Journal of Accountancy Podcast

In this episode, Erik Asgeirsson of CPA.com looks back and looks ahead — to the next weeks and months and also to the future of AI in the accounting profession.
Asgeirsson explains how AI's acceleration in tax, audit, and client advisory services builds on lessons learned during the cloud computing transformation. He outlines where firms are seeing the biggest opportunities, why tax is emerging as a key area for innovation, and how new AI capabilities are reshaping workflows and insights. 
The conversation also covers practical steps for firms to get started with AI, along with the risks to manage and the long-term shift toward higher-value advisory services.
Asgeirsson was one of the creators of AICPA Town Hall back in spring of 2020. He talked about Town Hall's guiding principles, which have shaped the show and resonate with its thousands of viewers today.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
CPA.com's AI resource page.
AICPA ENGAGE agenda.
Digital CPA Conference in December.
What you'll learn from this episode:
How lessons from the rise of cloud computing and client advisory services can guide firms' AI strategies.
Why tax is emerging as a leading area for AI-driven transformation, from research to new preparation tools.
What recent advances in AI models mean for CPAs, including stronger data analysis, automation, and integration into everyday tools.
How small and midsize firms can get started with AI.
Why embracing AI can lead to expansion for firms into higher-value advisory work, even as they manage risks such as data security and governance.
Asgeirsson's reflection on the growth of AICPA Town Hall from a pandemic-era resource to a high-production platform shaping firm strategy and responding directly to member questions.
One JofA-related highlight that Asgeirsson is looking forward to at ENGAGE.

In this episode, Erik Asgeirsson of CPA.com looks back and looks ahead — to the next weeks and months and also to the future of AI in the accounting profession.
Asgeirsson explains how AI's acceleration in tax, audit, and client advisory services builds on lessons learned during the cloud computing transformation. He outlines where firms are seeing the biggest opportunities, why tax is emerging as a key area for innovation, and how new AI capabilities are reshaping workflows and insights. 
The conversation also covers practical steps for firms to get started with AI, along with the risks to manage and the long-term shift toward higher-value advisory services.
Asgeirsson was one of the creators of AICPA Town Hall back in spring of 2020. He talked about Town Hall's guiding principles, which have shaped the show and resonate with its thousands of viewers today.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
CPA.com's AI resource page.
AICPA ENGAGE agenda.
Digital CPA Conference in December.
What you'll learn from this episode:
How lessons from the rise of cloud computing and client advisory services can guide firms' AI strategies.
Why tax is emerging as a leading area for AI-driven transformation, from research to new preparation tools.
What recent advances in AI models mean for CPAs, including stronger data analysis, automation, and integration into everyday tools.
How small and midsize firms can get started with AI.
Why embracing AI can lead to expansion for firms into higher-value advisory work, even as they manage risks such as data security and governance.
Asgeirsson's reflection on the growth of AICPA Town Hall from a pandemic-era resource to a high-production platform shaping firm strategy and responding directly to member questions.
One JofA-related highlight that Asgeirsson is looking forward to at ENGAGE.

In this episode, Erik Asgeirsson of CPA.com looks back and looks ahead — to the next weeks and months and also to the future of AI in the accounting profession.
Asgeirsson explains how AI's acceleration in tax, audit, and client advisory services builds on lessons learned during the cloud computing transformation. He outlines where firms are seeing the biggest opportunities, why tax is emerging as a key area for innovation, and how new AI capabilities are reshaping workflows and insights. 
The conversation also covers practical steps for firms to get started with AI, along with the risks to manage and the long-term shift toward higher-value advisory services.
Asgeirsson was one of the creators of AICPA Town Hall back in spring of 2020. He talked about Town Hall's guiding principles, which have shaped the show and resonate with its thousands of viewers today.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
CPA.com's AI resource page.
AICPA ENGAGE agenda.
Digital CPA Conference in December.
What you'll learn from this episode:
How lessons from the rise of cloud computing and client advisory services can guide firms' AI strategies.
Why tax is emerging as a leading area for AI-driven transformation, from research to new preparation tools.
What recent advances in AI models mean for CPAs, including stronger data analysis, automation, and integration into everyday tools.
How small and midsize firms can get started with AI.
Why embracing AI can lead to expansion for firms into higher-value advisory work, even as they manage risks such as data security and governance.
Asgeirsson's reflection on the growth of AICPA Town Hall from a pandemic-era resource to a high-production platform shaping firm strategy and responding directly to member questions.
One JofA-related highlight that Asgeirsson is looking forward to at ENGAGE.

James Cox, an AICPA vice president, explains why efforts to weaken professional licensure are gaining traction in state legislatures. He discusses the role of the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL) and the risks that deregulation could pose to CPAs and the public.
The episode also highlights how organizations and professionals can stay informed and engaged as debates about professional licensing evolve.
What you'll learn from this episode:
Why Cox says that "attacks" on CPA licensure have expanded to new fronts in recent years.
How state budget pressures and political trends are fueling deregulation efforts.
How weakening licensing standards could reduce trust in financial reporting and other services.
What polling shows about public and business support for professional licensure.
Cox's recommendations to CPAs to stay vigilant and work with state societies.

Today is National Accounting Day. To mark the occasion, Sue Coffey, CPA, CGMA, the AICPA's CEO–Public Accounting, joined the podcast for a special edition to discuss celebrating the day and maximizing the profession's broader impact.
She explains how the CPA Trust campaign aims to highlight the value CPAs bring to businesses, individuals, and communities. Coffey shares examples of trust in action, from financial reporting to tax planning and advisory support. Coffey also details what practitioners can expect from ENGAGE in June.
What you'll learn from this episode:
The significance of National Accounting Day to Coffey.
A preview of the AICPA's CPA Trust campaign.
Real-world examples of how trust in action is demonstrated by CPAs with clients and communities.
Why CPAs are encouraged to share their impact publicly through social media.
What makes ENGAGE a key event for learning, networking, and industry insights.