You began your term as AICPA chair emphasizing trust, purposeful innovation and the next generation of talent. Why are those the right priorities for the profession today?
We are in the relationship business. We are trusted advisors because we have earned that trust over many years through our technical knowledge, business expertise, and personal integrity. That foundation allows us to embrace innovation and technology in a rapidly changing business environment and help our clients and employers do the same because they look to us as their trusted advisors.
Personal relationships remain at the heart of what we do, which is why investing in the next generation of talent is so important. Only then can we be confident that the next generation of forward-thinking advisors is prepared to lead. We owe it to the public, our clients, and employers to ensure those future leaders are ready.
I believe the RISE2040 Project reinforced the enduring importance of our core values – trust, integrity, and lifelong learning. The findings and insights from that work will help guide our profession as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.
When your term concludes, what would success look like? What do you hope will be different about the profession as a result of your leadership?
I hope all AICPA members feel heard and gain a clearer understanding of the value of their membership. Whether they work in public accounting, industry, education, or government; whether they are part of a large firm or company or a smaller organization, I want them to see how the AICPA’s tools, resources, advocacy, and reputation deliver value to them every day. If they can make that connection, then we will have been successful.
I know that is difficult to measure, but it is important to me that members feel their voices matter and that their pride in our profession grows over the course of this year. If we can strengthen that sense of connection, engagement, and professional pride, I will consider that a meaningful accomplishment.
Talent remains one of the biggest challenges facing firms of all sizes. What needs to happen to strengthen the accounting pipeline and attract more people to the profession?
I think CPAs need to do a better job of telling our story and showcasing the many opportunities our profession offers. We should highlight the variety of career paths available, the financial rewards, the flexibility, and the strong demand for accounting and finance professionals. Rather than focusing on deadlines, long hours, or overtime, we should emphasize the impact CPAs have on organizations and the economy.
Today’s CPAs are strategic advisors who help businesses anticipate challenges, navigate change, and make better decisions. We are also embracing technology and innovation to enhance the value we deliver. As the marketplace continues to evolve, I believe we are well positioned to demonstrate that the CPA profession is a dynamic, forward-looking, and highly rewarding career choice.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the profession. Where do you see the greatest opportunities for firms, and what concerns should leaders keep in mind as they adopt new technologies?
Clearly, AI will save time, increase efficiency, and create significant opportunities for CPAs to deliver even greater value. As a tax partner, I see AI increasingly being used to perform many tax compliance tasks. Rather than replacing the role of CPAs, this shift will free professionals to spend more time on advisory services, where clients often see the greatest value. That is why the AICPA Tax Division is partnering with CPA.com on the Tax Transformation Project, helping practitioners evolve their practices to focus more on tax planning, strategy, and advisory services.
And tax is only one example of the transformation underway. In public accounting, AI has the potential to enhance audit and Client Advisory Services (CAS), while in business and industry, finance leaders will be able to spend less time on routine processes and more time serving as strategic advisors to their organizations. Across the profession, AI can help elevate the role of the CPA from processor of information to interpreter, advisor, and decision-making partner.
One important challenge firms and businesses will need to address is how AI will affect the hiring, development, and training of younger professionals. As AI takes on some of the tasks traditionally performed by entry-level staff, young professionals will be expected to contribute at a higher level earlier in their careers. That is one reason I am so excited about the Profession Ready Initiative. Through this effort, the AICPA is helping professionals in their first four years of practice build the technical, business, and professional skills they need to succeed. By investing in their development today, we can help ensure the next generation of CPAs is equipped to thrive in an AI-enabled profession and prepared for the greater responsibilities they will take on in the future.
Looking back on your own career, what experiences have most shaped your leadership philosophy and prepared you for this role?
I think my years of volunteering with both the Mississippi Society of CPAs and the AICPA’s various tax committees gave me invaluable opportunities to grow professionally, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and connect with so many dedicated CPA volunteers. Those experiences taught me not only how to lead, but also how to listen – both of which have had a lasting impact on my career.
Serving as Chair of the AICPA’s Tax Executive Committee (TEC) was especially rewarding. In that role, I had the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the AICPA and tax practitioners across the country, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented wave of tax legislation that followed. I also worked closely with other committees, helped advance positions important to the profession through numerous comment letters, and led the TEC through the adoption of the latest revision to the AICPA’s Statements on Standards for Tax Services.
Each of these volunteer roles helped prepare me for serving as AICPA Chair. They gave me a deeper understanding of our members’ needs, challenges, and aspirations, and strengthened my commitment to ensuring that members remain connected, engaged, and well represented. As I step into this role, I carry with me a genuine appreciation for the profession and a passion for helping our members thrive.
What gives you the greatest optimism about the future of the accounting profession?
Every day, when I meet with a client who needs help navigating a complex tax issue, assist a family with an estate planning decision, or advise a business owner on a sale, merger, or other significant financial matter, I am reminded that there will always be a need for CPAs. Businesses and individuals look to us to help solve problems, provide clarity, and guide them through important decisions. The public also relies on us to uphold trust and protect their interests in the marketplace.
That fundamental role will not change, regardless of disruption or technological innovation. While the tools we use may evolve, the need for trusted professionals who can apply judgment, provide insight, and help people navigate uncertainty will remain constant. That is why I am optimistic about the future of our profession. The future is bright because businesses, clients, and the public continue to need what CPAs do best.
Jan Lewis serves as Chair of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. A tax partner with BMSS Advisors & CPAs in Ridgeland, Miss., she specializes in income and estate tax planning, research and compliance for individuals and businesses. Lewis is a recognized thought leader whose work has appeared in The Tax Adviser and who has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Forbes, NPR and Fox Business. In 2024, she was named one of Forbes’ Top 200 CPAs in America. A dedicated profession volunteer, Lewis has served on the AICPA Board of Directors, Tax Executive Committee, Tax Practice and Procedures Committee and Council. She is also a past president of the Mississippi Society of CPAs and has held numerous board and committee leadership roles within the organization.
