Progression or Extinction: AI’s Accounting Reckoning
Download MP3What if AI wipes out the entry-level accounting work firms have relied on for decades? Blake Oliver talks with Sikich managing principal Richard Lynch about the rise of the “super accountant,” why the pyramid-shaped firm may become a diamond, and how AI could force firms to rethink training, billing, and performance metrics. You’ll hear what firm leaders must change now—and what happens to those who don’t adapt.
Chapters
https://earmarkcpe.com
https://earmark.app/
Download the Earmark CPE App
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728
Chapters
- (00:00) - EAP 112
- (07:41) - Training The Next Gen
- (09:39) - Rethinking Early Career Work
- (14:17) - Learning Review Without Doing
- (18:41) - Automated Tax Prep Reality
- (21:28) - Billable Hour Under Pressure
- (26:33) - Why Timesheets Persist
- (28:21) - Why Hours Persist
- (29:53) - Timesheets Trust and Control
- (30:53) - Preventing Burnout with Targets
- (32:30) - AI Breaks Time Productivity
- (34:39) - Shift from Production to Value
- (37:02) - New Metrics Client and Staff
- (39:13) - Revenue Incentives and Attribution
- (44:24) - Basketball Team Performance Model
- (46:33) - Hours Culture and Team Standards
- (51:34) - Leaders Choose Progression
https://earmarkcpe.com
https://earmark.app/
Download the Earmark CPE App
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728
Connect with Richard Lynch, CPA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardlynch/
Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/
Creators and Guests
Guest
Richard Lynch
Richard Lynch, CPA, is the managing principal leading compliance solutions at Sikich, overseeing the team’s operational structure, ongoing growth, and contributions to the broader organization. In this role, Richard guides the strategic vision, financial plans, and operational goals of the practice. Prior to his position as managing principal, Richard led the not-for-profit and higher education practice and the Central Illinois market. He has extensive experience providing audit, tax, accounting and management consulting services to a variety of clients, including businesses, financial institutions, public and private universities, social service agencies, private foundations, and health and welfare organizations. Lynch has dedicated his career to public accounting since joining the industry in 2000. Lynch has served on the governing boards of accounting businesses and not-for-profit organizations throughout his career, including positions as board chair, treasurer, and chair of audit and finance committees. He is a frequent guest speaker at conferences, training sessions, and webinars.
