How WISS Is Transforming Accounting with AI and Gen Z Talent | Paul Peterson

Jun 5, 2025

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Gary DeHart introduces Paul Peterson, managing partner at WISS, an AI-enhanced accounting, advisory, assurance, tax, and wealth management firm based in New Jersey/New York.
WISS has over 400 employees and is ranked in the top 100 accounting firms.
Discussion centers on talent pool challenges, Gen Z in the workforce, and industry adaptation post-COVID.

Paul reflects on his early career and the traditional, rigid culture in accounting firms.
Describes a personal mission to change the narrative and improve the work environment within public accounting.
Highlights the persistence of outdated practices in some firms and the need for a shift to more employee-centric models.

COVID-19 catalyzed the shift to flexible and remote work arrangements in accounting.
WISS adopted a relaxed, open-minded approach to in-office versus remote work, encouraging but not mandating office presence.
Younger employees, especially Gen Z, surprisingly prefer some in-person interaction and value peer connections.

WISS offers educational reimbursement and supports non-accountants transitioning into accounting roles.
The firm customizes career paths and encourages movement across service lines.
Inspired by progressive firms, WISS actively recruits professionals re-entering the workforce and those with process-oriented skills.

WISS invests in operational infrastructure and support roles to increase efficiency and standardize firm-wide processes.
Brings in professionals from larger organizations to help scale and implement best practices.
Focus on removing internal competition and fostering collaboration.

WISS is committed to improving work-life balance, especially during peak seasons.
Transparent with staff about technology investments and process improvements.
AI expected to reduce bottlenecks and free up capacity in tax and outsourced accounting.

Gen Z's digital-first skills are pivotal to AI and data-driven services.
Their comfort with tech enhances both internal collaboration and client communication.
Gen Z talent is actively engaged in WISS’s AI pilot programs.

WISS pilots AI solutions to address capacity constraints and service bottlenecks.
Encourages smaller firms to begin AI adoption by targeting their biggest workflow pain points.
Paul offers to share insights with peers on implementing AI effectively.

Emphasis on reshaping accounting’s reputation to highlight value and opportunity.
Call for industry-wide collaboration to better communicate the modern accounting career path.
Gary plans outreach to business schools to understand and improve perceptions of accounting internships and careers.

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