Rob Brown Explains the Leaner, Faster, Tech-Driven Accounting Firm of the Future - Accounting Voices Podcast

Episode 133

The New Shape of Accounting Firms in an AI & PE World

Published on: 19th August, 2025

In this final episode of the six-part series, Rob Brown explores what the accounting firm of the future will really look like.

Smaller teams. Fewer layers. Modular delivery. Tech-first talent. Clients demanding speed, insight and strategic value. The future firm is already taking shape. Are you part of it?


Global economic pressure, rising automation, and evolving business models are forcing firms to rethink how they’re structured. Rob outlines what changes are happening now and what professionals must do to stay valuable in the next chapter of the profession.



Whether you're just starting out, navigating mid-career or sitting in the partner seat, this episode gives you the playbook for what's coming.


**Key Takeaways:**

➜ Firms are shrinking by design, not decline

➜ AI and tech are replacing repetitive tasks

➜ Modular, freelance and specialist talent is on the rise

➜ Subscription and advisory models are replacing hourly billing

➜ Influence, adaptability and visibility are now essential

➜ Individuals must build relevance before they need it

➜ Firms must stop hoarding talent and start activating it


**Killer Quotes:**

"The firm you knew is already gone."

"Smaller teams are not a weakness. They’re a strategy."

"Your job is no longer to report the past. It’s to shape the future."

"Influence beats tenure in the new model."

"AI doesn’t replace you. It replaces what you’ve outgrown."

"Visibility isn’t ego. It’s career insurance."

"If you’re not building relevance now, you’ll be left behind later."


The Accounting Influencers Podcast (AIP) is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally.


You can find this on youtube here:

https://youtu.be/4ja_ouLBO5k

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

Thanks to our sponsors:

ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.com

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

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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.