The profession is changing quickly—which was overtly evident at this year’s AICPA Practitioners Symposium and TECH+ Conference in Las Vegas. There was a new and exciting energy flowing—energy created by the most forward-thinking and feeling of leaders. Today’s new-age thought leaders were out in droves, speaking about the “new firm” and what that looks like in terms of technology, workflow, and most importantly, culture!

It was refreshing to get out from under the same-old-same-old and instead hear from today’s younger and fastforward-thinking CPAs like W. Michael Hsu of DeepSky Accounting who was there representing his virtual outsourced accounting firm for entrepreneurs. Also in attendance was Gabby Louma, who runs a virtual firm that has extinguished the limits imposed by geography.

On a fun side note, in addition to high-energy attendees and innovative sessions and topics this year, the conference also sported a CPA vs. CPA team showdown on the dodgeball court—on trampolines no less! (Check out the videos here.) I have no doubt that just as new-age ideas are replacing traditional firm concepts, dodgeball will become the new golf—if the younger set has anything to say about it, anyway.

I am most excited about the fact that the AICPA has embraced the new generation of accounting professionals—giving them a strong voice at this year’s TECH+ conference. The AICPA recognizes that the new breed of accountant is emerging quickly and have embraced us and helped us spread word to the masses. One example was the support of IC Opportunities during pre-conference sessions this year. Members of IC Opportunities were given a forum and the ability to share ideas with attendees.

The profession is and will continue to change. Organizations like the AICPA see this and want to help—which I could not be more thrilled about. Take a moment to research what new-age CPA firm leaders are doing and why it’s so important to business survival. While you are at it, you might also want to hit the dodgeball court and bone up on your skills. You never know when you will find yourself on the D-ball court instead of the golf course these days.

Jody L. Padar, CPA, MST, is a Certified Public Accountant experienced with Complex Federal & State Income Tax Compliance for Business & Individuals. Jody is an adjunct professor at Oakton Community College, where she teaches Taxation and QuickBooks Courses. She is part of Intuit Trainer Writer Network and speaks nationally on various Technologies and Taxation. She can be reached at www.newvisioncpagroup.com.