A Shifting Profession
The accounting profession is evolving, and Seth Fineberg has had a front-row seat to these shifts. A seasoned journalist who found his niche covering the accounting industry, Seth brings a unique perspective on how the field has transformed—and where it’s headed next. In this episode of The Accountant’s Flight Plan, Brannon Poe sits down with Seth to discuss the modernization of accounting firms, the talent shortage, and why more professionals are rethinking the traditional firm model.
The Divide Between Tradition and Innovation
According to Seth, with over 1.4 million accountants in the U.S., the industry is divided when it comes to change. Seth estimates that roughly 55-60% of professionals are adapting to a modern approach, others still resist shifting away from legacy structures. The pandemic and ongoing talent shortages have forced many firms to rethink their operations, prioritizing value over volume. Seth shares insights into how firms are transitioning into more advisory-driven roles, integrating wealth management services, and leveraging AI to automate routine tasks—all while maintaining the essential human element of accounting.
The Power of Content and Connection
Beyond industry trends, Seth emphasizes the power of content and trust in today’s accounting landscape. As a marketing consultant and founder of Accountants Forward, he helps firms and vendors craft meaningful content that fosters genuine connections. He discusses the importance of practical, useful resources in an industry that thrives on credibility and long-term relationships. Strong messaging, he explains, isn’t just about marketing—it’s about helping accountants build lasting trust with their clients.
Balancing Work and Life
On a personal level, Seth shares how having passions outside of work is key to long-term success. Whether it’s music, hobbies, or even a legendary karaoke night at an accounting conference in Vegas, he highlights how stepping away from the office can bring renewed energy and perspective. His own background in a punk band underscores the importance of balance—because life should come first, and work should complement it.
Embracing the Future
As the conversation wraps up, Seth reflects on the bigger picture—how accountants can embrace change, stay positive, and focus on what they can control. With the industry on the brink of major transformation, those who adapt will find themselves at the forefront of a more dynamic, engaging profession. Tune in to hear why the future of accounting is filled with opportunity, and how the right mindset can help you navigate it.
If this conversation inspires you to start improving your practice, check out Accounting Practice Academy. We have a workshop that focuses on improving your cashflow to above 50% and reducing your owner hours to under 2,000 annually.
You can listen to the podcast on the player below or watch the latest episode here!
Timestamps:
1:25 – Introduction of Seth and his path to working as a journalist in the accounting industry.
8:27 – How the younger generation of accountants is finding more balance.
18:22 – The talent shortage and how it combined with the pandemic pushed the industry to modernize.
22:10 – The innovative future of the accounting profession.
37:00 – Funny story about karaoke at the Engage conference
45:44 – Book recommendations and closing off: The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin: https://www.amazon.com/World-We-Make-Novel-Cities-ebook/dp/B09TZXTJD5
