The Arrival for Accountants

The Next Evolution of the Accounting Firm | Arrive Episode 3

Steven Gelley — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:16:16 GMT

In this episode, we discuss why some accounting firms are embracing change while others continue operating the same way they've always done it.

The conversation explores the cycle many firms face after tax season, the growing role of AI and automation, and why technology alone is not enough. Real transformation requires leadership, process improvement, and a willingness to rethink how the firm operates.

We also discuss:

Why there is no "easy button" for firm transformation
The difference between firms preparing for the future and firms counting down to retirement
How AI and automation are reshaping the accounting profession
Why standardization is critical to achieving autonomy
The risks of resisting change for both firms and their employees
How accountants can shift from repetitive work to higher-value advisory services
Why firms are rethinking pricing models, client relationships, and growth strategies

This is a discussion on leadership, technology adoption, firm growth, and what the next generation of accounting firms will look like.

What It Takes for Accounting Firms to Finally Change | Arrive Episode 2

Steven Gelley — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:29:35 GMT

In this episode, we break down what change management actually looks like inside accounting firms today, and why so many struggle to move forward despite knowing they need to.

The conversation explores how the industry ended up so far behind, from risk-averse mindsets to legacy systems and years of failed software promises. We unpack the reality most firms face: either they haven’t adopted technology at all, or they’ve adopted too many tools and are now overwhelmed by fragmented workflows.

We also go deep into the human side of change. Leadership, trust, and communication all play a role, but the real driver behind change right now is people. Firm owners aren’t just thinking about growth, they’re thinking about burnout, retention, and how to create a better place to work for their teams.

From the cyclical nature of tax season to the resistance that comes with documenting knowledge and changing processes, this episode highlights why change is harder than it should be and what’s required to actually make it stick.

We also dive into AI and where it fits into the future of accounting. From data security concerns to the reality of automation, we break down what firms are getting right, what they’re missing, and why waiting to adopt AI may be one of the biggest risks.

This is a practical, operator-focused discussion on modernization, change management, and what it really takes to move an accounting firm forward.

How to Ensure Your Accounting Firm Stays Ahead in 2026 with John DeMartino | Arrive Episode 1

Steven Gelley — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:42:46 GMT

In this episode, we sit down with John DeMartino, a Staff Solutions Engineer at Google Cloud working on the incubation of next-generation AI and large language model products.

The conversation cuts through AI hype to explore what AI really is, what it isn’t, and why adoption breaks down in enterprise and regulated environments like accounting and finance. We discuss how consumer tools reshaped expectations, the risks of nondeterministic systems, and why explainability, guardrails, and workflow design matter more than model buzzwords.

John shares practical insight on blending algorithms, automation, and AI responsibly, the dangers of “impostor AI,” and how rushed implementations can stall progress for entire industries. We also examine the structural pressures facing accounting firms today and how AI can relieve capacity constraints without introducing new risk.

This episode offers a clear, realistic view of where AI is headed and what organizations need to understand to stay relevant over the next several years.