There’s a lot of buzz in the public accounting world right now about people and technology, and for good reason. These two pillars are critical to a firm’s success. But here’s the reality: neither is fully meeting the needs of firms today.
Finding and retaining talent in the public accounting industry is becoming increasingly difficult, and at the same time, many firms are starting to realize their legacy tools simply aren’t cutting it anymore. The need for efficiency has never been greater, and it’s pushing firms to rethink how they operate.
As 2025 approaches, I believe three major trends will shape the future of CPA firms:
1. More Non-CPA Professionals Involved in Audit Work
Audits have long been seen as the domain of CPAs, but I think that’s going to shift. We’re already starting to see more non-CPA professionals playing critical roles in audits, and that trend is set to grow.
Specifically, I expect firms will bring in project manager roles to handle operational tasks like:
- Facilitating information gathering from clients
- Scheduling and coordinating meetings
- Managing administrative work tied to audit engagements
By offloading these tasks to specialized professionals, firms can free up their CPAs to focus on higher-value work, such as complex testing and analysis. This not only enhances efficiency but also allows firms to maximize the skills and expertise of their audit teams.
2. Big Technology Decisions Are Coming
For years, firms have relied on legacy tools to get the job done. But as we move into 2025, it’s clear that many of these tools are no longer delivering the value they once did. Firms are taking a hard look at their tech stacks and asking tough questions:
- Is this software still solving our biggest challenges?
- Can we achieve greater efficiency with newer tools?
- Are we ready to invest in technology that aligns with where our firm is headed?
The good news is, the market is brimming with new solutions designed specifically for auditors (shameless plug: tools like AuditMiner are here to help!).
We’re also in a post-pandemic era where technology decisions feel less rushed and more strategic. Firms now have the opportunity to deeply evaluate how their processes can be improved—and invest in the tools that will drive that improvement.
3. The Rise of Innovation and Change Management Professionals
Let’s be honest: change is hard. Whether it’s adjusting internal processes, adopting new client management strategies, or integrating new technologies, managing change is an enormous challenge.
That’s why I believe we’ll see a rise in dedicated roles for innovation and change management within firms. These professionals will focus on:
- Automating manual processes
- Evaluating and implementing new tools
- Leading teams through organizational change
Having someone solely responsible for these initiatives will be a game-changer. It ensures that innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a fully supported strategy for keeping firms competitive and efficient in a rapidly evolving industry.
What Does This Mean for Your Firm?
If you’re in public accounting, these trends may already be on your radar. If they’re not, now is the time to start thinking about how your firm can adapt:
- Could your team benefit from operational roles that take non-technical work off auditors’ plates?
- Is it time to reassess your technology stack and explore new solutions that align with your goals?
- Would your firm’s growth be supported by a dedicated change management or innovation expert?
These changes won’t happen overnight, but the firms that take proactive steps now will be better positioned for the future.
