How Top Accounting Firms Are Innovating with Technology - Accounting Voices Podcast

Episode 21

How Top Accounting Firms Are Innovating with Technology

Published on: 24th October, 2018

Maria Lauring is the Head of EMEA at Practice ignition, working with partners to drive efficiency within their firm. Having completed her Master’s in International Business and through her range of experience in consultancy and with Practice Ignition, Maria has learnt the importance of improving business processes to boost growth.

Practice Ignition was born out of the frustration of working with disconnected processes and systems sought to make a better, more efficient way for accountants to modernise their practice, liberating them from the shackles and headaches usually associated with client engagements. Practice Ignition is all about maximising engagements with the enablement of the modern accounting practice for Xero and Workflow Max for the connected accountant. It helps businesses in automating non-value adding processes to save valuable time and money and thus focus on growth. Shownotes:

  • Australia is the biggest market for accounting technology – they are early adopters of technology and automation
  • In the UK, people are more resistant to change and many aren’t yet buying in to the change that comes with technology
  • The best accounting firms are always looking innovate with their processes and offerings to service their clients better
  • Discover what has changed for accountants in the way their clients run their businesses
  • Accounting firms must market themselves better and differently to clients whose businesses and expectations are changing
  • Cloud based systems are pushing businesses to re-evaluate their functions and eliminate non-value adding processes
  • Progressive accounting firms test new applications on tech-savvy clients to validate their advantages, before offering them a wider audience
  • A really good way of differentiating and gaining a competitive advantage is for accounting firms to position themselves as tech-savvy in the market
  • Accounting firms looking to grow must commit to change and adapt to new technology
  • To completely eliminate the problem of manual processes, accountancy firms need to think ‘ecosystem’ with their technology
  • Accounting has evolved slower than many other industries when it comes to tech
  • What has worked for the last 10 years in accounting firms isn’t what is necessarily going to work in the next 10 years
  • The importance for accountants to be open to change, as things that worked just a few years back might not be benefit the clients anymore
  • And much more…

In her spare time, Maria loves running, playing tennis, and is always up to go dancing with friends. Having travelled the world and lived in 5 different countries, she never stops saving up and planning her next trip.

To contact Maria on Twitter Ignition_Maria or  Liked your Top 100 Club Podcast Interview with Rob Brown" target="_blank">email her directly>>

She can also be contacted on linkedin.com/in/marialauring

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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.