In the News – March 2, 2026

The accounting profession is changing quickly. This week’s news covers gaps in AI adoption, changes in federal policy, updates in enforcement, platform acquisitions, and big product partnerships. The main takeaway is that governance, readiness, and strategy are now just as important as the technology. Here’s what accounting leaders should be watching.

What’s Happening at Woodard

Podcast: AI’s New Accounting Era: Foundation, Fallout, Future (The Woodard Report Podcast)

This episode examines AI’s impact on accounting from three critical angles: the foundational infrastructure practices needed to be in place, the unintended consequences of rapid adoption, and what the future advisory model may look like. The discussion moves beyond hype and focuses on governance, workflow integration, and strategic positioning, all key themes as practices refine their AI roadmaps for 2026. Read more…

Explore the AI Track at Scaling New Heights 2026

Scaling New Heights 2026 continues to build momentum with a dedicated AI track designed specifically for accounting professionals. Sessions will address AI governance, workflow automation, risk management, and practical implementation strategies. Rather than abstract discussions, the track focuses on execution and how practices can responsibly deploy AI while protecting client data and maintaining professional standards. Learn more…

Technology & Industry Developments

Xendoo Acquires Botkeeper’s Infinite Platform

Following Botkeeper’s recent closure announcement, Xendoo has acquired Infinite, the core technology platform developed by Botkeeper to support CPA and accounting practices. Xendoo stated the acquisition reflects its commitment to preserving the platform’s innovation and ensuring continuity for firms that rely on it. Read more…

Intuit and Anthropic Partner to Bring Trusted Financial Intelligence and Custom AI Agents to Consumers and Businesses (Intuit)

Intuit has announced a strategic partnership with Anthropic to embed advanced AI models into its financial platform ecosystem. The collaboration aims to power custom AI agents capable of delivering contextual financial insights and automation across consumer and business use cases. This move signals a significant step toward embedded “financial intelligence” rather than simple automation tools, reinforcing the need for practices to understand how AI-generated insights are produced and governed. Read more…

Regulation & Policy

Senate Finance Committee Proposes to Regulate Tax Preparers, Improve IRS Administration (Accounting Today)

The Senate Finance Committee has introduced the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act, a bipartisan bill that would establish standards and penalties for paid tax preparers while advancing reforms to improve IRS administration. The proposal includes expanded oversight of preparers and measures aimed at modernizing IRS systems and enhancing taxpayer services. Read more…

AICPA Urges Department of Education to Include Accounting Among List of Professional Degrees (AICPA & CIMA)

The AICPA submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education in response to proposed rulemaking, urging the department to include accounting in the regulatory definition of professional degree programs. The Institute stated that failing to recognize accounting as a professional degree could limit access to graduate-level federal student aid and undermine efforts to strengthen the talent pipeline.  Read more…

IRS Updates

IRS Launches New Web Page to Streamline Tax Fraud and Scam Reporting (IRS.gov)

The IRS has introduced a centralized web page designed to simplify how taxpayers and practitioners report fraud and scams. The initiative consolidates reporting pathways and educational resources, aiming to “enhance how referrals are used to stop illegal activity.” Read more…

Research & Insights

Global Survey Reveals Growing AI Adoption Gap as Organizations Struggle with Talent, Technology, and Governance Readiness (AICPA & CIMA)

A new global survey from AICPA & CIMA highlights a widening gap between organizations adopting AI and those effectively governing it. While many companies report deploying AI tools, fewer feel confident in their internal controls, data management, or workforce readiness. The findings reinforce a key theme echoed across this week’s news: AI maturity depends on policy, talent, and oversight, not just software investment. Read more…

With new proposals for preparer regulation, growing focus on AI governance, and more strategic acquisitions, the accounting profession is moving into a new era. In 2026, practices that combine innovation with strong structure, risk management, and purposeful leadership will have the real competitive edge, not just those who adopt changes the fastest.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and edited by a human.