An article recently published by Accounting Today asked a compelling question:
“Are CPAs becoming their clients’ second opinion - after AI?”
In the piece, journalist Chris Gaetano explores how some clients may be turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for business advice before consulting their accountants. It’s not just a passing trend, it’s reshaping how trust, insight, and value are delivered.
And while that might feel threatening to some, at ThinkpinTK we see a big opportunity.
Clients today have endless information at their fingertips. They can research tax questions at midnight, get marketing ideas from a chatbot, or ask AI to explain the difference between cash vs accrual accounting. But here’s the reality:
Information ≠ insight. Data ≠ direction.
At ThinkpinTK, we believe AI should be a starting point, not the final say. We encourage clients to use it for initial research, but always validate key decisions with the experts who understand your business best.
And here’s something else we need to acknowledge:
Not all CPAs know everything, and that’s OK.
Today’s best CPAs aren’t afraid to say “Let me dig deeper” or “Let me bring in a specialist.” In fact, those are the professionals you want on your team, curious, collaborative, and committed to getting it right.
So what should business owners take away from this?
Use AI for speed, exploration, and learning
Talk to your CPA for guidance, context, and application
Don’t assume any one person (or platform) has all the answers
Choose advisors who are proactive, open-minded, and focused on long-term growth
We’re at a crossroads in how advice is delivered, and trusted. The firms that lean into collaboration, not competition with technology, will be the ones that thrive.
The future of advisory isn't about knowing everything, it's about knowing what matters, when to ask better questions, and how to guide clients through complexity with confidence.
If you're exploring what that looks like in your firm or business, you're not alone.
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Inspired by: “Staying Ahead of AI: Don’t Be Your Clients’ Second Opinion” by Chris Gaetano, Accounting Today