Episode 159

Best Practice Goal Setting Tips for Accounting Professionals

Published on: 17th June, 2021
Sam Allred is a qualified CPA and founder of Upstream Academy. He has been regularly recognized as one of the major influencers in the accounting profession and has been listed as one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and as one of IPA’s Most Recommended Consultants. He is one of the most sought-after speakers in the accounting profession and is viewed as one of their top strategic thinkers. Selected shownotes:
  • What accounting firms and leaders need to do to be more strategic in their vision
  • The definition of goals for professionals at all levels in accounting firms
  • The importance of a 'stretch' element in goal setting for accounting professionals
  • The reasons why most accountants set the wrong goals or no goals in their firm
  • The difference between objectives, standards, goals, expectations and visions
  • The danger of too many goals and the optimum number for more likely execution
  • The biggest problem of poorly defined or vague goals for accounting leaders
  • Why accountability is vital for proper execution of goals for accountants in practice
  • The role of KPIs or Key Performance Indicators for accountants in setting and reporting on goals
  • How mile-markers or milestones work in ensuring your goals are achieved
  • How core values differ from goals and can be mistaken for goals in accounting firms
  • Why goals without detail and specifics set accounting professionals up for failure
  • Defining strategy in terms of what you say 'yes' and 'no' to in exerting time and effort
  • The best places for your goals to live if you want the best chance of achieving them
  • Tips for prioritising goals and initiatives so you know what's truly important
  • The biggest mistake accounting leaders make when setting goals for themselves and others
  • Top tips for setting and achieving significant goals for accounting professionals and leaders.
Sam and his wife, Marlene, live outside of Park City, Utah. His hobbies include spending time with his family, fly fishing and golf. Sam and Marlene have seven children. Contact him here: Website
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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

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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.