Surviving or Thriving? The Future of Accounting in an AI-Driven Profession

In episode 185 of The Woodard Report podcast, Joe Woodard and Heather Day discuss BOI updates, firm acquisitions, new NASBA CPE regulations, and the five hypotheses on the evolution of AI. Joe and Heather also have an honest discussion about how much perception matters and the concept of living your fullest life by embracing risk and change.

Current events

Heather opened the podcast with an update on BOI reporting and the uncertainty it created for both firms and clients. She noted that many professionals had already spent time helping clients prepare, only to see the requirement change again.

Joe followed with Grant Thornton Advisors’ acquisition of CBIZ and what it may suggest about continued consolidation in the accounting profession. He linked the news to a broader conversation about how smaller and independent firms can remain distinct as the market changes.

Watch Episode 185 here  

TV and movie quotes

Heather discussed a quote from House of the Dragon and linked it to the issue of perception within the accounting profession. She explained how firms convey their value, the way clients understand that message, and why the words that firms use are important since compliance work is becoming more automated. Heather added, “We have to be more intentional than ever about how we frame our messaging to control our brand.”

Joe discussed a quote from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and used it to talk about the difference between staying comfortable and choosing a more intentional path. He compared it to the risks practice owners face when they decide whether to keep doing things the same way or make changes that could lead to a better firm and life.

Excellent things learned

Heather shared a CPE update from NASBA. Starting with the new rules, half-credit CPE sessions will be allowed, which could open the door for more 25-minute learning opportunities and shorter webinars. She also explained that the rollout will happen over time, so professionals should not assume every existing one hour program now qualifies for partial credit.

Joe shared what he learned from Richard Susskind’s book How to Think About AI. He walked through five AI hypotheses, then discussed how quickly AI may move from today’s tools into more advanced forms of intelligence. Joe stressed, “You’re still on a roller coaster in the middle of the ride”.

Two truths and a lie

Heather’s round focused on the dog days of summer and where the phrase comes from. Joe’s round centered on Disney’s upcoming park expansions and whether Disney was launching Cars Land, Zootopia, or Monstropolis.

Member spotlight

This week’s member spotlight was Jennifer Mitchell and Eve Pickett from Account Sense. Jennifer is celebrating 20 years in business and has been working to implement the Client Advisory Services (CAS) model in her practice. Heather shared that the team has been building packages, refining pricing, and moving clients into the new framework with intention.

Woodard Report article of the week

Heather highlighted Deb Defer’s article, Strategic Client Onboarding: Where Advisory Success Really Begins. This article looks at onboarding as more than an administrative workflow and encourages firms to treat it as a relationship building opportunity that supports stronger advisory work.

Listen to the full episode and subscribe to The Woodard Report Podcast

🎧 Listen to the full episode at woodard.com/podcast.

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Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard™ Membership!
Woodard™ Membership empowers accounting professionals to build scalable, advisory-centric practices through community, education, and mentorship. Members gain access to exclusive resources, collaborative forums, guided implementation programs, and live events designed to accelerate professional and business growth. To learn more about how Woodard™ Membership can support your journey, visit: Woodard Memberships

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