The Evolving Role of CFOs and the Future of Accounting w/ Kevin Appleby

Building the Premier Accounting Firm

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting firm, host Roger Knecht interviews chartered accountant and COO Kevin Appleby to explore his journey from traditional accounting roles to strategic advisory positions. They delve into the changing landscape of the CFO’s responsibilities and the future of accounting in the age of automation and AI.

Key Discussion Points:

1. The New Path for Many Accounting Professionals:

   • Kevin recounts his transition from traditional accounting roles to industry positions at companies like ICI and PwC.

   • Roger and Kevin discuss his experience and insights gained from podcasting and sharing industry knowledge.

2. The Evolving Role of CFOs:

   • The hosts explore the shift from traditional financial tasks to providing strategic advisory services in today’s accounting world.

   • Roger and Kevin highlight key competencies needed to work with clients: cash flow management, fundraising, and business strategy.

3. Mentoring, Consulting, Advising, and Coaching:

   • Kevin shares what he’s learned from taking on different roles within the accounting industry.

   • Roger emphasizes the importance of managing client expectations effectively.

4. Future Trends in Accounting:

   • The hosts explore how increased automation has and will impact accounting practices.

   • Roger and Kevin wonder how large a role AI will take in interpreting financial data and providing actionable insights.

5. Advice for Accountants Transitioning to Advisory Roles:

   • Kevin recommends strategies for data analysis and delivering insights that drive business decisions.

   • The importance of detailed cost analysis and product performance evaluation is discussed.

6. Preparing for Emerging Technologies:

   • Understanding and leveraging new technologies to stay ahead.

   • Preparing for future challenges in the accounting profession.

7. Effective Storytelling for Client Communication:

   • Using storytelling techniques to convey complex financial information clearly and compellingly.

Conclusion: Kevin Appleby’s discussion provides valuable insights for accountants looking to evolve their roles and embrace the future of the profession. By focusing on strategic advisory services and understanding emerging technologies, accountants can better serve their clients and drive business success.

Sponsors:

Universal Accounting Center

• Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

Offers:

Join GrowCFO as a free member http://www.growcfo.net

Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant’s library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today:

• “Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant’s guide to QUICK turnarounds” – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses.

• “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles.

• “Your Strategic Accountant” - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services you should offer as you run your business. Help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions.

• “Your Profit & Growth Expert” - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve.

Learn what it is you can do to become an author, leveraging your expertise to market your services effectively and get the clients you deserve. This is a webinar you don’t want to miss. Learn from Mike Capuzzi what a Shook is and how you can use it to position yourself as the Premier Accounting Firm in your area. This is a must-see presentation so get ready to take some great notes.

In addition to becoming an author, see what you can do to follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. After more than 40 years we’ve identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It’s here you can become a:

• Professional Bookkeeper, PB

• Professional Tax Preparer, PTP

• Profit & Growth Expert, PGE

Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business.

• The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group

• The Universal Accounting Fanpage

• Topical Newsletters:

• Universal Accounting Success

• The Universal Newsletter

Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company’s Value.

For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE!

Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss.

Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal.

Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe.

Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback

For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777