Thriving in the Digital Accounting Era: Rob Brown and Steve Cox of Iris Explore Challenges and Opportunities - Accounting Voices Podcast

Episode 102

Need to Know Technology Trends in 2025 for Accountants

Published on: 14th January, 2025

In today's show, Rob Brown interviews Steve Cox to explore the current state of the accounting profession, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it faces. Key themes include the impact of technology, staffing shortages, and changing client expectations. The discussion emphasizes the need for accountants to adapt to these changes, particularly in terms of technology adoption and mindset shifts. The speakers provide insights into how firms can navigate these challenges and leverage technology for growth and efficiency.

Key takeaways

  • The accounting profession is at a crossroads with both opportunities and challenges.
  • Client expectations have significantly increased post-COVID, demanding faster responses and more technology support.
  • 42% of accounting firms are turning away work due to staffing shortages.
  • There is a growing demand for accountants as trusted business advisors.
  • Technology is reshaping compliance and service delivery in accounting.
  • A mindset shift is necessary for accountants to embrace technology effectively.
  • Firms need to balance technology adoption with the right mindset for success.
  • The future of accounting will heavily rely on digital transformation and technology integration.
  • Accountants must focus on building a sustainable talent pipeline to address shortages.
  • Strategic use of technology can drive growth, productivity, and enhance exit strategies for firms.

Watch the show with graphics and slides on youtube here: https://youtu.be/B33jPdNqOEY

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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.

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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.