Leadership Strategies to Navigate Private Equity Power in Accounting - Accounting Voices Podcast

Episode 105

PE Disruption in Accounting: What Leaders Need to Know

Published on: 4th February, 2025

In this episode,, Rob Brown and Gary Shamis delve into the impact of private equity on the accounting industry, exploring its rise, implications for mergers and acquisitions, and the challenges faced by smaller firms. They discuss the role of leadership in navigating disruption and highlight the opportunities available in the current accounting landscape, particularly for middle-market firms.

Key Takeaways

  • Private equity is reshaping the accounting industry globally.
  • M&A and private equity offer different challenges and opportunities.
  • Leadership and strategy are critical in navigating PE disruption.
  • Middle-market firms present untapped opportunities for CPA practices.
  • Firms must understand PE motivations: profitability and exit strategies.
  • Small firms can leverage their unique value to compete effectively.
  • Succession planning and partner alignment remain vital.

Killer Quotes

  • "Private equity is a force that can’t be ignored."
  • "Middle-market opportunities are better than ever."
  • "Leadership is the backbone of firm resilience."
  • "Succession planning ensures your firm’s future."
  • "M&A strategies differ greatly from PE approaches."
  • "Small firms can thrive with the right strategy."
  • "Private equity's goal is simple: maximize profits."

You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/yc_a-jhG04s

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.