AI is changing how accounting work gets done, but what could that mean for the role of the CPA? In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Shane Mason, CPA and co-founder of Brooklyn Fi (BKFi), to explore what an AI-powered accounting and financial planning practice could look like.

Shane discusses how AI can take on routine and technical work, the new skills CPAs will need to work effectively with these tools, and why prompting is becoming an important part of the profession’s skill set. He also explains why the real opportunity may be using AI to create more time for what clients value most: meaningful conversations, thoughtful guidance, and human connection.

Resources:

• Shane Mason / Brooklyn Fi (BKFi)
• MACPA Personal Financial Planning Conference
• OpenAI Prompting Guide
• BILL, episode sponsor

As technology, talent challenges, and changing business models reshape the accounting profession, Jan Lewis believes its greatest strength remains the same: its people.

In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Jan, current Chair of the AICPA Board of Directors, to discuss her people-first approach to the profession and what’s on her radar as she begins her year as chair.

Jan shares why technical and technological skills must be paired with critical thinking and strong people skills, and discusses talent, trust, the changing role of firms, and the importance of creating a profession where different paths to success can thrive.

Resources:

• BILL, AI-powered financial operations platform., episode sponsor
• Rise2040™
• Jan Lewis, AICPA Chair, partner at BMSS Advisors & CPA
• MACPA Volunteer Opportunities

After a year spent listening to CPAs, students, firm leaders, regulators, and others across the profession, Lexy Kessler has a unique perspective on where the profession stands and where it’s headed.

In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Lexy to reflect on her year as AICPA chair and what she learned from conversations across the profession and around the world.

Lexy shares her perspective on the progress being made around talent and technology, the importance of trust, ethics, integrity, and quality, and why listening to different perspectives matters. She also discusses the growing sense of unity across the profession and the opportunity to carry that momentum forward as CPAs navigate continued change.

Resources:

• Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, Partner in Aprio’s Assurance Services Practice and immediate past Chair of the AICPA Board of Directors
• BILL, AI-powered financial operations platform., episode sponsor
• Rise2040™
• MACPA Classroom Visit Program