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Philadelphia—July 15, 2025 — The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) today released its 2025 CPA Firm Tech Report: Expert Guidance on Where to Invest Next, offering a timely roadmap for CPA firms navigating rapid technological change. Developed in partnership with leading CPA tech advisors, the report examines how artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital maturity are reshaping accounting firm operations, and what’s holding firms back from realizing their full potential.

The report draws from real world insights of accounting experts, which highlights the promise and pitfalls of today’s tech landscape. It outlines five core challenges that firms must address to modernize successfully: overwhelming technology choices, leadership hesitation, unclear return on investment, expanding security risks, and growing gaps in technical talent and skills.

“CPA firms are facing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to evolve their business models,” said Jennifer Cryder, CPA, MBA, CEO of PICPA. “Our report equips firm leaders with practical frameworks and insights to lead their organizations through this change and build stronger, more resilient practices for the future.”

The whitepaper highlights the ways in which forward-thinking firms already use emerging tech to transform their core accounting workflows:

• Predictive financial forecasting enables timelier, data-driven client insights.
• Audit automation enhances risk detection and strengthens audit integrity.
• Proactive recommendations give firms the ability to advise clients based on real-time market trends and benchmarks.
• Data protection capabilities, including encryption and AI-powered anomaly detection, reduce cyber risks and costs.
• Scalable solutions allow firms to expand services without major infrastructure investments.
  

According to the participants of this study, delays in implementing these solutions leave firms vulnerable to competitors who are already embedding AI and automation into daily operations. At the same time, new technology comes with cybersecurity risks that must be addressed. Experts emphasize the need for built-in security frameworks, role-based data access, and ongoing staff training as essential parts of every implementation.

The profession’s technology talent gap adds further pressure. Many firms lack “AI stewards” and process champions who can lead adoption and drive change. The report encourages firms to invest in upskilling, external partnerships, and hiring strategies that blend accounting and technology expertise. To help assess readiness, it introduces practical tools such as the CPA Firm Digital Maturity Model and the Accounting Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem, providing firms with clear next steps for modernization.

Above all, the report encourages firm leaders to take a proactive stance. Technology is no longer optional, and delaying workflow integrations is the biggest risk.

To explore the full findings and actionable recommendations, download the complete report at www.picpa.org/insights.

About the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)

The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) is a premier statewide association of nearly 20,000 members working in public accounting, industry, government, and education. Founded in 1897, the PICPA is the second-oldest state CPA organization in the United States. To learn more about the PICPA, visit www.picpa.org.

Contacts
Trevor Davis
Gregory FCA for PICPA
trevor@gregoryfca.com
215-475-5931