As firms begin mapping their 2026 strategies, several of the trends outlined in CPA Practice Advisor’s annual technology predictions are particularly relevant for early-career accountants who are building their skills and positioning themselves for the year ahead. 

One trend to watch is the increasing focus on change management. Organizations are incorporating new applications more quickly than ever, and the report states that organizations embracing “learning organization” principles and placing training at the heart of their strategies will be the most successful.

This opens up an opportunity for young professionals to take on roles related to helping shape workflows and guiding teams through adaption. These tasks have the potential for significant leadership experience early in a career. 

Another trend, with clear implications, is the rise of agentic AI tools much of which will first appear within software already used in firms. The prediction is that vendors will lead adoption. Eric Cohen, a member of NYCPA's Digital Assetts Committee explains that "professional judgement and ability to assess that any agents or agentic process is done accurately, consistently, and properly is still necessary,” Cohen said. “Acting in parallel with the agents will still probably be necessary rather than being replaced by them." Becoming comfortable with evaluating AI output, understanding its limitations and learning how it fits into existing processes will be essential skills. 

This trend is expected to continue with collaboration tools, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, taking the place of traditional email. To those younger professionals who already rely heavily on this kind of real-time communication tool, this transition will likely be natural and can be used to help streamline day-to-day work.