By David E. Plunkett, CPA
The Changing World of Accounting
When I first started my career in accounting, tax work looked very different than it does today. We had paper returns, manual calculations, and filing cabinets filled to the brim with client records. Over the decades, I’ve seen accounting evolve alongside new laws, regulations, and financial standards—but the most dramatic changes have come with technology. Today, software, automation, and artificial intelligence are redefining the way tax services are delivered, and I believe the future of our profession is going to be even more technology-driven.
Automation and Efficiency
One of the biggest shifts we’ve experienced is the rise of automation. What used to take hours of manual work can now be completed in minutes with modern tax software. Data entry, for example, once required painstaking attention to every line of every form. Now, digital tools can import information directly from payroll systems, banks, or investment accounts.
This doesn’t mean accountants are less valuable—far from it. Instead, it frees us to spend more time advising clients, planning for their future, and helping them understand the big picture of their finances. Efficiency doesn’t just help us as professionals—it also benefits clients, who can expect faster, more accurate results.
Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Tools
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another game-changer. We’re seeing software that doesn’t just process tax forms but also analyzes data to identify trends and potential savings. Predictive tools can spot opportunities for deductions, flag compliance issues before they become problems, and even help forecast tax obligations months or years ahead.
For business owners, this kind of insight is invaluable. It allows them to make informed financial decisions, budget more effectively, and plan for growth with a clearer picture of future tax responsibilities. AI won’t replace accountants, but it will enhance our ability to give clients proactive, strategic advice.
Cloud-Based Services and Accessibility
Cloud technology has also reshaped how we work. Instead of handing over a shoebox of receipts or waiting for in-person meetings, clients can now upload documents securely from home. I can review financials in real time, answer questions quickly, and collaborate with clients even if they’re on the other side of the country.
This accessibility has made tax services more convenient, but it has also raised new concerns about cybersecurity. Protecting client information is a top priority, and as accountants, we must stay ahead of threats by using secure systems, encrypted data, and best practices in digital security.
The Human Side of Tax Services
With all this talk about technology, you might wonder where the human side of accounting fits in. The truth is, technology can handle calculations, but it can’t replace trust, understanding, and personal connection. Clients don’t just want their taxes filed—they want guidance, reassurance, and someone who knows their unique story.
I’ve built my career on relationships. Whether it’s helping a small business navigate tax law changes, guiding a family through estate planning, or simply explaining a complicated rule in plain English, the value of personal service hasn’t gone away. If anything, it’s more important than ever, because clients want to know there’s a real person behind the technology.
Looking Ahead
As I look to the future, I see accounting becoming more advisory-focused. Technology will continue to streamline the technical side of tax preparation, but accountants will increasingly serve as consultants—helping clients make strategic choices about their businesses, investments, and personal finances.
I also believe tax services will continue to expand beyond the traditional busy season. With year-round data access and predictive tools, accountants can provide ongoing support rather than just an annual check-in. This creates more opportunities to add value and to build lasting partnerships with clients.
Final Thoughts
The accounting profession has always adapted to change, and technology is simply the latest chapter in that story. I’ve been fortunate to witness the evolution from paper and pencil to cloud-based systems and AI-driven insights. What hasn’t changed is the core of what we do—helping people manage their finances, comply with the law, and plan for a better future.
The future of tax services will be faster, smarter, and more connected, but at the heart of it all will remain the same values: trust, integrity, and service. As technology continues to transform our field, I look forward to guiding my clients through this new landscape with the same dedication that has defined my career.