Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, was named the leader of the AICPA when he was in his mid-30s. Now, in his final months as CEO of AICPA & CIMA, he discusses the events that challenged the profession, risks that could be obstacles in the future, and why he's optimistic about the role accountants play.

In this conversation, the second of two parts, Melancon challenges the notion that the profession is slow to change, explains why trust will continue to be important, and emphasizes the importance of speed and competencies in continuing to evolve.

Listen or read part 1 here.

What you'll learn from this episode:

· A quick summary of the topics in part 1 of the conversation.

· Why Melancon believes the word "passion" would be used to describe him.

· What Melancon called "the most tumultuous period" of his career and how he viewed the profession's emergence from that era.

· Why speed will be important in the continued transformation of the accounting profession.

· His thoughts on the "competency evolution" of accountants just entering the profession.

· Melancon's contention that it's "naïve" to think artificial intelligence will not affect jobs.