What to expect in accounting in 2026

In 2025, the accounting world embraced private equity (PE) and AI while dealing with deregulation, IRS staffing cuts, and tariffs. AI and PE will continue to be top of mind in 2026, leading voices in the accounting profession told CFO Brew. Here are their predictions for the year ahead:

These quotes have been edited for length and clarity.

Client accounting services (CAS) will mature:

“2026 will be defined as the year CAS separates from its start as bookkeeping and write-up and becomes a true advisory category for SMBs. Driven by the accelerated automation of accounting transactions, CAS leaders are moving up to higher level consulting, cash flow, and forward-looking projections. 2026 will be the year we shift to a 'future-tense' profession from a rear-view mirror profession!”

—Tom Hood, EVP of business growth and engagement, AICPA

More private equity-backed accounting firms will “flip”:

“2026 will be the year of the flip. So we only had one pure accounting firm to date flip, and that was in January of 2025 and that was Citrin Cooperman, whose original private equity investor, New Mountain Capital, sold their interest to Blackstone. And already lined up for 2026, there are four different deals that I’m aware of. One is a top 50 accounting firm. One is a top 100 accounting firm. One is a top 50 rollup, and the other is a top 100 rollup…It’s possible that there could be a fifth one.”

—Allan Koltin, CEO at Koltin Consulting Group

Firms will assert their independence from private equity:

“Over the last 5 years, very few segments of the industry have been untouched by PE. For many, this is elevating the collective focus on firm governance, organizational strategy, and harnessing the power of technology.

In 2026, we’re going to see a renaissance of firms focusing on independence and professionals leaning into their entrepreneurial spirit to start their own firms. We’re also going to experience more regulatory interest in how PE backing is affecting firm outputs.”

—Geoffrey Brown, president and CEO of the Illinois CPA Society

AI will lead accountants to develop new skills:

“As the accounting profession enters 2026, the imperative to adopt AI and advanced technologies will become even more pronounced. Firms that embrace AI-driven tools will not only improve operational efficiencies but also unlock new advisory opportunities, offering deeper insights and value to clients. This technological evolution requires accountants at all levels to expand their skill sets beyond traditional technical competencies. Critical thinking, data analytics, process automation, and digital literacy will be as essential as foundational accounting knowledge. And, upskilling and reskilling will move from being an occasional initiative to a continuous process, becoming a cornerstone of professional development.”

—Lexy Kessler, AICPA chair and partner at Aprio

“The need for NEW skills. With rising adoption of AI and the growth of the CFO’s remit into HR, tech, and operations (note the COFO!), they will need to build or redesign finance teams with hybrid skill sets including analytical capability, digital fluency, strategic thinking, agility, and adaptability. 2026 is the year of the T-Shaped Professional!”

—Barry Payne, regional VP Americas, business growth and engagement, AICPA

Sustainability reporting will come of age:

“We’ll also see sustainability reporting move from a niche subject to a fundamental business and accounting language, with ownership shifting toward the CFO's budget. This means accountants must become fluent in new data sets such as greenwashing enforcement, to substantiate every environmental or social claim with verified data, or nature disclosure frameworks that assure geographically specific data on biodiversity, water usage, and natural capital dependencies.”

—Junko Swain, SVP and chief accounting officer, Workiva

Audit transformation will become more entrenched:

“In 2026, we will begin to see the transformation of core services like audit take hold in firms of all sizes. Firms will increasingly adopt emerging technologies and alternative leverage models to drive competitive advantage. Rote tasks like vouching and tracing will be automated or performed by centers of excellence. Associated skills will become less relevant for professional service personnel while success skills like adaptability, critical thinking and communication will become increasingly important.”

—Carl Mayes, VP, CPA candidate quality and competence, AICPA

Small firms will lean into AI:

“For 2026, I believe small firms will be defined by how effectively they use AI to drive automation and efficiency. With staffing constraints and the ongoing talent pipeline challenge still being top pain points, AI adoption will become an operational necessity rather than an option. We’ll see routine work shift to automated processes—client onboarding, documentation handling, data extraction, and trial balance preparation—freeing professionals to focus on higher-value, advisory-oriented services.”

—Stephanie Otero, VP, small firm advocate, AICPA