The Woodard Report

In the News: May 8, 2026

Written by The Woodard Report Team | May 8, 2026 6:42:06 PM

This week’s headlines reflect an accounting profession facing change from multiple directions. Technology, regulation, and client expectations continue to shift, creating new questions and new opportunities across accounting practices. Staying current helps practices make better decisions about operations, services, and client support.

What’s happening at Woodard

AI Is Collapsing Time: What Accounting Firms Must Do Next (The Woodard Report)

In this week’s The Woodard Report Podcast, Joe talks with Kacee Johnson about how AI is changing the pace of accounting work and why firms need a thoughtful plan for adapting. The conversation focuses on pricing, upskilling, and separating real opportunity from hype. Read more...

Behind the Xero and Anthropic Partnership (The Woodard Report)

The Woodard Report recently sat down with Andrew Kanzer, U.S. managing director for Xero, to discuss Xero’s partnership with Anthropic. The conversation looks at how Claude will appear inside Xero and how safeguards are being built around sensitive financial information. Read more...

Using Ramp vs. Melio for Accounts Payable (The Woodard Report)

This article compares Ramp and Melio for accounts payable, with a focus on workflow differences inside QuickBooks Online. It offers a practical look at sync timing, approvals, and what accounting professionals may want to consider before changing tools. Read more...

Scaling New Heights app has launched

If you are registered for Scaling New Heights, now is a good time to check your email for the app launch. Attendees can use the app to pick breakout sessions, learn more about topics, direct message instructors, receive updates, and connect with other attendees. Scaling New Heights 2026 is scheduled for June 14 through 17 in Orlando and it’s not too late to register! Register here…

IRS updates

IRS recognizes the importance of small businesses, provides helpful resources (IRS)

The IRS marked National Small Business Week by highlighting tools, guidance, and educational resources for small businesses. The agency said the effort is meant to help business owners stay compliant, protect their operations, and make informed financial decisions. Read more...

IRS seeking applications for Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program grants (IRS)

The IRS is seeking applications for grants supporting the Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs. These programs help provide tax return preparation and related support for eligible taxpayers through community-based assistance. Read more...

Technology updates

Sage touts new, enhanced products for advisory, payroll, more (Accounting Today)

Sage is rolling out new and enhanced products across advisory, payroll, and human capital management. Among the announcements is Sage HCM, which brings core HR, payroll, time, and talent workflows together in one connected system. Read more...

Intuit Unveils QuickBooks Workforce, Radically Transforming Human Capital Management for Small and Mid-Market Businesses (Intuit)

Intuit introduced QuickBooks Workforce, a new human capital management platform embedded in QuickBooks that combines payroll, time tracking, benefits, hiring, and compliance workflows. The company said the product is designed to reduce complexity and give businesses a more complete view of workforce and financial data in one place. Read more...

Avalara Adds New Capabilities to Property Tax Solution (CPA Practice Advisor)

Avalara added new features to its property tax solution aimed at helping organizations scale return season performance and prepare for peak filing periods. The update reflects continued demand for more efficient property tax workflows as compliance requirements grow. Read more...

Digits Brings Automated Accounting Schedules Inside the Ledger (CPA Practice Advisor)

Digits introduced Digits Schedules, a new system that brings accrual accounting workflows into the ledger by automatically detecting, generating, and managing supporting schedules. The launch points to growing interest in reducing manual accounting work inside core systems. Read more...

Taken together, these updates show how the profession keeps moving in steady, practical ways. IRS outreach, volunteer support, product expansion, and automation all point to the same broader trend. Firms have more opportunities to improve how they serve clients, manage work, and prepare for what comes next.

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