Valuable Lessons Learned from 40 Years in Accounting - Accounting Voices Podcast

Episode 39

Valuable Lessons Learned from 40 Years in Accounting

Published on: 28th February, 2019

Bill Rucci

Bill Rucci is chairman of Russell Bedford International, a leading global network of independent accounting firms, and is a co-director of Russell Bedford’s North American Tax Group. He is also Managing Partner of the accounting or CPA firm RBF in the USA, which he founded in 1985 at the age of 26.

He is the author of several business article appearing in industry publication, and presents seminars globally on tax planning, business planning and succession planning. He has appeared on national television as a regular guest on CNN’s Tax Break.

Apologies for the audio on this interview – not the best quality although I am informed that the USA now has internet…

Shownotes:

  • What’s the major USP of an accounting firm that’s growing?
  • The benefits of belonging to a large accountancy network with global reach
  • How technology can be used to develop an exciting win-win situation for the accountant and their client
  • Why there is a gradual devaluing of compliance work in the accounting profession
  • The biggest challenge for accountants when it comes to implementing advisory services
  • Recruiting in accounting firms – it financially hurts a practice if the right people can’t be recruited to look after the clients
  • How accountants can break free from the traditional, conservative methods and be open-minded about additional services
  • Clients are already asking for the additional services from their accountant – here’s why you should deliver on this
  • Why isn’t the accounting profession ‘sexy’ enough?
  • Tips to help accounting firms work with millennials
  • Insights on good succession planning for accounting firms – financial or strategic?
  • Technical competence isn’t enough to be a high-flying accounting – here’s what else you need
  • Significant growth can be achieved by personality led accounting firms, but there are some caveats
  • The 4 accounting pillars of distance, structure, rules and principles always need to be respected
  • The best accounting firms mix smaller firm benefits (lots of facetime with clients) with larger firm ones (readily accessible expertise) to properly serve their clients
  • The old fashioned values of working hard, paying attention and never quitting still bring success
  • The worst advice currently being dispensed in the accounting world.

Chris received his B.S. in Accountancy and M.S. in Taxation degrees from Bentley University in Waltham,

MA. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Massachusetts Society

of Certified Public Accountants. Find out more at www.rbfpc.com or to contact Bill directly:

Bill on LinkedIn

(1) 781 321 6065

Liked your Accounting Influencers Interview with Rob Brown" target="_blank">email him directly>>

nick stobbs on the BD Academy Accounting Influencers podcast with Rob BrownThis episode’s shownotes were prepared by accounting tax specialist Nick Stobbs

LinkedIn: Nick Stobbs

Twitter: @NickStobbsTax

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Accounting Voices Podcast

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

Profile picture for Rob Brown

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.