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The accounting profession is preparing for a future shaped by AI and evolving expectations, but resistance to change could slow its progress. In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Tom Hood, Executive Vice President of Business Engagement and Growth at the AICPA, to explore the findings of the Rise2040™ report and what they mean for accounting and finance professionals. Tom discusses why trust, ethics, and professional judgment remain essential as AI reshapes the profession. He also explores the need to accelerate AI adoption, develop critical human skills, and prepare the next generation of CPAs for a future where humans lead AI, rather than simply use it. Resources: Rise2040™ Vision Report and ResourcesRise2040™ NavigatorAICPA Profession Ready InitiativeBusiness Learning Institute AI Accelerator

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 ConferenceOpenAI Prompting GuideBILL, 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 sponsorRise2040™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 DirectorsBILL, AI-powered financial operations platform., episode sponsorRise2040™MACPA Classroom Visit Program

Private equity is reshaping the accounting profession, changing how firms think about succession, valuation, technology, profitability, and growth. In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Brannon Poe, founder of Poe Group Advisors, to explore the opportunities and risks that come with private equity investment in CPA firms. Brannon shares a balanced perspective on what PE is bringing to the profession, why not all investors are the same, and what firm owners should consider before pursuing a deal. From finding the right cultural fit to understanding firm value and protecting client and employee relationships, this conversation offers practical guidance for firm owners navigating a rapidly changing succession landscape. Resources: Brandon Poe, Poe Group Advisors WebsiteThe Economics of Selling Your CPA Firm, A Poe Group Advisors articleCPA Firm Valuation Guide

The accounting profession is evolving, and so is the role of today's CPA. In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Savedra Scott, President and Owner of Savvy Financial Solutions and the newly elected Chair of the MACPA Board of Directors, to discuss the evolving role of CPAs and the opportunities shaping the profession's future. Savedra shares why today's accountants are moving beyond being historians of the numbers to becoming trusted advisors and strategic business partners. She also explores the profession's biggest challenges, including talent shortages, burnout, artificial intelligence, and the need to better communicate the value and flexibility of a CPA career to the next generation. This conversation offers an inspiring look at how leadership, innovation, and a commitment to service can help build a stronger, more future-ready profession. Resources: Beyond The Numbers, MACPA interview with Savedra ScottSavvy Financial Solutions MACPA Volunteer Opportunities

Can AI do more than improve efficiency? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Brad Gustafson, Head of the Accounting Partner Channel at Ramp, to explore how AI is reshaping the accounting profession and helping firms address long-term talent challenges. Brad shares why AI should be viewed as a capacity multiplier rather than a replacement for accountants, how agentic AI is transforming workflows, and why the firms embracing AI strategically today will be best positioned to grow tomorrow. This conversation offers practical insight into how firm leaders can use AI to strengthen client relationships, increase capacity, and build a more resilient future. Resources: Ramp for Accounting & Finance ProfessionalsBrad Gustafson, Channel Partnership Leader at Ramp, LinkedIn ProfileMACPA Preferred ProvidersMACPA AI Resource Page

What does the next generation really want from work? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Dr. Tara Ceranic Salinas, professor of business ethics at the University of San Diego, to explore what organizations often get wrong about Gen Z in the workplace. Tara explains why Gen Z isn't rejecting leadership. They're rethinking what leadership should look like. From flexibility and purpose to skill development and AI, she shares how organizations can better attract, develop, and retain emerging talent by creating more human-centered workplaces. This conversation offers practical insight for leaders looking to build stronger cultures and prepare their organizations for the future of work. Resources: Tara Ceranic Salinas Knauss School of Business, University of San DiegoDaniel Pink – Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

What does it really take to build a successful global team? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Anshul Agrawal, founder of June15 Consulting, to separate fact from fiction when it comes to offshoring in the accounting profession. Anshul shares why successful offshoring is about more than cost savings. It requires a shift in mindset, treating offshore professionals as true members of your team, investing in training and culture, and building systems that support long-term success. He also discusses common mistakes firms make, practical considerations around data security and compliance, and how firms of all sizes can approach global staffing strategically. Whether you're actively considering offshoring or simply looking for new ways to address the talent shortage, this conversation offers practical guidance for building stronger, more resilient teams. Resources: June15 ConsultingAnshul Agrawal on LinkedInMACPA Offshoring Office Hours with Anshul Agrawal

Client accounting services continue to grow across the profession, but what standards apply when firms step into CAS work? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Mike Manspeaker, Member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board and CPA on Staff for Coastal Peer Review, to explore the compliance, ethics, and quality management considerations firms need to understand as CAS practices expand. Mike shares practical insight into where firms can run into trouble, why engagement letters and documentation matter, and how firms can navigate the gray areas between advisory and attest services while continuing to deliver high-quality client service. Resources: Mike Manspeaker, Member of the AICPA Auditing Standards BoardCoastal Peer ReviewAICPA Auditing Standards Board

Mergers and acquisitions continue to reshape the accounting profession, but what happens after the deal closes? In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Ira Rosenbloom of Optimum Strategies to explore the human side of M&A and why people, not numbers, are often the deciding factor in whether a transaction succeeds or fails. Ira shares insight into how communication gaps, cultural misalignment, staff anxiety, and leadership blind spots can derail even strong deals on paper. He also discusses how firms can better navigate transitions by involving employees earlier, communicating transparently with clients, and creating a clear vision for the future before entering negotiations. Resources: Ira Rosenbloom, Chief Operating Executive at Optimum StrategiesOptimum Strategies

What does risk look like for CPA firms today? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Stan Sterna of Aon to explore how the risk landscape is evolving across the profession. Stan explains how new technologies, shifting regulations, workforce changes, and expanding advisory services are creating both opportunity and exposure for firms. He highlights why risk management must move beyond checklists and become part of firm culture, with clear expectations around engagement letters, documentation, staffing, and communication. From hybrid work challenges to AI overreliance and the impact of busy season on decision-making, this conversation offers practical insight into how firms can manage risk more strategically and avoid the shortcuts that can lead to costly mistakes. Resources: Stan Sterna, SVP Accounts Risk & Control Lead at Aon, LinkedIn ProfileAon, Professional Services Practice

What if culture isn’t soft at all, but one of the most powerful drivers of performance? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Don Rheem, founder of CultureID, to explore how neuroscience is reshaping the way leaders understand engagement, behavior, and results. Don explains how the way employees feel at work directly drives how they perform, and why factors like psychological safety, trust, and recognition are not just nice-to-haves, but measurable business drivers. From the impact of managers on engagement to the hidden costs of disengagement, this conversation challenges leaders to rethink culture as a system that can be measured, managed, and improved. This episode offers a practical, science-backed look at how organizations can create environments where people thrive and performance follows. Resources: Don Rheem LinkedIn profileCultureID, tools and insights for measuring and improving workplace cultureThrive by Design, by Don Rheem, book on the neuroscience behind high-performance culturesMACPA Converge 2026, where Don Rheem will deliver a keynote on culture and performance

How is the future of the CPA profession being shaped at the regulatory level? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Jeff Wilson, the newly appointed chair of the Maryland State Board of Public Accountancy, to discuss the role regulators play in guiding the profession forward. Jeff shares his perspective on addressing the CPA talent shortage, expanding pathways to licensure, and how state boards are thinking about emerging technologies like AI and automation. This conversation offers insight into how regulators, practitioners, and professional organizations can work together to protect the public while helping the profession evolve and thrive. Resources: Jeff Wilson LinkedIn ProfileMaryland Board of Public AccountancyJeff Wilson and The W2 Group LLC

What does cybersecurity really mean for today’s CPA firms? In this episode, we sit down with Luke Kiely, Chief Information Security Officer at SmartVault and Chief Security Officer at ComplyWise, to explore why cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, but a firm-wide responsibility. Luke breaks down how most breaches still begin with a simple email and a distracted click, why busy season increases vulnerability, and the practical safeguards firms can put in place without a massive IT budget. This episode offers clear, actionable insight into protecting client data and securing the future of your firm. Resources: Luke Kiely LinkedIn ProfileSmartVaultComplyWiseFTC Safeguards Rule OverviewIRS Publication 4557 – Safeguarding Taxpayer Data