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Ranking Methodology & Disclaimer: This article is prepared using the AceRank Framework, Ace Cloud Hosting’s editorial methodology based on publicly available information. The rankings are for informational purposes only and do not represent an official certification, endorsement, partnership, or definitive measure of quality.
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a bigger part of accounting. It is changing how firms handle routine work, analyze financial data, and serve clients. In fact, 79% of companies anticipate that AI will be central to daily accounting operations by 2027. This highlights how quickly the technology is becoming part of everyday accounting workflows.
As AI adoption grows, accounting professionals and technology leaders are helping shape how the industry approaches this shift. They are exploring practical AI applications and showing how to use them effectively in everyday work.
This list highlights 14 accounting AI leaders to follow in 2026. Their expertise, ideas, and contributions provide valuable perspectives on the evolving role of AI in accounting and what professionals can expect as adoption continues to grow.
1. Logan Graf (Founder of Counter)
Logan Graf is a CPA, firm owner, content creator, and founder of Counter, a community for new and aspiring accounting firm owners. He also leads The Graf Tax Co. PLLC, where he helps small business owners and high-income earners handle complex tax situations. Through his firm, Counter, and online content, Logan shares practical insights on modern accounting, including how firms can approach AI effectively.
In a recent The Truth About AI in Accounting video, Logan explained that AI works best as an assistant for large, complex tasks. For example, it can reduce 4 hours of work to about 20 minutes plus human review. For shorter 15-minute tasks, however, AI may add more time because of setup and correction.
Logan believes AI Is Automating Accounting, But It’s Not Replacing Accountants. On a recent podcast with Macgill Davis, he discussed how AI is accelerating tasks such as data entry, document processing, and basic bookkeeping, while accountants still need to verify the results. He also recommends specialized tools for specific accounting and tax tasks including, BlueJ AI for tax research, CoCounsel by Thomson Reuters, TaxGPT, and The Tax Book.
Years of Experience: 12+
Achievements:
- Grew firm revenue from $90,000 to nearly $300,000 within a few years
- Built an audience of 51,000+ LinkedIn followers and 12,000+ YouTube subscribers covering accounting, tax, and firm management topics
- Winner of Top Movers and Shakers of the Accounting Industry 2025
2. Jody Padar (CPA, co-founder of XcelLabs)
Jody Padar is known as “The Radical CPA” and is the co-founder of XcelLabs. She is also behind Navi, an AI-powered advisory platform designed to help modern CPA firms turn client conversations into actionable insights. Jody focuses on how AI can help accounting firms deliver more strategic advisory services.
Jody believes accounting firms should ask three questions before using AI: Is client information protected? Can we trust the output? And who is responsible for the final result? She emphasized confidentiality, objectivity, and due diligence as key principles for responsible AI use.
In a recent video with Ace Cloud Hosting, Jody shared an example of a Top 400 firm using an AI agent to respond to IRS notices. She explained that tools such as ChatGPT do not require deep technical skills. There is another opportunity in turning unstructured information from phone calls and Zoom meetings into structured data that firms can use for advisory services. She also recommends using tools like Navi to analyze meeting transcripts, identify missed areas, and improve the next client conversation.
Years of Experience: 25+
Achievements:
- Recognized among the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting since 2011.
- Built a community of more than 600,000 accounting professionals on LinkedIn.
3. Mike Whitmire (Co-founder and CEO of FloQast)
Mike Whitmire is the Co-founder and CEO of FloQast and a Certified FloQast Accountant. He advocates for practical, embedded, and highly regulated AI tools rather than generic “do-it-all” bots. FloQast is also using AI to automate reconciliations, reporting, and accounting workflows while maintaining auditability and human oversight.
Mike has highlighted the challenge of accountants not having a clear vision of how AI will change their roles. He encourages accounting professionals to advocate internally for AI and technology investments and prepare for how their responsibilities may evolve.
Mike also sees AI-related skills as increasingly valuable for accounting professionals. He has suggested that the FloQast Certified Accountant (FCA) credential could become valuable on accountants’ résumés, similar to how Excel proficiency became an expected skill in the past.
Years of Experience: 20
Achievements:
- Named in CPA 40 Under 40, issued by CPA Practice Advisor
- Named EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2019 Award Semifinalist in Greater Los Angeles
4. Joe Woodard (CEO of Woodard)
Joe Woodard is the CEO of Woodard and focuses on helping accounting professionals understand and adopt AI as the technology matures. He describes AI as “mostly real, mostly not hype,” noting that while early hype drove investment, the technology is now catching up with expectations.
Joe recommends starting with official AI training academies from trusted developers such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Google rather than relying on unverified trainers. He also encourages accountants to experiment with AI features already embedded in the software they use, such as Xero’s “JAX” tool and AI features within accounting platforms.
In his recent podcast, “How to Build a Bookkeeping Business That AI Can’t Replace,” Joe explained that AI should be treated like a team member, with AI agents handling delegated tasks similar to employees. He also cautioned accountants about AI memory and the importance of data security when using these tools.
Years of Experience: 25+
Achievements:
- Joe has trained over 150,000 accounting and business professionals in areas of practice development.
- Worked with Intuit for 20 years as a contracted trainer, content designer, and event producer. Developed thousands of pages of QuickBooks training materials for Intuit and co-produced the breakout sessions for QuickBooks Connect 2014 and 2015.
- Launched the Scaling New Heights conference in 2009 for QuickBooks ProAdvisors independently.
5. Jan Haugo (Founder of Smart Accountant AI)
Jan Haugo is the founder of Smart Accountant AI, an organization focused on helping accounting firms move manual workflows toward AI-driven operations. She specializes in AI implementation and automation for accounting and bookkeeping firms and has spent more than 2.5 years training extensively in AI.
Jan has developed custom tools such as Bookkeeper Buddy to help accounting professionals mentor and support their teams. She emphasizes that AI works best when users provide enough context and information rather than expecting it to know everything automatically. She also developed a practical framework for deciding what accounting data is appropriate to use with AI, which she discussed with Seth Fineberg in the webinar “AI for Accountants.”
Jan also demonstrates how accounting firms can build AI into everyday workflows. She builds a custom Sales Department Manager from Claude. It can research prospects, identify pain points, and suggest sales hooks and methodologies based on a firm’s knowledge base and brand voice. She also recommends starting with AI features already available in tools such as Notion, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, so firms can adopt AI within familiar environments.
Years of Experience: 20+
Achievements:
- Co-wrote the AI Certification curriculum for Intuit -Training accounting professionals at scale on AI implementation
- Top 50 Women in Accounting – Practice Ignition, 2020
- Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Accounting – CPA Practice Advisor
- Top 10 AI leaders to follow by MSN.com (Source)
6. Jason Staats (Founder of Realize)
Jason Staats is a firm owner, entrepreneur, educator, and founder of the accounting community Realize. He focuses on helping accounting firms understand how AI can change the way they work and develop their teams.
Jason encourages firms to start using AI now instead of waiting for their technology partners to figure it out. He recommends treating a chatbot as an AI assistant and sees AI as a way to accelerate junior employees’ learning rather than replace entry-level work. He particularly advocates for foundational models such as Claude and ChatGPT Enterprise over built-in enterprise AI overlays.
Jason also maintains the Jason On Firms database to filter through the growing number of AI tools in accounting and identify those that provide real value. He highlights Filed and Soraban for tax workflow and production, Blue J for tax research, and Ramp AI and MakerHub for general practice and accounts payable extraction.
Years of Experience: 12+
Achievements:
- Delivered keynote presentations at 40+ conferences worldwide
- Created one of the most-watched AI training programs in the accounting industry
- Hosts a podcast reaching 1,500+ accounting firm owners daily
7. Tom Hood (CPA, CITP, CGMA)
Tom Hood, CPA, CITP, CGMA, is the EVP, Business Engagement & Growth at AICPA. He previously served as President and CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs and was the founding CEO of the Business Learning Institute.
Tom leads the AICPA-CIMA Rise2040 global visioning initiative, which helps accounting firms look ahead and prepare strategically for the future. As part of the initiative, the organization launched an interactive AI chatbot that serves as an ongoing foresight database and strategic playbook for members.
Tom also advocates for early adoption of industry-specific AI tools, including Josi, an AI research tool designed to help accounting professionals work through complex accounting standards.
Years of Experience: 20+
Achievements:
- He has been named the Second Most Influential Person in Accounting since 2011 by Accounting Today Magazine
- Has over 780,000 followers on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social accounts.
8. Amy Vetter (CEO of The B³ Method Institute)
Amy Vetter is the CEO of The B³ Method Institute, a CPA, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur. She focuses on helping accounting firms adopt AI with purpose while reducing burnout and creating a more balanced workplace.
Amy emphasizes that AI adoption should go beyond choosing tools, training employees, and automating workflows. She believes firms should also consider whether employees have the mental and emotional capacity to develop and strengthen uniquely human skills. Amy’s approach can help firms avoid bloated tech stacks, fragmented workflows, and unnecessary training burdens.
She also points out that many firms use only 5–10% of their existing software’s capabilities, making it important to understand and optimize current platforms’ AI features before adding more tools. Instead of constantly adding new software, she encourages accounting firms to get more value from the platforms they already use while creating space for employees to focus on human skills.
Years of Experience: 25+
Achievements:
- Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting” by Accounting Today
- “Most Powerful Women in Accounting” by the AICPA and CPA Practice Advisor
9. Randy Johnston (Founder of Network Management Group, Inc)
Randy Johnston is an entrepreneur, technologist, teacher, consultant, and writer who has spent much of his career working with accounting and CPA firm technology. He founded Network Management Group, Inc. and owns half of K2 Enterprises, and is known for his expertise in accounting software, paperless systems, networks, and CPA firm technology.
Randy believes every accounting firm, regardless of size, should start an AI initiative. He has also used AI extensively to create more than 500 review questions for CPE courses, with very little editing required. His experience shows how AI can support practical content and workflow tasks when used effectively.
Randy encourages accounting professionals to look beyond AI as a simple browser chatbot and start learning how to build agentic workflows. He recommends choosing one major foundation model, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, and becoming highly proficient in how that model works and responds.
Years of Experience: 40+
Achievements:
- Listed as one of the 2004-2016 Top 100 Most Influential People on Accounting Today
- Top 25 Thought Leader 2011-2017 on CPA Practice Advisor
- Listed as one of the top nine technology stars in the industry
- Past Chair and featured Speaker for the past 31 years Source in AICPA Technology Conference
10. Liz Mason (CPA, Founder and CEO of TaxFigure)
Liz Mason is the founder and CEO of TaxFigure and CEO of High Rock Accounting. She is also the co-host of the Accounting ARC podcast and remains active in the technology startup community. Her work focuses on the practical application of technology in accounting and how firms can rethink the value and pricing of their time.
Liz advocates for using agentic AI within structured systems, where specialized agents handle clearly defined tasks and show how they reached their conclusions. She emphasizes the importance of architectural guardrails so firms can use AI effectively while maintaining control over how these systems operate.
At industry events such as Xerocon, Liz has also highlighted the security risks that come with AI adoption. She encourages firms to understand data privacy concerns, deepfake fraud, and broader security risks within AI ecosystems before choosing which applications to deploy.
Years of Experience: 15+
Achievements:
- Named Most Powerful Women, CPA Practice Advisor, 2023
- Named in America’s Best-in-State CPAs 2026 in Forbes
11. Blake Oliver (CPA, Founder of Earmark)
Blake Oliver is a CPA, entrepreneur, podcast host, and writer who has spent much of his career working with accounting and cloud technology. He founded Earmark, an app that lets accountants earn continuing education credits by listening to podcasts. He is also the co-host of The Accounting Podcast, the most popular podcast for accounting professionals in the world.
Blake believes AI will not replace accountants, but it highlights a massive new challenge that Sage called the “verification tax.” He shares industry data showing that nearly half of finance professionals spend over 15 hours a week checking AI’s work to catch errors.
Blake encourages accounting professionals to look past the AI hype and be careful with how they train junior staff. He warns that if young accountants use AI to skip basic tasks, they might never learn the deep professional judgment needed for senior roles. He recommends that firms focus heavily on teaching their teams how to double-check AI work, rather than blindly trusting what the technology generates.
Years of Experience: 12+
Achievements:
- Named twice to CPA Practice Advisor’s “40 Under 40” list
- Recognized in Accounting Today’s “Top 100 Most Influential People” list.
12. Donny Shimamoto (CPA, CITP, CGMA)
Donny Shimamoto, CPA, CITP, CGMA, is an accountant and an information technology consultant. He focuses on connecting accounting standards with strategic technology implementation. He is the Founder and Managing Director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC, an advisory-focused CPA firm, and leads the Center for Accounting Transformation, which helps financial professionals adapt to AI, data analytics, and changing workplace practices.
When evaluating AI, Donny encourages leaders to look beyond the question, “Did AI save us money or replace a job?” Instead, he recommends measuring AI’s value by how much it reduces busy-season stress, increases client capacity, and mitigates risk.
Donny is also a sought-after speaker at accounting technology conferences, seminars, and webinars hosted by Avalara, Botkeeper, Canopy, Intuit, Sage, SmartVault, Wolters Kluwer, and Xero. Through these engagements, he shares practical insights on using technology to improve accounting operations while keeping business and client needs at the center. Source- https://improvetheworld.net/personnel/donny-shimamoto/
Years of Experience: 25+
Achievements:
- Holds several prestigious credentials, notably being the first Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) in the state of Hawaii
- He has been published in the Journal of Accountancy, Financial Management, TechSoup, and in multiple AICPA newsletters and whitepapers
13. Erik Asgeirsson (President and CEO of CPA.com)
Erik Asgeirsson is the President and CEO of CPA.com, where he leads initiatives focused on technology and the future of the accounting profession. He also hosts the AICPA Town Hall series, bringing accounting professionals together to discuss major developments affecting firms and finance teams.
Erik views AI as a catalyst for firms and finance teams to strengthen their role as trusted advisors. He believes that when used effectively, AI can help firms deliver greater value and business insights across firms of all sizes.
Erik also launched the CPA.com AI Center, which includes a toolkit to help firms conduct due diligence when evaluating potential AI providers. He leads initiatives such as the CPA.com AI in Accounting Report and educational frameworks that bring AI tax software into classrooms, helping future accountants develop professional judgment alongside familiarity with AI tools.
Years of Experience: 30+
Achievement: Named within the Top 7 of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting
14. Hector Garcia (CPA, CITP, CGMA)
Hector M. Garcia is a CPA and QuickBooks Trainer at Quick Bookkeeping & Accounting LLC. He is a Certified QuickBooks Advanced ProAdvisor for Desktop and Online and specializes in Microsoft Excel, data import/export, operations, and strategic advisory. He also hosts the REFRAME Conference, which focuses on using an innovative, advisory-based business model to stay ahead of automation.
Hector believes AI provides the “average” of human knowledge, while accountants need to go deeper to identify client problems before they become crises. His approach emphasizes using AI to support accounting work while keeping human expertise and advisory skills at the center.
Hector also co-created Right Tool, a popular Google Chrome extension for QuickBooks Online that leverages AI. He launched PlainGL, an open-source, plain-text general ledger software, to teach accountants how to use code with ChatGPT or Claude to build their own custom internal solutions.
Years of Experience: 20+
Achievements:
- Named QuickBooks Solution Provider – Partner of the Year 2023
- Top 10 ProAdvisor by Insightful Accountant in 2022 and 2017
- Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting by Accounting Today 2019
- Top 40 under 40 CPA by CPA Practice Advisor: 2015, 2016, and 2017
Why Should You Follow These Accounting AI Leaders?
AI is changing how accounting firms approach workflows, client services, research, and decision-making. The leaders on this list are helping shape that change through practical AI adoption, responsible implementation, automation, education, and strategic thinking.
Following these voices can help you understand how AI is being applied across accounting, discover useful tools and approaches, and learn from professionals who are actively adapting to the technology. Whether you are an accountant, firm owner, finance professional, or technology leader, these experts offer valuable perspectives on using AI effectively.
If you want to stay updated on the latest developments in AI and accounting, follow these influential leaders and learn from the ideas, tools, and strategies they are bringing to the profession in 2026.
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