February 23, 2024

Avoiding Extinction as an Accountant

On this episode of the Gross Profit Podcast, James Kennedy sits down with Ian Browne, the Director of Education at Chartered Accountants Ireland. Ian shares his extensive knowledge and insights into the future of the accounting profession.
The Gross Profit Podcast
The Gross Profit Podcast
Avoiding Extinction as an Accountant
Loading
/

Show Notes

In this episode of the Gross Profit Podcast, James Kennedy sits down with Ian Browne, the Director of Education at Chartered Accountants Ireland. Established in 1888, Chartered Accountants Ireland has become a cornerstone in the world of finance and accounting.

In today’s episode Ian Browne shares his extensive knowledge and insights into the future of the accounting profession. With the rapid evolution of the industry, Ian discusses how upcoming accountants are being equipped to succeed in a changing world, emphasizing the importance and benefits of lifelong learning. He unveils why mastering accounting is more crucial now than ever, positing it as a skill of the future.

Throughout the episode, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the field of accounting. Ian’s perspective sheds light on the key skills that future accountants need to develop to remain relevant and avoid obsolescence. His advocacy for continuous education resonates throughout the discussion, highlighting how an accounting degree can maintain its relevance in this ever-evolving field.

Chartered Accountants Ireland, as Ian elaborates, is not just an educational institute but a global membership body representing over 32,000 influential members. Its role extends beyond education to representing and supporting its members who work in senior positions across various industries. The organization’s commitment to restoring confidence in the economy is evident in its work with governments and businesses, raising awareness of the importance of sound financial advice.

Governed by a Council and led by an Officer Group, supported by a Management Team and staff, Chartered Accountants Ireland operates under a robust governance structure. Ian also touches upon the significant role played by its various committees, which involve voluntary member involvement.

The Gross Profit Podcast

More Episodes

Merushka Chetty

Ryan Chenier – The MBA Secret Most Business Owners Miss 

In this episode of The Gross Profit Podcast, James Kennedy sits down with Winnipeg-based Fractional CFO Ryan Chenier to explore how strategic financial leadership can transform a business. Ryan shares his journey from an MBA graduate to building his own dream CFO practice, and why podcasting has become an unexpected yet powerful business development tool. He explains how a process-driven approach and a focus on ROI – both in time and money – can help owners make smarter, faster decisions.

Ryan also walks through two compelling client case studies: guiding an electrical services company from startup to a lucrative sale, and helping a high-growth business overcome cash flow challenges with three-way budgeting and bank financing. From aligning teams around enterprise value to knowing when to pivot a strategy, Ryan’s insights offer practical lessons for any entrepreneur aiming to grow, scale, or exit with confidence.

Listen Now »
Merushka Chetty

Aldo Aprile -Why Restaurants REALLY Fail

In this episode, James Kennedy sits down with Aldo Aprile, CPA and founder of Aprile CPA, to explore why every fractional CFO needs a close partnership with a tax expert – and why savvy business owners should plan taxes year-round, not just at filing time. Drawing on Aldo’s upbringing in a Peruvian family restaurant, his stints at GE, AmEx, PF Chang’s and more, they dig into restaurant prime-cost math, setting performance incentives, and the critical tax-planning moves that can save entrepreneurs tens of thousands each year.

Listen Now »
Merushka Chetty

Christophe Gantzer – Swiss Expert: Your Supply Chain Will Fail

In this episode, James Kennedy sits down with Christophe Gantzer, fractional CFO and co-founder of Clear Edge, to unpack the seismic shift in ESG and sustainability reporting across Europe – and what it means for Swiss and EU businesses alike. Drawing on his 20+ years in finance and his unique perspective as a French expat in Switzerland, Christophe explains the new CSRD/ESRS framework, how non-financial KPIs are now a finance function imperative, and why risk management must expand to cover environmental and social “debts.” Along the way, he shares real-world examples – from chocolate price shocks to cyber-risk parallels – that illustrate why CFOs can no longer sit on the sidelines of sustainability.

Listen Now »