The AI Revolution in 2026: What CPAs Should Know
Overview
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AI is reshaping audit, tax, and finance. This update surveys what's real in 2026: core concepts, major tools, risks/controls, and practical CPA use cases. Leave with a clear vocabulary, a current landscape view, and actionable talking points for staff, clients, and vendors.Highlights
• State of AI technology in 2026: capabilities, limits, and vendor landscape • Essential terminology: models, training data, prompts, agents, guardrails • CPA use cases: audit procedures, tax research/drafts, controllership • Risk, control, and governance: data privacy, bias, accuracy, documentation • What’s next: near-term trends and how to evaluate new tools
Prerequisites
None
Designed For
CPAs in public practice, CFOs/Controllers/FP&A, internal audit, firm/finance leaders
Objectives
• Assess recent advancements in AI and their implications for CPA workflows and client services. • Distinguish key AI categories and common terminology used in practice. • Identify high-impact CPA use cases and associated risk/control considerations to discuss with stakeholders.
Preparation
None
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
John Higgins, Strategic Technology Advisor, CPA Crossings, LLC
John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP
Strategic Technology Advisor
Higgins Advisory, LLC
Rochester, Michigan
John is the founder and CEO of Higgins Advisory, LLC, established with the mission of helping CPAs, CFOs and other financial professionals to successfully guide their firms and business organizations through a successful digital
transformation that leverages the power of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain
technology, data analytics, workflow automation and more.
John is a seasoned entrepreneur with experience as the founder of two separate accounting technology advisory firms that were acquired by larger organizations. In addition, he has experience with a local CPA firm and as a technology advisory practice leader partner in a national CPA firm.
John shares his expertise as a nationally recognized thought leader, strategic advisor, and speaker on accounting technology through coaching and speaking engagements. His primary contribution is his passion for helping the profession move forward through the understanding and adoption of emerging technologies
Non-Member Price $110.00
Member Price $85.00