ATL231

ATL231: Interview with Mary Delaney – AI and the Future of Accounting (Part 2 of 2)

Podcast Title: Interview with Mary Delaney – AI and the Future of Accounting (Part 2 of 2)

Series: Accounting Technology Lab Podcast

Hosts: Randy Johnston and Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA

Guest: Mary Delaney, CEO of Karbon

Release Date: November 7, 2025

Episode Length: 28:19 minutes

• CPAPA Article
• YouTube

Summary

In this second part of the Accounting Technology Lab interview, hosts Randy Johnston and Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA, continue their conversation with Mary Delaney, CEO of Karbon, on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the accounting profession. Delaney outlines a hybrid AI-human model that prioritizes transparency, client data ethics, and compliance with AICPA standards. She explains how AI can drive more accurate pricing, enable earlier advisory engagement, and deliver real-time feedback to strengthen talent development. The discussion also explores culture in remote teams, AI as a recruitment differentiator, vendor partnerships, and her prediction that 12-hour workdays and years-long training tracks will soon disappear.

Key Quotes

• (03:27) Mary Delaney: "AI is imperfect, so transparency is key — it must show what it did, what it learned, and what it recommends."
• (06:30) Mary Delaney: "AI can help firms see what they’ve done, what they should charge, and how to communicate that value to clients."
• (12:20) Mary Delaney: "Over 70% of young graduates are looking for AI-forward firms — it’s now a talent strategy, not just a tech one."
• (23:27) Mary Delaney: "Be the Chief Repeating Officer — clarity and connection keep remote teams aligned."
• (26:43) Mary Delaney: "The 12-hour, six-day busy season will disappear — and that’s a good thing for accounting."

Mentioned Products and Companies

Product / Company	Description	X (Twitter)	Facebook	LinkedIn	Instagram
Karbon	Workflow, communication, and client management platform with AI-powered features	@KarbonHQ	Karbon	Karbon	@karbonhq
Aider	AI advisory engine acquired by Karbon to enhance client insights	@AiderAI	—	Aider	—
AICPA	Professional standards body referenced for AI ethics and client data protection	@AICPA	AICPA	AICPA	@aicpa
CPA Practice Advisor	Publisher of the Accounting Technology Lab podcast	@CPAPracticeAdv	CPA Practice Advisor	CPA Practice Advisor	@cpapracticeadvisor
Accounting Technology Lab Podcast	Hosted by Randy Johnston & Brian F. Tankersley; covers innovation in accounting tech	@AcctTechLab	—	Accounting Technology Lab	—
Carbon Team (Global)	Karbon’s 300-member distributed workforce using AI collaboration tools	@KarbonHQ	Karbon	Karbon	@karbonhq

Related Episodes

• Interview with Mary Delaney – Accounting Technology (Part 1 of 2) – Leadership, workflow, and advisory innovation
• Tech Innovation Awards 2025 (Part 1 of 2) – Tax Tools and AI-driven research solutions
• Tech Innovation Awards 2025 (Part 2 of 2) – Accounting and Audit Technology Highlights

See Also

• CPA Practice Advisor Technology Innovation Awards
• Accounting Technology Lab Podcast Episode Guide