Rise of tech requires CPAs to trust in human abilities

Every year, the AICPA and CPA.com gather top executives from the accounting software vendor community along with accountants, media members, and thought leaders. Over the course of a couple of days, attendees hear from experts and discuss the future of technology and how the vendors can work with CPAs -- and even one another -- in innovative ways to move forward together. Executive Roundtable took place recently in New York, and I was privileged to attend as one of the invited thought leaders. This year's event had a laser focus on audit and compliance services, covering topics such as data-driven audits powered by artificial intelligence and how to create more future-proof firms. At the roundtable, AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, referenced the 2018 World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, which lists accountants and auditors (as well as accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll clerks) among the jobs most likely to decline due to automation.