This panel session will explore practical, real-world applications of AI currently being used across accounting firms. Panelists will discuss how AI is being applied to streamline workflows, automate routine tasks, enhance data analysis, and support client service and advisory work. The session will focus on actionable use cases, implementation considerations, and adoption challenges, providing participants with clear guidance on where AI can be used today and how to integrate it responsibly into firm operations.

Advisory services represent one of the most significant growth opportunities for both small and mid-sized accounting firms, yet many struggle to scale them consistently across teams and clients. In this case study, Smith Marion & Co shares how they leveraged Wolters Kluwer’s CCH Axcess Advisor to embed structured advisory guidance directly into everyday client engagements—turning insights into actionable recommendations and building a repeatable advisory model.

Facing talent shortages and growth demands, many accounting firms are exploring international hiring—but global payroll, compliance, and employment requirements can add significant complexity.

A must-attend, hands-on workshop where accounting professionals turn global hiring insights into real client conversations. Practice how to spot opportunities, ask the right questions, and confidently advise clients navigating international workforce decisions.

With hundreds of tools claiming to “revolutionize” your firm, it’s increasingly difficult to separate meaningful efficiency from shiny distractions. This session focuses on how to intentionally build a tech stack that actually drives productivity, profitability, and operational sanity. You’ll learn how to evaluate technology strategically, implement changes effectively, and create a sustainable system that supports both internal workflows and client delivery.

Finding—and keeping—the right talent has become one of the biggest growth constraints for accounting firms. In this panel, firm leaders and HR executives share what’s actually working to attract top candidates, engage high performers, and retain talent in an increasingly competitive and evolving market. From modern recruiting strategies and career pathing to culture, flexibility, and workforce models, this session offers practical insights CPAs can apply to build resilient, people-first firms that scale.

Accounting firms are under sustained pressure to grow—yet many remain constrained by operating models built for a different era. Static staffing structures, peak-season resourcing assumptions, and linear growth strategies often create inefficiencies during slower periods, strain teams during demand spikes, and limit long-term scalability.

Drawing on new Accounting Today research—including survey insights from U.S. firms with 30+ employees and operational data from organizations implementing flexible talent models—this session examines how leading firms are rethinking work. The findings highlight how flexible staffing strategies, AI-enabled tools, analytics, and technology-supported workflows across audit, tax, and advisory are transforming performance outcomes.

Panelists will explore how aligning talent flexibility with intelligent automation unlocks measurable gains in efficiency, productivity, scalability, and service delivery. Attendees will gain a practical, data-backed framework for building a more agile, resilient, and future-ready operating model—one capable of navigating demand volatility while sustaining growth.

This session is designed for firm leaders seeking operational clarity, strategic alignment, and actionable insight into modernizing their firm’s delivery model.

Small and midsize CPA firms are under increasing pressure—from talent constraints and shrinking compliance margins to growing client demand for higher-value, strategic guidance. The firms that are scaling effectively are doing so by intentionally connecting three disciplines: AI-enabled operations, expanded and specialized CAS and advisory services, and a disciplined, client-centric service model.

In this keynote, Jim Bourke outlines how firm leaders can move from experimentation to execution. He will share how to identify and deploy safe, high-impact AI pilots that improve quality and throughput; how to strengthen and extend existing CAS practices by delivering new and expanded advisory services; and how to elevate client service in ways that deepen relationships and protect revenue.

Attendees will gain insight into how high-performing firms are using AI in day-to-day practice, why CAS continues to outpace overall firm growth when supported by clear strategy, niches, and dedicated teams, and how firms are successfully cross-selling advisory services and integrating multiple offerings to drive sustainable growth and stronger client outcomes.