As part of this year's Top 100 Most Influential People survey, Accounting Today asked, "What has been the most important change in accounting during your career?"
The full responses of all the candidates are below. (The full T100 list is available
The most important change in accounting has been the profound transformation driven by technology and innovation. Early in my career, I led efforts to modernize our Audit & Assurance business, introducing strategic changes that incorporated new methodologies and digital tools. Today, advances like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are continuing to revolutionize how accountants work, automating routine tasks, and enhancing accuracy. This evolution also empowers professionals to focus on higher-value strategic insights and elevate the impact of our field. What's more exciting is the profession's remarkable ability to embrace change and thrive. Accountants continue to demonstrate agility, creativity, and resilience as new innovations emerge, which raises the bar for quality and trust in the capital markets. I am incredibly optimistic about our future. The accounting profession is uniquely positioned to lead and sustain long-term value for organizations and society.
— Lara Abrash, chair, Deloitte & Touche
The most important changes in accounting during my career have been the rise of offshoring, which fundamentally restructured how firms deliver services and manage capacity, and the influx of private equity capital, which has transformed firm economics and succession planning across the profession. However, I believe we're now on the cusp of an even more profound shift as AI begins to augment and automate core accounting functions, creating possibilities that will redefine what it means to be a trusted advisor.
– Justin Adams, CEO & co-founder, Aiwyn
I think the biggest change has been the democratization of expertise through technology. There used to be strong knowledge barriers between small firms and very large firms, but now every practitioner has access to the same resources and tools, and more importantly, client base. A solo practitioner with the right systems and vision can deliver the same quality of product as a huge firm.
– Amanda Aguillard, chief operating officer, Padgett
The biggest change in accounting has been technology. I began my career at RSM in the paper and pencil days, and over time, we moved to copy machines and then to the first computers. By the time I left RSM in 1997, I had designed and built the
framework for the initial paperless audit at RSM using the technology available then.
Today, accounting has become intertwined with technology. Even before AI became prominent, technology enabled accountants to do their work more efficiently and provide valuable insights to clients. These insights were hidden in the data, but invisible to the human eye. Now, with AI overlaying that technology, we will see true transformation in the profession, provided that leaders are willing to make the leap.
In the future, audit will move into real-time assurance with 24/7 updates. We will have real-time dashboards with assurance built in. The diminution of the value of the historical financial statement will continue. The value of the audited financial statement today is mainly as an insurance policy, not as a source of valuable
insights that a business owner can use to improve their business.
I have no doubt that we will soon see technologies in accounting that we cannot even imagine today.
— Alan Anderson, founder and president, Accountability Plus
The most important change in accounting during my career has been the shift to remote work forced on us by the pandemic.
I remember attending Digital CPA in December 2019 when everyone was talking about a remote workforce. Many were wondering if their firms would be able to do
that in five years. Then just three months later, everyone had to do just that. Creating remote firms was no longer a hypothetical, but a reality. This was the only time a significant change was forced onto every firm. All firms had to adjust. The only comparable change was the Internet. And even with the move to the cloud, some firms still do things the way they've done them for decades. The pandemic forced us to change faster than we thought was possible.
Before COVID, auditors were stuck doing manual, time-consuming, and ultimately useless tasks like sitting with the controller while they pulled up their bank balance online to confirm cash.
The pandemic changed all that. Firms learned to communicate differently. They learned about file-sharing options. When we couldn't physically go to a client's office, we discovered that remote work was more efficient and easier. However, it also brought up generational differences between firm owners, middle managers, and staff that were much more pronounced when we were all working remotely. Leading, training, and preparing staff have all changed, and it is something firms are still addressing and adjusting to.
The shift to remote work also opened up opportunities. Firms realized they could hire staff in different states, and even overseas. It has also made learning many of the AI tools easier because we were already used to working with Zoom and Teams. It also taught us that we can make significant changes quickly when we have to.
Some of the changes that arose during the pandemic are still getting worked out. We are still learning how firms will operate in the 21st century.
– Tyler Anderson, partner, Accountability Plus
The rapid acceleration of technology has fundamentally reshaped the accounting and finance profession. Recognizing its potential impact on the profession, CPA.com was formed more than 20 years ago to help firms of all sizes harness the potential of emerging technologies to elevate the quality and value of services they deliver. Since then, the emergence of cloud technology has been a transformative driver of growth in client advisory services (CAS), the fastest-growing service area in the profession. Today, AI is poised to have a much faster and much more dramatic impact. From automating routine tasks to unlocking deeper advisory insights, an acceleration of AI-enabled solutions is creating unprecedented opportunities for firms to work smarter, fuel innovation and further position CPAs as indispensable advisors.
— Erik Asgeirsson, CEO & president, CPA.com
It's a toss between the rise of women in roles of leadership and the death of the billable hour. While there are so many important changes still to come – I believe these were necessary for creating inclusive workplaces, and business operations evolution. Other changes that were important are obvious – AI and PE…but one set has to do with good business decisions and flexible mindset while the others – well, the jury is still out.
I think if you ask this question a few years from now, people may say – "the most important change in accounting was the transition from traditional accounting firms and functions to a FinTech/AccountingTech company.
How would you describe the typical accountant?* The typical accountant is one who has determined they are on a lifelong journey of learning and of providing service to clients that helps business leaders make educated and factual accounting and financial decisions.
— Rachel Anevski, CEO, Matters of Management
I think we are currentlycareer in the era of the most change the accounting profession has faced during my with the entrance of Private Equity, forcing change in the operating and capital models of firms and the influence of Artificial Intelligence and the impact it will have on the talent and revenue models of firms.
– Brian Blaha, managing director, Winding River Consulting
The quiet revolution: proving that firms can thrive without the billable hour and tracking time. Those were shackles, not tools. They died years ago—we're just waiting for the funeral procession. The billable hour and time tracking are dead. We need to stop embalming them.
— Ron Baker, co-founder, Threshold
The biggest shift has been moving from after the fact compliance to real-time, insight driven partnerships with clients. Cloud platforms, e-filing, automation, and now AI have turned once manual processes into connected workflows that surface issues earlier and free time for higher value guidance. That technical change reshaped expectations around speed, transparency, and collaboration – and elevated the accountant's role from recorder of history to interpreter of what's next. It's changed how firms staff, how they price, and how they invest in data and skills.
— Elizabeth Beastrom, president, tax & accounting professionals, Thomson Reuters
The most important change I've seen in accounting during my career is the shift from a compliance-focused, manual profession to one that's digitally enabled, insight-driven and deeply strategic. This transformation has redefined how we serve clients, how we attract talent and how we create value. At RSM, I've had the privilege of helping lead this evolution for the firm and for our clients. Through our strategy, we're embedding technology and AI into the fabric of our culture—not just adopting tools, but empowering our people to think and work differently. From cloud platforms to AI and predictive analytics, we're helping clients navigate complexity with confidence, while creating more meaningful careers for our teams. This shift isn't just about efficiency—it's about elevating the profession and ensuring its continued relevance in a rapidly changing world.
— Brian Becker, managing partner and CEO, RSM US
Without a doubt, the most important change has been the continually evolving business models the profession must support and report on, coupled with the rapid acceleration of technology used by accountants.
— Michael Bernard, VP, tax content strategy and chief tax officer, Vertex
It certainly makes me feel old, but when I started my career, we had one computer for the whole audit team. We took turns using it, but much of our work was done by hand. It would be hard to quantity how much more productive technology has made accounting work during the time of my career.
— Joel Black, chair, Governmental Accounting Standards Board
I think we are currently in the era of the most change the accounting profession has faced during my career with the entrance of Private Equity, forcing change in the operating and capital models of firms and the influence of Artificial Intelligence and the impact it will have on the talent and revenue models of firms.
– Brian Blaha, managing director and partner, Winding River Consulting
The most important change I've seen in accounting is the rapid transformation driven by technology, especially automation and AI. Much of the routine, compliance-focused work that once defined the profession is now being automated, and that shift is only accelerating.
As a result, practitioners are moving beyond traditional tasks and focusing more on strategic, advisory-driven work that helps clients make better decisions and navigate complex challenges. This evolution is also changing the skills firms need, with greater emphasis on technology, data analysis and building strong client relationships.
Now it's up to practitioners to make the most of these tools — using technology intentionally and effectively to deliver deeper insights and higher-value advisory services. Done well, this shift elevates accountants from compliance experts to trusted strategic partners.
– Kimberly Blascoe, senior director, CAS professional services, CPA.com
AI is not merely a change agent; it is strategically reshaping the fundamental value proposition of our profession. This evolution allows us to deliver insight-driven results to our clients, while simultaneously creating a higher-value, more engaging work experience for our people. This technological integration enhances the entire profession's impact.
— Julie Boland, U.S. managing partner and Americas managing partner, Ernst & Young
The most important change in accounting isn't in the rearview mirror. It's unfolding right now. The rise of AI and automation is transforming how work gets done. Firms are shifting toward advisory business models, and private equity is bringing both new opportunities and challenges. These changes aren't just about efficiency or capital, they're redefining the profession itself and pushing us to reimagine what it means to create value for clients.
— Jim Boomer, CEO, Boomer Consulting Inc.
The speed of AI over the past 18 months. AI, Blockchain and the way we learn
today are all transformative.
— L. Gary Boomer, founder, visionary & strategist, Boomer Consulting Inc.
The most important change has been the modernization of the audit itself. Driven by data analytics, automation, and now through generative AI, the integration of technology into every aspect of the audit process, the audit process as we know it has made slow and measured transformations year after year.
While these advances have enhanced efficiency and depth, they have also tested our ability to apply judgment and professional skepticism in new contexts. The auditor's role is evolving from checking transactions to interpreting complex systems of information. At its core, however, the mission remains unchanged: to tell each company's story truthfully in service to investors.
– George Botic, acting chair, PCAOB
The most important change in the accounting profession during my career was automation and digitalization. When I first stepped foot into the profession computers were few and far between. I remember sharing an office PC between 5 of us and also checking out a Compaq portable computer and Dot Matrix Printer, every time I left the office when I needed to bring "my office" with me.
Today, we are a technology company, unable to do what we do without today's technology.
— Jim Bourke, managing director, advisory services, WithumSmith+Brown
The most important change in accounting during my career has been the shift toward becoming a technology-focused profession. While some firms are still clinging to old ways of operating, we're seeing more and more firms embracing what the future of accounting supported by technology might look like. By welcoming and investing in technology, we're creating efficiency to better serve our clients and making investments in our talent.
– Tim Brackney, CEO, Springline Advisory
Change can be challenging, but it's necessary to help overcome the obstacles we're facing—think talent pipeline issues, shifting demographics, and changing regulatory standards, impact of technology just to name a few. While the impact of AI and technology has been significant, the biggest change I've witnessed is the dramatic shift around pathways to licensure. I joined the IL CPA Society in December of 2022 and never expected to introduce legislation to add new pathways two years later. To quickly go from 150 is the only option to having many jurisdictions add pathways is an important change.
Although not always credited with being adaptable, CPAs and the CPA profession have always evolved to successfully meet the needs of the world we live in. By creating these new CPA licensure pathways, we're once again showing our adaptability, and I'm hopeful the next generation of professionals will now be positioned for success.
— Geoffrey Brown, president and CEO, Illinois CPA Society
There have been two very significant changes. First, the creation of the PCAOB with the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This was a massive change in the profession in terms of new regulation, new standards, new inspection and enforcement.
Second, related to the use and advancement of technology. My first computer was the size of a large mailbox and email didn't exist, and look where we are now.
— Jennifer Burns, chief auditor, AICPA-CIMA
Without a doubt, technology has been the most transformative force in accounting. When I started at PwC as an intern more than three decades ago, audits were paper-based. Everything was done manually, with highlighters, binders, and a lot of patience.
Today everything is digital. Our audits are AI-enabled, data-driven, and global in scale. Tasks that used to take days often take minutes now.
Tools like our ChatNational put answers at our people's fingertips. In its first year, ChatNational answered more than 350,000 questions for 17,000 US Assurance team members. That drives more efficient, quality audits.
Beyond efficiency, technology has changed our purpose. It moved us from compliance to insight and from routine tasks to value-added analysis. Our people now focus on higher-order thinking and professional judgment, which elevates the audit experience for clients and teams.
Tools such as PwC's Data PRO and Acquisition Hub automate data transformation and streamline how we collect and organize client data. These innovations reduce manual effort, speed execution, and improve quality. They let us focus on mitigating risk, delivering insights, and providing an exceptional client experience.
These tools are one part of a broader transformation. Through Next Generation Audit, we are reimagining how audits are executed and experienced. That includes the technology, the processes, and the methodology behind our work. We are embedding AI responsibly to build smarter workflows that support better decisions and a smoother audit experience for our people and our clients.
Change is never easy, but this has sparked one of the most exciting periods of reinvention in my career. We are not just adapting. We are helping redefine assurance in a digital age.
– Deanna Byrne, US assurance leader, PwC
A lot has changed during the almost two decades that I have been in the profession, but the most important change in the accounting profession during my career was the impact of the pandemic. While tragic in many ways, it accelerated transformation across the profession. Firms were forced to adapt quickly, embracing flexibility, technology, and new ways of working almost overnight.
What stands out most is how firms discovered capabilities they did not realize they had. They built success stories through resilience and creativity, proving that change is not only possible but powerful. The experience reshaped mindsets and opened the door to greater innovation, agility, and connection. It showed that when the profession comes together with purpose, it can evolve faster and more meaningfully than anyone thought possible.
– Arianna Campbell, shareholder and chief operating officer, Boomer Consulting
The most foundational change has been the transition from static, on-premise systems to cloud-native platforms, which unlocked scalable workflows and true remote collaboration. That shift laid the groundwork for more flexible, globally connected firms.
But the most transformational change underway is the rise of agentic AI. AI is no longer just a tool for assisting with documentation or analysis. It is beginning to take action. From performing testing to drafting procedures and embedding directly into firm methodologies, AI is evolving into an active partner in the audit and advisory process.
This evolution is redefining the nature of the work itself. What once took hours of manual effort can now be completed in seconds, with greater consistency and quality. It is accelerating quickly, and it will be the defining force of the next decade in the profession.
– Jin Chang, CEO, Fieldguide
Historically, while my point of view was sought out to stress test deeply technical concepts, it was typically not celebrated. There has been a shift in the profession that sees viewpoints like mine being actively sought.
– Danielle Supkis Cheek, SVP, AI, analytics and assurance, Caseware
In my time entering and serving the accounting profession from the perspective of a technology vendor, the most important shift has been the entrance of private equity into our profession—and its success.This latest round of capital isn't just experimenting—it's working. These deals are reshaping firm governance, accelerating modernization, and fundamentally raising the bar for how firms operate and what leadership looks like.We're still in the early innings of this transformation. The consolidation trend is just beginning, and the capital pouring into the profession signals more to come. What's changing isn't just firm structure—it's the expectations around speed, innovation, talent, and value creation. PE has brought a new operating tempo and strategic lens to accounting, and it's influencing everything from how we define firm growth to how we build for the future.
– Ellen Choi, CEO & Founder, Edgefield Group
The personal computer and the Internet both brought about major changes in the accounting profession. And now AI is quickly starting to do the same. Not mere disruption, but true transformation – changing both "what," and "how" accounting is done. And once Quantum computing arrives at scale, the possibilities are mind-boggling.
— David Cieslak, EVP, chief cloud officer, RKL eSolutions LLC
I entered the accounting profession in 2019 through my work with AAM, and in that time I've witnessed extraordinary, rapidly evolving change. The pandemic was an immediate catalyst, as firms stepped up to guide clients through PPP and other relief programs. Soon after, the profession faced a deepening talent shortage, a surge in M&A activity, and most recently, the acceleration of AI.
Today, private equity investment is adding yet another layer of transformation. As highlighted in Inside Public Accounting, PE-backed firms are growing faster, operating more efficiently, and achieving greater profitability by rethinking governance, operations, and incentives.
It's difficult to single out one change as most important, because each has been interconnected and continues to reshape the profession in real time. The true impact of these forces will take years to fully materialize.
— Rhonda Clark, executive director, Association for Accounting Marketing
The most important change has been the profession's gradual, but accelerating, shift toward advisory services. Specialization and client demands have reduced the emphasis on compliance, creating opportunities for firms to add value through insights, strategic advice, and specialized expertise. This shift has compelled firms to reassess their approach to talent development, client management, and business structure. This fundamental shift has created many of the opportunities (roles, service lines, areas of expertise) and challenges (application of technology, outsourcing in specialized areas, abandonment of compliance-only clients) in the profession today.
– Jeremy Clopton, managing director, Upstream Academy
The profession has evolved significantly over the course of my career, as business and the world has evolved. One thing important to me has been the growth of women leaders in the profession. When I started, there were very few women partners and CEOs in CPA firms or CFOs and CEOs of major businesses. While not yet representative of our population, there's been progress and many amazing women now lead their organizations.
— Susan Coffey, CEO, public accounting, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
The increasing complexity of tax law and regulation; the challenges associated with the annual tax filing season; the growth of global issues (e.g., international tax, transfer pricing, treaties); the rise of digital record-keeping and expectations for automation; and greater public demands for transparency.
– Erin Collins, National Taxpayer Advocate, Taxpayer Advocate Service, IRS
I know it seems like this is all we talk about but I would have to undoubtedly say the transformative impact of artificial intelligence. It has completely reshaped the way we work. I remember dragging big trunks of workpapers to client sites, lugging huge binders back and forth, and there being mounds of paper to document everything. Also, walking through huge warehouses for hours counting objects for inventories. These minor tasks alone have evolved tremendously with the use of AI and saved tons of time and resources.
— Crystal Cooke, director, diversity and inclusion, AICPA
The biggest change in accounting has been a shift from valuing compliance and billable hours to prioritizing judgment, relationships, and dependable results. With automation and AI streamlining routine work, firms now focus on better pricing models, leadership development, and creating sustainable workloads. This approach improves quality, retention, and future relevance.
— Randy Crabtree, partner, co-founder, Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals
The most important change has been the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. When I began leading Product in Bloomberg Tax in 2019, automation was already an entrenched part of the landscape, but the arrival and acceleration of AI has been unlike anything the profession has seen before.
AI is no longer just about speeding up routine tasks. It can now streamline complex workflows, perform knowledge work that once required hours of manual effort, and even coordinate across tools through agentic capabilities. At Bloomberg Tax, for example, we launched Bloomberg Tax Answers and AI Assistant, which use natural language processing to surface precise, authoritative tax insights in seconds, transforming what was once a repetitive, trial-and-error research process.
What sets this apart from past changes is not only its scale, but also the speed and intensity of disruption. For example, tax law changes are impactful but predictable, while AI has reshaped expectations almost overnight. This shift is redefining what it means to practice accounting and tax, and it will only continue to grow more challenging, exciting, and transformative for the profession.
– Evan Croen, head, Bloomberg Tax, Bloomberg Industry Group
Sarbanes Oxley.
— Gale Crosley, president and founder, Crosley+Company
The traditional accounting firm business model has changed significantly since the start of my career. There have been many second order implications that result. Firms have been forced to professionalize governance and strategy, hire and retain differently, evaluate and price service line offerings in new ways – just to name a few.
— Jen Cryder, CEO, Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs
The most significant change has been the shift from transactional accounting to advisory leadership—driven by the rise of cloud technology and automation. Cloud-based platforms have redefined how data is captured, shared, and analyzed, eliminating manual processes and enabling real-time insights. This evolution has freed accountants from data entry and positioned them as strategic advisors who interpret information, leverage technology for deeper insights, and guide clients to make proactive, growth-oriented decisions.
– Deborah Defer, director, CAS consulting, Woodard
The most important change I've witnessed in accounting is the rise of artificial intelligence and technology. Not just as a tool, but as a transformative force reshaping the profession. AI is changing how we audit, how our clients operate, and how regulators think about risk and oversight.
At EY, we've leaned into this shift with a $1 billion investment in technology and talent, embedding AI and advanced, next-generation technology and data analytics into our audit methodology to deliver a more intuitive user experience. This isn't about automation for automation's sake—it's about enhancing audit quality, delivering deeper sector and business insights.
Our clients are increasingly using AI to optimize operations, manage risk, and unlock new value. They're looking to us not only for assurance, but for guidance on how to navigate the changing landscape responsibly. That's why we're also focused on responsible AI to help ensure transparency, fairness, and trust in how these technologies are deployed.
This moment is defining. We're not just witnessing change—we're leading it.
– Dante D'Egidio, Americas vice chair — assurance, EY
The most important change is the shift happening in accounting to a profession that is tech enabled and strategic – requiring new skills and capabilities in data analysis and storytelling. This shift is also inclusive of the need to drive digital transformation, performance, and value creation, while managing the complex and changing risks and uncertainty of a fast-changing market. This is the future of the profession and where IMA is focusing on preparing our members.
– Mike DePrisco, president and CEO, Institute of Management Accountants
The shift from compliance-focused work to advisory-driven models. Firms are no longer just preparing returns or audits—they're guiding clients through strategic decisions, technology adoption, and long-term planning. This evolution has redefined what clients expect and what firms must deliver.
— Sarah Dobek, president and founder, Inovautus Consulting
Private equity is transforming the accounting industry by reshaping firm ownership, growth strategies and client expectations. As leader of one of the earliest firms to receive PE investment, I've seen firsthand how this capital and strategic support enables rapid expansion, investment in technology, and talent development. This shift is redefining the industry from traditional partnership models to dynamic, growth-focused enterprises, creating both opportunities and challenges for firms striving to stay competitive.
– Jeremy Dubow, CEO, Prosperity Partners
The ongoing evolution of technology and its impact on the profession. From automated workpapers, to robotic tools, to the implementation of artificial intelligence, the innovation of the usage of technology in the profession has enhanced the profession.
– Daniel Dustin, president & CEO, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
The Andersen/Enron scandal and the corresponding shift from Big 5 to Big 4, and the creation of the PCAOB. As someone who grew up in Auditing for my first career, this changed so much about how we scope and assess risk, vastly increased liability for firms and Partners, significant increased the volume and way we do work for SEC clients. Seeing one of the Big 5 firms crumble was something I'll never forget – something that we couldn't imagine would happen!
– Sarah Elliott, co-founder & principal, Intend2Lead LLC
The most important change in the accounting profession I've noted is the acceleration of technology integration and the corresponding shift in what it means to be a trusted advisor. When I started my career, I studied both technology and accounting—separately. Technology was generally considered a vertical function with team members relegated to the data center. Accounting was largely about manual processes, spreadsheets, and historical financial reporting. Today, my two favorite topics are integrated. In 1988, when I majored in Information Systems, I did not fully foresee how horizontal and critical technology would be across all segments of the profession. "Yesterday" technology centric CPAs were considered Digital CPAs. Tomorrow is today and ultimately, we will all need to be Digital CPAs or be left behind. AI, automation, cloud platforms, and advanced analytics are not only changing how accountants work —they are also creating entirely new solutions and services that add value to clients and organizations.
This evolution, however, is creating a chasm between those who adapt and embrace technology and those who don't. The public expects modern, efficient solutions, and employees increasingly demand the tools and capabilities to work effectively in a digital environment. Business as usual with legacy systems and bureaucratic processes no longer work—digital environments are nonnegotiable and will become the new business as usual—the baseline standard for client and employee experience.
Technology is accelerating the evolution of the profession, and with it, the pressure to continuously develop new skills—data analytics, digital literacy, and the ability to interpret complex outputs—while maintaining professional skepticism whether with people or technology.
At the same time, technology has amplified the need for trust. Stakeholders rely on us not only to produce accurate numbers but also to help navigate uncertainty, validate information, and make decisions in an environment where disinformation, deep fakes, and cybersecurity risks are real threats. The profession is evolving from one that primarily records history to one that interprets, advises, and guides the future.
Embracing technology while safeguarding trust and investing in human talent has been the most transformative and important change in accounting during my career.
— Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, founder and CEO, KET Solutions LLC
First came the cloud, and now we're seeing the rise of AI. But AI's momentum only exists because the profession first embraced cloud technology—so that remains the most important change in my view.
– David Emmerman, chief revenue officer, Clockwork.ai
The most important change I've seen in the profession is the growing visibility and inclusion of all the people and players who make up the accounting ecosystem. When I began my career in the 1990s, the profession felt rigidly stratified. CPAs were viewed as the pinnacle, while bookkeepers, tax preparers, and small firm practitioners were often seen as "less than." The tools, software, and opportunities reflected that hierarchy – larger firms had access to the best resources, while smaller firms had to create workarounds and find creative solutions to stay competitive. In the 17 years of my own accounting practice, that was my experience, which was shared with many of my peers across the country.
Today, the landscape is far more inclusive. The explosion of cloud technology, automation, and integrated platforms has leveled the playing field, empowering firms of every size to serve clients with sophistication and efficiency. Staffing challenges have also pushed the profession to expand its definition of who belongs, welcoming diverse skill sets, credentials, and backgrounds as vital contributors to the work we do. The "it takes a village" mindset couldn't be more true today.
What excites me most about this shift is the recognition that excellence in accounting isn't defined by firm size, credential, or title, but by contribution, collaboration, and connection. The profession is stronger when we see every practitioner as part of the industry ecosystem, each playing a unique role in building trust, insight, and value for the people we serve.
– Jina Etienne, CEO, Etienne Consulting
The introduction of AI has been the most important change in accounting that I've seen during my career. There's a lot of fear surrounding AI and that it will take jobs from accountants. My opinion is that there is so much opportunity to be able to transform the way accountants work and how the public views the profession. I envision a shift from compliance to advisory and forecasting. Accountants will move from back-office to more of a strategic partnership, offering new value propositions.
– Rachel Farris, founder/CEO, Tax Stack AI
Definitely the advancement of computers and the software programs that we as CPAs use. As AI gradually takes over the nuts and bolts work of write up, it frees up the CPAs to spend more time on analytics as opposed to just entering data.
– Neil Fishman, president, National Conference of CPA Practitioners
The influx of private equity has been transformational. When I founded Platform Accounting Group in 2015, firm consolidation was virtually nonexistent. We were among the first, if not the very first, to leverage private capital to build a modern firm with a modern structure, and especially to do so at scale.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape looks entirely different. Dozens of competitors and consolidators are now competing to acquire firms of every size. On the positive side, this wave has brought much-needed resources, innovation, and thought leadership to address some of the most pressing challenges in the profession.
At the same time, it has also made the industry vulnerable to short-term opportunism. Not all capital comes with the same intent. As more firms become private equity-backed or join larger consolidators, it is crucial to be deliberate in evaluating potential partners to ensure there is true philosophical and strategic alignment, not just financial incentive.
– Reyes Florez, CEO, Platform Accounting Group
Honestly, the most important change in accounting is happening right now. This is our tipping point—a rare moment of transformation and an exciting opportunity to make an impact.
Change is everywhere. Technology is accelerating, regulations are expanding, and expectations from businesses and society are shifting faster than ever. AI is projected to impact nearly 80% of finance functions within the next five years, and ESG reporting is becoming mandatory in markets representing more than 60% of global GDP. These shifts aren't coming—they're already here.
This is our chance to own the transformation—to expand into areas like ESG assurance, AI governance, and data analytics, and to show how the CPA's core strengths—trust, judgment, skepticism, and integrity—are exactly what the world needs now. This has been the focus of almost everything we are doing at CalCPA and the focus of our conversations with almost every stakeholder.
Our profession has always adapted, but this moment calls for more. It calls for collaboration, curiosity, and courage—to redefine our role and lead as influential voices shaping the future of business and society.
— Denise LeDuc Froemming, president and CEO, California Society of CPAs
The evolution in artificial intelligence is probably the single most transformative moment in accounting thus far, if only for the questions it's raising about the future of the profession. It will be used as a tool that takes long hours of work out of an accountant's workload and allows them to focus on more strategic opportunities. From the client's perspective, it also means faster and more accurate tax returns, audits and financial forecasting.
From the employee perspective, it's flipped the talent strategy upside-down. In the CPA firm of the future, careers will be shaped by the ability to apply a diverse range of talents to help clients address specific business challenges. This will call for a combination of technical and analytical expertise, industry knowledge, creativity and a strong interest in problem-solving.
– Christopher Geier, chairman & CEO, Sikich
AI is a once-in-a-generation shift—not just in how we analyze and advise, but in how we deliver outcomes. It's fundamentally reshaping the expectations clients have for speed, insight, and impact. And it's forcing us to evolve our capabilities and our mindset.
But what matters just as much is how we lead with AI. That means staying grounded in what's always set this profession apart: trust, quality, and human judgment. It's not just about doing things faster—it's about doing them right. And that's what gives AI its true value in this profession.
– Paul Griggs, U.S. senior partner, PwC
The most important change in accounting during my career has been the shift to remote work, particularly in how it has transformed leadership mindsets and organizational culture within the firms, which is exciting! This change didn't just redefine where we work, it challenged traditional assumptions about how we collaborate, lead, and innovate and this was overdue!
Remote work opened the door for firm leaders to think differently about team structures, client service, and talent acquisition. It encouraged flexibility and adaptability, two qualities that weren't historically emphasized in the profession and it was having a negative impact. More importantly, it created space for innovation, whether in adopting cloud-based technologies, streamlining workflows, or rethinking how we support team development and client relationships in a digital environment.
This shift also allowed firms to expand their talent pool, hiring exceptional professionals regardless of geography. It's been a game-changer for diversity, inclusion, and long-term firm growth.
— Angie Grissom, owner, chief relationship officer, The Rainmaker Companies
The shift from on-premise systems to intelligent, connected cloud platforms, and now, to AI-driven workflows. This evolution has fundamentally changed how accountants create value. It's no longer about producing reports; it's about generating insights in real time, automating routine processes, and helping businesses make better, faster decisions.
— Aaron Harris, global CTO, Sage
The digitization of everything — from cloud-based audits to AI-driven advisory. But more than tech, it's been the shift from compliance to value creation. CPAs now need to be tech-savvy strategists, not just scorekeepers.
— Calvin Harris Jr., CEO, New York State Society of CPAs
Over the last 14 years at Sensiba, the biggest change I've seen in accounting is its shift from compliance and reporting to true value creation and stewardship. When I started, accounting was about audits, taxes, and making sure the numbers were right. Today, we're measuring, interpreting, and communicating non-financial performance—from climate risk to social impact to governance.
This isn't just reporting; it's about helping businesses make strategic, purpose-driven decisions that balance profit with planet and people. At Sensiba, we've evolved into trusted advisors, guiding clients not just on the numbers, but on what those numbers mean for long-term resilience and growth. Accounting is no longer just record-keeping—it's shaping the future of business.
— Jennifer Harrity, ESG & sustainability director, Sensiba
I would have to say the regulation side. In the early 2000's with Enron, regulations certainly increased substantially. I do believe that it has led to greater consistency in auditing.
– Yvonne Hinson, CEO, American Accounting Association
The advent of comprehensive regulated sustainability reporting. Coming out of university in 2005, I knew I wanted to work on Corporate Responsibility reporting one day but also recognized that the voluntary reporting landscape left much to be desired in terms of rigor and governance of the information being produced. Transparency allows for accountability and while sustainability reporting doesn't drive action, it shines a light on risks and opportunities that previously were not contemplated.
– Maura Hodge, US sustainability leader, KPMG
The rise of Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI — technologies that are supercharging our profession and transforming it from a rearview-mirror, past-tense discipline to a future-tense, windshield-view profession focused on foresight, strategy, and decision intelligence.
— Tom Hood, EVP business engagement & growth, AICPA
The most important change has been the profession's growing recognition that the traditional accounting firm business model must evolve. For decades, firms relied on a time-and-materials approach centered on compliance work. Today, forward-thinking firms are redesigning their models around value creation, specialization, and scalability. They're moving toward fixed-fee and subscription pricing, embedding advisory services, and leveraging technology to improve both client experience and firm profitability. This evolution requires new leadership mindsets, talent strategies, and operating structures — and it's redefining what it means to be a successful firm in the modern era.
– Jon Hubbard, shareholder & chief growth officer, Boomer Consulting; director, Boomer Circles and Boomer Circle Summit
The most significant change I've seen since entering the profession in 1990 is the transformative impact of technology on our people, both professional and administrative. Technology has fundamentally redefined how we work, what we focus on, and the value we're able to deliver.
I recently heard a phrase that perfectly captures this evolution: "working at the top of your license." Today, technology allows CPAs to do exactly that—spending less time on routine tasks and more time applying judgment, insight, and strategy. For those who choose to embrace it, technology is not replacing the CPA's role, it's elevating it, enabling professionals to deliver their highest and most meaningful value to clients.
– Charles Hylan, managing member, Hylan Advisory
The shift from paper to platforms - from static reporting to continuous insight.
Technology, data, and AI have fundamentally reshaped how accountants deliver value. The move toward tech-enabled accounting has expanded the profession's scope from number-crunching to strategic business partnering.
– Varun Jain, founder & CEO, Miles Education
I would have to say that the most significant change in the profession in my career has been the evolution of technology, specifically AI and automation.
– Gina James, partner, MarksNelson
Private equity involvement in the accounting profession has provided many opportunities. Pipeline concerns and the use of automated accounting work have led to accounting professionals seeking out competitive advantages, such as private equity or alternative CPA firm structures. This will continue to play out.
AI has also dramatically affected the accounting profession and will continue to do so as accounting firms, their clients and organizations create efficiencies and leverage talent.
In other areas, having conversations around the recognition of accounting as a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subject in schools, and therefore, to be part of the STEM K-12 funding to be used for accounting awareness and education, is an important development for the profession. At the NJCPA, we are actively supporting and advocating for this at the local and national levels. We created a Pipeline Advocacy Work Group comprised of New Jersey high school and university accounting educators and conducted outreach to legislators. Last May, Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced H.R. 3541, which amended a federal supplemental funding program to promote career awareness in accounting as part of a well-rounded STEM educational experience. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced a similar bill in the Senate (S.1705) that would also focus on educating K-12 students about accounting as part of the STEM initiative.
— Aiysha Johnson, CEO and executive director, New Jersey Society of CPAs
The current and ongoing revolution of Artificial Intelligence. While networking, the cloud, smartphones, and SaaS applications have each been significant, all of these can work together for good or bad to improve accounting. We expect more automation and AI to reduce the need for outsourcing while improving the service level. Further, we are quite interested in the AI platforms that show accountants how they arrived at their answer. This is a combination of auditability and logic development. We expect acceleration in this area as AI runs on quantum computers and agentic AI develops.
— Randy Johnston, CEO and founder, EVP, NMGI and K2 Enterprises
As I see it, the most important change in accounting has been the move from a self-regulated to a government-regulated audit industry.
— Richard Jones, chair, Financial Accounting Standards Board
I believe AI is making us once again rethink everything, so I would say "technology." In my career, I have seen the transition to PCs, to accounting and productivity applications, to the Internet, and now to AI, which has fundamentally changed how work is produced for firms and clients. So for me, technology has been the key enabler that facilitated my entire consulting career.
— Roman Kepczyk, director of firm technology strategy, Right Networks
Technology has transformed what we do and how we deliver what we do. It's allowed us to cut through the "noise" of disruption that is in the marketplace due to world events, regulations, politics and everything in between. We help our clients and business community understand what's really going on. We strategically offer guidance and add value.
For years the general population has been saying that we are out of business – on the contrary – we have a huge opportunity to evolve, strategize and lead. Technology is our partner, not our enemy or replacement. Those that don't adapt, and adapt quickly, will be left behind.
– Lexy Kessler, chair, American Institute of CPAs and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants; partner, Aprio
The profession has slowly awakened to the reality that value is created in relationships and results, not in tracking hours or producing artifacts. This shift which remains unfinished marks the beginning of a move from compliant historians to transformative guides.
– Ed Kless, co-founder, Threshold
The most important change in accounting during my career has been the profound impact of globalization on financial reporting and the growing demand for a universal understanding of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). As businesses have expanded across borders and capital markets have become increasingly interconnected, the need for consistent, transparent, and comparable financial information has never been greater.
U.S. GAAP, long considered a gold standard in financial reporting, is now studied and applied by professionals and organizations around the world, even in jurisdictions that primarily follow other frameworks like IFRS. This global reach has elevated the role of U.S. accounting standards in cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and multinational audits. It has also placed greater responsibility on CPAs and accounting professionals to be culturally agile and technically fluent in both domestic and international standards.
This shift has transformed the profession in several key ways:
- Increased complexity: Accountants must now navigate multiple regulatory environments, tax codes, and reporting standards, often simultaneously.
- Cross-border collaboration: Teams are more diverse and geographically dispersed, requiring strong communication and coordination across time zones and cultures.
- Expanded education and training: Professionals must continually update their knowledge to stay current with evolving standards and global best practices.
- Greater emphasis on trust and transparency: As financial statements travel across borders, the credibility of the information and the professionals behind it becomes even more critical.
Ultimately, globalization has elevated the accounting profession from a national service to a global pillar of economic stability. It has challenged us to think beyond local norms and embrace a broader, more inclusive view of financial stewardship.
– Jeannette Koger, VP, experience, AICPA
I would say the biggest change has been the advent of technology and related AI and the ability to perform lower-level tasks that historically have been done by younger accountants. The output of this, when combined with offshore leveraging, has created substantial profit margins for many CPA firms and have elevated the highest performing firms' profit per partner to levels never seen before. Candidly, I don't think there has ever been a better time to enter public accounting.
— Allan Koltin, CEO, Koltin Consulting Group
The most important change in accounting during my career has been the shift from compliance to advisory, and I've been fortunate to experience that transformation firsthand. When I began my career, accounting was largely about looking backward: preparing tax returns, audits, and financial statements that told the story of what had already happened.
Over time, I saw clients start asking different questions, ones that required foresight, not just analysis. That evolution challenged all of us to think beyond the numbers and become true business partners. Today, the most successful firms anticipate what's next, using technology, data, and insight to help clients make smarter, faster decisions. For me, that shift redefined what it means to be a CPA. It's no longer just about technical skills; it's about curiosity, agility, and impact. At Aprio, that mindset has shaped our transformation, helping others build deeper relationships, deliver strategic value, and lead our clients through constant change.
— Richard Kopelman, CEO and managing partner, Aprio
I'd think Sarbanes-Oxley was probably the most significant. Though the profession faced intense scrutiny, it emerged more resilient, ultimately enhancing protections for the investing public. There was more work created during that time. Firms grew exponentially, allowing firms of all sizes to move up market. It was at a time the profession couldn't keep up with demand, and the pipeline was at its greatest strain.
– Mark Koziel, president & CEO, American Institute of CPAs; CEO, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
The acceleration of technology and automation has challenged accountants to evolve into a more human and trusted resource. Accountants are now more generally viewed as a trusted partner instead of just a numbers supplier, and I am grateful for that, as it has challenged many peoples' comfort zone.
– Brian Kush, principal, co-founder, Intend2Lead
When I started my career at PwC, accountants spent countless hours on data entry, manual reconciliations, and basic calculations. Today, that work is largely automated. I've seen the transition from paper checks to digital payments, from manual bookkeeping to cloud-based solutions, and now to the next frontier: AI. This transformation has fundamentally redefined what it means to be an accountant, making it an incredibly important and exciting time.
Accountants are leading the way on AI adoption. They are focused on becoming strategic counselors to their clients, and adopting technology is crucial to be a CAS practitioner.
— René Lacerte, CEO and founder, Bill
As AI tools become more prevalent, CPAs and tax professionals will need to adapt their practices—not only by integrating these technologies, but also by expanding their service offerings to include high-level advisory roles such as financial planning.
— Melanie Lauridsen, VP, tax policy & advocacy. Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
I launched my firm when cloud technology took off and that was a pivotal moment for me in my career since it resulted in me launching an early cloud firm and gaining a great reputation as a thought leader in the space as a result of that.
– Ryan Lazanis, founder/CEO, Future Firm
The most dramatic changes transforming the accounting profession are likely happening now. The biggest shift has been how technology, data and digital tools have transformed not just how we do the work, but the very role of accountants — from transactional processing to strategic insight providers.
— Jennifer Leary, CEO, CLA
The infusion of capital into the equation. It turned our growth consulting business for accountants into a leadership role with decision makers in every firm that change their direction, wealth, and abilities of the entire firm. We are one of the few sources providing firms with objective insight into capital and independence because we have systems in place to support both the M&A and independence options.
— Bob Lewis, president, The Visionary Group
The most significant shift I've witnessed has been the fundamental rethinking of pathways to CPA licensure. For many years, the 150-hour education requirement stood as the official gateway to the profession, which many saw as a cost- and time-prohibitive barrier, but now we're seeing state societies, the AICPA, and NASBA embrace alternative routes to licensure that protect the quality of a CPA license while acknowledging there are multiple ways to gain the requisite training and experience. This transformation is a recognition that we can expand access to the profession without compromising excellence, as the real qualifier for licensure has always been demonstrating competence through the rigorous CPA examination itself.
The number of students entering accounting programs and pursuing CPA licensure has been on the decline, even as demand for accountants and high-quality assurance grows. The profession is working on a host of initiatives – like the CAQ's student awareness campaign Accounting+ – to attract today's brightest and most promising talent. Now, we're ensuring that anyone who can pass the CPA exam and meet experience requirements has a viable path to licensure.
— Julie Bell Lindsay, CEO, The Center for Audit Quality
Technology, of course. I started when One-Write manual systems were common and QuickBooks was a DOS-based application. The Internet, then the cloud, then mobile and now AI have completely changed the way accountants do business.
– Gene Marks, CEO, The Marks Group
The most pivotal change is the advent of AI and what's so exciting is that it's happening right now. Artificial intelligence is reshaping the very nature of how accountants work, think and deliver value. It elevates the human side of accounting - critical thinking, communication and trust.
The real opportunity lies in embracing AI not as a replacement, but as an enabler: a way to strengthen quality, enhance assurance and unlock deeper advisory capabilities. For those willing to adapt, it's a profound shift from reporting the past to shaping the future of business.
– David Marquis, CEO, Caseware
The shift from compliance to strategic partnership. Accountants are no longer just record-keepers, we are value creators, risk managers, and storytellers of numbers who help shape the direction of organizations.
– Jessica McClain, chief financial officer, American Staffing Association
The integration of computers and software has been transformative. Technology now allows CPAs to reduce time spent on routine tasks, improve efficiency, and deliver more valuable insights to clients.
– David McLaren, founder & managing partner, McLaren & Associates CPAs
The shift from compliance-focused services to technology-enabled advisory models. What started as incremental automation has now become an inflection point where technology, data and advisory converge. This change is redefining how firms deliver value and how clients perceive the role of accountants.
– Kalil Merhib, EVP, growth & professional services, CPA.com
The most transformative change is the rise of artificial intelligence - tools like ChatGPT are reshaping how accountants think, work, and serve. We've only begun to see the impact, but the potential to analyze, communicate, and personalize at scale will redefine every aspect of the profession.
The earlier shifts to cloud technology and automation paved the way for this next evolution, preparing firms for an even faster era of insight and efficiency. Together, these innovations are allowing accountants to move beyond data entry and compliance into higher-level strategy, creativity, and client connection, setting the stage for the most human era of accounting yet.
– Jackie Meyer, founder and president, TaxPlanIQ
Incredible efficiencies due to advances in technology. My college course on computing involved punch cards! The rapid pace of technological advancements and the number of companies that have designed numerous tools to enable CPAs to work more effectively and efficiently and provide outstanding service to clients or their employer.
– Annette Nellen, professor and director, SJSU MS Taxation Program, San Jose State University
The biggest change I've witnessed in my career is the technology revolution – specifically, the shift from traditional desktop accounting to cloud-based accounting software and automation. When I started my firm in 2012, we were among the first U.S. firms to embrace fully cloud-based accounting that enabled 100% remote work. A decade ago, real-time collaboration with clients and a completely paperless workflow were almost unheard of; now they're becoming standard. Cloud technology has fundamentally transformed how we work: it enables remote work, continuous close processes, and integration of various apps to eliminate tedious data entry. More recently, the rise of automation and AI tools has accelerated this change even further. This technology-driven transformation of accounting has been the most impactful development in the profession during my career.
– Blake Oliver, founder and CEO, Earmark
The shift from paper or paperless to cloud fundamentally rewired the profession. Remote work, real-time data and new business models all came from it. And don't forget pricing. I lead that movement! But AI will be even bigger and faster. Cloud disrupted workflow. AI disrupts identity. And it will happen by 2030! Yeah, I know that's a bold statement!
— Jody Padar, co-founder, XcelLabs
There have been several individual changes, such as the shift from desktop to cloud software, integration-driven automation, and now AI, including Agentic-AI. But the most important change is an ongoing, gradual one, i.e., the move from traditional/compliance to advisory.
Back in 2016, when I first discussed Client Accounting Services (CAS), only about 25% of firms offered it. Today, more than 60% of firms report having CAS practices, and several of them now describe their CAS as "Advisory-CAS" (or Client Advisory Services). It has been an honor to be part of this transformation, which I have helped shape through my books, speaking engagements, and advisory work.
To my mind, helping and guiding people and businesses achieve their potential has always been (should have been) the core purpose of accountants. Unfortunately, for decades, accountants became synonymous with tax returns and financial statements. However, I am encouraged, glad, and very positive that, as time passes, the profession is reclaiming its mission and the world will increasingly see accountants for what they were meant to be: True Advisors.
— Hitendra Patil, CEO, Accountaneur
There are two equally important changes happening in accounting, and they are happening right now: new pathways to licensure and the growth of private equity ownership in accounting. On the former, changes to education and experience requirements, the CPA Exam, and (possibly) CPE requirements will redefine who enters and stays in the profession. On the latter, the rise of P/E is reshaping how accounting firms are financed, structured, and regulated, particularly when we consider independence. Together, these two issues are changing the profession significantly and in real time.
– Lindsay Patterson, CEO and co-founder, CPA QualityPro
The move to cloud and the ability to structure, standardize, store, and analyze large amounts of data and information efficiently and effectively.
Also the expansion of areas where CPA skills are needed to bring trust and confidence to information and systems to support decision making and protect the public interest. As a profession we have proven and continue to prove our value in ways that continuously evolve and build on the core services of accounting, auditing and tax, not only increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of these areas, but also driving value in new and emerging areas of reporting and assurance.
– Amy Pawlicki, VP, assurance and advisory innovation, AICPA
The role transformation from data gatherer to strategic analyst driven by technology-driven automation. This has created a crucial focus shift from what the data says to why, allowing for a greater depth and breadth of analysis. AI is the ultimate accelerator of that change. It empowers professionals at every level to be the data-driven, critical thinkers, fostering professional growth and enabling more impactful, enduring careers.
– Christian Peo, vice chair, audit and assurance, KPMG
Automation (the Internet changed everything) has revolutionized how and how much work can be done. Long gone are the days of small amounts of data and paper. Today's accounting firm will have clients that transact billions of transactions nearly everywhere on the planet. The use of automation has made it possible for even small firms to successfully respond to that volume.
— Scott Peterson, VP of government relations, Avalara
I think the most important change in accounting throughout my career has been the illumination of the multitude of paths that exist in the accounting industry. It used to be that all that was known was the Big 4 route or exiting to industry, but there are creators shedding light on the fact that there is so much nuance and so many different opportunities to pursue in an accounting career beyond the traditional definitions of what it means to be an accountant.
– Dominic Piscopo, founder, Big 4 Transparency
The shortage of CPAs. I used to think technology would be the catalyst for change, but the constraint of finding talent is forcing firms to do things differently- and mostly better. I'm seeing improvements is firm culture, work hours, technology and client service all due to the competition for talent.
– Brannon Poe, founder, Poe Group Advisors and The Accounting Practice Academy
Over the past 30 years, the most important change in accounting has been the shift from compliance-focused services to strategic advisory, especially through the rise of Client Advisory Services (CAS). This transformation has been fueled by technological advancements, particularly cloud computing and now AI, which have automated routine tasks and empowered accountants to deliver deeper insights and real-time guidance. The profession has evolved from record-keeping to becoming a proactive partner in business growth and decision-making.
— Kane Polakoff, partner, client advisory services practice leader, global consulting solutions, CohnReznick Advisory
The ever-expanding role of technology within the profession has been a major adjustment for both the accounting and internal audit professions. When I began my career, it was largely a pencil-and-paper job, with spreadsheet programs like Excel just starting to gain broader usage, alongside emerging tools that helped automate basic bookkeeping tasks such as payroll and invoicing.
Today's accounting profession, like internal audit, is data-driven, increasingly able to leverage automation to improve efficiency, and shifting from a purely assurance-based approach to a more analytical, advisory one. None of these changes would have been possible without technology, and I believe that the period from when I began my career to now has been the most transformative in the history of both accounting and internal audit.
As artificial intelligence continues to be adopted more broadly, it's likely that we're the pace of business transformation is only going to accelerate. The ability to effectively incorporate AI into our approach and ensure that new recruits are comfortable with the technology will be critical for both accounting and internal audit.
While technology has transformed the profession during my career, what has not changed is the importance of earning the trust of your clients and your organization to forge valuable relationships. The ability to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication is, in my view, technology-agnostic and will remain essential to success well into the future.
— Anthony Pugliese, president & CEO, Institute of Internal Auditors
AI.
— Terry Putney, senior managing director, Whitman Transition Advisors
Technology, including recent AI influences. No college graduate loves the grunt work, and I'm pleased to see advances in reducing the tasks our talented professionals are better off not doing. Technology changes have allowed us to be more efficient and focus our time on highest and best uses, and the best is yet to come as AI continues to improve.
— Kristen Rampe, managing partner, Rosenberg Associates
I believe the most important change in the accounting profession during my career has been the growth in the diversification of leadership. When I entered the profession there was a significantly smaller percentage of women and people of color within the profession and even fewer in leadership roles within accounting firms and business and industry. There is still much work to do, but we have experienced major strides within my professional career that we should be proud of.
— Okorie Ramsey, vice president, Sarbanes/Oxley
Enron happened while I was an accounting student in business school, so I watched the implementation of SOX, the Dodd-Frank Act and installation of PCAOB. The magnitude and impact from world events in business — Enron, WorldCom, AIG and the collapse of Arthur Anderson — is engrained into my conservative approach to auditing. I went into this career fully understanding the value and necessity of trust. And the consequences when trust is not present.
Accordingly, I've always had a keen interest in the regulation and activity that surrounds that era of accounting as it shaped my formative years, but it still exists today. The current climate is interesting, as I've always known life with the PCAOB. The rollout to changes in revenue recognition and leases had a big impact, as it was a big change to how clients recognize and think about these topics. ASC 606 specifically. It was a big effort, guiding clients through the changes and what wasn't changing.
GASB 63 was significant to me personally, as I had been in practice for about five years, but had transitioned from Big 4 – going from a class of 60 to a firm size of 60 people in all. I started working on government clients, and I was asked to lead GASB 63 implementation across the firm; it shaped my ability to dissect a standard, learn it backwards and frontwards, and explain it to anyone, from highly sophisticated CFO to my mother (a non-CPA) and everyone in between.
Clarifying standards were also a big deal at the time — each one of these show that we really do lead change efforts for our clients and at the root of business transactions. Each circumstance taught me to do my homework, learn the fundamentals and the mechanics of the standards, and then it's in your wheelhouse forever. It makes you a strong practitioner. Learn what is required and hone your professional judgement.
– Emily Remington, director, audit product management, CPA.com
The biggest shift is the rise of professional judgment working alongside AI. Accountants are no longer just interpreters of historical data. They now guide how advanced analytics are applied and ensure that insights align with ethical and professional standards.
– Wenzel Ryan Reyes, head of methodology, audit solutions, MindBridge AI
The ongoing evolution of technology demands that we thoughtfully assess how it integrates into our profession in practical, meaningful ways. While advanced tools enable us to process and interpret vast volumes of data, the real challenge lies in discerning signal from noise—ensuring that the insights we extract are grounded in fact and truly support effective decision-making
– Miklos Ringbauer, principal/founder, MiklosCPA
Initially, the move from generalist to specialist which is super important for relevance to those we serve, ability to add heightened value, and pursuit of specialty-related skills and credentials. This ties to the more recent change in the direction of worth-based pricing. Together, specialization and pricing for worth are a winning combo.
— Michelle Golden River, CEO, Fore LLC
The most important change I've witnessed in my 40-year career is the adoption of cloud technology. It gave firms freedom of space—breaking the traditional office model—and that shift has been pivotal in enabling the profession to recruit and retain the next generation of talent.
— Darren Root, co-founder, Better Everyday
What comes to mind are CPAs providing consulting services, computer technology and merger mania. But those may have been predictable by people wiser than me. The most important change – that could not have been predicted – is the introduction of private equity to CPA firms.
— Marc Rosenberg, managing partner and founder, Rosenberg Associates
The development and adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, agentic AI, extended reality, and blockchain have revolutionized the profession. The shift to cloud-based platforms, like CCH Axcess™ Suite, has transformed tax preparation, compliance, workflow management, and audit solutions.
– Cathy Rowe, senior vice president and segment leader, U.S. professional market, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting North America
This is tough to answer, but I think it is a recognition that talent is the profession's biggest challenge and opportunity. When I started in the profession, conversations around culture, inclusion, and flexibility were rare. Now, (some) firms understand that attracting and keeping great people requires rethinking how we work and who we make space for.
— Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk, president, BBR Cos. and Accounting MOVE Project
The most important change in accounting during my career has been the integration of artificial intelligence and automation, which rivals the industry's earlier transformation through digitization and cloud technology. Just as moving from paper ledgers to digital systems revolutionized efficiency and accessibility, AI is now redefining how we analyze data, assess risk, and deliver insight. This evolution is shifting accountants from recordkeepers to strategic, forward-looking advisors who leverage technology to drive value while safeguarding the integrity and trust at the core of the profession.
— Guylaine Saint Juste, president & CEO, NABA Inc.
The most important change in accountant during my career has been the technology. When I started, processes were manual and the value to our clients was mostly compliance-based. Through technology advancements including the internet, cloud-based applications, no-code/low-code applications and artificial intelligence, we have been able to expand the type and scope of services we offer to include areas where we would not have previously been able to.
– Heather Satterley, director of education and media, Woodard
The structuring of how accounting firms operate and serve their clients have significantly changed over my career including firms becoming publicly traded accounting firms (e.g., CBIZ); restructuring as an ESOP(e.g., BDO, Grassi, etc.); restructuring with PE investments (e.g., literally hundreds of accounting firms have taken some level of PE investments at this point); pivotal moves into practicing law within the states (KPMG, Aprio, etc.); key moves into building and scaling diversified service lines beyond the traditional Attest, Tax, and CAS practices into highly focused advisory practices with niche areas around Digital Advisory, Risk Advisory, ESG Advisory, and much more.
— Peter Scalise, national partner-in-charge, federal tax credits & incentives practice leader, SAX
The most important change is just starting: AI-driven anomaly detection. This will allow auditors to go from seeking the needle in the haystack to finding all the needles in the haystack. Instead of relying on the sampling protocol to identify the needles, it will be like burning down the haystack and using a magnet to pull the needles out of the ashes.
– Corey Schmidt, partner and director of audit innovation, Accountability Plus
Over the past two decades and across three companies, I've experienced the profession from the client side, and the most important change has been how technology has transformed value delivery. From meeting with our first accountant in person on a monthly basis in 2008, to receiving emailed Excel financials outputted via QuickBooks Online during my second business in 2012, to now reimagining the end-to-end close in an effort to deliver live financial dashboards with Digits in 2025, it's clear how fundamental software technology has and will continue to be to the way accountants deliver their client-facing work.
– Jeff Seibert, founder & CEO, Digits
The globalization of the accounting profession is the most important change. Accountants and the users of reported information can rely on high-quality standards for financial reporting (IFRS) and audits (ISAs) wherever they are. I have been lucky enough to have had a seat at the table for that development (IFRS Foundation, 2000-2011, and the IAASB, 2019-present). The global nature of the profession and its commitment to high-quality standards help to set the accountancy profession apart.
– Tom Seidenstein, chair, International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board; co-CEO, International Foundation for Ethics and Audit
Since I am coming from a tax focus, I would say the increased regulatory environment that arose from the Enron scandal (e.g., SOX). It has profoundly changed the precision required in our field and has necessitated significant analysis of the impact of taxes on public companies or any form of reporting company.
– David Sekula, CEO/executive director, Global Tax Management Inc.
Moving away from the trusted advisor to a more transactional relationship.
— Gary Shamis, CEO, Winding River Consulting
Clearly the advent of technology as tools to help us do our jobs faster and more effectively and remove more and more of the less interesting parts of the work.
But technology has not, and will not, eliminate the need for an organization to have a trusted accountant as a colleague or advisor, to talk to about their unique business issues and how they should deploy technology or tools in their own businesses.
– Jere Shawver, chair, Private Company Council
The embracing of ESG. This is the bridge that we need to both expand accounting's relevancy outside of finance and also provides a path for a more values-aligned career that many of the younger generations are seeking.
— Donny Shimamoto, founder and managing director, IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC
The rise of technology and automation has fundamentally transformed accounting, and AI will accelerate this further by reshaping the skills required by CPAs and finance professionals.
— Eva Simpson, VP, member value, tax & advisory services, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
The most important change in accounting during my career has undoubtedly been the incredible advancements in technology. These innovations have transformed the profession from a primarily manual, paper-driven process into a highly automated, data-driven discipline. Today, we can leverage powerful tools to increase audit quality, streamline compliance, and provide real-time insights into financial and operational performance. Technology has enabled accountants to move beyond traditional bookkeeping and become strategic advisors, helping organizations make informed decisions based on predictive analytics and integrated reporting.
Cloud computing, AI, and advanced data analytics have made it possible to manage operations more efficiently, reduce errors, and enhance transparency. Automation has eliminated repetitive tasks, freeing up time for higher-value work such as risk assessment and strategic planning. Good riddance to the days of 13-column paper and manual reconciliations! The shift has not only improved accuracy and speed but also elevated the role of accounting professionals in driving business success.
— Lisa Simpson, vice president – firm services, AICPA & CIMA
I've experienced Sarbanes-Oxley, cloud accounting, automation, value-based pricing, and two accounting firms that no longer exist (not my fault).
Nothing compares to the last five years and the arrival of private equity. PE investment has accelerated change faster and more disruptively than any period before. With outside capital, firms can finally scale what the partnership model slowed: growth, technology, M&A, and reinvestment at an unprecedented pace. A decade or more of modernization is being compressed into a few short years. As a result, the competition is tougher, partners are feeling real accountability, everyone has an alternative practice structure, and PE disciplines around profit and efficiency will shape the industry's trajectory for years to come.
Firms that cry, "Independence!" are starting to second guess their opinions as they imagine what they're missing. With the first time that a public accounting firm changed PE hands in the bag in 2025, it's only going to get more interesting.
– Douglas Slaybaugh, owner and founder, The CPA Coach; chief growth officer, uiAgent
The most important change in accounting during my career has been the transformation of technology from a back-office support tool into a central driver of the profession. Early on, accounting was viewed primarily as compliance and recordkeeping, with technology making processes faster. Today, artificial intelligence, blockchain, automation, and advanced analytics are reshaping the very scope of our work.
This shift has elevated expectations of accountants: we are now asked to provide insights, risk analysis, and guidance on emerging areas like cryptoassets and sustainability reporting, not just accurate records.
In my view, the defining change is that accounting has moved beyond "keeping the books" to becoming a forward-looking, technology-enabled profession that translates complexity into trusted information for decision-making.
— Sean Stein Smith, accounting working group chair, Wall Street Blockchain Alliance
Technology: The rise of AI, automation, and data analytics has radically changed how accountants work, deliver insights, and interact with clients. Technology is not just a tool; it's becoming a cornerstone of our value proposition. Here is a post describing the impact technology has had on the quality of work of our people.
– Chris Spurio, president, CBIZ Financial Services; senior vice president, CBIZ Inc.
The conversion from paper to electronic in all areas of the CPA profession.
– Val Steed, director accountants, Zoho Corp.
- Nothing will be as transformational as AI.
- But there are precedents -- and they are all technological.
- Without spreadsheets, we wouldn't have FP&A.
- Without the calculator, we'd still be using pencils and erasers.
- Without the cloud, we'd be chained to our desks.
— Rick Telberg, founder & CEO, CPA Trendlines Research
The most important change in my forty-year career has been the shift from compliance-only firms to multi-disciplinary, advisory-driven organizations. When I started, firms were measured by audit and tax revenue. Today, the firms that thrive are those that build broader advisory platforms—combining technology (which I consider a close second in impactful change), strategy, and people development with compliance. That shift has changed what it means to be a CPA firm.
— Gary Thomson, managing partner, Thomson Consulting
Every time the profession has faced a major shift, it has felt like the biggest change yet. But AI truly marks a turning point unlike anything I've seen in more than two decades in accounting. That's because AI isn't just changing how accountants work, but it's redefining what they do and how they think. It's moving the profession from doing tasks to delivering insight and from being compliance-driven to being client-centric. We're in the middle of an evolution that will reshape the skills, structures and even the identities of firms. The future of accounting belongs to those who understand how to work with AI.
– Katie Tolin, co-founder, XcelLabs
The most important change in accounting during my career has been the shift from technical precision to transformational leadership.
Firms are no longer defined by how well they manage the numbers, but by how well they lead their people, embrace digital transformation, and align around a shared vision of growth. That evolution — from compliance to culture, from transactions to transformation — has fundamentally reshaped what it means to be a firm leader today.
— David Toth, chief growth officer and managing principal, Winding River Consulting
How CPAs' work has been the most significant change during my career. Specifically, how technology has allowed CPAs to become the experts of relationships that is at the heart of the profession. This technology allows us to work smartly and serve clients in a more meaningful way than ever before. Time is being better spent elsewhere.
– Rob Trexler, director, audit professional services, CPA.com
The shift from desktop to cloud, and from bookkeeping to advisory, has fundamentally redefined the profession.
We've moved from retrospective data entry to real-time, insight-driven, API-connected advisory. Remote teams, dashboards, integrations, and AI-enhanced insights have transformed client expectations. The firms that embrace this shift are not just surviving - they're scaling, thriving, and shaping the future.
– Cenk Tukel, founder and CEO, Tukel Accounting
M&A is reshaping the landscape, and technology and offshore resources are also continuing to positively influence the profession as well. Each of these is aiding in the ability of firms to automate and increase capacity. It both develops quality and the ability for the compliance work to be done more efficiency. The most important change is the role of CPA—how it has evolved over the last 10 years and how it will continue to evolve over the next 10. We have to re-tool our training, our skillsets and our view of what value we bring to our clients.
– Josh Tyree, CEO, Sorren
Shows my age, but the significant advancement of women coupled with the professions ability to adapt.
– Barbara Vanich, chief auditor and director of professional standards, PCAOB
The rise of technology as both a catalyst and a challenge. Data analytics, automation, and AI have transformed how we work, yet many firms are still catching up in how they train, structure, and reward people in this new environment.
— Chris Vanover, founder & president, CPA Club Inc.
Cloud Technology freed us from data entry and opened space for collaboration between clients and accountants realtime: strategy, relationships, advisory work.
When I first started, value meant the compliance reports we compiled. Now clients can get this real time through their software. They come to us for interpretation, guidance, and trust.
The shift from transactional to advisory has been massive. From accountant to what I call a Cherished Advisor. But not everyone has made that transition, and you can see who's thriving versus who's struggling.
Now with AI this is going to be a multiplier. It is forcing the profession not to hide from it and confront what is coming.
— Amy Vetter, CEO, The B3 Method Institute
The evolution of audit technology has redefined how we work and the value we provide. My career began with the manual, time-consuming task of copying audit documents at the copy machine. That reality is now ancient history.
Today, our early career auditors serve as strategic analysts. Equipped with KPMG Clara, our smart audit platform embedded with AI, they are uncovering new insights for our clients. By using AI to analyze entire sets of financial data, they uncover risks and opportunities that were simply beyond the scope of manual analysis. This is elevating the strategic value we deliver to our clients and the capital markets.
– Timothy Walsh, chair and CEO, KPMG
The most important change in accounting during my career has been our evolution from primarily providing deliverables to delivering strategic advice. I suspect many would cite technological changes as well. While certainly profound, I view technology as merely a driver of the more important shift toward becoming trusted advisors who can help our clients thrive and unlock potential across our economy.
While this change has been building for many years, it used to hold true mostly for mid- and late-career accountants. Now the further advance of technology, led by AI, opens more opportunities for younger accountants to take on more meaningful work at even earlier stages in their career journey. That's exciting—but it also means we have an even deeper obligation to teach our associates about this mindset at the earliest stages of their career. Once again, this is why I am so passionate about the partnership model and our firm's culture of mentoring the next generation for long-term success.
— Tom Watson, CEO, Forvis Mazars
The acceleration and rise of artificial intelligence and automation.
– Shelly Weir, president & CEO, Florida Institute of CPAs
The rapid progress of technology.
– Lee White, CEO, International Federation of Accountants
The integration of technology into our daily work. Technology is inseparable from accounting. It has enabled advisory by allowing us to deliver information in a far more timely and relevant way. Thanks to automation, we can give information context and go beyond the general ledger to operational systems that drive business results. We can help our clients turn information into insights and make better, faster decisions. While we are still learning how to communicate what we know effectively, it is far easier than it used to be.
In the past, we had to choose between timeliness and accuracy and we no longer have to make that tradeoff.
— Geni Whitehouse, president, Information Technology Alliance
The most important change in accounting during my career most certainly has been the Alternate Practice Structure. The APS model first emerged in the 1990s when firms like American Express and CBIZ began the separation of attest function services from tax and other advisory service offerings. This was done to permit outside investments and broader service offerings. The AICPA, as well as state boards of accountancy recognized there was a need for greater operational flexibility. What started in the 1990's is the structure that allows the rising investments being made by private equity that we are seeing over the past three plus years.
— Philip Whitman, CEO, Whitman Transition Advisors
The most critical change has been the shift from a shared services business model to a shared vision business model. Today, firms operate more like true businesses, guided by a clear vision and strategic plan. This approach prioritizes people-first strategies, treats technology as a vital asset, streamlines processes across the organization and drives intentional growth. Seeing this transformation take hold across the profession is refreshing and inspiring.
— Sandra Wiley, president, Boomer Consulting Inc.
I'm struggling between two and I think they're related: First, the retirement, over time, of mature leaders (both the silent generation and then Baby Boomers) and the increasing impact that NextGen leaders have had, speeding change within firms, especially related to culture and technology. Second, the incredible opportunities we've seen to communicate and collaborate faster, and work more efficiently that have come from automation: with automated accounting, social media, immensely powerful productivity tools like Teams, Excel, etc., video communication tools that enabled more remote work, and now the risk of AI in all aspects of accounting, finance, and operations. So far, AI is amazing – astounding! And, of course, it opens up both enormous possibilities and staggering challenges. So much to look forward to!
— Jennifer Lee Wilson, co-founder and partner, ConvergenceCoaching LLC
The change of ownership structure of CPA firms, driven by PE.
— Joe Woodard, CEO, Woodard
I believe the most important change in accounting has been the entrance of private equity. It's clear at this point that there is no stopping this trend, which is accelerating the pace of consolidation and changing competitive dynamics at a rapid pace. PE's entrance is forcing all firms to seriously consider how their business models and strategies will enable them to be relevant in the future. This has always been good practice, but now it is an urgent imperative as the industry is evolving at its fastest rate ever.
— David Wurtzbacher, founder & CEO, Ascend
The shift from a fully in-person environment to a remote or hybrid experience during and since the pandemic has been the most significant change in accounting during my career. In my view, this transformation has been decidedly mixed. On one hand, the shift has brought greater flexibility, allowing professionals to move more fluidly between work and personal responsibilities. On the other hand, it's blurred the boundaries between work and home, often making the workday feel like it never really ends. It's also raised concerns about whether the next generation of leaders is missing out on the "in the trenches" experience that many of us relied on, and took for granted, as we grew into the profession.
– Jamie Yesnowitz, partner, Grant Thornton Advisors
