Tariffs, Iran, PE, CPA Pipeline, PCAOB, SEC
The Accounting Podcast
The Future of CPAs in an AI-Driven World
This chapter explores how AI is reshaping the role of CPAs, addressing concerns about job security and the importance of human input. It discusses the potential for a future economy where technology reduces living costs, allowing individuals to redefine their identities beyond their professions. Additionally, the chapter emphasizes the need for foundational skills in accounting, the value of side hustles, and the ethical implications of utilizing AI tools in professional settings.
What happens when 19 states simultaneously abandon the 150-hour CPA requirement while tariffs create unprecedented uncertainty for CFOs? Blake and CFO.com reporter Adam Zaki explore the rapid transformation of CPA licensure—from New York's recent changes to the coordinated state-by-state rollout that followed Barry Melancon's AICPA retirement. You'll discover how political and economic volatility is driving demand for accounting services, why the PCAOB may disappear in the Senate's tax bill, and how AI is reshaping audit teams while raising questions about the future value of CPAs. Plus, insights on navigating everything from reciprocal tariffs to the SEC's new chief accountant.
Sponsors
Cloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cas
Human at Scale - http://accountingpodcast.promo/human
Chapters
- (01:38) - Tariffs and Their Impact on CFOs
- (03:19) - Supreme Court and Tariff Legalities
- (05:47) - Economic Impact of Tariffs and Inflation
- (08:09) - Geopolitical Conflicts and Economic Uncertainty
- (11:17) - Federal Reserve and Economic Policies
- (18:51) - CPA Pipeline and 150 Hour Rule Changes
- (33:08) - Chief Accountant at the SEC
- (40:11) - Smart Moves by Congress: Nonprofit Pay Scales
- (40:44) - The Impact of Budget Cuts on PCAOB
- (41:34) - Challenges in Government Oversight
- (42:02) - Senate's Big Bill: Key Changes and Controversies
- (46:25) - Tax Implications and Political Dynamics
- (52:42) - Business Deductions and Higher Education
- (55:40) - AI in Accounting: Transforming the Big Four
- (57:37) - The Future of Accounting Education
- (01:02:10) - AI's Role in Auditing and the Future Workforce
- (01:05:19) - The Impact of Automation on Jobs and Society
- (01:15:48) - Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook
Show Notes
Supreme Court Challenge to Trump Tariffs by Toy Companies
https://www.reuters.com/legal/supreme-court-trump-tariffs-toy-companies-challenge
Consumer Price Index Impact of Current Tariffs
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm
New York State CPA Licensure Reform Legislation
https://www.nysscpa.org/news/publications/the-trusted-professional/article/new-york-cpa-licensure-reform-passes-legislature
Pennsylvania CPA Pathway Bill Senate Approval
https://www.picpa.org/articles/advocacy/cpa-pathway-legislation-senate-approval
Maine CPA Exam Requirements Change
https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/accountants/cpa-exam-requirements
CFO.com State-by-State CPA Licensure Tracker
https://www.cfo.com/news/cpa-licensure-changes-state-tracker-2025
Kurt Hoel Appointed SEC Chief Accountant
https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2025-89
AICPA Barry Melancon Retirement Impact Analysis
https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2025/01/melancon-retirement-cpa-pipeline-changes
Senate Modifications to Big Beautiful Bill
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/actions
Avalara 2025 Accountants Confidence Report
https://www.avalara.com/us/en/resources/reports/2025-accountants-confidence-report
PCAOB Elimination Implications Analysis
https://www.pcaobus.org/oversight/inspections/implications-elimination-analysis
KPMG Clara AI Audit Platform Interview
https://www.cfo.com/news/kpmg-thomas-mackenzie-clara-ai-audit-interview
PwC USA Tax Leader Agentic AI Implementation
https://www.cfo.com/news/pwc-tax-agentic-ai-implementation-2025
Bill.com Small Business Paperless Survey 2030
https://www.bill.com/resources/small-business-paperless-2030-survey
Universal Technical Institute CFO Interview
https://www.cfo.com/news/uti-cfo-future-higher-education-interview
Need CPE?
Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.com
Subscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.com
Learn more about Adam Zaki:
Website: https://www.cfo.com/editors/azaki/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamzakinyc
Get in Touch
Thanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.
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