after doing tae-kwon-do for 6 years.

Steve on LinkedIn

Call 07487 704729 or email stevewalker@perituslearning.co.uk to talk more with Steve

Visit improve.online here

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About the Podcast

Accounting Voices Podcast
Accounting Voices helps people in the accounting world stay relevant visible and vocal. Host Rob Brown interprets trends reshaping the profession and gives listeners insight to build authority influence and a stronger voice in firms and markets.
Accounting Voices, hosted by Rob Brown, helps decision makers and leaders in accounting and finance stay relevant, visible and vocal in a profession being reshaped by technology, private equity, regulation and shifting client expectations. Each episode interprets the trends disrupting accounting and finance such as AI, automation, M&A, talent and the move to advisory and translates them into practical insight that strengthens authority and influence.
Accounting Voices is also a platform for the wider ecosystem of networks, associations, educators, consultants, software vendors and technology experts who serve accountants and finance professionals worldwide. It extends into regular Accounting Voices networking sessions that connect this audience and amplify ideas that move the profession forward. With its international reach and long shelf life the show delivers credibility and commercial value for listeners and sponsors alike. Search for "Accounting Voices" on YouTube for all episodes and connect with Rob Brown on LinkedIn to find out more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

About your host

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Rob Brown

ob Brown is the creator and host of the Accounting Voices Network, a media platform that includes the flagship solo podcast Accounting Voices and the panel shows Accounting M&A and Accounting Tech. He chairs conferences, panels and virtual events worldwide and is recognised as a leading advocate for the accounting profession.

He is an accomplished speaker and authority on trust, reputation, employer brand, talent, succession, executive presence and the forces shaping the future of accounting. Rob is the author of the bestselling book Build Your Reputation (Wiley) and his TEDx talk The Personal Brand of You has been viewed more than 400,000 times.

A former co-founder of the Accounting Influencers Roundtable, Rob now focuses on amplifying the voices of leaders, firms, networks, vendors and influencers across the global accounting ecosystem.

Outside of work he is a stroke survivor, lives with epilepsy, holds a black belt in kickboxing and is based in Nottingham, UK. He plays chess and backgammon, loves orange chocolate and is allergic to grapefruit.