The future of public accounting will depend on how well we develop people, build relationships, and help one another navigate change.

That message emerged throughout the Nov. 6 kickoff of the MACPA’s new Public Accounting Leadership Council. Members explored how artificial intelligence, evolving ownership models, and changing career paths are reshaping the profession, and how MACPA can help professionals respond.

The conversation offered reasons for optimism. Participants proposed practical ways to prepare emerging professionals for meaningful careers and help firms move forward.

Here are three takeaways that should resonate with public accountants throughout the profession.

1. As AI changes the work, developing judgment becomes more important

When technology handles tasks that once helped young accountants learn the business, firms face a consequential question: How will the next generation develop the knowledge and judgment needed to become trusted advisors?

The council’s discussion pointed toward more intentional, hands-on development. Case studies, interactive workshops, and AI simulations could give professionals opportunities to evaluate results, spot missing information, ask better questions, and make decisions.

That learning must include understanding AI’s limitations, verifying its output, and protecting sensitive information. Firms have different resources and levels of readiness, so useful guidance must meet professionals where they are.

The encouraging implication: Firms have an opportunity to rethink training in ways that help emerging professionals become stronger thinkers and problem-solvers. Developing those abilities deserves as much attention as adopting the technology itself.

2. Relationships remain central to professional value

As technical work becomes more automated, communication, trust, and human connection take on greater importance.

Council members emphasized the value of strong client relationships, particularly when navigating difficult conversations or complex issues. Sometimes, picking up the phone or scheduling a video conversation can resolve confusion more effectively than another lengthy email exchange.

The same principle applies within the profession. Participants proposed peer mentoring, connections between managers at different firms, and leadership cohorts that continue throughout the year.

Those ideas reflect confidence in what professionals can learn from one another. For emerging leaders, sustained relationships can provide perspective, encouragement, and opportunities to practice leadership. For experienced professionals, they offer fresh ideas and a chance to help develop the people who will guide the profession forward.

3. The future deserves deliberate planning—and shared learning

Private equity, succession, compensation, and broader access to ownership are changing how professionals think about their careers and their firms’ futures.

There is no single path that fits every practice. Firm size, ownership goals, and leadership needs all influence the choices ahead.

Council members expressed interest in candid education about those options, including opportunities to hear from peers with firsthand experience. Their suggestions reinforced a broader theme: Professionals want opportunities to work through change together.

That is an important opportunity for the MACPA’s growing community model. Connecting members around shared questions can help turn uncertainty into informed decisions and give professionals a meaningful role in shaping what comes next.

We are grateful to the members who volunteered their time, experience, and insights to serve on the Public Accounting Leadership Council. Their willingness to contribute will help the MACPA build practical support, stronger connections, and new opportunities for the profession’s future.

Volunteer for our Leadership Council

The MACPA continues to welcome members to contribute to the public accounting conversation.

The Public Accounting Leadership Council brings together members from across Maryland to share perspectives, identify emerging needs and opportunities, and help the MACPA shape meaningful experiences, resources and connections for our communities. Get involved here.