Season 2 Episode 14: Future Forward: Technology, Insight, and Impact
September 10, 2026
The accounting profession is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in technology, artificial intelligence, and changing client expectations. In this episode, Brandon Smith and Brent Ullrich discuss the future of CPA firms, the growing role of advisory services, and how firms can leverage innovation to deliver greater value in an increasingly dynamic business environment.
In this episode, we discuss:
- 00:00 Introduction
- 04:56 AI, Innovation, and the Future of Client Service
- 07:50 How Firms Differentiate in an AI-Powered World
- 11:05 Why Interpretation Still Matters More Than Information
- 13:28 What Clients Should Expect from Their Advisors
- 15:58 How Firms Are Integrating AI Today
- 18:51 Building an AI Adoption Roadmap
- 20:39 Training the Next Generation of Accountants
- 24:42 The Future Talent Mix: CPAs, Specialists & Technologists
- 28:14 Private Equity's Impact on the Accounting Industry
- 31:23 Firm Size, Innovation & Staying Competitive
- 33:33 Advice for Business Leaders and Future Advisors
- 35:39 Moving Beyond Compliance to Strategic Partnership
About our guest Brandon Smith
Brandon Smith, CPA, is a Partner based in the Atlanta office and the Advisory Practice Leader.
Learn more about Brandon and his expertise here.
About our host Brent Ullrich
Brent Ullrich is a Partner with Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, with over 15 years of experience in many areas of taxation and industries, most notably in healthcare, real estate, private equity, technology and professional services. He also serves as the Firm’s Tax Strategy and Research Leader, which offers technical guidance and identifies planning opportunities for the firm to support clients on complex issues across a range of technical tax areas.
Learn more about Brent and his expertise here.
Learn more about our firm here