Managing change due to rapid advances in new technology and AI has emerged as a key long-term challenge for the practice of certified public accountants (CPAs), according to a biennial survey by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The CPA Firm Key Issues survey conducted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Private Business Practice Section (PCPS) includes CPA firms of all sizes.
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The survey divided responses into six categories by firm size and asked practicing CPAs to identify both the most pressing challenges today and the challenges they expect to have the greatest impact over the next five years.
While the immediate priorities differ between sole proprietors, small businesses, medium-sized enterprises, and large networks, “change management through technology and AI” ranks first in the five-year outlook for all groups and is in the top three of most current issue lists.
said Lisa Simpson, AICPA vice president of corporate services. “The biggest challenges for businesses are related to the transformation we are seeing in technology, people skills and operating models.
“While we know it can be difficult to keep up with the rapid development of AI and technology capabilities, this research also highlights the challenges in integrating and leveraging technology to enhance service delivery.”
For sole traders and companies with 2 to 10 professionals, managing complex tax laws is currently a major concern, with cybersecurity and data privacy also being top of mind.
Nearly one-third of respondents, companies with 11 to 30 professionals, cited recruiting experienced staff as their biggest challenge, with Internal Revenue Service issues and staff workloads close behind.
Among professionals between 31 and 100 people, finding the next generation of leaders is a top challenge today, along with concerns about hiring experienced staff, leveraging technology to improve client service, and managing workflow.
Among practices ranging from 101 to 500 professionals, technology adoption and integration tops the list of concerns.
For large companies with more than 500 professionals, managing change through technology and AI is a top concern today. Staff retention is also high on the list of concerns.
The PCPS CPA Firm Top Issues survey was conducted online from April 20 to May 22, 2026. A total of 629 practitioners participated.
