In this episode of MOVE Like This, host Bonnie Ruszczyk speaks with Rob Brown, founder of the Accounting Voices podcast, about the forces reshaping the accounting profession and what firms must do to stay relevant. Drawing on his global perspective, Rob highlights three major trends: the rise of “radical flexibility” as younger professionals prioritize autonomy and values over pay alone; the growing appeal of purpose-driven, niche firms with a clear story; and the globalization of talent as remote work expands recruiting possibilities, if firms are willing to invest in integration and belonging.
The conversation then turns to diversity, equity, and inclusion, broadening the lens beyond race and gender to include neurodiversity, socioeconomic background, and nontraditional career paths. While both acknowledge some progress, they also note that leadership ranks still fail to reflect the diversity of the workforce and client base. Bonnie and Rob discuss how miscommunication around DEI allowed backlash to take hold, and how fear, particularly among firms doing government work, has slowed visible participation in inclusion efforts, even when the underlying values remain.
Finally, the discussion centers on employer brand, trust, and transparency. Rob emphasizes that firms have three interconnected brands: corporate, employer, and personal, and that authentic employee stories matter far more than polished slogans. In a volatile, uncertain environment, trust has become a defining leadership currency. Leaders who are honest, transparent, and willing to show vulnerability build stronger connections with their teams. The episode closes on an optimistic note: while the profession hasn’t solved everything, greater openness, storytelling, and human-centered leadership are moving accounting in a better direction.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus on People-First Flexibility: Radical flexibility, values alignment, and genuine development pathways are now core expectations for accounting talent, not nice-to-have perks.
- Strengthen Your Employer Brand: Firms need to move beyond logos and slogans and intentionally cultivate an employer brand that answers one key question: “Is this a great place to work for the right people?”
- Broaden Your View of Diversity: Diversity includes race, gender, neurodiversity, socioeconomic background, and more. Casting a wider net leads to better decisions, stronger innovation, and teams that reflect today’s clients.
- Tell Real Stories Through Real People: Employees are a firm’s best ambassadors. Highlighting why they joined and why they stay, especially through simple, authentic video, can dramatically improve recruitment and retention.
- Lead with Trust and Transparency: In uncertain times, leaders who are honest about what they know, what they’re learning, and what they’re personally navigating build deeper trust, stronger cultures, and more resilient firms.
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