AICPA Top Issues Survey: Firms’ focus on technology rises

June 24, 2026 - 04:55

The latest Top Issues Survey from the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section shows that technology has jumped to the forefront of concerns for accounting firms of all sizes. The biennial survey, which tracks shifting priorities in the profession, found that firms are increasingly focused on adopting new software, automating workflows, and managing digital transformation. This marks a notable shift from previous years when regulatory compliance and staffing dominated the list.

However, the survey also reveals a split in priorities based on firm size. Larger firms, while embracing technology, continue to grapple with persistent people-related issues. Recruiting and retaining qualified staff, managing remote work expectations, and developing the next generation of partners remain top challenges for these organizations. They are also dealing with the high cost of implementing new tech while keeping their teams trained and engaged.

Smaller firms, by contrast, are more worried about regulatory burdens and data security. Many sole practitioners and small partnerships cited the growing complexity of tax laws and the threat of cyberattacks as their primary headaches. For these firms, the cost of compliance and the need to protect client information often outweigh the immediate pressure to adopt the latest software. The survey underscores that while technology is a rising tide, it does not lift all boats equally, and firms must navigate a mix of innovation, staffing, and risk management to stay competitive.