• Gary DeHart introduces Paul Peterson, managing partner at WISS, an AI-enhanced accounting, advisory, assurance, tax, and wealth management firm based in New Jersey/New York.
• WISS has over 400 employees and is ranked in the top 100 accounting firms.
• Discussion centers on talent pool challenges, Gen Z in the workforce, and industry adaptation post-COVID.

• Paul reflects on his early career and the traditional, rigid culture in accounting firms.
• Describes a personal mission to change the narrative and improve the work environment within public accounting.
• Highlights the persistence of outdated practices in some firms and the need for a shift to more employee-centric models.

• COVID-19 catalyzed the shift to flexible and remote work arrangements in accounting.
• WISS adopted a relaxed, open-minded approach to in-office versus remote work, encouraging but not mandating office presence.
• Younger employees, especially Gen Z, surprisingly prefer some in-person interaction and value peer connections.

• WISS offers educational reimbursement and supports non-accountants transitioning into accounting roles.
• The firm customizes career paths and encourages movement across service lines.
• Inspired by progressive firms, WISS actively recruits professionals re-entering the workforce and those with process-oriented skills.

• WISS invests in operational infrastructure and support roles to increase efficiency and standardize firm-wide processes.
• Brings in professionals from larger organizations to help scale and implement best practices.
• Focus on removing internal competition and fostering collaboration.

• WISS is committed to improving work-life balance, especially during peak seasons.
• Transparent with staff about technology investments and process improvements.
• AI expected to reduce bottlenecks and free up capacity in tax and outsourced accounting.

• Gen Z's digital-first skills are pivotal to AI and data-driven services.
• Their comfort with tech enhances both internal collaboration and client communication.
• Gen Z talent is actively engaged in WISS’s AI pilot programs.

• WISS pilots AI solutions to address capacity constraints and service bottlenecks.
• Encourages smaller firms to begin AI adoption by targeting their biggest workflow pain points.
• Paul offers to share insights with peers on implementing AI effectively.

• Emphasis on reshaping accounting’s reputation to highlight value and opportunity.
• Call for industry-wide collaboration to better communicate the modern accounting career path.
• Gary plans outreach to business schools to understand and improve perceptions of accounting internships and careers.

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