In the News - March 30, 2026

This week’s updates reflect a profession that is continuing to modernize in practical ways. The IRS is expanding in-person support during filing season, while technology providers are introducing new integrations, developer tools, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities aimed at improving efficiency and insight.

Hiring trends also suggest AI is becoming a more visible expectation across accounting and finance roles. For practitioners, these developments are another reminder that staying current on both client service changes and technology shifts remains important.

What’s Happening at Woodard

Thriving in a World of Constant Change (Woodard Report)

A recent episode of The Woodard Report Podcast features Heather Satterley and futurist April Rinne discussing how professionals can adapt and lead in a world defined by constant change. The conversation is especially relevant for accounting professionals navigating AI, staffing changes, and evolving client expectations. Read more...

How to Argue with AI (and Why!) (Woodard Report)

This Woodard Report article explains why accounting professionals should not accept AI output at face value. It encourages practitioners to question responses, request support, and apply professional skepticism before relying on AI in client work. Read more…

What Accounting Websites Get Wrong + What Pros Recommend (Woodard Report)

A recent Woodard Report article outlines common weaknesses in accounting firm websites, including vague messaging and unclear calls to action. It offers practical ideas for improving trust, clarity, and search visibility. Read more…

IRS Updates

IRS Announces Special Saturday Hours at Taxpayer Assistance Centers Across the Nation to Provide Face-to-Face Help (IRS)

The IRS announced special Saturday hours at select Taxpayer Assistance Centers through the end of June, along with extended weekday hours at more than 200 locations through April 30. The change may help taxpayers who need in-person assistance during filing season. Read more…

Technology Updates

Xero and Anthropic Collaborate to Bring AI-Powered Financial Intelligence to Millions of Small Businesses (Woodard Report)

Xero and Anthropic announced a multi-year partnership to bring Claude into Xero and make Xero data accessible within Claude.ai. The collaboration is designed to help small businesses and advisors analyze financial performance and act on insights more easily. Read more...

MindBridge Unveils Developer Portal to Support Continuous Financial Oversight (CPA Practice Advisor)

MindBridge launched a new Developer Portal with documentation, tools, and API access intended to make its platform easier to integrate into broader financial systems. The release reflects growing interest in more continuous financial oversight. Read more...

Extend Adds Support for Sage Intacct, Xero, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (CPA Practice Advisor)

Extend announced new integrations with Sage Intacct, Xero, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The update expands connectivity between spend management and accounting systems and may help reduce manual reconciliation work. Read more...

AI Skills Mentions in Accountant Job Postings Rise 67% (CPA Practice Advisor)

A recent report found that mentions of AI in accountant job postings rose 67% from January 2025 to January 2026. The data suggests AI is becoming a more explicit expectation in accounting and finance hiring. Read more...

These updates point to a profession that is continuing to evolve through better service access, more connected technology, and rising expectations around AI readiness. For accounting professionals, keeping pace with these developments can help support better decisions for both firms and clients.

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