Johnston: Private Equity, Shady Vendors, and Broken Software | Accounting Influencers

"We've got a real problem. And no easy fix."

Accounting Influencers
With Rob Brown

The accounting profession is undergoing a seismic shift—and not all of it bodes well for those who value independence, innovation, or client service. In this episode of Accounting Influencers, veteran tech strategist Randy Johnston, shareholder at K2 Enterprises, reveals the hard truths behind the changing operational and technological landscape of accounting firms.

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Johnston, who has advised thousands of firms across four decades, shares what he’s hearing behind closed doors at events like AICPA ENGAGE. From AI hysteria to private equity overreach, the most alarming trend is clear: “We’re seeing the erosion of what made accounting firms trusted advisors in the first place.”

According to Johnston, the most disturbing trend is the hollowing out of accounting technology products. As private equity and public companies consolidate the market, product quality is dropping, support is slower, and innovation is stagnating.