The Future of Accounting is Advisory: How Upskilling Will Take Your Firm There

The accounting profession is at a breaking point. The ground is shifting beneath our feet, and everything we once knew is changing—fast. As we approach a new year, the pace of transformation is only accelerating.?

Offshoring, automation, and artificial intelligence are taking over routine tasks like bookkeeping and tax preparation, delivering results faster and cheaper than ever before.

What does this mean for you? It means that sticking to the same old methods is no longer enough. Compliance-driven services—once the cornerstone of accounting—are becoming commodities, forcing firms to redefine their value.?

Clients aren’t looking for someone who just reports the past; they want trusted advisors who can help them plan, grow, and succeed in a complex, fast-moving world.

To meet these demands, accounting professionals must evolve—not just technically, but personally. Success in this new era isn’t about spreadsheets and numbers alone.

Accountants who emerge successfully from this era of change will be those who develop strong interpersonal skills, adopt a non-judgmental approach, and master the ability to ask the right questions—questions that guide clients to uncover solutions for themselves.

This shift is not optional—it’s essential. Upskilling is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s the single most important investment you can make to remain competitive, relevant, and profitable in the year ahead.

So, what does it take to upskill effectively, and how can you ensure you’re ready for the challenges of 2025??

Let’s dive in and create a clear, actionable plan to help you thrive in this evolving landscape.

What is Upskilling?

Before we dive into creating a plan, let’s first get clear on what upskilling actually means and the different forms it can take.

At its core, upskilling is about improving or expanding your current skills to keep up with the changing demands of your industry.

Here’s the way I see it: upskilling is how you stay ahead of the curve. It’s how you ensure your clients see you as indispensable, not replaceable, in a profession that’s evolving faster than ever.

When we talk about upskilling, there are a few key areas to consider:

• Technical Upskilling: Learning new tools, systems, and technologies like AI, cloud accounting software, or advanced forecasting platforms.
• Advisory Upskilling: Building the skills to offer high-value strategic services, like financial planning, cash flow management, and business advisory.
• Interpersonal Upskilling: Developing stronger communication, active listening, and the ability to ask insightful questions that guide your clients toward solutions.

The bottom line? Upskilling isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s about identifying where you need to grow, so you can continue to deliver the kind of value your clients can’t get anywhere else.

Now that we’re on the same page, let’s talk about why this matters so much heading into the new year—and how you can create a solid, actionable upskilling plan.

Also read: Future-Proof or Fail: The AI Skills an Accountrepreneur Can’t Ignore

Why Prioritize Upskilling in the New Year?

It might seem obvious, but let’s take a moment to really break down why upskilling should be your top priority as we head into 2025.?

So, how exactly can accountants upskill, and why does it matter as we enter 2025? Let’s get specific:

1. The Industry is Shifting Toward Advisory Services

AI is taking care of tasks like reconciliations, data entry, and reporting. While that might feel like a threat, it’s actually an opportunity to evolve and move into advisory services—work that adds far more value for clients.

How to Upskill Here:

• Learn Financial Forecasting: Dive into tools like Fathom, Spotlight Reporting, BizBench, or Float that help you project cash flow and analyze business performance.
• Master Business Advisory: Build expertise in budgeting, strategic planning, and KPIs that align with your clients’ business goals.
• Offer CFO-Level Services: Learn how to provide part-time CFO solutions for businesses that need financial leadership but don’t have an in-house CFO.

Remember: Clients are looking for accountants who can plan the future, not just report the past. Advisory skills position you as a growth partner and allow you to command higher fees.

2. Stand Out in a Crowded Market

Let’s be honest: the accounting space is competitive. With 1.5 million accountants and auditors in the U.S. alone, firms that cling to traditional compliance work risk being seen as "just another accounting firm."

How to Upskill Here:

• Specialize in a Niche: Develop expertise in industries like real estate, e-commerce, or sustainability reporting where there’s demand. Focused specialization makes your firm memorable and positions you as the go-to expert.
• Offer High-Value Services: Move beyond basic compliance to advisory services like cash flow analysis, tax strategy, and financial planning.
• Stay Updated on Emerging Trends: Take courses, attend conferences, or join industry groups to stay ahead of evolving market demands.

3. Future-Proof Your Career and Firm

With AI and automation taking over routine tasks like reconciliations and data entry, the role of accountants is shifting. The firms that fail to adapt risk being left behind.

How to Upskill Here:

• Embrace Technology: Learn to use AI-powered tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, or Dext to automate manual tasks and improve efficiency.
• Master AI Insights: Use AI-driven analytics tools to interpret data and generate actionable recommendations for your clients.
• Build a Tech-Forward Mindset: Invest in ongoing training to keep up with new tools, so your firm stays relevant and competitive.

Technology is here to stay, but it’s not a threat—it’s an opportunity. Upskilling allows you to combine AI’s speed and precision with the human insights and strategies clients value most. This ensures you remain indispensable in a changing market.

4. Attract and Retain High-Value Clients

Today’s clients want more than compliance—they want advisors who help them plan for the future, grow their business, and solve financial challenges. If you’re not offering that kind of value, someone else will.

How to Upskill Here:

• Develop Strong Communication Skills: Practice turning complex financial data into simple, actionable insights that clients can understand and apply.
• Offer Strategic Advisory Services: Learn to provide value-add solutions like financial forecasting, budgeting, and growth strategy.
• Learn to Ask Better Questions: Focus on understanding your clients’ pain points and goals. For example: “What’s your biggest challenge in managing cash flow?” or “What growth goals are you aiming for next year?”

5. Increased Revenue and Profitability

Compliance work is being commoditized, which means lower fees and tighter margins. To grow your firm’s revenue and profitability, you need to offer services that deliver measurable value.

How to Upskill Here:

• Learn Value-Based Pricing: Upskilling in advisory work allows you to price your services based on the impact you deliver, not just the hours you spend.
• Develop Premium Service Packages: Bundle advisory services like cash flow optimization, strategic planning, and tax savings into clear, high-value offerings.
• Show Tangible ROI: Learn to demonstrate the results of your work, such as tax savings, improved cash flow, or revenue growth, so clients see the value of what they’re paying for.

?Advisory-driven services command higher fees because they solve real, bottom-line problems for your clients. Firms that focus on value-based services see higher profitability and sustained growth—you’re no longer competing on price alone.

Also read:? Upskilling Your Staff: 5 Tips for Accounting Firms

How to Create an Upskilling Plan for the New Year

If you’re ready to embrace upskilling and prepare for 2025, you need a clear plan. Here are some practical steps to get started:

1. Identify Skill Gaps

Start by evaluating your current skills and those of your team. Where are the gaps?

• Are you comfortable using the latest accounting software or AI tools?
• Do you need to learn how to offer advisory services effectively?
• Are there emerging trends or industries you want to specialize in?

Taking an honest inventory of your skills will help you identify areas where improvement is most needed.

2. Set Clear Goals for 2025

Set specific, achievable goals for upskilling in the new year. For example:

• “By March, I’ll complete a training program on financial forecasting.”
• “I’ll integrate an AI tool into my firm’s processes by Q2.”
• “By mid-year, I’ll launch a new advisory service focused on cash flow planning.”

Having clear milestones will keep you focused and accountable.

Follow the Turnkey Business Plan for accounting professionals and become the Premier Accounting Firm in your area.

3. Choose the Right Training Resources

Look for programs, courses, or mentorship opportunities that align with your goals. Consider:

• Online courses on advisory services, technology integration, or communication skills.
• Certifications in areas like financial planning, tax strategy, or emerging accounting software.? Such as becoming a Professional Bookkeeper, Professional Tax Preparer, QuickBooks Specialist, and Profit & Growth Expert.
• Workshops, webinars, or conferences where you can learn from industry leaders.

Investing in the right training will accelerate your growth and ensure you’re learning the skills that matter most.

4. Start Small and Build Gradually

You don’t have to overhaul your entire practice overnight. Start by introducing new skills and services gradually:

• Pick one client or one project to test a new advisory service.
• Integrate one new tool or process at a time to improve efficiency.
• Take small steps to refine your skills, gather feedback, and build confidence.

Consider through this process becoming a Strategic Accountant for your clients.

5. Commit to Continuous Learning

Upskilling isn’t a one-time effort—it’s a mindset. Make learning part of your firm’s culture:

• Dedicate time each month for professional development.
• Encourage your team to stay updated on industry trends and tools.
• Regularly review your progress and adjust your goals as needed.

Continuous improvement will keep you ahead of the curve and ensure your firm remains competitive.

Final Thoughts: Make 2025 Your Year of Growth

As we enter a new year, the accounting profession is at a turning point. The firms that embrace change, invest in upskilling, and step into advisory roles will thrive. Those that don’t risk falling behind.

Upskilling isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about getting ahead. It’s about delivering the kind of value that clients can’t find elsewhere, positioning your firm as a trusted advisor, and future-proofing your career.

Ready to take the next step?

• Call Universal Accounting at 435-344-2060 to learn how we can help you upskill, improve your services, or train your team.
• Schedule a time online to discuss your goals and build your upskilling plan for 2024 here.
• To deepen your understanding of profitable business practices—download our free ebook, "In the Black – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable”.?

The opportunity to grow and thrive in the year ahead is yours for the taking. What’s your plan for upskilling in 2025? Let’s make this your year of transformation.

About Roger Knecht

Roger Knecht is president of Universal Accounting Center, a post-secondary school for accounting professionals. With over 20 years of marketing, sales, HR & operations experience, Roger Knecht has helped thousands of business owners work ON their businesses to increase revenue, improve profits and build value. His strong work ethic and collaborative style delivers reliable, high-quality results for business owners.

Roger’s podcast, Building the Premier Accounting Firm, keeps accounting professionals on the cutting edge of the industry offering quality bookkeeping, accounting, and tax services. He hosts discussions with some of the accounting world’s best minds and shares actionable insights for firms.

Roger is the author of “Your Strategic Accountant” and “Your Profit & Growth Expert”, each written to help business owners understand what they can expect from the accounting profession.

Universal Accounting provides accounting professionals with the training, certifications, coaching, and support they need to become Profit and Growth Experts for their clients.