The Autumn of Adaptation: Embracing Change Across the Profession

by Joel Williams, CPA

Fall is here and for many of us, that means football season! Whether you're watching your alma mater on Saturdays or your favorite pro team on Sundays, football reminds us that success requires agility, teamwork, and the ability to adapt mid-play. The same is true for our profession.

As CPAs, we’re navigating a season of change, and how we respond will shape the future of our work. Across public practice, industry, government, education, and nonprofits, CPAs are being asked to evolve in what we do and in how we think.

Adapting to a Shifting Landscape

The pace of change is accelerating. Technology is transforming how we work, and client expectations are evolving just as quickly. Yet, despite these shifts, only 9% of accountants feel as if they fully leverage their technology investments.

That’s not a reflection of reluctance. It’s a reminder that adaptation takes time, intention, and leadership.

We’re not just implementing new tools. We’re reimagining how we deliver value. From cloud-based platforms to artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted workflows, the opportunity to innovate is real, but so is the need to guide our teams and clients through the transition.

Leadership at Every Level

Adaptation isn’t just a top-down initiative. It happens in classrooms, client meetings, boardrooms, and team huddles. It’s the educator reimagining how to teach ethics in a digital world. It’s the nonprofit controller navigating new funding models. It’s the CPA in public practice helping clients prepare for what’s next, not just report what’s already happened.

As we head into fall, I encourage each of us to ask ourselves: How am I helping my team, my clients, or my students adapt? What am I doing to stay curious, stay relevant, and stay connected?

Trust and Relevance in Uncertain Times

We’re living in a time of uncertainty. Economically. Politically. Socially. And yet, CPAs remain among the most trusted professionals in the world. A 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer report found that 78% of people trust their accountants to do what is right—higher than nearly any other profession.

That trust is our foundation and something that we can never take for granted. But maintaining it requires us to evolve. It means embracing new tools while upholding timeless values, like integrity and objectivity. It means being proactive, not reactive. And it means showing up—not just with answers, but with empathy and insight.

Looking Ahead

The WSCPA is here to support you through CPE, advocacy, and community. We want to hear from you, and as Monette Anderson mentions in her article on page 14, we hope you were able to participate in the WSCPA’s latest member survey. If not, let us know: What’s working? What’s challenging? How can we better serve you?

As we move through this autumn of adaptation, let’s do so with purpose. Let’s embrace the opportunity to evolve, and let’s continue to show the world why CPAs matter, on and off the field.

There’s never been a better time to be a CPA.

illustrations: © iStock/msan10, © iStock/filo