A few years ago, the chatter around AI really started to build. Accountants, CPAs, writers, animators, doctors, lawyers—everyone was trying to figure out what it meant for their work. At first, it was all fear: robots taking over the Earth, jobs disappearing, and humans slipping into some kind of dystopian existence. It felt bleak for a lot of us.
Since then, the conversation has shifted. Employers across industries have started to adopt AI—and in some cases, insist that employees use it—which has left many people feeling uneasy. But it doesn’t have to. There’s still some hesitation as we weigh the environmental impact, political influence, and, yes, what it all means for our professions. But at the end of the day, AI isn’t going anywhere. Luckily, most employers aren’t looking at it as a replacement—they’re looking at it as a helper.
So the question isn’t whether firms will use AI. It’s why so many are still behind—and what to do about it.
The 2025 CPA Firm Tech Report takes a closer look at why many accounting firms are still lagging in AI adoption (page 26). Here are a few key takeaways—and what you can do about them. For a deeper look, review the full report.
Lack of Strategy and Business Alignment
Many firms simply don’t know where AI fits into what they’ve long considered a well-oiled machine. It still feels a little foreign. Sure, it might be “nice to have,” but where does it actually go? And without a clear sense of ROI, why invest at all?
We get it. Here’s where to start:
Don’t think of it as handing over your entire operation to something new—think of it as adding a system. When the Dewey Decimal System rolled out, librarians didn’t overhaul everything overnight. Same idea here:
- Start small.
- Pilot within one team or function before expanding.
- Track and share early wins to build internal buy-in.
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Concerns
One of the biggest fears for firms is a data breach. No one wants Social Security numbers floating around the dark web or their reputation disappearing into the ether.
As trusted advisors, maintaining confidentiality is core to the job. So before you start plugging information into any AI tool, set some guardrails:
- Establish firm-wide AI usage policies.
- Use enterprise-grade or approved tools.
- Train staff on what can and cannot be entered into AI systems.
Inadequate Skills and Training
Just like you wouldn’t want a 14-year-old driving you to grandma’s, you don’t want someone brand new to AI taking the reins. You need someone who understands the tools and can guide how they’re used.
How to get there:
- Identify or appoint an AI champion or task force.
- Invest in training (not just tools).
- Encourage experimentation in low-risk environments.
Leadership and Staff Resistance
Remember when the office switched the coffee brand, and it nearly caused a revolt? Now imagine introducing AI.
There’s going to be skepticism. Maybe even fatigue from constant tech changes. Expect it—but don’t let it stall progress.
How to move forward:
- Frame AI as augmentation, not replacement.
- Tie adoption to reducing burnout and improving work-life balance.
- Highlight what peer firms are doing to build momentum.
Cost and Uncertain ROI
No one wants to throw money at something unproven. But delaying AI investment doesn’t eliminate the cost—it just pushes it down the road.
When used effectively—and with the right people in place—AI can drive efficiency, reduce time on repetitive tasks, and improve overall output.
How to approach it:
- Start with low-cost or existing tools.
- Measure time saved, not just revenue generated.
- Treat AI adoption as a phased investment, not a one-time purchase.
AI is quickly becoming part of the standard professional workflow. The longer firms wait, the further behind they fall. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out all at once. That’s the reality—virtual or not.
Explore the full 2025 CPA Firm Tech Report and see where your firm stands.
