Lexy Kessler on Talent, Technology, and the Future of Accounting on The INSIDE Public Accounting Podcast

August 25, 2025 – Lexy Kessler, Partner at Aprio and Chair of the AICPA, joined The INSIDE Public Accounting Podcast to share insights from the 2040 Project, a global initiative led by the AICPA that brings together finance and accounting professionals to envision how the profession will evolve by 2040, focusing on skills, leadership, and technology needed to thrive in the future. 

In her conversation with hosts Rob Brown and Chelsea Summers, Lexy explores the growing talent gap, why change management is becoming a core skill for firm leaders, and how AI will transform the skills CPAs need to stay relevant. She also emphasizes the need to develop the next generation of leaders and shares why she believes the future of the profession is bright.

Lexy notes, “We’re not just talking about the future of accounting in 2040 — the changes are happening now. Firms need to build teams with the skills to adapt, think critically, and lead through disruption.”

She also points to storytelling, people skills, and critical thinking as essential future-ready capabilities for CPAs in an AI-driven profession. 

Listen to the full episode on YouTube.