Episode 108

The Big DEI Split: What Smart Accounting Firms Are Doing

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown discusses the significant shift in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Deloitte, where the US branch has decided to shut down its DEI program while the UK branch continues its commitment. This split reflects a broader trend among major corporations retreating from DEI commitments, influenced by political changes and government contracts.

Brown emphasizes the implications for talent acquisition and retention in the accounting profession, which has historically struggled with diversity. He outlines three potential approaches for firms moving forward and provides actionable insights for accounting leaders to navigate this evolving landscape.

Takeaways:

-Deloitte has announced the shutdown of its DEI program.

-The split between Deloitte US and UK highlights a significant corporate divide.

-Political influences are driving major companies to retreat from DEI commitments.

-Accounting firms face a recruitment crisis, exacerbated by a lack of diversity.

-Meritocracy and diversity can coexist, but it's a complex balance.

-Firms must assess their talent pipeline and recruitment strategies.

-Global implications of DEI stances must be considered by international firms.

-Client expectations regarding DEI can impact revenue.

  • Clear communication strategies are essential for any policy changes.
  • The DEI debate is evolving and will shape the future of accounting.

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

https://youtu.be/6uO6LdI1Ltk

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About the Podcast

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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.

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About your host

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Rob Brown

Rob Brown is the founder and host of the Accounting Voices Podcast, the flagship solo show of the Accounting Voices Network. Each episode offers sharp analysis and commentary on the trends, ideas and people shaping the global accounting profession.

Through this Accounting Voices Podcast, Rob helps accounting firm leaders, decision makers and professionals stay relevant and make sense of disruption in areas like AI, automation, M&A, private equity and soft skills beyond the tech. His perspective blends clarity, insight and curiosity, making complex issues relevant and practical for professionals and decision makers across accounting and finance.

He also leads two monthly panel shows, Accounting M&A and Accounting AI, which bring together senior voices to explore consolidation, strategy and the impact of technology on firms and people.

Rob is the author of the bestselling book Build Your Reputation (Wiley) and a TEDx speaker whose talk The Personal Brand of You has more than 400,000 views. Over his career he has hosted and moderated more than 1,000 conversations with accounting and fintech leaders worldwide.

Based in Nottingham UK, Rob is a stroke survivor living with epilepsy, a black belt in kickboxing, a decent chess player and an average player of four musical instruments.