The Future of Accounting Firms: Embracing AI, Advisory and Finding a Balanced Life with Seth Fineberg

A Shifting Profession

The accounting profession is evolving, and Seth Fineberg has had a front-row seat to these shifts. A seasoned journalist who found his niche covering the accounting industry, Seth brings a unique perspective on how the field has transformed—and where it’s headed next. In this episode of The Accountant’s Flight Plan, Brannon Poe sits down with Seth to discuss the modernization of accounting firms, the talent shortage, and why more professionals are rethinking the traditional firm model.

The Divide Between Tradition and Innovation
According to Seth, with over 1.4 million accountants in the U.S., the industry is divided when it comes to change. Seth estimates that roughly 55-60% of professionals are adapting to a modern approach, others still resist shifting away from legacy structures. The pandemic and ongoing talent shortages have forced many firms to rethink their operations, prioritizing value over volume. Seth shares insights into how firms are transitioning into more advisory-driven roles, integrating wealth management services, and leveraging AI to automate routine tasks—all while maintaining the essential human element of accounting.

Embracing the Future
As the conversation wraps up, Seth reflects on the bigger picture—how accountants can embrace change, stay positive, and focus on what they can control. With the industry on the brink of major transformation, those who adapt will find themselves at the forefront of a more dynamic, engaging profession. Tune in to hear why the future of accounting is filled with opportunity, and how the right mindset can help you navigate it.

If this conversation inspires you to start improving your practice, check out Accounting Practice Academy. We have a workshop that focuses on improving your cashflow to above 50% and reducing your owner hours to under 2,000 annually.  

Timestamps:

1:25 - Introduction of Seth and his path to working as a journalist in the accounting industry.

8:27 - How the younger generation of accountants is finding more balance.

18:22 - The talent shortage and how it combined with the pandemic pushed the industry to modernize.

22:10 - the innovative suture of the accounting profession.

37:00 - Funny story about karaoke at the Engage conference

45:44 - Book recommendations and closing off: 

The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin: https://www.amazon.com/World-We-Make-Novel-Cities-ebook/dp/B09TZXTJD5