It’s not often, but occasionally, my two professional worlds — accounting and fintech— collide, showing just how interconnected they’ve become. On days like this, I get a front-row seat to the synergy forming between the expertise of accounting and the disruptive energy of fintech. It’s a rare but thrilling opportunity to witness how these fields are converging to create a more dynamic and adaptable financial landscape for clients and professionals alike.
Let me take you on a whirlwind journey through a day that perfectly captures the seismic shift happening in our industry It started at Intuit Connect and ended at Money20/20.
Change is Happening Now
It's astounding how many people remain unaware of the massive changes underway in finance. Events like Money20/20 and the rapid rise of fintech are not just niche gatherings or buzzwords — they’re the pulse of innovation where the future of finance is being built.
Many of us are already using fintech solutions without even realizing it. Things like mobile payments and automated banking are quietly transforming how we manage and move money. This evolution isn’t slowing down, and it’s redefining the role of accounting. To lead in this industry’s future, we need to embrace both sides of this evolution: the strength of traditional accounting and the disruptive power of fintech.
A Hub for Accounting Transformation
Intuit Connect was buzzing with energy! It brought together accountants and tech visionaries who are rethinking the industry’s future. The shift is undeniable. Accountants are no longer just number crunchers. We are strategic advisors. And we’re equipped with cutting-edge tools that elevate how we deliver value. Conversations focused on how technology can streamline tasks and deliver insights that have a lasting impact on our clients.
One highlight of the day was celebrating The Accounting for Innovation Podcast with our friends from SysCloud. It was incredible to gather with peers over lunch and hear my co-host Matt Tait dive deep into the podcast’s themes of innovation, tech and forward-thinking solutions. It reinforced the importance of staying at the forefront of both accounting and fintech to lead clients effectively.
Intuit Connect isn’t just a conference. It’s a gathering for the accounting community. That said, there was some candid conversation around Intuit’s evolving role, with attendees expressing concerns over how certain actions being taken by the company will impact accounting professionals.
Peering into the Future with Fintech’s Disruption
Stepping into Money20/20 afterward felt like peering into a time capsule. It provided a look into the future of finance that is unfolding right in front of us. Fintech is reshaping finance with new efficiencies in banking, money movement and beyond. The power of this disruption offers immense potential for those willing to embrace it. Innovations like automated payments, real-time data and AI-powered financial insights are creating a finance environment that’s more dynamic, adaptable and client-centric than ever.
Money20/20 revealed how fintech empowers us to elevate client relationships. These technologies are assets that help us become trusted advisors who help manage, grow and protect wealth with confidence. The opportunity is undeniable. Combining the reliability of accounting with fintech’s agility allows us to serve clients in ways that were previously unimaginable.
The Future Lies in Embracing Both Worlds
As I reflect on that day, it’s clear that the future belongs to those who can fully embrace both accounting and fintech. It’s about merging the tried-and-true foundation of accounting with the disruption and innovation fintech brings. Fintech’s influence gives us the tools to automate routine tasks, analyze vast amounts of data instantly and offer real-time financial insights. However, it’s our accounting expertise that ensures those insights translate into meaningful guidance that drives client success.
The real magic happens when we use both. It’s how we’ll create a seamless, forward-thinking financial ecosystem where real-time data, predictive analytics and streamlined banking all enhance the services we offer. For clients, this is a personalized, strategic approach to financial health and growth.
This future isn’t about choosing one path over another. It’s about embracing both to stay ahead. By combining the discipline of accounting with the innovation of fintech, we can offer services that are faster, more insightful and more aligned with what modern clients need.
So, are you ready to join me in riding this wave of innovation? Let’s revolutionize accounting, where our foundation in tradition meets the power of fintech to shape the future.
The Software That Transformed My Firm & My Life
And if the week wasn’t big enough already, be sure to read how I kicked it off celebrating a decision made 25 years ago that changed my life, my firm, and ultimately, the accounting industry. https://theradicalcpa.substack.com/p/the-software-that-transformed-my