Accountingweb

Former Fluidly founder Caroline Plumb joined technology editor Tom Herbert in the first of a new series of monthly podcasts from AccountingWEB - No Accounting for Tech. In a wide-ranging interview Plumb, who recently joined ambitious mid-tier contender Jeffreys Henry as group CEO, discussed how technology is changing firms’ annual cash cycle perspective, the competitive threat tech poses to the accounting industry, and why, after a career spent following an entrepreneurial path, she decided to join an accountancy practice. Plumb outlined how a wave of tech innovation and the current shortage of talent in accountancy is forcing practices, particularly in the mid-tier that have traditionally been partnerships, to break their one-year horizons and focus on building for the longer term. She also argued that one of the biggest competitive threats in the accounting industry comes from technology - and practices need to stay on their toes to remain competitive. “People see competition as other firms,” said Plumb.