What Keeps Accounting Firms Up at Night? The 2026 AICPA Top Issues Survey

The challenges facing accounting firms can look very different depending on the size of the firm. The 2026 AICPA Top Issues Survey provides an interesting look at what accounting professionals are focused on, from solo practitioners to firms with more than 500 professionals.

What the 2026 AICPA Top Issues Survey Says About the Profession

In this episode of Traction with the Tiger, Chris Whittach breaks down some of the biggest takeaways from this year’s survey. Smaller firms are more focused on issues such as tax law complexity, data security and IRS challenges, while larger firms are dealing with different priorities, including staffing, retention and technology adoption.

One issue stands out across every firm size: changes in technology and AI. Chris discusses why technology adoption has become such a significant challenge for the accounting profession and shares how Boyum Barenscheer is approaching AI and innovation across the firm.

From experimenting with new tools to getting employees comfortable using technology in their everyday work, Chris explains why the firms and professionals that learn to use these tools effectively will be better positioned for the future.

The accounting profession is changing quickly, and there may not be one right approach for every firm. The key may be finding the technology, processes and strategies that work best for your firm and continuing to adapt as the profession evolves.